Kingston University

MSc in Building Surveying

Course content

You will gain knowledge of building materials, construction technology and pathology; specialist legal and regulatory issues (such as party wall issues); the design of simple structures; and the preparation of schemes for the rehabilitation of buildings. The course focuses on the core competencies of the building surveyor operating within the construction industry. It takes into account the developing sustainability agenda with which construction professionals must increasingly engage, together with multidisciplinary requirements specific to building surveying (such as building information modelling). While centred around the discipline requirements necessary for the UK-based building surveying professional (as identified by the RICS), the course also contains European and global perspectives.

For a student to go on placement, they are required to pass every module first time with no reassessments. It is the responsibility of individual students to find a suitable paid placement. Students will be supported by our dedicated placement team in securing this opportunity.

Modules

Core modules

• Sustainable Construction Technology
• Procurement and Project Delivery in Context
• Law and Contract Administration
• Business, People and Digital Technologies for Sustainable Environments
• Design and Specification
• Inspection and Building Pathology
• Applied Research Methods and Dissertation

Professional placement

• Professional Placement

Work placement scheme

Many postgraduate courses at Kingston University enable students to take the option of a 12-month work placement as part of their course. Although the University supports students in finding a placement and organises events to meet potential employers, the responsibility for finding the work placement is with the student; we cannot guarantee the placement, just the opportunity to undertake it. You may find securing a professional placement difficult as they are highly competitive and challenging, but they are also incredibly rewarding. It is very important to prepare and apply yourself if this is the route you wish to take. Employers look for great written and oral communication skills and an excellent CV/portfolio. As the work placement is an assessed part of the course, it is covered by a student's Student Route visa.

Progress to a Chartered Surveyor

Many of our graduates enter into the RICS Once they can satisfy the entry requirements, they can go on to qualify as chartered surveyors.

The building surveyor is often referred to as a "Building Doctor" as the chartered building surveyor is often the first person called in should a building develop a fault or defect. This valuable work can range from exploring the cause of damp to building cracks, and includes suggesting remedies and supervising the subsequent on-site work needed to achieve a cure.

Our graduates work in organisations as diverse as the Royal Palaces, housing associations and building surveying consultancy firms.

Careers and recruitment advice

The Faculty has a specialist employability team. It provides friendly and high-quality careers and recruitment guidance, including advice and sessions on job-seeking skills such as CV preparation, application forms and interview techniques. Specific advice is also available for international students about the UK job market and employers' expectations and requirements.

The team runs employer events throughout the year, including job fairs, key speakers from industry and interviews on campus. These events give you the opportunity to hear from and network with employers in an informal setting.