Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management BSc Honours

Program Overview

The Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management BSc Honours program at the University of Westminster prepares students to excel in commercial aspects of construction projects. Fully accredited by industry leaders, the program emphasizes project-based learning and practical experience, ensuring graduates possess the skills and knowledge for successful careers in the property and construction industries.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management BSc Honours program at the University of Westminster is a professionally focused degree designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to manage the commercial aspects of building and civil engineering projects. The program is fully accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), and the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE). The program's objectives are to:

• Prepare students to confidently and effectively manage the commercial aspects of building and civil engineering projects across the property and construction industries.
• Equip students with the professional and technical skills to ensure projects are delivered on time, to the required quality, and within budget.
• Develop students' understanding of the context, core concepts, and theories relevant to quantity surveyors and commercial management in the design, creation, and maintenance of a sustainably built environment.
• Foster the behavior and attitudes required of modern construction professionals.
The program emphasizes a project-based approach to learning, exposing students to live and past construction projects from the outset. This approach prepares students to accurately predict and control project costs.

Outline:

The program is structured over three or four years, with a placement year option between the second and third year. The first year of the program (Level 4) is shared with other construction courses, providing students with a broad understanding of the different professional roles and the interdisciplinary nature of the modern construction industry.

Year 1 (Level 4):

• Building Design: Introduces students to the key theories and concepts of building design.
• Building Science and Structures: Covers the principles of building science and structural design.
• Construction Technology and Services: Explores the technologies and services used in construction.
• Project, Commercial and Organisational Environment: Introduces students to project management, commercial principles, and organizational structures.
• Site Engineering and Management: Covers the principles of site engineering and management.

Year 2 (Level 5):

• Advanced Measurement: Develops students' skills in measurement and quantification.
• Construction Project Based Learning: Provides practical experience through project-based learning.
• Construction Engineering Technology: Explores advanced construction technologies.
• Environmental Science and Services: Covers the environmental aspects of construction.
• Project and Commercial Management: Deepens students' understanding of project and commercial management.
• Project Procurement, Management and Law: Examines the legal and contractual aspects of project procurement and management.

Placement Year:

• Students have the option to undertake a professional placement year in the UK or an international experience year.
• During the placement year, students gain practical experience in the construction industry, develop their commercial skills, and identify goals for their future careers.

Year 3 (Level 6):

• Construction Technology and Innovation: Explores current and emerging construction technologies.
• Contract Administration and Practice: Covers the principles of contract administration and practice.
• Current Issues in the Built Environment: Examines contemporary issues in the built environment.
• Professional Practice: Develops students' professional skills and knowledge.
• Project Evaluation and Development: Covers the evaluation and development of construction projects.
• Project Management: Provides advanced training in project management.

Assessment:

The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Practical: Presentations, videos, podcasts, lab work, creating artifacts.
• Coursework: Essays, reports, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation.

Teaching:

The program employs a range of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures: Provide students with a theoretical foundation.
• Seminars: Facilitate discussion and critical thinking.
• Workshops: Offer hands-on experience and practical skills development.
• Problem-based and blended learning: Encourage active student learning and integration of theory and practice.
• Practical application: Provide opportunities for students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.
The teaching staff consists of experienced professionals with expertise in quantity surveying, commercial management, and construction. They bring their real-world experience to the classroom, providing students with valuable insights and guidance.

Careers:

Graduates of the Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management BSc Honours program are well-prepared for a variety of careers in the construction and property industries, including:

• Professional quantity surveyor
• Commercial manager
• Procurement manager
• Project manager
• Development manager
Graduates have found employment at organizations such as:
• Gleeds
• Lendlease
• Galiford Try
• Ballymore
• Wilmott Dixon
• Wates
• Mace
• AECOM
• Arcadis

Other:

• The program offers a range of industry-standard software and tools, including U-value and government-approved SBEM software for energy-use modeling, BCIS (Building Cost Information Service) for costing construction and refurbishment work, as well as digitized measurement and takeoff software.
• The program provides a truly international learning experience, linking theory to global practice through real-life case studies, guest lectures, field trips, and construction site visits both in the UK and overseas.
• The University of Westminster's Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers.
• The program is designed with input from a range of industry professionals and receives ongoing feedback from the School's Employability Advisory Board.
• The University hosts an Annual Property and Construction Careers Fair, which provides students with the opportunity to meet with leading employers in the sector, learn about their organizations, secure work experience, and receive guidance on the graduate scheme application process.
• The University offers the Westminster Employability Award, which allows students to formally document and demonstrate their personal and professional development activities and achievements.
• The University provides international study and work experiences, including semester or year-long exchanges at institutions around the world, international summer schools or field trips, and volunteering or work placements abroad.

Tuition Fees

• UK Fees: £9,250 (Price per academic year)

International Fees:

£15,400 (Price per academic year)