Graduate Diploma/MSc
Quantity Surveying

About this course

• Entry year: 2012/13
• Course code: K24012
• Applications: University
• Level: Postgraduate
• Department: Construction and Property
• Campus: Frenchay
• Duration: Graduate Diploma: normally three years part-time weekly day release for first two years then fortnightly two-day release over final year. Exceptionally first year full-time followed by one year part-time. MSc: full-time over 12 - 18 months or part-time over three years.
• Delivery: Full-time, part-time day release
• Study Abroad: No
• Programme leader: Tony Westcott MSc FRICS

Introduction

The Graduate Diploma in Quantity Surveying is designed to deliver a structured and professionally-accredited programme of study, which primarily provides graduates of a non-associated degree with the core technical knowledge and skills to practice as competent Quantity Surveyors, who aspire to become Chartered members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

The MSc Quantity Surveying is designed to deliver a structured and professionally-accredited programme of study for Quantity Surveying graduates holding a minimum of 3 years post-graduation QS experience or closely related discipline. It will allow you to study professional development in the practice of competent Quantity Surveyors and is for those who aspire to become Chartered members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

For professional accreditation by the RICS, the normal 120 credit Graduate Diploma, with undergraduate modules at levels 2 and 3, has been extended to 180 credits of study with postgraduate modules at level M. For non-cognate entrants, the Graduate Diploma has a Pre-enrolment Learning (PEL) requirement, which covers key elements of the undergraduate QS degree at level 1. This structure enables the full range of core QS modules from the undergraduate degree, covering construction technology, measurement, cost planning, contract law, economics, procurement and commercial contract management, to be taught at the appropriate technical level before moving onto advanced studies at true postgraduate level.

Many other RICS-accredited graduate conversion courses are offered as one-year full-time or two years part-time, but the preferred method of study for the Graduate Diploma QS at Bristol UWE is part-time progression through PEL, level 2 in Year 1, level 3 in Year 2 and level M in Year 3. This enables the study commitment to be spread equally over three years at 600 hours per year, whilst benefiting from the interaction with work experience to embed and rehearse the learning experience as competence and confidence develops. Part-time study also allows the student to register with the RICS for the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC). The minimum period of work experience is two years, but the first few months of work experience are likely to have limited APC value and so GDQS students are recommended to register towards the end of the second term after joining the course. This allows students time to complete their APC Summary of Experience and Critical Analysis submissions after final exams in preparation for the Final Assessment in the autumn immediately following graduation.

Generally QS employers have been happy to employ, fund study fees and arrange day study release for suitable non-cognate graduates who have completed the PEL and registered on the course from Year 1, but in cases where, due to recession or personal circumstance, students are unable to secure local QS employment, the course can be studied at level 2 and 3 combined in one year full-time, with the level 3 modules studied in a second year part-time.

Bristol UWE graduate surveys show QS students in the top quartile of all our students for employment and salary.

This course aims to:

• Offer varied and flexible patterns of study, well suited to you and your employer.
• Provide a programme that is firmly rooted in the needs of professional practice and enables you to become an effective professional surveyor in the construction industry. The course will develop your academic skills and knowledge in those fields regarded as core to the quantity surveyor: construction technology, measurement, law, economics, procurement and contract management.
• Provide a coherent programme of study in quantity surveying, underpinned by staff research and consultancy. The course is academically challenging and encourages you to develop the capacity for independent, analytical and reflective thought and judgement, with an understanding of the importance of academic rigour,  its application to the workplace and professional ethics.
• Encourage the development of transferable skills such as investigation, problem-solving, logical and systematic data analysis, information management, sustainable decision making, evaluation and effective communication.
• Develop your understanding of the multi-disciplinary and multi-professional nature of the context in which quantity surveyors practice their profession.
• Equip you to play a leading role in meeting the challenges posed by changes within the quantity surveying profession and the wider construction industry, and enable you to exploit the opportunities that these changes offer.

Structure

Content

Employers require the course to be firmly grounded in core quantity surveying skills and knowledge in construction technology, measurement, law, economics, procurement and contract management. These are introduced by the Pre-Enrolment Learning (PEL) at Level 1 and the core skills are then developed at undergraduate Levels 2 and 3. Postgraduate procurement, contractual and project management skills are developed in the Level M modules.

Below is a brief outline of each module. The transferable skills, referred to above, are embedded in the modules.

Modules are regularly reviewed to ensure that they remain up to date and relevant, so some of them may change before the course starts or whilst you are on it, but the overall aims and broad content of the course will remain the same.

Pre-Enrolment Learning (PEL)
If you do not have a related first degree and/or relevant work experience and therefore do not have knowledge of domestic construction, law, economics, environmental science or materials science, you will be required to undertake directed reading and work to prepare you for the course. The Pre-Enrolment Learning (PEL) is equivalent to a 15 credit undergraduate module: it is studied by distance learning and is assessed through coursework, exam and a viva (interview). If required to undertake the Pre-Enrolment Learning, you must pass the assessment before joining the Graduate Diploma course. There will be a fee of around £250 for the learning materials and assessment.

Level 2 modules are focused on developing basic core QS knowledge and skills. They are:

Construction Product and Process Technologies (20 credits): This module takes the basic principles of domestic construction, covered by the PEL, into the area of more complex buildings, such as offices and warehousing, in multi-storey and wide span construction; looking at the specification and performance requirements of the finished building elements as well the process of construction, including sustainable construction, health and safety issues.

QS Project (40 credits): This module covers the basic knowledge and skills of Quantity Surveying required to begin work as a QS. It uses the life cycle of a medium-sized construction project to explain and practice project-based skills in budget estimating, basic cost planning, bill production, tender estimating, interim valuations and final accounts.

Level 3 modules focus on developing a deeper and more critical understanding of core QS knowledge and skills. They are: 

Cost Modelling (20 credits): This module starts in semester 1 with examining issues of accuracy, risk, value, whole life costing, sustainability and the effect of capital allowances and grants on value as a theoretical underpinning to developing sophisticated spreadsheet skills to model cashflow, cost and value of practical economic questions of construction options.

Strategic Cost Planning (20 credits): In semester 1, this module takes students into the realms of large projects characterised by uncertainty and complexity, where strategic options need to be evaluated over extended time periods to maximise value. The module is linked to a European Study visit of usually four days duration in November, which exposes students to European practice and culture in construction, encouraging them to critically evaluate UK practice, whilst also encouraging team-building and networking. Semester 2 develops cost planning and measurement expertise in environmental services and civil engineering.

Construction Commercial Management (20 credits): As a counter-point to the previous module, this module focuses on the contractors' perspective, covering contract and sub-contract management, preliminaries costing and apportionment, payment and claims applications, cost-value reconciliation.

Level M modules examine current advanced-level practice in detail, reflecting on latest initiatives from Constructing Excellence, Achieving Excellence, etc. and drawing on the expertise of many leading industry practitioners as visiting lecturers and speakers. Students are encouraged to develop coursework within the context of their own work experience:

Construction Contract Law (15 credits): This module is delivered in collaboration with the legal practice Pinsent Masons and covers developments in standard forms of contract, reflecting changing trends in procurement, encouragement of collaborative working, performance targeting and reducing disputes; legal and financial risk management; legal considerations in supply chain management; dispute resolution methods; international forms of contract.

Construction Procurement (15 credits): This module examines current perspectives on best practice in construction procurement, comparing UK Government guidance on public sector practice with European and international practice across the private and public sectors, using major project case studies; performance measurement and incentivisation; tendering practice and ethics, including e-tendering and reverse auctions; sub-contractor and supplier procurement, including international issues.

Two options from the following modules:

Construction Claims (15 credits): This module covers the preparation and management of construction claims. The role of the expert witness in dispute resolution provides the focal point for the module. There is also coverage of extensions of time and reimbursement of loss and expense; examining contractual requirements, evidencing delays, analysis of critical programme, proving cause and effect, challenging claims.

Construction Project Management Practice (15 credits): As the name suggests, this is another project-based module, centred around the preparation of a strategic project execution plan for a major project, which can either be based on project information supplied by the University or an approved project of your choice.

Research for Policy and Practice (15 credits): This module is an option on the Graduate Diploma, but a pre-requisite for progress onto, or as part of, the MSc and undertaking the masters Dissertation. It provides a critical evaluation of the main types of research strategy used in this discipline area; criteria for assessing the validity of research; research planning and design, including selection of appropriate research methods, ethical and legal issues. The assessed coursework can be based on the development of initial proposals for the Dissertation. The module is delivered as a taught module with open learning in semester 1, but is only available by distance learning in semester 2.

MSc Quantity Surveying

The MSc QS is available either by:

1.    progressing directly onto the masters Dissertation in a further year after completion of the Graduate Diploma QS. In this case, the University confirms completion of the Graduate Diploma for the purpose of registering for the RICS APC Final Assessment before conferment of the award of the MSc. This allows module marks to be transferred to the MSc for the purposes of classifying the MSc as Pass, Merit or Distinction.

2.    taking the Graduate Diploma QS award, with a break in studies before returning to claim Accredited Learning for previous studies and completing the masters Dissertation. This is the recommended course of action as it enables graduates to focus on successful completion of the RICS APC Final Assessment before progressing their Dissertation, but effectively precludes the possibility of gaining a Merit or Distinction classification at MSc.

3.    Direct entry to the MSc, normally on the basis of a QS or closely-related first degree (e.g. Construction Commercial Management or Civil Engineering), with a minimum of 3 years post-graduation QS work experience.

From registration for the Dissertation module to completion is normally 15 months, but students may elect for 12 or 18 months with approval. With direct entry to the MSc, full-time study is normally over 15 months, but may be reduced to 12 months where visa restrictions apply to international students; part-time study is normally over three years, but again with the option to reduce the Dissertation period.

The Dissertation (60 credits) aims to provide experience of advanced independent inquiry, working near the boundaries of current knowledge, and linked to research expertise within the School. You submit a research proposal, present at a progress seminar and submit a 16-20,000 word dissertation.

Direct entry to MSc Level

The course follows the principles and content outlined above for the Graduate Diploma, but for cognate graduates starts at Level 3 with the core QS modules:

• Cost Modelling (20 credits)
• Construction Commercial Management (20 credits)
• Strategic Cost Planning (20 credits)

and progresses at Level M with:

• Construction Contract Law (15 credits)
• Construction Procurement  (15 credits)
• Research for Policy and Practice (15 credits)
• Dissertation (60 credits

and an option of either:

• Construction Claims  (15 credits) or
• Construction Project Management Practice  (15 credits)

Depending on your entry qualifications and first degree, it may be possible to grant exemption from some of the Level 3 modules.

Teaching and learning

Teaching methods are varied depending on the module; lectures, project work and tutorials all have a part. You are encouraged to do 'formative work' to prepare for assessments: this does not count towards your marks but the feedback which you receive will help you to improve your performance. Support is available for students who have difficulties with numeracy, IT, literacy and study skills. The teaching staff provide a friendly, enabling environment for learning. They are also actively engaged in research or professional practice, ensuring that you learn directly from the latest academic and business developments.

The course is supported by a group of employers who contribute towards resources used in teaching, offer sponsorship and placements to students, and who are keen to employ our graduates. Find out more about our construction partner employers.

Study time

The Graduate Diploma is normally studied part-time over three years, attending one day a week totalling 24 days per year for the first two years, followed by two days every fortnight totalling 20 days for the third year.  Exceptionally, the first two years may be studied full-time over one year, followed by a further year of part-time.  The MSc may be studied full-time over 12, 15 or 18 months with attendance between September and May, or part-time over 3+ years.

We encourage students to study part-time whilst in relevant employment. There has been strong demand in the region for trainee Quantity Surveyors from employers who are prepared to sponsor students to do the course part-time whilst working and we fully expect this to return as the effects of the current recession diminish. You can apply for the course and get an offer before seeking employment. We think that studying part-time offers significant advantages: working in the industry whilst studying helps students to directly relate their learning everyday professional practice; and students can complete their RICS APC (Assessment of Professional Competence) training concurrently with the course and take the APC Final Assessment immediately after graduation. There is also the advantage of earning whilst studying. However, students who particularly wish to study the Level 2 and 3 modules full-time may do so. Please state in the application form your reasons for preferring full-time study.

All students (whether they studied the Level 2 and 3 modules part-time or full-time) will study the M Level modules part-time in fortnightly blocks of two days. There are normally 10 two-day blocks over one academic year. This will complete the Graduate Diploma which is accredited by the RICS.

Students who wish to continue studying to gain the MSc Quantity Surveying are required to take the Research for Policy and Practice module, either with attendance or by web-based distance learning. They would also write a dissertation, which is primarily independent study with a compulsory progress seminar, but students are encouraged to keep in regular contact with their tutors.

Students with prior qualifications or substantial relevant experience in construction and who join the MSc directly (without doing the Level 2 and 3 modules) can complete the MSc in one year full-time, starting in September and finally submitting their dissertation in August, November or April of the following year(s).

With the modular structure of the course, it is possible to defer modules and take them over a longer period if necessary.

Assessment

Assessment is by a combination of written examination, coursework, projects, presentations and case studies. Because of the importance attached to presentation and interprofessional collaboration skills, up to 25 per cent of the assessment will be by oral presentation and as groupwork.

Special Features

Professional accreditation

Both the Graduate Diploma and the MSc in Quantity Surveying are fully accredited with the RICS to provide acceptance on the Assessment of Professional Practice and  qualification as a Chartered Quantity Surveyor.

They are both also accredited as meeting all the requirements of the Chartered Institute of Civil Engineering Surveyors. This is an important quality assurance standard which the course has met and signifies the career opportunities available to successful graduates.

Study facilities

One of the Department's main aims is to foster an active graduate community, encompassing students on postgraduate taught courses and students undertaking research degrees. There are currently around 1200 students on postgraduate taught courses, and about 40 postgraduate research students. Graduate students have a dedicated space on the main campus, with teaching rooms and informal areas. Each course has a student adviser who provides pastoral support and general advice.

You may also use the well equipped laboratories for concrete and environmental services, environmental physics, earth sciences, spatial analysis (including mapping and Geographical Information Systems) and surveying technology, each with specialist technicians supporting both teaching and research. An audio-visual group provides support for photography, digital imaging, filming and sound recording.

The Department has invested in online and offline computer-based resources to support modules, and especially those offered by distance learning. You also have access to a vast number of journals and databases online through the UWE Bristol library. The library and some computer labs on campus are open 24 hours, and the Department's suite of computer rooms supports software for word processing, data analysis, spatial analysis, computer aided design and other specialist software required by our students.

Careers/further study

Entry

Entry requirements

We normally require a first degree of 2:2 or above. 

Direct entry to MSc
We normally require a first degree of 2:1 or above in a quantity surveying or closely related first degree, preferably with a minimum of three years quantity surveying experience. We welcome applications from students without the conventional entrance requirements but who do have substantial relevant work experience and whose motivation and skills would enable them to succeed on the course.

Fees

The Pre-Enrolment Learning Programme costs around £317.

Full details of fees for this course can be found on our postgraduate fees pages.

For funding options, please see our funding and scholarships information.

How to apply

We welcome applications from students without the conventional entrance requirements but who do have substantial relevant work or other experience and whose motivation and skills would enable them to succeed on the course. In addition, if you do t have experience or employment in quantity surveying, you must be able to demonstrate your interest in the field.

Pre-Enrolment Learning

The Pre-Enrolment Learning (PEL) programme covering fundamental principles is compulsory for those without any prior knowledge of the subject: see the section about PEL. The PEL is assessed through coursework, exam and viva (interview). The PEL involves around 150 hours which, if you are also working, may take three months to complete. The first submission date for the course work is in April (the viva and exam will be a couple of weeks after that) so we suggest that you apply by mid January.

Pre-Enrolment Learning - additional dates

Course work submission in April, exam and viva on in May.

Coursework submission in August, exam and viva in August.

International students
This course mainly focuses on UK policy and practice, albeit often by comparing and contrasting with European and international models, and it may therefore be less suitable for international students intending to return to work in their home countries. International applicants (non UK and EU) who do wish to apply should aim to do so by the end of June to allow time to arrange their accommodation, finance and visa.

Students with disabilities
We welcome applications from people with disabilities.

We are committed to supporting students with disabilities, and wherever possible we will make reasonable adjustments to these activities to enable students with disabilities to successfully complete the course. We encourage applicants to disclose any disabilities or support needs in their application forms, so that we can offer information, advice and support. There is a Disability Service at UWE Bristol and a Disability Support Co-ordinator in the Department. Following is a list of the types of activities that the course normally involves.

• Use a computer
• Read and produce drawings, plans and maps
• Visually inspect buildings and locations, including physical movement around and through buildings and locations
• Visually inspect construction sites, including physical movement around and through construction sites
• Participate in field courses or activities away from the University
• Measure distances and sizes of buildings, materials or sites
• Team working and negotiation
• Take part in discussions and presentations

Open days

For information on our open days please visit our website.

For further information regarding the course, you are welcome to contact: Tony Westcott (Programme Leader) Tony.Westcott@uwe.ac.uk or the Admissions team admissions@uwe.ac.uk +44 (0)117 32 83333.

For further information

• Telephone: +44 (0)117 32 84242
• E-mail: admissions@uwe.ac.uk