MSc Building Surveying

In this module, you'll develop an in-depth understanding of construction law, procurement and project management, and how these disciplines interact to support the successful delivery of construction projects. You'll explore legal instruments, standard form contracts, procurement approaches and industry best practice, alongside key project management concepts such as feasibility, value and risk management, project organisation and project control. You'll learn how to evaluate legal and commercial risks, assess project viability, develop strategic frameworks for project delivery, and apply effective approaches to teamworking, conflict management and performance monitoring within complex construction environments.

This module will develop your understanding of building pathology and sustainable retrofit in residential construction. You'll examine construction technologies associated with properties from pre-1919 to the present and learn how to identify the causes and effects of typical defects. Topics may include movement, masonry, floors, roofs, timber decay, insect attack and finishes. You'll evaluate repair options alongside sustainability improvements to walls, floors and roofs, including renewable technologies, building the practical judgement needed to recommend appropriate solutions for clients and communities.

This module will examine how retrofit projects are assessed, designed, planned and delivered across different building types. You'll explore survey procedures, existing structures, adaptation options, legislation, certification schemes and standards such as PAS 2035. Technical themes are likely to include services upgrades, openings and extensions, party walls, moisture risk, fire protection, acoustics and thermal performance. Considering cost, accessibility, aesthetics, buildability and sustainability, you'll develop a holistic approach to appraising retrofit solutions and planning delivery within regulatory constraints.

This module will bring together advanced building surveying issues associated with complex commercial buildings, mixed uses and urban settings. Topics are likely to include fire safety, project and facilities management, financial accountability, sustainability, BIM, big data, obsolescence and professional consultancy. You'll critically examine defects in concrete, steel, glass, cladding and roofs, alongside deleterious materials and building forensics. The module will develop your ability to evaluate refurbishment, maintenance and portfolio strategies while considering accessibility, regulation, energy performance, client care and emerging technology.

In this module, you'll undertake an in-depth independent research project on a topic relevant to your programme of study. With support from an academic supervisor, you'll develop and investigate your own research question, drawing on appropriate research methods and analytical approaches. You'll explore topics such as research design, literature review, qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis, ethics, risk management, and the validity and reliability of research. Through the process of planning, conducting and communicating a substantial piece of research, you'll develop advanced skills in critical analysis, evaluation and academic inquiry.

This module will explore how corporate property and maintenance strategies can support an organisation's goals. Focusing particularly on public sector estates, you'll examine the relationship between built assets, governance, social responsibility, financial accountability and the wider community. Topics will include space management, performance indicators, data collection and analysis, maintenance, renewal, refurbishment, building life cycles, obsolescence and reuse. You'll develop the ability to navigate complexity and uncertainty and make sustainable, evidence-informed decisions about estates, facilities and property portfolios.

In this module, you'll develop the financial knowledge and skills needed to support effective decision-making within organisations in the built environment sector. You'll explore accounting principles, financial statements and the interpretation of financial information, learning how organisations use financial data to assess performance and guide strategic and operational decisions. Topics may include budgeting, cost accounting, profitability analysis, capital investment appraisal, working capital management, business finance and performance measurement frameworks. You'll also gain experience of using spreadsheets and financial tools to evaluate options, support planning and make informed financial decisions.