Building Surveying BSc (Hons)
Be at the heart of decision-making in construction projects that could transform the built environment or contribute to a more sustainable world.
Key information
UCAS code:
7D71
Accreditation:
This course is Accredited
Typical offer:
112-120 UCAS points from 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent
Showing content for section Overview
Overview
As a building surveyor, you'll be at the heart of decision-making in construction projects that could transform the built environment or contribute to a more sustainable world. You'll advise on the specification of exciting new development proposals and be responsible for assessing the success of repairs and renovations.
On this BSc (Hons) Building Surveying degree course, you'll develop the technical skills and experience you need for a specialist career as a chartered building surveyor. You'll also have the expertise to consult and lead on facilities management, project management and building conservation.
Accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), graduating from this degree course is the first step to becoming a Chartered Building Surveyor.
Meet Aleena Paracha, BSc (Hons) Building Surveying, on our 2023 Graduates blog.
During her time at Portsmouth, Aleena was awarded the Outstanding Student Award 2023 by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), and secured a graduate job with a consultancy refurbishing commercial, residential and heritage properties. Read our conversation with Aleena.
Course highlights
- Learn from practising building surveyors and guest speakers, including leading industry professionals and members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
- Benefit from our links to industry through our professional advisory board, a collection of professionals in relevant industries who help shape our course content
- Simulate projects you'll do in your career, with practical surveying sessions in residential and commercial test environments
- Work collaboratively with students from other courses to complete projects, preparing for a career working in multidisciplinary project teams
- Put theory to the test on field trips to locations such as the Passivhaus standard housing development, school refurbishment projects and The National Self Building and Renovation Centre
- Get the opportunity to visit a European city and develop a research project around the city's built environment
- Develop your knowledge of building information modelling (BIM) techniques on industry-standard software
94%
of graduates in work or further study 15 months after this course
(HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021/22)
Top 30
for student satisfaction
(Times Higher Education, 2024)
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsClearing is open
This course is available through Clearing.
How to apply for accommodation
We have a variety of accommodation options, including studios, en-suites, catered, self-catered and private rental options. See how our housing team can help you find a place to call home.
Clearing FAQs
To work out your UCAS points, use our UCAS Calculator to work out how many UCAS points you have.
The tariff calculator will allow you to see what grades you need to get into your preferred course at Portsmouth.
You can apply through Clearing if:
- You don't meet the conditions of your offer for your firm (first) or insurance (second) choice courses
- Your exam results are better than you expected and you want to change your course or university
- You don't hold any offers
- You've accepted an offer but changed your mind about the course you want to do
- You're applying for the first time after 30 June 2024
After we make you an offer we'll send you a confirmation email. This email will let you know what you need to do next and it will tell you what you need to provide us. In some instances we may ask you to send us copies of certificates or you may need to send us a portfolio.
If you've previously applied through UCAS you'll need to use your UCAS Hub to accept our offer by adding us as your Clearing choice.
If you're having issues, please contact us on +44 (0)23 9284 8090 or admissions@port.ac.uk
Once you've accepted your Clearing course offer, we'll be in touch with details of available accommodation in the area. This will include our latest hall availability and support to find local rented accommodation via portsmouthstudentpad.co.uk
See our accommodation page for more information.
No, it's not too late and you should make your application for student finance as soon as possible. You don't have to wait for your results. You can make your application now and just amend it when you know where you're going to be.
If you've already applied for your student loan, you'll need to log into your account and update details about your new course/university. If you haven't applied for your student loan yet, don't panic. Apply today – it only takes 30 minutes.
Find out more in our Student finance for Clearing guide.
If you're an EU or international student and you need a visa to study here, you need to start the process quickly as visas can take some time to come through. Get in touch with our visa support team if you have a question or problem.
See more on visa advice.
If you would like further information or guidance, please contact our international office or call our International Clearing Hotline on +44(0)23 9284 8785.
Entry requirements
BSc (Hons) Building Surveying degree entry requirements
Typical offers
- UCAS points - 112-120 points from 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent. (calculate your UCAS points)
- A levels - BBB-BBC
- T-levels - Merit
- BTECs (Extended Diplomas) - DDM-DMM
- International Baccalaureate - 29
You may need to have studied specific subjects – find full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept.
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
See alternative English language qualifications.
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
We look at more than just your grades
While we consider your grades when making an offer, we also carefully look at your circumstances and other factors to assess your potential. These include whether you live and work in the region and your personal and family circumstances which we assess using established data.
If you don't meet the entry requirements, you may be able to join this course after you successfully complete a foundation year.
Facilities and specialist software
Building Information Modelling (BIM) software
Use our suite of Building Information Modelling (BIM) software, including our computer-aided design tools that use digital images to show physical and functional characteristics.
Surveying Store
Get practical experience with all the equipment you'll need to develop your skills, including automatic levels, theodolites for measuring angles between designated points, computer-aided design and drafting software as well as a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers for surveying and marking land.
Design Studio and Modelling Workshop
The studio and workshop host integrated AV projection systems, a dedicate model-making workshop, a refitted modelling room and space for model building and large format poster design.
Port-Eco House
Our Port-Eco House is a 3-bedroom property equipped with various monitoring systems, which measure everything from the efficiency of heating and insulation to dampness and exterior weather conditions.
We are aware that this H5P component is not fully accessible. If you would like a copy of this item, please email websupport@port.ac.uk. Please also refer to our Accessibility Statement
Careers and opportunities
90% of our graduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduation and 95% are working in highly skilled roles in areas of architecture, surveying, construction, engineering and management.
What's more, graduates from all our building courses are earning an average salary of £27,000 after 15 months, and £38,500 after 5 years.
What jobs can you do with a Building Surveying degree?
Roles you can go onto include:
- building surveyor
- assistant building surveyor
- project manager
- facilities manager
- BIM coordinator
- historic building conservationist
- property developer
Ongoing career support – up to 5 years after you graduate
Get experience while you study, with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities, and work experience.
Towards the end of your degree and for up to five years after graduation, you’ll receive one-to-one support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy to help you find your perfect role.
Placement year (optional)
Taking an optional placement year gives you the experience you need to increase your chances of landing your perfect role after graduation. You could work in a paid role in a professional organisation (our students earn an average salary of £19,000 during their placements) or set up your own business, giving you the chance to grow your professional network and enhance your CV.
We'll give you all the support you need to find a placement that prepares you for your career, and we'll continue to mentor you throughout your placement.
You could also choose to set up your own business, or take a voluntary placement.
Potential roles
Previous students have been successful in roles such as:
- industrial placement engineer
- trainee building surveyor
- real estate development, construction and building engineering services
Potential destinations
They've worked at exciting companies, including:
- Balfour Beatty
- Metropolitan Police
- Portsmouth City Council
Modules
Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.
In each year, you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. For example, four modules worth 20 credits and one module worth 40 credits.
What you'll study
Core modules
In this module, you'll create professional drawings and 3D models that bring your building designs to life and enable clear communication between you and your team. You'll also gain key insights into construction methods and efficiency by extracting information from your models.
You'll demonstrate your ability to find and interpret primary sources of English law. Through practical exercises, you'll explain key principles of tort law and contract law, and learn to identify the relevant legal issues to solve problems in property cases. By the end, you'll have the legal understanding to provide sound advice on property matters and feel confident navigating the English legal system.
You'll plan a project that demonstrates the breadth of your talents in this module, from economic management and sociological awareness to construction budgeting and technical measurement. As you produce and present your findings, you'll appreciate the roles of professionals across the real estate and construction industries.
Through theoretical and practical learning, you'll explore the economic forces that shape real estate and construction markets.
You'll analyse supply and demand dynamics, and evaluate government policies and regulations. With a focus on investment analysis and financial reporting, you'll apply concepts like NPV and IRR in property investment scenarios. By interpreting accounts and financial statements, you'll provide reasoned advice to clients. This module empowers you to assess macroeconomic impacts and use key metrics to make smart, data-driven decisions.
You'll examine construction principles for residential and commercial projects, analysing material use and building regulations.
Through discussion and case studies, you'll reflect on strategies like renewable energy, water efficiency, and waste management. You'll consider sustainability's significance in property design, development, and management. Ultimately, be ready to explain building concepts and environmental issues, and to select appropriate strategies to create sustainable, environmentally-conscious designs.
Core modules
You'll explore the pre-contract role of a construction professional in this module, making reference to the RIBA Plan of Work. You'll cover project inception, initial design, cost estimation and budgeting, alongside study of procurement and standard forms of contracts. When you complete this module, you'll have a strong grasp of the construction tendering process, and the management of risk and uncertainty within it.
You'll integrate technical and economic considerations with professional communication techniques across the project lifecycles. You'll also focus on your career options, looking at your job search strategy and interview skills. Through this module, you’ll gain project experience, industry connections and the confident self-awareness to impress your future employers.
Through theory and case studies, you'll develop skills to plan, monitor, and control projects while considering technical and human factors.
You'll use industry-standard techniques like WBS and CPM to create organizational structures, schedules, budgets, and risk management plans, covering the project cycle from initiation and stakeholder engagement to procurement and sustainability integration. With individual and group assignments, you'll apply your learning to demonstrate effective project planning, teamwork, and communication. By the end, you'll have core competencies and techniques to successfully manage construction projects.
You'll learn to work within development procedures, enforcement tradeoffs, decision appeals, rural-urban issues, and the complexities of professional conduct in high-impact property planning.
You'll work in a small, multi-disciplinary team to deliver actionable information seamlessly across multiple providers, overcoming the fragmentation of specialisms in the Architectural, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry. You'll cover the different dimensions of BIM, from 3D to 7D, and gain hands-on experience with the industry tools that facilitate improved communication and project outcomes.
Optional modules
By surveying local sites like Portsmouth Dockyard, you'll evaluate refurbishment issues first-hand. You'll analyse factors that enhance heritage value for different groups, and appraise strategies like listing and conservation areas. Working in a team, you'll organize a focus group, synthesize literature, and present recommendations for a heritage project.
With real-world experiences, you'll gain insight into protecting our past while meeting modern needs.
In this immersive module, you'll compare approaches from car-oriented to sustainable models and their economic, social, and environmental impacts. Working in a team, you'll review literature, design safe research methods, and collect data during fieldwork in a European city. With first-hand experience, critical thinking, and research skills, you'll return equipped to apply international best practices in creating thriving, just communities.
On this module, you'll discover how property professionals shape and regenerate vibrant urban environments, as you explore influential movements in urban design. You'll also gain insight into planning legislation and principles, and how to form strategies for sustainable and community-focused growth.
Core modules
You'll identify and analyse a real-world problem, reviewing past solutions. After proposing an innovative solution, you'll develop a rigorous project plan. Applying sound technical principles, you'll collect and interpret data through surveys, lab work or other methods. By module's end, you'll have demonstrated analytical and practical abilities to solve a complex engineering challenge.
You'll understand how faults impact occupants, evaluate reporting methods and recommend solutions that balance repair costs and heritage value. As you develop a holistic view of buildings, considering technical and social factors, you'll gain confidence in recommending improvements to buildings that positively impact communities.
Through case studies, you'll analyse issues affecting progress and completion, appraise solutions, and compare dispute resolution methods. With well-rounded knowledge, you'll make informed choices to resolve differences and keep projects on track.
In this module, you'll analyse environmental best practices in real estate. You'll hone your critical and reflective understanding, empowering you to creatively confront efficiency, conservation, and resilience issues facing the built environment.
You'll reflect on stakeholder needs, business ethics and your personal strengths. Tailoring your skills to career goals, you'll develop a business plan and stand out in interviews. Collaborating digitally, you'll build your professional network. This experience provides the perfect springboard to start your surveying career, armed with industry knowledge, confidence and connections.
On this course, you can do an optional work placement year after your 2nd or 3rd year to get valuable experience working in industry.
We’ll help you secure a work placement that fits your situation and ambitions. You’ll get mentoring and support throughout the year.
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
Teaching
Teaching methods on this course include:
- lectures
- seminars
- one-on-one tutorials
- practical group work
Term dates
The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.
How you're assessed
You’ll be assessed through:
- written exams
- web assessments
- essays and reports
- presentations
- an individual project
You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.
You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.
Supporting you
The amount of timetabled teaching you'll get on your degree might be less than what you're used to at school or college, but you'll also get support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to postgraduate study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your course.
As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.
You'll have help from a team of faculty learning support tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.
They can help with:
- improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
- understanding and using assignment feedback
- managing your time and workload
- revision and exam techniques
All our labs and practical spaces are staffed by qualified laboratory support staff. They’ll support you in scheduled lab sessions and can give you one-to-one help when you do practical research projects.
During term time, Faculty Academic Skills Tutors (AST) are available for bookable 1-to-1 sessions, small group sessions and online sessions. These sessions are tailored to your needs.
Support is available for skills including:
- University study
- Getting into the right study mindset
- Note-taking and note-making skills
- Referencing
- Presentation skills
- Time management, planning, and goal setting
- Critical thinking
- Avoiding plagiarism
If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.
Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
The Maths Cafe offers advice and assistance with mathematical skills in a friendly, informal environment. You can come to our daily drop-in sessions, develop your mathematics skills at a workshop or use our online resources.
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
Costs and funding
Tuition fees
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,535 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £9,535 a year (including Transition Scholarship – may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £19,200 per year (subject to annual increase)
Funding your studies
Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.
Additional course costs
These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.
Additional costs
Our accommodation section shows your accommodation options and highlights how much it costs to live in Portsmouth.
You’ll study up to 6 modules a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module.
You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.
We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying and memory sticks.
If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
We will provide you with hard hats and Hi-Vis vests. You will need to buy your own safety boots costing approximately £35.
If you go on the optional international field trip in year 2 you’ll need to contribute approximately £500 to the cost.
If you take a placement year or study abroad year, tuition fees for that year are as follows:
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £1,430 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £1,430 a year, including Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £2,875 a year (subject to annual increase)
Apply
Ready to apply?
To start this course in 2025, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – 7D71
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
Applying from outside the UK
As an international student you'll apply using the same process as UK students, but you’ll need to consider a few extra things.
You can get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.
Find out what additional information you need in our international students section.
If you don't meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.