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Quantity Surveying BSc

  • UCAS Code K241
  • Duration Up to 4 years
  • Delivery type Full Time
  • Study location
  • Edinburgh
  • Number of places
  • 55 across all programmes

Overview

The Course

Quantity Surveying is about providing clients of the construction industry with financial, contractual and technical advice ensuring they get value for money from the buildings they construct. The modern quantity surveyor is a construction professional who may be involved at all stages of the design and construction process, from providing business strategy advice, working with architects and design team consultants, through to overseeing the onsite construction phase. The quantity surveyor has a sound understanding of construction technology, project cost planning and control and contractual issues.

Career Prospects

Our quantity surveying graduates go on to careers in private practice, contracting firms and the public sector, for example EC Harris, Knight Frank and Davis Langdon.

A variant of this programme is available at the Dubai Campus through third year entry only.

Programme content

Level 1

Courses introduce the basic themes of building and the roles of the relevant professions. Topics studied include: Construction Technology; History of the Built Environment; and Materials and Structures. Students also undertake a residential study tour.

Level 2

Gives more detailed consideration to the knowledge base required in construction and property, and includes courses such as: Management Theory and Practice; Construction Technology; and Measurement and Value Studies.

Level 3

At this stage of the degree, greater emphasis is placed on Quantity Surveying core subjects. Students complete a Procurement and Contracts course as well as Measurement and Value Studies, underpinning the work completed in second year. Students also undertake a week-long study tour.

Level 4

Measurement and Value Studies are continued into the final year to further develop this area of knowledge. Advanced studies of Procurement and Contracts are also undertaken. The final year interdisciplinary project further allows students to undertake their Quantity Surveying role which underpins the learning completed in the courses studied.

Leanne Matthews

Degree BSc (Hons) Building Economics with Quantity Surveying
Present Job Associate Cost Manager, Davis Langdon
Leanne Matthews

Heriot-Watt prepares you for a successful career in the construction profession as there is a strong emphasis on management, as well as the technical aspects that you will need for the job. Even after eight years I still find links with what I did on my programme and what I'm doing today.

I am currently responsible for the co-ordination and management of a range of construction projects, my role focuses on costs and ensuring that budgets are managed efficiently. I work on a diverse range of projects in terms of size and the skills required, from school building programmes in the Borders to a new visitor centre in the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh.

So far a highlight of my career has been the chance to work in North Africa, somewhere I would never have thought of visiting if it hadn't been through work. I've really enjoyed gaining an insight and understanding of an overseas construction market. The difference there is that they are almost at the beginning of their industry and it's really interesting to see how it will develop. To have the opportunity to utilise my skills and knowledge to help this process is fantastic.

Entry Requirements

The University offers as its normal entry routes:
- entry at Level 1, mainly for students with Scottish Highers (or similar),
- entry at Level 2, mainly for students with A-levels (or similar).

There is nevertheless considerable flexibility, depending on the level of qualifications, for entrants with A-levels to opt to enter at Level 1 and for Scottish students to enter at Level 2. Direct entry into Level 3 is also possible for students who already have certain HE qualifications.

Level 1 entry

  • Scottish Highers BBBBC OR AAAB
  • GCE A Level BBB
  • Int. Baccalaureate 31 points
  • Scottish Baccalaureate pass

Level 2 entry

  • GCE A Level ABB
  • SQA Advanced Highers BB plus BB at Higher
  • SQA Higher National Cert A in graded unit
  • SQA Higher National Dip pass
  • Int. Baccalaureate 35 points
  • Scottish Baccalaureate distinction

Level 3 entry

  • SQA Higher National Dip 90% of graded units merit or above. All A's in graded units
  • Additional information For all years, applications are welcomed from holders of non-school qualifications and mature candidates

Tuition fees

Status* Scotland / EU** England / Northern Ireland / Wales International
Fee Paid by SAAS £9,000 £10,730

* Your residency "status" is usually defined as the country where you have been ordinarily resident for the 3 years before the start of your programme. Find out more about tuition fees.

** European Union countries, not including England, Northern Ireland or Wales.

Scholarships & bursaries

See also

Contact

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Scottish registered charity number: SC000278