We are passionate about sharing with our students the vital role they each have now and as future professionals in promoting a sustainable future for all. We believe that sustainability is not the domain of one discipline or profession. It is the responsibility of all disciplines, professions, organisations and individuals.
That is why on each of our courses within the Belfast School of Architecture and the Built Environment you will learn about the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the contribution you can make now, and as a graduate in the Built Environment.
Read the course details below to find out more.
Give yourself a competitive advantage; join our exceptional team as your first step towards professional recognition and a diverse rewarding career.
Quantity Surveyors are construction professionals who manage and control the cost of major construction projects. You will be advising on the economic affordability of projects, typical development costs, procurement, tendering, contractual management, dispute avoidance and resolution, measurement and payment for completed works, ultimately striving to deliver projects within budget.
RICS accreditation provides you with global opportunities, which span key stakeholders throughout the construction supply chain, central and local government and as self-employed practitioners. Your transferable skills will be equally sought after in other industries.
Job satisfaction is a key benefit in this highly rewarding career, contributing positively to the sustainable built environment of the future.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
In this section
Typically 100% of our graduates gain graduate positions on an average salary of circa £28K or enrol in a postgraduate course within 6 months of graduation. The majority confirm their destinations before leaving the programme, so our employability statistics compare favourably to other programmes in the university and any comparable course.
We aim to prepare you to make a positive impact on the economic sector within which you will be employed. Our experienced teaching team are at the cutting edge of the discipline through academic enterprise, providing Continuing Professional Development to industry on topics spanning the likes of standard forms of contract, new rules of measurement and building information modelling. We incorporate these topics into the programme, in addition to mapping the modules against the professional competencies required by the RICS’s Assessment of Professional Competence. You can therefore take advantage of the resources we provide to develop your understanding of procurement, contract administration, data management, estimating and managing costs. You can then apply these tools to any building or civil engineering project of any scale, or to other projects in other industries of similar scale and complexity, like renewable energies or oil and gas. Your skills will embody the core technical competencies that define the quantity surveying profession as well as the soft transferrable skills valued by many key employers.
Fundamental themes of construction measurement, construction technology, law and economics and principles of ethics and sustainability are threaded throughout the four years of study.
Five years. Part Time.
Each year based on 2 semesters of 12 weeks with approximately one day dedicated to face to face teaching, in the form of lectures, tutorials, seminars and practicals. Part-time students must find additional time for independent learning and study to complete the necessary assignment workload and prepare for examinations in January and May.
We attempt to timetable all required classes into 1 day per week for each semester, however some semesters require an additional half day of attendance. The day can change from one semester to the next within each academic year. Please check with the Course Director for details.
Knowledge and understanding of the subject are acquired mainly through lectures, tutorials, directed reading, laboratories, case studies, seminars, and IT based resources. Intellectual qualities are developed through exercise classes/tutorials, coursework assignments, individual and group studio work and simulation exercises. Professional and practical skills are gained through coursework assignments including, laboratory work, problem solving assignments and studio work undertaken individually or in small groups, a group project and an individual final year research dissertation. Basic IT and communication skills are taught in Year 1. These and the other transferrable skills including delivering presentations are developed through coursework assignments including the preparation of reports, problem solving assignments/studio work undertaken individually or in small groups and an individual final year research dissertation.
Assessment of the above is principally through formal closed book examinations, class tests and coursework assignments consisting of reports, essays, individual and group exercises, group projects, oral/poster presentations and an individual final year research dissertation.
A high proportion of teaching staff are experienced chartered surveyors and recognised by Advanced HE as Fellows or Senior Fellows.
The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 59% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.
Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (25%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (20%) or Lecturers (55%).
We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic staff (81%) are accredited fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) by Advanced HE - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.
The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise. The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff. This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.
Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.
Figures correct for academic year 2021-2022.
High quality apartment living in Belfast city centre adjacent to the university campus.
Find out more - information about accommodation
At Student Wellbeing we provide many services to help students through their time at Ulster University.
Find out more - information about student wellbeing
The Belfast campus is situated in the artistic and cultural centre of the city, the Cathedral Quarter.
Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.
Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.
In this section
Year: 1
Status: C
The module presents a wide-ranging overview of the impact of public & private development, statutory legislation, procurement, building design and construction on UK industry and society. It presents the background to the development of professional and industry norms and also challenges a number of orthodoxies.
Module study includes a review of the roles and responsibilities of property and construction professionals in a complex sector, as well as the nature of professionalism in an era of climate emergency.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module provides a general introduction to construction technology with specific emphasis on the sustainable construction of small-scale, low-rise buildings.
The module also introduces the factors that affect and systems that control the internal environment of domestic buildings.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module introduces the student to a range of economic principles and how these are applied in a built environment context. It provides for an appreciation of the importance of market forces, macro and micro economic policy and wider economic indicators such as inflation, interest rates in shaping the design, construction and operation of built environment. Special consideration is given to real estate market cycles and wider construction economics in accordance with the professional body requirements of the RICS.
Year: 1
Status: C
The modern day built environment professional is required to communicate effectively utilising electronic tools with the rest of the project team. This has been mandated by the UK Cabinet Office Construction Strategy, by European Commission procurement regulations and is being followed across the world. This module develops an understanding of the key drivers and barriers to fully implementing Level 2 BIM and points towards the development of level 3 BIM working in the near future. The module develops the foundational skills for internationally recognised BIM Level 2 for the contemporary and future built environment professionals.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module introduces construction quantification (or measurement).
It is designed to enhance numerical and analytical skills and to develop a contextual understanding of construction measurement in practice, the philosophical principles behind measurement and an appreciation of the measurement rule making process.
It will develop from analytical methods to the measurement of simple linear, superficial and cubic generic examples, progressing to the application of measurement of more complex construction related examples and then to the measurement (quantification and description) of simple domestic construction in accordance with NRM2.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module introduces students to the fundamental principles of governance and the legal framework in contemporary society. Students examine the interrelationship between governance actors, the legal system and social policy for advancing sustainable development and improving social, economic and environmental well-being.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module has been designed to provide you with a comprehensive review of the procurement systems and tendering strategies available to UK construction industry clients. This module has been designed to enhance your ability to provide professional advice to your client on the selection of the most suitable contractor to design/ construction the construction project. Furthermore this module provides you the opportunity to demonstrate the key pre/ post contract administration duties of a professional quantity surveyor.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module has been designed to provide you with an opportunity to review, interpret and apply the express provisions of the JCT and NEC4 standard forms of building contracts. This module further provides you with an appreciation of the contractual duties of the key parties and professionals involved in the contractual management of costs, time and change associated with a construction project.
Year: 3
Status: C
The module enhances the understanding of functions, principles and sustainable methods in the design and construction of buildings, and develops greater awareness of the role of building technology and its interactive nature. Teaching methods include lectures supported by tutorials and case studies.
Year: 3
Status: C
The modern day quantity surveyor / commercial manager is increasingly utilising computer applications to quantify and cost construction works. This role is of vital importance to the survival of any construction organisation seeking not only to grow and diversify, but to survive in a competitive market. The module learning provides a detailed understanding of how construction cost estimates are prepared and how strategic tendering procedures are implemented. The measurement undertaken within this module will further develop the contextual understanding of measurement in practice and the philosophical principles behind the the New Rules of Measurement (NRM2) and the important relationship between measurement and cost in construction.
Year: 3
Status: C
The module is designed to provide students with an understanding of the procedures and techniques used in the financial control and management of construction projects. It also explores the synergy between the economy and the construction industry and the implications on critical decision making with relation to design and cost planning of construction projects. There is a key focus on value engineering of projects to achieve best value design facilitated with modern design thinking with regards to building occupation and the whole life value of the project.
Year: 3
Status: C
The role of the modern-day contractor's quantity surveyor / commercial manager has been innovated by digitalisation. Digital software is increasingly utilised for quantification and costing exercises to support typical commercial management roles focusing on profitability and supply chain management. Quantification software aims to make commercial management efficient and transparent as accurate and detailed measurements can be produced exceptionally quickly compared to manual take-offs.
The module learning will focus on quantification aligned with NRM2 key measurement concepts and principles and their application to commercial management procedures used on construction projects. The module develops problem solving and communication skills and builds upon quantification and costing knowledge gained in previous academic study, enhanced with the application of industry specific software platforms frequently used by Quantity Surveyors.
Year: 4
Status: C
Construction professionals are regularly involved in managing the construction process from inception to completion, which involves appreciating the balance between time, cost and quality of the project based upon the scope of the works, whilst always maintaining a safe and healthy working environment. This module provides a broad appreciation of the discipline of Project Management and a detailed knowledge and understanding of the concepts of managing the construction client and stakeholders; dealing with supply chain appointments; managing project design; planning the project strategy; managing construction; managing project information and managing project completion and hand over which are paramount to the performance of this role.
Year: 4
Status: C
Measurement undertaken within this module will be diverse in all respects and will include the quantification and description of complex building and civil engineering elements/structures. Studies will include developing an understanding of the differing measurement rules and methods of measurement and their application.
The module will build upon the knowledge gained in previous academic study with the practical skills developed in industry, thus enabling the student to undertake the set tasks in this module practically and effectively.
Year: 4
Status: C
Quantity Surveyors often function in multidisciplinary environment; having to work with the construction Client, Architects, Project Managers Building Surveyors and Design Engineers.
Therefore, this module prepares the Quantity Surveying graduate for the challenges of working in groups and with other construction related professionals by simulating real life scenarios and challenging them to provide practical solutions.
The module enhances employability by providing a focus on the competencies for those who aspire to work towards achieving chartered status of the RICS post-graduation and continued professional career development and progression generally.
Year: 5
Status: C
This module enables the student to identify and undertake an independent in-depth research study of an area of particular significance relating to the course of study. With guidance, students are responsible for developing research aim and objectives, critically evaluating reference material, and selecting the appropriate methods to achieve the research aim. This module is a mechanism that underwrites and supports evaluative skills, logical thought, and the ability to communicate effectively in terms of verbal and written material. The remainder of the research and dissertation is carried out during a semester 2 module, Research and Dissertation B (BEN511).
Year: 5
Status: C
This module follows BEN510 and facilitates students in developing creative, critical evaluative and analytic research skills to enable students to undertake empirical data collection, perform appropriate data analysis, critically discuss findings that will lead to justifiable recommendations and conclusions based upon contemporary research and professional practices.
Year: 5
Status: C
This module develops a greater understanding of the modern professional quantity surveying service by examining more advanced techniques used in the financial appraisal and management of projects, and also contemporary issues related to project procurement and management. The key topics include: Value & Risk Management, Cost Modelling, Whole Life Costing, Cost Benefit Analysis, and Advanced concepts of Construction Economics & Management and the effect of the global and local economy on the construction industry.
We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.
In this section
ABB including
A-Level Essential:
one from Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering or Construction.
If not offering any of these subjects the entry requirement is AAA, all subjects considered.
ABB equivalent - subject required
QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Construction/Civil, Engineering or Applied Science
Award profile of D*DD
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Construction/Civil, Engineering or Applied Science / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering (2019 suite)
Award profile of D*DD
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Construction/Civil, Engineering or Applied Science / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering (2016 suite)
Award profile of DDM
AAA equivalent - no subject required
QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma (2012 suite)
Award profile of D*D*D
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma (2019 suite)
Award profile of D*D*D
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma (2016 suite)
Award profile of DDD
The Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment accept combinations of A Levels, BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/National Extended Certificate, 90-Credit Diploma/National Foundation Diploma and BTEC Diploma/ National Diploma.
ABB equivalent
128 UCAS Tariff Points to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at Higher Level) to include English at H6 if studied at Higher Level or O4 if studied at Ordinary Level.
Course Specific Subject Requirements
This course also requires you to achieve H3 in one subject from Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Physics/Chemistry, Biology, Construction or Engineering. If Maths is not being offered as a subject at H3 you will be required to achieve a minimum of H6 if studied at Higher Level or O4 if studied at Ordinary Level.
AAA equivalent
144 UCAS Tariff Points to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at higher level) to include English and Maths at H6 if studied at Higher level or O4 if studied at Ordinary Level.
Grades BBBBC to include one from Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering or Construction.
If not offering any of these subjects the requirement is ABBBB.
Grades BBC to include one from Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering or Construction.
If not offering any of the above subjects the requirement is ABB.
ABB equivalent
Overall profile is minimum of 27 points (13 at higher level) to include Mathematics and one other science subject at HL. English is also required at grade 4 Ordinary Level.
AAA equivalent
Overall profile is minimum of 29 points (14 at higher level) English and Mathematics is also required at grade 4 Ordinary Level.
ABB equivalent
Overall profile of 70% in a Science, Science and Technology, Construction or Engineering subject area to include 70% in each of the level 3 modules and to include 40% in NICATS level 2 Maths module (120 credit Access Course) (NI Access Course)
Overall profile of 30 credits at Distinction/15 credits at Merit (60 credit Access Course) (GB Access Course)
AAA equivalent all subjects considered
Overall profile of 75% to include 75% in each of the level 3 modules and to include 40% in Level 2 NICATS Maths (120 credit Access Course) (NI Access Course)
Overall profile of 45 credits at Distinction (60 credit Access Course) (GB Access Course)
For full-time study, you must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements for admission to a first degree course and hold a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above in English Language and Mathematics (or equivalent).
Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Communication will be accepted as equivalent to GCSE English.
Please note that for purposes of entry to this course the Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Application of Number is NOT regarded as an acceptable alternative to GCSE Maths.
English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.
Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.
Additional Entry Requirements
Pass HNC with overall Distinction to include 105 credits at level 4 at Distinction in a Construction subject area
HND Year 1 Entry
Pass HND, all subject areas considered. GCSE Maths Grade C/4 or an alternative Mathematics qualification acceptable to the University is also required.
Ulster Foundation Degree
There is no articulated route to year 2 entry.
For further information on the requirements for this course please contact
the administrator as listed in the Contact details section below.
Entry equivalences can also be viewed in the online prospectus at http://www.ulster.ac.uk/apply/entrance-requirements/equivalence
The General Entry Requirements must also be met including English Language minimum GCSE grade C or 4 (or equivalent). Please check the following link http://www.ulster.ac.uk/apply/entrance-requirements#ger
Students normally enter into Year 1.
Transfer may be available between part-time and full-time modes of study at appropriate transfer stages (i.e. level 4 or level 5) in the course.
There is no direct transferability between the surveying related courses within the School.
Direct Entry to Year 2:
In exceptional circumstances, if evidence of previous relevant study can be provided, consideration may be given to entry into the Second year.
Entry to year 4 (level 6):
Modules passed at other institutions must be reviewed to check alignment with Learning Outcomes from Ulster University's programme. Please contact the Course Director to discuss.
In this section
Graduates from this course are now working for:
With this degree you could become:
Most part-time students are already working in a quantity surveying role and are undertaking the degree as a pathway to attain MRICS status.
Typically graduates of the programme are working in positions, involving the financial and administrative management of construction projects, development companies, contracting organisations and property departments in both the public or private professional sectors. The course is also of relevance to those intending to map out a progressive career in any aspect of the construction industry. RICS accreditation provides graduates with global opportunities.
In addition, the course provides an excellent foundation for graduates who wish to undertake postgraduate study or research.
Students are expected to be working at least 4 days per week in a quantity surveying roll for at least 3 years of the programme.
Accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) for the purpose of graduate membership.
The price of your overall programme will be determined by the number of credit points that you initiate in the relevant academic year.
For modules commenced in the academic year 2023/24, the following fees apply:
| Credit Points | NI/ROI Cost | GB Cost | International Cost* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 120 | £4,710 | £9,249.60 | £15,840 |
| 60 | £2,355 | £4,624.80 | £7,920 |
| 30 | £1,177.50 | £2,312.40 | £3,960 |
| 20 | £785 | £1,541.60 | £2,640 |
NB: A standard full-time undergraduate degree is equivalent to 120 credit points per year.
*Please note our on campus part-time postgraduate courses are not open to international (non-EU) students.
Deans List: For outstanding performance of students within the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment.
The programme hosts an annual student awards and stakeholder engagement event to celebrate the achievements of our students. The following flicker photo albums record recent ceremonies, the winners, sponsors and prizes.
Year 1; sponsors include; WYG, Pentagon Solutions, Heron Brothers, Buildsoft Software Solutions and Graham Construction.
Year 2: sponsors include; McLaughlin and Harvey, Whitemountain Quarries, Gilbert Ash, Department of Finance (CPD), McAvoy Group, MSM Contracts, Graham Construction and Faithful and Gould.
Final Year: F P McCann, Farrans, CSR Recruitment, Specialist Joinery Group, McAleer & Rushe and Faithful and Gould.
Books
Year 1 - New Rules and Measurements (NRM2) £45 approx.
Year 2 - New Rules and Measurements (NRM1) £45 approx and Civil Engineering Standard Method of Measurement 4th Edition (CESMM4) £50 approx.
It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.
Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.
There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.
See the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Rainey & Best:
"The QS & CM course covers the competencies required of the modern QS while remaining interesting and engaging throughout. Each year, the modules build on the concepts of previous years, which allows you to develop your skills over the course of your studies. The placement year provides invaluable experience in not only the professional world but in the application of concepts studied during the first two years of the course. This combination of university study and real world application means that students are well prepared to take on the role of the QS upon graduating." Meghan Hoey (class of 2019).
Thomas Murphy (Class of 2019):
'I credit my experience, knowledge and professional confidence to my time spent at the University of Ulster. The course staff with their many years of industrial experience and knowledge opened many doors for me providing the opportunity to study abroad, gaining international work experience as well as carrying out my research alongside multiple professional and governmental organisations.
I found the course content and layout very applicable to the industry facilitating and supporting each student in building their skills and confidences needed outside of the classroom. It provides modules on multiple areas and disciplines of the industry, offering the opportunity for crossover modules with other construction-based courses and students further developing our proficiency in working both individually and as part of a multi-disciplinary team. The course staff really do care, taking the time to ensure each student's personal and professional growth throughout their time in the University, going above and beyond what would be considered 'the norm' to ensure the course provides its students with everything they need prosper in their future and careers within the industry.'
Keenwood Construction Limited:
Currently at Keenwood Construction Ltd. our Senior Quantity Surveyor, Darren Hamill, is a BSc (Hons) Graduate, having graduated from University of Ulster BSc. Hons. Programme in 2012. Darren quickly rose to the position of Senior Quantity Surveyor within the company, his professionalism and high standard of his work is testament to the good foundation he received on the University of Ulster BSc. (Hons) Quantity Surveying course. (Seamus Keenan – Managing Director, 2019)
Quantity Surveying Placement Student:
As a 3rd Year Quantity Surveying & Commercial Management Student at Ulster University, I am currently undertaking my placement year with a local joinery company, working primarily in the London market.
The course at Ulster University has equipped me with a knowledge and understanding of a broad range of current, relevant topics that has pre-empted an understanding of the role of the Quantity Surveyor and his/her duties in delivering successful projects. The staff within the Surveying programme prepare students for the placement year well, promoting and encouraging the use of a Structured Training Plan to steer the trajectory of the student’s career towards becoming chartered members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) professional body.
The course has provided me with a new skillset, which I now put into practice during my placement year. This in turn has instilled a newfound confidence in my abilities. I look forward to returning to Ulster University to complete my final year. (Stephen McElwee, 2019)
Tinnelly Construction Ltd:
“I thoroughly enjoyed my time studying within the QS programme. I feel that once I have embarked into the working world I will have taken a lot from the course with me which has set me up for a career as a graduate QS. I feel a lot of the modules studied have been very relevant to reality and would definitely recommend the QS & CM degree” Mark Hadden (class of 2015).
