Quantity Surveying - Graduate Diploma/MSc

We introduce you to skills and knowledge in construction technology, measurement, law, economics, procurement and contract management, in the Pre-Enrolment Reading at Level 1.

You then develop your core skills at Levels 2 and 3 and procurement, contractual, project management skills and Building Information Modelling in the M-Level modules.

Grad Dip students take the Level 2, 3 and M modules except the dissertation.

MSc students take the Level 3 and Level M modules.

Level 2:

• Construction Technology and Building Services (Graduate Diploma Only) (30 credits) - Here you'll take the basic principles of domestic construction into the area of more complex buildings, such as offices and warehousing, in multi-storey and wide span construction. You'll then look at the specification and performance requirements of the finished building elements, as well the process of construction, including sustainable construction and health and safety issues.
• QS Project (Graduate Diploma Only) (30 credits) - Covers the basic knowledge and skills required to begin work as a QS using the lifecycle of a medium-sized construction project as a case study. You'll cover project-based skills in budget estimating, basic cost-planning, bill production, tender estimating, interim valuations and final accounts.

Level 3:

• Strategic Cost Planning (30 credits) - This module introduces you to large projects, often characterised by uncertainty and complexity, where you'll need to evaluate strategic options over extended time periods to maximise value. The module is linked to a European Study visit in November, which exposes you to European practice and culture in construction practice.
• Commercial Management (30 credits) - As a counterpoint to the previous module, we focus on the contractors' perspective, covering contract and sub-contract management, preliminaries costing and apportionment, payment and claims applications, and cost-value reconciliation. Your coursework looks at new markets for construction services and existing barriers to entry.

Level M:

These modules examine current advanced-level practice in detail and reflect on the latest initiatives. They draw on the expertise of leading industry practitioners as visiting lecturers and speakers. We encourage you to develop coursework based on your own work experience.

• Construction Contract Law (15 credits) - Builds your knowledge in advanced construction law and developments in standard forms of contract.
• Construction Procurement (15 credits) - 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.
• Construction Project Management Practice (15 credits) - Project management has become the key discipline for construction professionals in the fast paced construction environment. The focus of this module is on the optimal use of resources and programming to deliver projects on time and on budget.
• Building Information Modelling in Design Co-ordination (15 credits) - BIM is a vitally important part of the construction industry in the 21st Century. All professionals in the built environment must embrace the new approach in terms of collaboration and design as well as the cost planning and whole life costing elements. Successful completion of this module will equip the student with insight and skills in this fast evolving area.
• Dissertation (MSc students only) (60 credits) - This is aimed at giving you the valuable experience of advanced independent enquiry, working at the boundaries of current knowledge, and linked to research expertise within UWE Bristol. You'll submit a research proposal and present it at a progress seminar before completing a 16,000-20,000-word dissertation.

The University continually enhances our offer by responding to feedback from our students and other stakeholders, ensuring the curriculum is kept up to date and our graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need for the real world. This may result in changes to the course. If changes to your course are approved we will inform you.

Teaching methods vary depending on the module, but typically include lectures, project work and tutorials. We encourage 'formative work' to prepare for assessments this is not credited, but gives you valuable feedback to help improve your performance.

Support is available if you have difficulties with numeracy, IT, literacy or study skills. Our staff provide a friendly, enabling environment for learning. They are also actively engaged in research or professional practice, ensuring you learn directly from the latest academic and business developments.

The course is also supported by a group of employers who contribute towards resources used in teaching, offer sponsorship and placements to students, and are keen to employ UWE Bristol graduates.

Find out more about our construction partner employers.

For more details see our glossary of teaching and learning terms.

"I have found UWE a fantastic place to study on a part-time basis and feel that all of the resources and teaching input along the way has been second to none." Tom, Graduate Diploma graduate

Graduate Diploma

This is normally studied over three years part-time (term time only): one day a week for the first two years, then two days in alternate weeks for the third year.

If you are in (or can find) relevant employment, we encourage you to study part-time and arrange employer sponsorship.

By agreement with the course leader, the course may be studied full-time for one academic year followed by part-time for one academic year.

MSc

This is studied full-time over one academic year plus up to six months to complete the dissertation, or part-time over three academic years plus up to six months to complete the dissertation. It is also possible to defer modules and take them over a longer period if necessary.

We assess you through a combination of written examinations, coursework, projects, presentations and case studies. Because of the importance attached to presentation and collaboration skills, up to 25% of assessment is through oral presentation and group work.

For more detail see our full glossary of assessment terms.