Building Surveying - MSc/Graduate Diploma

For the Graduate Diploma you will study the following Level 2 and 3 modules over one year full-time, or over two years part-time by day-release. Upon completion of these you will then progress to the M level modules.

Direct entry Masters students start with the level 3 Modules.

• Analysis of Building Defect (15 credits) - Investigating how buildings deteriorate, and exploring the range of investigative and reporting techniques a building surveyor uses.
• Building Surveys and Professional Consultancy (15 credits) - A closer look at the building surveyor's role and the range of professional services he or she may be engaged in, along with the practical risks involved and the procedures for mitigating such risk within appropriate professional standards.
• Residential Refurbishment and Maintenance (30 credits) - Explores the design, construction and social issues that influence refurbishment and redevelopment of residential property in the private, social housing and public sectors.

• Commercial Development (30 credits) - Here we look at the issues affecting design, selection criteria and performance characteristics in design, construction, and services. We explore the economic and market influences on the feasibility of property development schemes.
• Procurement and Contract Law (15 credits) - A study of the legal issues arising from the administration of construction contracts.
• Conserving Buildings and Places (15 credits) - An introduction to the ideas, principles and practices of conserving the built heritage. It includes an academic consideration of conservation values.

• Building Surveying Integrating Project (30 credits) - This module looks at refurbishment of commercial property from a practical perspective on how to achieve clients' challenges, and in consideration of the management issues related to such works. Where possible, this is delivered jointly with practitioners and real-life situations, giving you valuable real-world insights and experience.
• Estates and Strategic Management (15 credits)- A study of the management of an organisation's built estate assets in relation to their corporate goals, considering various environmental factors.
• Building Information Management in Operation & Maintenance (15 credits) - Examine the role of BIM for building and asset operation and maintenance, and the challenges of BIM-Facilities Management (FM) integration.
• Dissertation (60 credit) - MSc students also take the dissertation module. Successful Graduate Diploma students can also apply to add the dissertation module and achieve a full MSc. This module will equip and guide you to undertake independent research on issues and topics relevant to construction and the built environment.

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 between modules, but include lectures, project work and tutorials.

We provide a friendly, supportive learning environment. Our teaching staff are all involved in research or professional practice, so you learn directly from the latest academic and business developments.

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

Full-time students can study the Level 2 and 3 modules over one year.

Part-time students take the level 2 and level 3 modules in separate years so they attend one day a week over two years.

The Masters Modules are delivered in blocks starting in the summer immediately after their level 3 modules are completed in order that the Graduate Diploma is completed by the end of December.

Direct entry Master's students can complete their studies in one year or spread them over two years, starting with Level 3 modules in the first year and Master's modules in the second.

Assessment is through a balance of coursework and examinations. Examinations are held in either January or May/June. Coursework comprises a variety of essays, reports, surveys, design projects, teamwork and progress tests.

We encourage you to undertake 'formative work' to prepare for assessment. This will not count towards your module marks, but the feedback you receive will help you improve your performance.

For more detail see our full glossary of assessment terms.