Building Surveying BSc
Study of how to assess, manage, and improve buildings to make them safe, efficient, and sustainable.
YOUR PERSONALITY MIGHT BE:
Detail-oriented
Analytical thinker
Problem-solver
Professionally minded
POPULAR CAREER FIELDS
Property & Real Estate
Engineering & Construction
Government & Public Sector
Architecture & Built Environment
Is this for you?
Building Surveying BSc
Is this for you?
WHAT IS IT?
Study of how to assess, manage, and improve buildings to make them safe, efficient, and sustainable.
CAREER OPTIONS
CURRENT APPRENTICESHIPS, INTERNSHIPS & WORKPLACES
Internships
Apprenticeships
Uni Open Days
FIND OUT MORE
About the Course
What Is a Building Surveying Degree?
Building Surveying focuses on understanding how buildings are constructed, maintained, and renovated. It combines technical knowledge with problem-solving and project management to ensure buildings are safe, functional, and environmentally responsible.
Why Study Building Surveying?
Building surveyors play a vital role in maintaining and improving our built environment. This degree is ideal if you’re interested in how buildings work, enjoy practical problem-solving, and want a professional career that mixes office work, site visits, and client interaction.
Most Building Surveying degrees cover:
Building design and construction technology
Building pathology and defects analysis
Property law and planning regulation
Health, safety, and risk management
Refurbishment and conservation
Sustainable and environmental design
Project and contract management
Later in your course, you can usually specialise - for example, in heritage conservation, sustainability, or commercial property management.
Degree Types
BSc (Bachelor of Science): Focuses on applied knowledge and professional practice in surveying, construction, and property management.
Some universities also offer sandwich courses with a year in industry or foundation years for additional preparation.
Building Inspection Skills – assessing structural condition, defects, and building performance.
Construction Technology Knowledge – understanding materials, methods, and modern building systems.
Regulation & Compliance – applying building regulations, planning law, and safety standards.
Defect Diagnosis – identifying causes of damp, structural issues, and deterioration.
Project & Report Management – managing surveys, preparing professional reports, and advising clients.
A-levels or equivalent typically including Maths, a Science, or a technical subject (such as Physics or Design & Technology).
How to Apply: Most students apply through UCAS.
Personal Statement Tips:Show your interest in buildings, design, or construction.
Mention any practical or work experience you’ve gained.
Reflect on how buildings affect people, communities, and the environment.
Include examples such as site visits, technical projects, or STEM activities.
Building Pathology: Principles and Practice by David Watt – Understanding building defects and maintenance.
Building Construction Handbook by Roy Chudley and Roger Greeno – A key reference for construction and materials.
Building Surveyor’s Pocket Book by Melanie Smith and Christopher Gorse – A practical guide for professionals.
Sustainable Construction by Charles Kibert – Exploring environmentally responsible building design.
Compare courses to find the right balance of technical, legal, and environmental focus.
Attend open days or virtual sessions to meet lecturers and explore facilities.
Visit local buildings or construction projects to observe different techniques.
Learn about sustainability and smart building technologies.
Building Surveying - Building surveyor, senior building surveyor, chartered building surveyor, principal surveyor
Project Management - Project manager (construction), construction project manager, development manager, client representative
Building Control - Building control surveyor, approved inspector, building standards surveyor, plan checker
Property & Facilities - Property manager, facilities manager, building asset manager, estate surveyor
Dilapidations - Dilapidations surveyor, lease consultant, dilapidations specialist, schedule of condition surveyor
Conservation - Conservation surveyor, historic buildings surveyor, heritage consultant, listed buildings surveyor
Contract Administration - Contract administrator, contract surveyor, employer's agent, quantity surveyor
Building Pathology - Building pathologist, defects analyst, forensic building surveyor, damp and timber specialist
Do You Need a Masters?
Yes, if you want specialized surveying roles (dilapidations, rights of light), international surveying, or academic careers.
No, if you're going into building surveying practice – your BSc allows RICS chartership through APC route (most common pathway).
Popular Masters Options
Building Surveying (MSc) – 1 year Advanced pathology, conservation, project management. Enhances knowledge but not essential for RICS.
Building Conservation (MSc) – 1 year Historic buildings, listed structures, heritage sector. Premium rates, £32,000-£48,000.
Project Management/Construction Management (MSc) – 1 year Switch to PM roles, larger projects. £30,000-£50,000 careers.
Quantity Surveying (MSc) – 1 year Switch to QS route if prefer cost consultancy side.
Real Estate/Property Development (MSc) – 1 year Development, investment, asset management. £32,000-£50,000+.
Facilities Management (MSc) – 1 year Corporate FM, building operations, property management.
Professional Qualifications
RICS Chartered Surveyor (Building Surveying) – APC route Most important qualification. 24 months structured training. £35,000-£55,000+ chartered.
RICS Specialist Pathways – Additional accreditations Party Wall, Dilapidations, Rights of Light, Fire Safety.
Building Control Approved Inspector – Additional qualification Building regulations inspection, local authority/private sector.
Without a Masters
Excellent careers available (your BSc is highly valued):
Building Surveyor (£24,000-£32,000 starting)
Graduate Building Surveyor (APC training, £22,000-£28,000)
Building Control Surveyor (£26,000-£34,000)
Project Surveyor (£24,000-£32,000)
Dilapidations Surveyor (£26,000-£36,000)
Technical Due Diligence (£26,000-£35,000)
Building Pathology Specialist
Money Talk
Masters: £10,000-£20,000. RICS chartership via APC is far more valuable than Masters. Most top building surveyors qualified through work experience route. Only pursue Masters if interested in specialized areas (conservation, international work) or already chartered and want to add expertise. Chartered building surveyors: £40,000-£70,000+ mid-senior career, partners £80,000-£150,000+.
Related Courses
Public Relations BA
Study of how organisations communicate with the public, combining creativity, strategy, and communication skills to prepare you for roles in PR, media, branding, and corporate communication.
Film Production BA
Study of how films are planned, shot, edited, and produced - combining creativity, technical skills, and storytelling to prepare you for work in the film, TV, and digital media industries.
Digital Media BA
Explore how digital content is made, designed, and shared, developing creative, technical, and communication skills for careers in media, design, and online storytelling.
Sports Journalism BA
Study of how to report, write, and create stories about sport - combining journalism, media production, and communication to prepare for an exciting career in sports media and broadcasting.
Advertising BA
Study of how brands create messages, design campaigns, and communicate with audiences, combining creativity, strategy, and digital skills to prepare you for careers in advertising, media, and creative industries.
Media, Culture & Communication BA
Study of how media shapes culture, identity, and communication, combining analysis, research, and creative thinking to prepare you for careers in media, communications, journalism, culture industries, and public engagement.
Communications BA
Study of how people communicate in society, organisations, and media, combining writing, analysis, and digital skills to prepare you for careers in communications, media, marketing, public relations, and cultural industries.
Audio Production BA
Study of how audio is recorded, edited, and produced, combining creativity, technical skill, and storytelling to prepare you for careers in music, podcasting, radio, film, and digital media.
Film and Television Studies BA
Study of film, television, and screen cultures - combining analysis, research, and creative practice to understand how visual media shapes stories, society, and audiences.
Media and Communications BA
Study of how media shapes communication, culture, and society, combining analysis, creativity, and digital skills.
Marketing & Public Relations BA
Study of how organisations build their brand, communicate with audiences, and promote products or messages, combining marketing strategy with public relations skills for careers in media, business, and creative industries.
English & Journalism BA
Study of writing, storytelling, language, and news reporting, combining literary analysis with practical journalism skills to prepare you for careers in media, publishing, writing, and communication.
Broadcast Journalism BA
Study of how to produce and present stories for television, radio, and digital platforms - combining communication, creativity, and technical skills for a fast-paced career in modern media.
Social Media Management BA/BSc
Study of how social media platforms are used to create content, build brands, and engage audiences, combining creativity, analytics, and communication skills to prepare you for careers in digital marketing, content creation, and online communication.
Media Studies BA
Study of how media shapes culture, society, and communication, combining analysis, creativity, and research to prepare you for roles in media, content creation, journalism, marketing, and cultural industries.
Media Production BA
Study of how media content is planned, created, and produced, combining creativity, technology, and communication to prepare you for modern roles in film, television, audio, and digital media.
Digital Media and Communications BA
Study of how digital platforms shape communication and creativity, combining media analysis, digital production, and communication skills to prepare you for careers in content creation, media, marketing, and online communication.
Communications and Media BA
Study of how communication works across society and how media shapes culture, combining analysis, creativity, and digital skills to prepare you for careers in media, communications, marketing, and public relations.
Photojournalism and Documentary Photography BA
Study of how to tell real stories through images - combining photography, journalism, and visual communication to capture moments that inform, inspire, or create change.
Digital Content Creation BA
Study of how digital content is planned, produced, and delivered across online platforms, combining creativity, storytelling, and technical skills to prepare you for careers in content creation, social media, digital media, and creative industries.
Multimedia Journalism BA
Study of how to tell stories across multiple media platforms - combining writing, video, audio, and digital production for a career in journalism, broadcasting, or content creation.
Journalism BA
Study of how to find, tell, and share stories - combining writing, research, and digital media to prepare for a fast-moving career in news, broadcasting, and content creation.
