Building Surveying BSc
Study of how to assess, manage, and improve buildings to make them safe, efficient, and sustainable.
Is this for you?
This degree could suit you if you:
Are interested in buildings and property
Enjoy technical and practical work
Like inspecting and assessing structures
Want a career in property or construction
Are detail-focused
Popular Career Fields
Property & Real Estate
Engineering & Construction
Government & Public Sector
Architecture & Built Environment
Your Personality Might Be:
Detail-oriented
Engineering & Construction
Problem-solver
Professionally minded
What is it?
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.
Course Summary
Study of how to assess, manage, and improve buildings to make them safe, efficient, and sustainable.
What you'll study
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.
Skills You'll Gain
A Building Surveying degree builds both technical and professional skills, including:
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.
Explore Uni Open Days
Pathways, Placements and Work Experience
CAREERS
Career Pathways
Building Surveying graduates are in demand across the property and construction sectors, including:
Building consultancy and surveying firms
Property development and management
Local government and heritage organisations
Facilities and project management
Sustainability and compliance consultancy
Work Experiences & Placements
Many universities offer:
Industry placements or sandwich years, often with surveying firms, construction companies, or local councils.
Summer internships in surveying, facilities management, or property development.
These experiences help you apply what you learn to real-world projects and can lead to graduate job offers.
Salary Profile
Coming soon
Qualifications, Personal Satement, What to do Next?
AM I ELIGIBLE?
Entry Requirements
A-levels or equivalent typically including Maths, a Science, or a technical subject (such as Physics or Design & Technology).
Personal Statement Tips
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.
What to do Next
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.
Wider Reading
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.