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Build your future with our distance learning Quantity Surveying MSc.

Accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the course will teach you all you need to know to succeed in this competitive industry.

From developing your knowledge of the key concepts and frameworks related to built environment disciplines to specific quantity surveying skills - such as writing specifications, tendering, managing contracts, procurement, construction law and dispute resolution - this course will enhance your professional profile and earning potential.

Our RICS accreditation is a reflection of our high standards of teaching. It also shows you’ll be learning industry relevant content which can be applied in everyday working life, before and after graduation.

Choose to start studying in January, April, July or October and gain a respected quantity surveyor qualification in around two years, or take a little longer if you need to. Plus, enjoy the freedom to pay your fees in module by module instalments, spreading the cost out over the duration of your course.

If you have a question about the course, visit our course FAQ pages.

50 years of surveying courses

Build your future with our distance learning Quantity Surveying MSc.

Accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the course will teach you all you need to know to succeed in this competitive industry.

From developing your knowledge of the key concepts and frameworks related to built environment disciplines to specific quantity surveying skills - such as writing specifications, tendering, managing contracts, procurement, construction law and dispute resolution - this course will enhance your professional profile and earning potential.

Our RICS accreditation is a reflection of our high standards of teaching. It also shows you’ll be learning industry relevant content which can be applied in everyday working life, before and after graduation.

Choose to start studying in January, April, July or October and gain a respected quantity surveyor qualification in around two years, or take a little longer if you need to. Plus, enjoy the freedom to pay your fees in module by module instalments, spreading the cost out over the duration of your course.

If you have a question about the course, visit our course FAQ pages.

50 years of surveying courses

Course Information

Level of Study
Postgraduate

Mode of Study
2 years Distance Learning

Department
Architecture and Built Environment

Location
Ellison Building, Newcastle City Campus

City
Newcastle

Start
Upcoming Intakes: January 2025, April 2025

Fees
Fee Information

Modules
Module Information

Course Videos - Surveying MSc

Watch our videos below to hear more about the course from academic Julie Clarke and to discover the reasons you should choose our MSc.

Related Courses

Discover more about our alternative online Surveying MSc pathways.

Discover More

Entry Requirements 2024/25

Standard Entry

Applicants should normally have: 

A minimum of a 2:2 honours degree.

Applicants with other qualifications and relevant professional experience may apply and be judged individually on merit

International qualifications 

If you have studied a non UK qualification, you can see how your qualifications compare to the standard entry criteria, by selecting the country that you received the qualification in, from our country pages. Visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry 

English Language requirements 

International applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with 5.5 in each component (or approved equivalent*).

*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades you will need in our English Language section. Visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications

Entry Requirements 2025/26

Standard Entry

Applicants should normally have: 

A minimum of a 2:2 honours degree.

Applicants with other qualifications and relevant professional experience may apply and be judged individually on merit

International qualifications 

If you have studied a non UK qualification, you can see how your qualifications compare to the standard entry criteria, by selecting the country that you received the qualification in, from our country pages. Visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry 

English Language requirements 

International applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with 5.5 in each component (or approved equivalent*).

*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades you will need in our English Language section. Visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications

Fees and Funding 2024/25 Entry

Full UK Fee: £10,460

Full International Fee: £10,460



Scholarships and Discounts

Discover More about Fees, Scholarships and other Funding options for UK and International applicants.

ADDITIONAL COSTS

It is vital that DL students have regular internet access to access the Blackboard Ultra e-learning portal, which contains online learning materials, in-course communication tools, advice and support services. The recommended computer operating systems are: Windows 7 or newer, Mac OSX 10.6 or newer, Linux – chromeOS, Mobile – iOS 7 or newer/Android 4.2 or newer

Fees and Funding 2025/26 Entry

Full UK Fee: TBC

Full International Fee: TBC



Scholarships and Discounts

Discover More about Fees, Scholarships and other Funding options for UK and International applicants.

ADDITIONAL COSTS

It is vital that DL students have regular internet access to access the Blackboard Ultra e-learning portal, which contains online learning materials, in-course communication tools, advice and support services. The recommended computer operating systems are: Windows 7 or newer, Mac OSX 10.6 or newer, Linux – chromeOS, Mobile – iOS 7 or newer/Android 4.2 or newer.

Our Application Process

Applying for this course is quick and easy, and can be done using our online applicant portal.

 

As part of the application process, you’ll need to upload a selection of important documents including:

  • Your Bachelor’s degree certificate
  • A copy of your degree transcript (if this was awarded in a language other than English, you’ll need an official translation too)
  • Evidence of any other postgraduate or professional qualifications
  • An updated CV/resume
  • Proof of your English Language proficiency (if English is your second language)
  • A 500 word personal statement

If you are a non standard applicant, you will also need to send us two professional / personal references on headed paper.

 

After receiving your application, our Applicant Services team will aim to respond to you as soon as possible.

 

You are advised to apply early to secure your place and organise any sponsorship, scholarships or funding.

 

The University reserves the right at any stage to request applicants and enrolling students to provide additional information about any aspect of their application or enrolment. In the event of any student providing false or inaccurate information at any stage, and/or failing to provide additional information when requested to do so, the University further reserves the right to refuse to consider an application, to withdraw registration, rescind home fees status where applicable, and/or demand payment of any fees or monies due to the University.

 


Modules

Listed below are the modules that you will study on this course. Delivered in a flexible carousel structure, the order in which you study your modules will vary depending on when you begin the course. Please note, modules are reviewed annually and may be subject to change between academic years. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes. If you have any questions about this, or our carousel structure, please get in touch on +44 (0) 191 276 4874 or at DLstudentenquiries@northumbria.ac.uk


PE7000 -

Research Methods (20 Credits)

In this module you will develop your understanding of the research process and research methods. You will engage with materials that will enable you to plan and design a research proposal for a subsequent research based study in your discipline area.

Aspects will include:
• Engagement with the purpose and process of research
• Identification and refining of appropriate research questions
• Critical awareness of research theory, approaches, methods and ethics, to inform effective research design
• Searching for, managing and evaluatingsources for inclusion in a literature review

You will develop your skills as autonomous, reflective learners in support of the process of completing the dissertation.

More information

PE7005 -

Quantity Surveying Practice and Management (20 Credits)

This module aims to further develop your understanding of the key processes and practices applied within the quantity surveying profession. The module has been designed to be aligned with the RICS competencies framework.

The module will cover the following topics:

• Strategic Procurement,
• Commercial Management (Including Financial Control of Projects)
• Project Management (Including Supply chain management and Health and Safety Management)
• Building Measurement (NRM2)
• Civil Engineering Technology and Measurement (CESMM4)

More information

PE7006 -

Contract Administration and Practice (20 Credits)

In this module you will gain an understanding of, and examine, the role of the surveyor in managing property, construction contracts and the design process. You will learn to identify and analyse the key theories and procedures within construction projects including procurement, tendering and contract selection. You will understand how these are integrated within the roles and duties of the contract administrator and health and safety practice. An understanding of design principles and practice along with specification writing will further enhance your practical skills and compliment the theoretical knowledge learnt.

You will develop, throughout this module, academic and professional skills relating to the use and evaluation of data; effective communication; self-direction and personal responsibility; and the role of ethics and corporate social responsibility within businesses.

More information

PE7003 -

The Business Environment (20 Credits)

In this module you will learn about the strategic management and organisational development contexts that shape the built environment, its markets and professions You will critically review and evaluate the operating environment of built environment organisations through the application of strategic management and organisational development theory.

Within each of these areas you will study a range of topics to support this:
• Strategic Management
o The strategic management process
o The external and internal business environment
o Determining the organisations strategic position
o Moving the organisation on through strategic options and implementation
• Organisational Development
o The meaning and nature of organisations
o Organisation structure and culture
o Management and leadership within organisations
o Organisational development and change

On completion of this module the knowledge and understanding acquired forms part of the broader contextual framework for the study of your discipline specific professional pathway.

You will develop, throughout this module, academic and professional skills relating to the use and evaluation of data; effective communication; self-direction and personal responsibility; and the role of ethics and corporate social responsibility within businesses

More information

PE7001 -

Research Based Study (40 Credits)

In this module you will design and implement a substantive research based investigation in order to address a self-selected, authentic work based or professional/practice related problem within your discipline area. This student-led, independent study allows you to synthesize and apply previous learning and experience, and build upon existing academic, research and personal skills.

You will learn how to effectively engage with the research process in an applied context. Aspects will include:
• Application of appropriate research questions
• Critical evaluation of existing literature and other sources to develop conceptual and theoretical frameworks for analysis
• Application of research theory and methods in implementing a piece of research in practice, including critical awareness of research theory, approaches, methods and ethics.
• Application of frameworks to provide an integrated critical analysis of theory and data to identify evidence based conclusions and recommendations where appropriate
• Project management

You will develop your skills as autonomous, reflective learners in the process of completing the research based study.

An in-depth and complex understanding of the chosen area of your professional discipline, and the skills developed in this module, will be demonstrated in a scholarly, academically rigorous research based study article The advanced knowledge gained through original data collection and analysis, and theoretically informed critical evaluation, will have the potential to contribute to the relevant disciplinary community of practice.

More information

PE7018 -

Law and Surveying Professional Practice (20 Credits)

In this module you will be introduced to the legal system and professional practice concepts that underpin the role of the surveying professional. You will initially study key professional competencies that form part of the RICS mandatory competencies and the CIH code of professional standards. You will then explore key principles contained within the English legal system as they pertain to practice such as legal reasoning and legislation.

Within each of these areas you will study a range of topics to support this:
* Professional competencies

o Professional ethics

o Professionalism and client care

o Communication and avoiding/resolving conflicts

o RICS competencies and continuing professional development

* Legal systems

o Introduction to the English legal system and legal study skills

o Contract Law and the formation of contracts

o Contract law and associated problems

o Land law

o Tort

o Landlord and tenant law

On completion of this module the knowledge and understanding that you have acquired will form part of the broader contextual framework that will prepare you for the further, detailed study of your chosen discipline.

You will develop, throughout this module, academic and professional skills relating to effective communication; self-direction and personal responsibility; and the role of professionalism and ethics within practice.

More information

PE7004 -

Construction and Sustainable Technologies (20 Credits)

In this module you will learn the fundamentals of construction technology in the context of a society’s aim of mitigating climate change. The syllabus includes the processes and technology of commercial and domestic construction, both current and the recent past to equip graduates with the knowledge to manage the construction, maintenance and development of property assets. The importance of the environmental impact of materials and the use of life cycle costing to enhance sustainability will supplement the teaching of low carbon construction technology and energy sources.

Within each of these areas you will study a range of topics to support this:

• Construction technology
o The structural elements, finishes and services found in typical low rise domestic construction.
o The structural elements, finishes and services found in commercial and industrial property.
• Low carbon design
o Site selection and building orientation
o Passive low carbon design in the domestic and commercial field
o Water conservation
o Green roof and wall applications
o Sustainable urban drainage
• Renewable energy applications
o Photovoltaic applications
o Biomass heating
o Ground and air source heat pumps
o Solar water heating
o Wind energy

On completion of this module the knowledge and understanding acquired forms part of the broader contextual framework for the study of your discipline specific professional pathway.

You will develop, throughout this module, academic and professional skills relating to the use and evaluation of data; effective communication; self-direction and personal responsibility.

More information

PE7007 -

Construction Economics (20 Credits)

This module aims to further develop your understanding of the key processes and practices undertaken by the quantity surveying profession during the development process.

The module will include the following topics:

• Preliminary and Cost Estimating
• Cost Planning, Checking and Analysis
• Cost Modelling
• Building Morphology, Risk Management, Programming Construction Works
• Building Information Modelling (BIM) (Costing, Navisworks)

This module will develop your understanding of the knowledge underpinning the work of the professional quantity surveyor. You will develop, throughout this module, academic and professional skills relating to the use and evaluation of cost and other building information data; effective communication; and self-direction and personal responsibility. Exposure throughout the module to real world practice will enhance the skills necessary for employment in this surveying discipline.

More information

Modules

Listed below are the modules that you will study on this course. Delivered in a flexible carousel structure, the order in which you study your modules will vary depending on when you begin the course. Please note, modules are reviewed annually and may be subject to change between academic years. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes. If you have any questions about this, or our carousel structure, please get in touch on +44 (0) 191 276 4874 or at DLstudentenquiries@northumbria.ac.uk


PE7000 -

Research Methods (20 Credits)

In this module you will develop your understanding of the research process and research methods. You will engage with materials that will enable you to plan and design a research proposal for a subsequent research based study in your discipline area.

Aspects will include:
• Engagement with the purpose and process of research
• Identification and refining of appropriate research questions
• Critical awareness of research theory, approaches, methods and ethics, to inform effective research design
• Searching for, managing and evaluatingsources for inclusion in a literature review

You will develop your skills as autonomous, reflective learners in support of the process of completing the dissertation.

More information

PE7003 -

The Business Environment (20 Credits)

In this module you will learn about the strategic management and organisational development contexts that shape the built environment, its markets and professions You will critically review and evaluate the operating environment of built environment organisations through the application of strategic management and organisational development theory.

Within each of these areas you will study a range of topics to support this:
• Strategic Management
o The strategic management process
o The external and internal business environment
o Determining the organisations strategic position
o Moving the organisation on through strategic options and implementation
• Organisational Development
o The meaning and nature of organisations
o Organisation structure and culture
o Management and leadership within organisations
o Organisational development and change

On completion of this module the knowledge and understanding acquired forms part of the broader contextual framework for the study of your discipline specific professional pathway.

You will develop, throughout this module, academic and professional skills relating to the use and evaluation of data; effective communication; self-direction and personal responsibility; and the role of ethics and corporate social responsibility within businesses

More information

PE7005 -

Quantity Surveying Practice and Management (20 Credits)

This module aims to further develop your understanding of the key processes and practices applied within the quantity surveying profession. The module has been designed to be aligned with the RICS competencies framework.

The module will cover the following topics:

• Strategic Procurement,
• Commercial Management (Including Financial Control of Projects)
• Project Management (Including Supply chain management and Health and Safety Management)
• Building Measurement (NRM2)
• Civil Engineering Technology and Measurement (CESMM4)

More information

PE7006 -

Contract Administration and Practice (20 Credits)

In this module you will gain an understanding of, and examine, the role of the surveyor in managing property, construction contracts and the design process. You will learn to identify and analyse the key theories and procedures within construction projects including procurement, tendering and contract selection. You will understand how these are integrated within the roles and duties of the contract administrator and health and safety practice. An understanding of design principles and practice along with specification writing will further enhance your practical skills and compliment the theoretical knowledge learnt.

You will develop, throughout this module, academic and professional skills relating to the use and evaluation of data; effective communication; self-direction and personal responsibility; and the role of ethics and corporate social responsibility within businesses.

More information

PE7001 -

Research Based Study (40 Credits)

In this module you will design and implement a substantive research based investigation in order to address a self-selected, authentic work based or professional/practice related problem within your discipline area. This student-led, independent study allows you to synthesize and apply previous learning and experience, and build upon existing academic, research and personal skills.

You will learn how to effectively engage with the research process in an applied context. Aspects will include:
• Application of appropriate research questions
• Critical evaluation of existing literature and other sources to develop conceptual and theoretical frameworks for analysis
• Application of research theory and methods in implementing a piece of research in practice, including critical awareness of research theory, approaches, methods and ethics.
• Application of frameworks to provide an integrated critical analysis of theory and data to identify evidence based conclusions and recommendations where appropriate
• Project management

You will develop your skills as autonomous, reflective learners in the process of completing the research based study.

An in-depth and complex understanding of the chosen area of your professional discipline, and the skills developed in this module, will be demonstrated in a scholarly, academically rigorous research based study article The advanced knowledge gained through original data collection and analysis, and theoretically informed critical evaluation, will have the potential to contribute to the relevant disciplinary community of practice.

More information

PE7018 -

Law and Surveying Professional Practice (20 Credits)

In this module you will be introduced to the legal system and professional practice concepts that underpin the role of the surveying professional. You will initially study key professional competencies that form part of the RICS mandatory competencies and the CIH code of professional standards. You will then explore key principles contained within the English legal system as they pertain to practice such as legal reasoning and legislation.

Within each of these areas you will study a range of topics to support this:
* Professional competencies

o Professional ethics

o Professionalism and client care

o Communication and avoiding/resolving conflicts

o RICS competencies and continuing professional development

* Legal systems

o Introduction to the English legal system and legal study skills

o Contract Law and the formation of contracts

o Contract law and associated problems

o Land law

o Tort

o Landlord and tenant law

On completion of this module the knowledge and understanding that you have acquired will form part of the broader contextual framework that will prepare you for the further, detailed study of your chosen discipline.

You will develop, throughout this module, academic and professional skills relating to effective communication; self-direction and personal responsibility; and the role of professionalism and ethics within practice.

More information

PE7004 -

Construction and Sustainable Technologies (20 Credits)

In this module you will learn the fundamentals of construction technology in the context of a society’s aim of mitigating climate change. The syllabus includes the processes and technology of commercial and domestic construction, both current and the recent past to equip graduates with the knowledge to manage the construction, maintenance and development of property assets. The importance of the environmental impact of materials and the use of life cycle costing to enhance sustainability will supplement the teaching of low carbon construction technology and energy sources.

Within each of these areas you will study a range of topics to support this:

• Construction technology
o The structural elements, finishes and services found in typical low rise domestic construction.
o The structural elements, finishes and services found in commercial and industrial property.
• Low carbon design
o Site selection and building orientation
o Passive low carbon design in the domestic and commercial field
o Water conservation
o Green roof and wall applications
o Sustainable urban drainage
• Renewable energy applications
o Photovoltaic applications
o Biomass heating
o Ground and air source heat pumps
o Solar water heating
o Wind energy

On completion of this module the knowledge and understanding acquired forms part of the broader contextual framework for the study of your discipline specific professional pathway.

You will develop, throughout this module, academic and professional skills relating to the use and evaluation of data; effective communication; self-direction and personal responsibility.

More information

PE7007 -

Construction Economics (20 Credits)

This module aims to further develop your understanding of the key processes and practices undertaken by the quantity surveying profession during the development process.

The module will include the following topics:

• Preliminary and Cost Estimating
• Cost Planning, Checking and Analysis
• Cost Modelling
• Building Morphology, Risk Management, Programming Construction Works
• Building Information Modelling (BIM) (Costing, Navisworks)

This module will develop your understanding of the knowledge underpinning the work of the professional quantity surveyor. You will develop, throughout this module, academic and professional skills relating to the use and evaluation of cost and other building information data; effective communication; and self-direction and personal responsibility. Exposure throughout the module to real world practice will enhance the skills necessary for employment in this surveying discipline.

More information

To start your application, simply select the month you would like to start your course.

Surveying (Quantity Surveying) MSc

START MONTH
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Any Questions?

Our Applicant Services team will be happy to help.  They can be contacted on 02843 780 292 or by emailing DLstudentenquiries@northumbria.ac.uk



Discover how this course could transform your surveying career. Enter your details and we’ll be in touch with more information.

* At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here

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