KA4026 - Property Surveying

What will I learn on this module?

This module is designed as part of a package of first year modules to provide you with the key skills and knowledge to embark on a programme of study leading to professional qualification as a chartered surveyor. The module will draw on and supplement the module on Construction Technology.

The module will be introduced by exercises to identify the characteristics of property matching them to occupier demands. You will learn and experience land and building surveying and measurement, instructed in the use of surveying equipment and be able to apply these techniques in real building surveys. In addition you will learn how to analyse building defects and specify and supervise their remediation, in the context of the contractual obligations imposed in property purchase and leasing transactions.

It is essential that the property professions make a contribution in combating climate change and as such you will be taught a range of low carbon design and construction philosophies and the application of renewable energy technologies. Property refurbishment and enhancement can also make a substantial contribution to minimising the environmental impact of property occupation, you will apply the techniques taught to the refurbishment of a range properties.

How will I learn on this module?

This module will major on experiential learning, in addition to lectures and seminars there will be workshops to introduce survey techniques and equipment and site activities to put these skills into practice. You will be supported in your learning by formative assessment and feedback to help you assimilate the taught materials. The built environment is characterised by a range on online resources such as specifications, guidance notes and videos from government, professional bodies and manufacturers. These technological resources will be exploited to provide a rich learning experience.

Low carbon design and construction is rapidly evolving to meet the challenge of climate change, the teaching will be informed by research from a range of authoritative sources, include staff research, to help you evaluate the range of alternatives available. It is anticipated that you will be able to visit and evaluate for yourself a variety of properties that have used innovative solutions to low carbon design.

The assessment of the module will comprise two exercises, working in small groups or individually to demonstrate your command of the survey techniques, diagnostic skills and potential solutions.

If you are in employment your workplace will be the main learning environment, in effect acting as a framework for property surveying. However, tutor support will be available via drop-in sessions throughout the module study period. If you are in employment it is recognised that there is the need for modes of blended learning delivery, experiential assessment, and opportunities to combine work and study through independent study, embedded learning opportunities, and relevant communications technologies. Lecture capture will be used to elaborate on the content contained in any teaching material along with audio recording and notes to support presentations on key topics.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

You will be an autonomous, self-motivated learner within a supportive environment. The teaching in the form of lectures, seminars and workshops form the foundation for supporting you during your study. Academic support is available from the teaching team through our ‘open door’ policy that allows you to question directly your tutors. Focused academic support coupled with timely formative and summative feedback should enable you to meet your full academic potential within this module.

If you are in employment your workplace will be the main learning environment, however, tutor support will be available via drop-in sessions throughout the module study period. The eLP, telephone and email will be used as a means of communication once the initial briefings have taken place and work-based visits will be made by tutors if appropriate.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
• MLO1: Demonstrate competence in property surveys, the use of recording, measurement and survey equipment and the diagnosis of property defects and their solutions.

• MLO2: Evaluate passive low carbon design techniques and renewable energy applications in property refurbishment to meet the regulatory environment and the aspirations of the market.

• MLO3: Evaluate location criteria in respect of property construction and development and including environmental impact

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• MLO4: Analyse survey outcomes, diagnose and recommend, demonstrate judgement and communicate findings.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• MLO5: Demonstrate the capacity for independent, evidence based thinking and decision-making.

How will I be assessed?

Formative assessment: tasks are embedded within the lecture, seminars, site visits and workshop sessions to provide feedback immediately upon completion. This timely feedback will assist in consolidating your learning as you move through the module.

Summative assessment: this module is assessed by two pieces of coursework. These indicative coursework’s are generic in nature; actual coursework will take advantage of current developments in the locality and the availability of site and buildings to host surveying activity.

Coursework one - The students will work in small groups to prepare a report to demonstrate the ability to measure land and buildings accurately and present findings in an appropriate, professional, manner. This coursework has a value of 40% and tests MLO1, MLO3 and MLO5.

Coursework two – Working individually, a survey report of a building with significant structural/environmental issues. The report will identify defects, analyse the cause and make recommendations on remedial work to meet current occupier expectations and provide a design exercise to involve a change of use and environmental upgrade. The coursework has a value of 60% and tests MLO 1, MLO2, MLO3, MLO4 and MLO5.

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

In this module you will learn the fundamentals of land and property surveying, measurement, defect diagnosis and property refurbishment in the context of a society’s aim of mitigating climate change. The teaching and learning will experiential in nature, characterised by the use site visits to occupied and unoccupied building to survey, measure and investigate. You will acquire the skills and knowledge to prepare you for a career in property and be able to make an immediate contribution to the work of a professional office as a placement student or gradate surveyor. If you are in employment your workplace will act as a framework for property surveying to develop your skills and knowledge.

Course info

UCAS Code K240

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years full-time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Department Architecture and Built Environment

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2024 or September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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