KA4029 - Professional Practice

TThe focus of the module is the application and synthesis of work based learning experiences. The module will be introduced by a workshop session to discuss the module syllabus, the role of the work based portfolio and assessment requirements. Following discussion with your module tutor and your workplace supervisor you will be required to produce an action plan identifying how you intend to achieve the competency requirements of the RICS Degree Apprenticeship.

At the start of semester 2 you will, together with your employer and tutor, agree a learning strategy and more specifically, pre-planned practical surveying tasks suitable to your role and position in the workplace. The choice of task e.g. survey and measurement is important and should be typical of the type of work with which you regularly engage in, albeit as a surveying assistant or part of a team. In this respect, your workplace will be the main learning environment, in effect acting as a framework for professional surveying practice. 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.

If you are in employment your workplace will be the main learning environment, in effect acting as a framework for property practice. 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.

a. Summative assessment and rationale for tasks

You will be required to submit a portfolio of evidence demonstrating how each of the competencies has been achieved. For each competency a reflective commentary will be required synthesising work based learning experiences and where appropriate academic study. A diary of experience will supplement the portfolio. The rationale for this is to help assess your initial progress at work and prepare you for the demands of professional training with regards to the RICS Assessment of Professional Competence (APC). One portfolio submission for assessment will be in Semester 1, the other submission date will be in Semester 2.

b. . Additional formative assessment – detail of process and rationale

You will be required to submit evidence of work based skills and learning prior to the drop-in tutorials at university in which formative assessment and further guidance will be provided to you by your tutor.

In Semester 2 you will submit a Record of Progress on your learning together with evidence of your achievements in practical surveying skills and or IT skills as a formative assessment for both your tutor and employer. It is envisaged there will be a regular dialogue between yourself and your supervisor throughout the module allowing you the opportunity to gain feedback on your progress.

c. Indication of how students will get feedback and how this will support their learning

Written feedback will be provided to you on the portfolio parts submitted in Semester 1 and Semester 2 and issued via the eLearningPortal.


You will be assigned a Module Tutor whom you will be encouraged to make contact with for support throughout your first year of studies and especially ahead of the 2 submission points as part of the module assessments. In addition tutors will provide academic guidance and feedback on student performance following visits to their workplace. Finally, tutors will respond to any generic questions posed via the module’s eLearning Portal so that the whole student cohort can benefit.

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.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

Knowledge & Understanding:
• MLO1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of study skills including collecting and using appropriate information, referencing academic work and work planning.
• MLO2: Demonstrate an ability to personally reflect and measure how your academic study has assisted your role in a professional working environment
• MLO3: Produce a response to a brief that requires application and integration of knowledge and skills gained from specific practical surveying tasks carried out in the workplace.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• MLO4: You will research and evaluate data, identify solutions, demonstrate judgement and communicate findings.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• MLO5: You will develop and apply a reflective approach to learning and personal development.

Semester 1
Via an on-line portfolio (50% weighting) submitted electronically to your tutor containing a reflective summary of skills and knowledge you have acquired on work based tasks over the first eight weeks of your studies.

The first coursework will assess MLO1, MLO2, MLO4 and MLO5.

Semester 2
Via an on-line portfolio (50% weighting) demonstrating work based practical surveying skills. Prior to this portfolio submission you will receive support sessions, focusing on a particular professional surveying skill set.

The two portfolio submissions will contribute equally to 100% of the overall module assessment.

The second project will assess MLOs 1-5.

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You will be assessed by a portfolio of surveying tasks submitted in three sections over the course of the academic year. The aim is to build up a professional portfolio that demonstrates your ability to carry out the surveying tasks and to report and present them in a clear and professional manner. For all the practical surveying tasks, you will be encouraged to work in small groups if possible, but you will make your own sketches and notes and submit an individual piece of work for each task.

This portfolio can then be used to provide evidence of your abilities to potential employers at interview stage.

Section A: 1500 words (50%)
Task 1: You will carry out a desk study to research the history of a building and its surroundings and produce an illustrated report. This task will test MLO4.
Task 2: You will carry out a measured survey of the exterior elevation of a building and produce site sketches, notes and a formal scale drawing of the elevation. This task will test MLOs 3, 4 and 5.
Task 3: You will carry out a measured survey of the interior of a building and produce site sketches, notes and a formal scale drawing of the floor plan. You will then produce a report with methodology and analysis for Tasks 1, 2 and 3. This task will test MLOs 3, 4 and 5..

Section B: 2000 words (50%)
Task 4: You will carry out a survey inspection of a commercial, industrial or retail building to assess its condition, suitability and fitness for purpose. You will then produce a building condition survey report with analysis and recommendations. This task will test all MLOs.

A significant proportion of the site work for these tasks will be carried out during workshop sessions where tutor feedback can be given on work in progress. Detailed feedback will be given on final marked submissions.