Overview

Built for success

Want to transition your career into the construction industry? Our fully online and industry-recognised MSc Building Surveying programme is a stepping stone to developing theoretical and practical knowledge in the built environment.

This postgraduate qualification equips you with the cutting-edge skills and academic foundation needed to pursue a successful career as a chartered building surveyor. From project management and conservation to advising diverse clients—from homeowners to large industrial firms — you’ll gain the specialist insights that set you apart.

With flexible learning options, this programme empowers you to advance your career on your own terms, anywhere in the world through its fully online learning environment. Take the next step in your professional journey and become a leader in shaping the future of our built environment.

About the programme

Course accreditations

       

Structure

Modules you will study

You will study 8 modules across 2 years.

Autumn

Year 1

Project Management in the Built Environment

Explore the strategic and organisational challenges of project management, focusing on the management of construction projects. Develop the variance of skillsets and professional disciplines required to manage, plan, and control the safe and compliant delivery of built assets, in the context of key project drivers.

Construction Technology

Learn the principles of construction technology, including modern, innovative and traditional construction. Explore assessment methods and relevant codes and regulations within the framework of a sustainable and inclusive built environment.

Law for the Built Environment

Gain an introduction into English law, the legal system and the law making process, along with the law of contract and tort. Develop an understanding of legislation appropriate to the project such as planning, building regulations and health and safety legislation. Alternative dispute resolution is also covered.

Regulation and Fire Safety

Analyse the principles and practice of planning, building regulations and fire safety, developing your ability to examine their purpose and relevance and apply these to a range of scenarios. This module explores both domestic and international building standards.

Year 2

Building Pathology

Investigate building pathology in the context of professional practice, and develop your ability to recognise and remedy building defects in a range of scenarios. You will gain an understanding of the inspection, testing and monitoring techniques necessary to ensure the most appropriate diagnosis of building defects.

Building Maintenance and Management

Delve into building surveying practice, and enhance your ability to recognise, analyse and remedy building maintenance issues. Apply building surveying practice, maintenance and adaptation to different situations during building occupation.

Conservation and Adaptation of Buildings

Examine the wider context and technical issues regarding both the conservation and adaptation of existing buildings. This module covers the history of architecture, enabling the student to identify different ages and features and make informed decisions about the alteration and adaptation of buildings.

Postgraduate Project (start)

Build your research skills within the context of the built environment with the opportunity to conduct a self-directed research project that reflects the culmination of your studies. The topics selected are expected to reflect the current and critical issues that concern the built environment.

Structure details

The module structure above is indicative for those beginning their studies in the autumn. For further information about programme content, or to see how modules are structured for those starting in spring, you can view the full programme specification which sets out aims, intended learning outcomes and assessment methods.

For further information on modules view our module descriptors. Please note that modules are subject to change.

SDG’s Sustainability

How does this course align?

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is the United Nation’s economic, social and environmental plan to achieve sustainable development. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are central to this ambition, and must therefore be a critical part of built environment curriculums.

We are currently undergoing an evaluation of how SDGs relate to modules. This will be updated shortly.

Programme leader

Programme leader

Dr Karen Clarke

BENG (Hons), PHD, CENG, MICE, MCIOB, C.BUILD, MCABE, ASSOCRICS, FGS, SFHEA

Dr Clarke is a Chartered Civil Engineer, Chartered Construction Manager and Chartered Building Engineer who has worked in Higher Education for the last twenty years. She was previously a Senior Lecturer at Kingston University teaching on Building Surveying, Construction Management, Civil Engineering and Foundation Year in Engineering courses.

Meet Karen

Introduction webinar

Join lecturer Dr Karen Clarke in her programme introduction webinar. Here you can learn more about the University, online study and the course, and ask any questions you may have,

Lecturer appointment

Ideal for those who have already attended the introduction webinar, this is a great opportunity to ask your specific questions to the lecturer one-to-one.

Online learning

The future of study

Flexible study

Balance your study, work and home commitments, all while working towards your career goals

e-Library access

Full access to a comprehensive and valuable e-library with a wealth of resources to support your studies

Interactive

Study using a diverse range of interactive, modern and dynamic learning resources

Expert-led

Learning activities that have been designed by University of the Built Environment lecturers and subject matter experts

Stay connected

Learn alongside a diverse community of students from all over the world

Time commitment and study breakdown

Studying two modules per semester requires an expected time commitment of 15-20 hours per week. If you study only one module per semester, the weekly time commitment will be less, depending on the module’s credit size. Most modules are typically 20 credits.

30

Directed study time (%)

35

Self-directed study time (%)

35

Assessment study time (%)

Applications

Ready to apply?

Autumn 2025

Apply by 11 August 2025 to start on 29 September 2025

Spring 2026

Apply by 09 February 2026 to start on 30 March 2026

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