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
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Structure
Modules you will study
You will study 8 modules across 2 years.
Autumn
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Directed study time (%)
Self-directed study time (%)
Assessment study time (%)
Applications
Ready to apply?
Apply by 11 August 2025 to start on 29 September 2025
Apply by 09 February 2026 to start on 30 March 2026