Overview

Built for success

Want to transition your career into the construction industry? Our 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 advanced 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.

Supported by expert lecturers and a vibrant virtual learning community all around the world, this programme will prepare you to achieve chartered status with leading professional bodies such as RICS, CIOB, CABE and HKICM. Specialise, advance, and set yourself apart as a leader in the global construction industry with our MSc Building Surveying.

 

Hong Kong blended learning – update

The University’s introduction of blended learning for MSc programmes in Hong Kong has been deferred to March 2027*. This is due to the ongoing registration process with the Non-local Courses Registry (NCR).

We understand that many professionals are keen to begin their studies this September, so students joining the September 2026 intake from Hong Kong and Macau will study via our fully online programme and will continue to be supported by our dedicated staff. Tuition fees have been adjusted accordingly to reflect this delivery mode.

*The introduction of the blended learning experience, combining online study with in-person support, is expected from March 2027 onwards, subject to NCR approval. You may complete the Contact Us form to find out more about blended learning or to be informed when applications open.
Please note, students choosing to study online from September will not be able to transfer to blended delivery at a later date.

About this degree

Course accreditations

       

 

Remarks:
This programme is registered with the Hong Kong Non-local Courses Registry (NCR)#. “It is a matter of discretion for individual employers to recognize any qualification to which this programme may lead.“^
These programmes are eligible programmes under the Extended Non-means-tested Loan Scheme administered by the Student Finance Office (SFO), Working Family and Student Financial Assistance Agency (WFSFAA).

 

# The Hong Kong blended mode of delivery of this programme is subject to approval by the Non-local Courses Registry (NCR). Formal approval must be secured prior to the commencement of our blended offering in Hong Kong. Applicants should note that the availability of this delivery mode is contingent upon such regulatory approval, if approval is not secured by September 2026, the programme will be delivered fully online with support from Hong Kong specific tutors. We will keep you updated on this situation.

^ NCR website

Structure

Modules you will study

You will study 8 modules over 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.

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.

Assessments

Assessments in this programme may include coursework such as essays, reports, portfolios, reflections, problem-solving tasks, or video presentations, along with computer-based and computer-marked assessments. Assessments will vary between modules and you can check the module descriptors for more details.

Applications

Ready to apply?

 

Application deadline

Autumn 2026
  • Apply by 10 August 2026 to start on 28 September 2026
Spring 2027
  • Apply by 08 February 2027 to start on 30 March 2027

Admissions process

1. Check our entry requirements

Check the entry requirements above. If you have any questions, you are welcome to contact our Hong Kong office, either through WhatsApp +852 5647 2020 or complete the contact form below.

2. Submit your application

Get the necessary documents ready for your application, including HKID or passport, academic certificates, transcripts, and any other required materials. Contact us through WhatsApp +852 5647 2020 or complete the contact form below, and we will be happy to advise you on the next steps. No application fee is required.

3. Receive the offer

The admissions team will review the documents and process your application. If you meet the entry requirements, you will receive a conditional offer email from admissions team. Please note receiving an offer does not mean you are committed to study with us, but it will be the first step.

4. Verify your document

The conditional offer email will specify the documents to be verified. Local students are encouraged to bring original copies and visit our Hong Kong office. If you are unable to come in person, check who can verify your documents and what they need to include.

5. Register

There is no further action until registration opens. You will receive an Invitation to Register email a few weeks before the semester begins. You can contact us if you have any additional questions.

6. Accept the offer

Through the Invitation to Register email, you can access the registration portal, then follow the instructions, and complete the tuition payment for this semester. Once it is done, you will officially be part of our community!

7. Join Orientation and begin your journey!

An in-person orientation evening will be held one week before the semester start at the Hong Kong office. Join us to meet your fellow course peers, enjoy some light refreshments, and gain valuable insights from lecturers and alumni sharing sessions. You are ready to start your study journey!

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    Remarks:
    This programme is registered with the Hong Kong Non-local Courses Registry (NCR). It is a matter of discretion for individual employers to recognize any qualification to which this programme may lead.
    These programmes are eligible programmes under the Extended Non-means-tested Loan Scheme administered by the Student Finance Office (SFO), Working Family and Student Financial Assistance Agency (WFSFAA).