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Check eligibility →BSc (Hons) Building Surveying Bachelor's degree at the University of Portsmouth
BSc (Hons) Building Surveying at University of Portsmouth is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) for graduate membership, and the university holds Gold for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
About this course
Be at the heart of decision-making in construction projects that could transform the built environment or contribute to a more sustainable world. From the provider’s course page.
BSc (Hons) Building Surveying is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at the University of Portsmouth. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Building graduates from this provider, 95% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 90% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £33,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Building & Construction, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Limited evidence Published sample: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 95% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 75% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
- Law, Economics and Accounting in The Built EnvironmentCore30 credits
Module details
An introduction to the legal, economic and financial accounting foundations of the built environment, supporting analysis in real-world professional contexts. This module provides a practical introduction to the legal, economic and financial accounting principles that inform decision-making in the built environment. You'll explore how market forces, policy and financial information influence property and construction decisions, alongside the application of key principles of contract and tort law
- Measurement, Value and Building Safety FundamentalsCore30 credits
Module details
In this module you will learn about the standard methods by which built environment construction projects are measured and costed, about the overarching health and safety legislation which must be considered, and also how buildings are valued. You will learn how to use standard industry measurement convention and techniniques (nrm2) in order to build up quantities within individual work sections, cost them and then produce a bill of quantities. You will study the construction design management (
- Professional and Digital Skills for Surveying and Real EstateCore30 credits
Module details
The module will support your professional development, strengthen your digital literacy and develop the practical and it skills essential for surveying and real estate management. You'll gain an insight of the role and the code of conduct of the professional bodies and learn the importance of professional ethics and personal integrity in the built environment sector. The practical element of the module will allow you to work with the others, develop communication skill and gain proficiency in ha
- Sustainable Building FuturesCore30 credits
Module details
Master the intersection of construction and design by exploring innovative contemporary architecture alongside the sensitive preservation and sustainable retrofit of existing heritage structures. Gain a robust foundation in construction principles and environmental design strategies for both residential and commercial scales while aligning projects with the un sustainable development goals (unsdgs). You'll begin to develop the expertise to evaluate building design and construction in both spatia
- Procurement and Pre-Contract PracticeCore20 credits
Module details
Get ready to shine as a procurement and pre-contract professional with commercial awareness and analytical ability. You'll explore the pre-contract role of a construction professional in this module, making reference to RIBA Plan of Work. You'll cover project inception, initial design, cost estimation and budgeting, alongside study of procurement and standard forms of contracts. When you complete this module, you'll have a strong grasp of the construction tendering process, and the managemen
- Introduction to Project Management PrinciplesCore20 credits
Module details
Gain fundamental knowledge and tools for construction project management in this practical module. Through theory and case studies, you'll develop skills to plan, monitor, and control projects while considering technical and human factors. You'll use industry-standard techniques like WBS and CPM to create organizational structures, schedules, budgets, and risk management plans, covering the project cycle from initiation and stakeholder engagement to procurement and sustainability integration. Wi
- Planning Procedures and PracticeCore20 credits
Module details
Demystify planning systems in England and Wales in this module, studying legal principles, policy analysis, stakeholder needs, and the institutions you'll work with in your career. You'll learn to work within development procedures, enforcement tradeoffs, decision appeals, rural-urban issues, and the complexities of professional conduct in high-impact property planning.
- Applied BIMCore20 credits
Module details
Take your BIM skills to the next level by collaborating on complex construction projects. You'll work in a small, multi-disciplinary team to deliver actionable information seamlessly across multiple providers, overcoming the fragmentation of specialisms in the Architectural, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry. You'll cover the different dimensions of BIM, from 3D to 7D, and gain hands-on experience with the industry tools that facilitate improved communication and project outcomes.
- Building Surveying - Professional Skills and Applied ProjectCore20 credits
Module details
Develop your knowledge and skills in understanding the project team and how construction projects are progressed, referencing the stages in the RIBA plan of work You'll develop ad apply your knowledge in applying development to briefs and the data required to undertake a construction project.
- Heritage PropertyOptional20 credits
Module details
Develop specialist skills in heritage property conservation through site visits, guest lectures, workshops, and research, and learn to compare approaches for sustaining historic buildings. By surveying local sites like Portsmouth Dockyard, you'll evaluate refurbishment issues first-hand. You'll analyse factors that enhance heritage value for different groups, and appraise strategies like listing and conservation areas. Working in a team, you'll organize a focus group, synthesize literature, and
- Fieldwork for ConstructionOptional20 credits
Module details
In this immersive 6-day fieldwork excursion, you'll put your knowledge of surveying and sustainable design into practice. In the initial phase of this module, you'll plan your field study collaboratively, gaining experience in desktop research, CAD drawing, and equipment calibration. You'll then travel to a residential fieldwork site, where you'll gather spatial data, perform calculations, and construct temporary structures. Across the module, you'll learn to appraise peer work, reflect on your
- Urban RegenerationOptional20 credits
Module details
Learn how to transform cities and towns with planning and design concepts to create thriving retail, commercial and mixed-use spaces. On this module, you'll discover how property professionals shape and regenerate vibrant urban environments, as you explore influential movements in urban design. You'll also gain insight into planning legislation and principles, and how to form strategies for sustainable and community-focused growth.
- Individual Major ProjectCore40 credits
Module details
Showcase your building surveying talent by tackling an in-depth individual project. You'll identify and analyse a real-world problem, reviewing past solutions. After proposing an innovative solution, you'll develop a rigorous project plan. Applying sound technical principles, you'll collect and interpret data through surveys, lab work or other methods. By module's end, you'll have demonstrated analytical and practical abilities to solve a complex engineering challenge.
- Building PathologyCore20 credits
Module details
In this module, you'll learn to survey properties, diagnose issues and breathe new life into buildings. You'll understand how faults impact occupants, evaluate reporting methods and recommend solutions that balance repair costs and heritage value. As you develop a holistic view of buildings, considering technical and social factors, you'll gain confidence in recommending improvements to buildings that positively impact communities.
- Contract Administration, Claims Management and Dispute ResolutionCore20 credits
Module details
In this module, you'll examine standard contracts to ensure desired outcomes for construction projects. Through case studies, you'll analyse issues affecting progress and completion, appraise solutions, and compare dispute resolution methods. With well-rounded knowledge, you'll make informed choices to resolve differences and keep projects on track.
- Energy and Environmental ManagementCore20 credits
Module details
Tackle sustainability challenges through fundamental and leading-edge insight into energy, waste, water, compliance, and green project delivery. In this module, you'll analyse environmental best practices in real estate. You'll hone your critical and reflective understanding, empowering you to creatively confront efficiency, conservation, and resilience issues facing the built environment.
- Professional PracticeCore20 credits
Module details
Launch your surveying career in this professional practice module. You'll reflect on stakeholder needs, business ethics and your personal strengths. Tailoring your skills to career goals, you'll develop a business plan and stand out in interviews. Collaborating digitally, you'll build your professional network. This experience provides the perfect springboard to start your surveying career, armed with industry knowledge, confidence and connections.
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
This course places you at the centre of construction decision-making, equipping you to contribute to sustainable development in the built environment. You'll usually start with foundations in construction technology, economics and surveying measurement. Year 2 develops project management, legal frameworks and cost planning or building pathology as core to your chosen path. In Year 3, you'll typically pursue specialist options such as sustainability, BIM and digital construction, or development, whilst working towards professional practice standards set by RICS. A major project or dissertation in your final year applies your learning to live industry problems. Throughout, the course progresses from technical and commercial fundamentals to independent specialisation and professional-level competency.
Who it's for
This course suits graduates seeking a professional qualification in building surveying. Most entrants held A-levels or equivalent qualifications; recent accepted students typically had UCAS tariffs of 80–95 points. Bursaries and scholarships are available through the university's funding pages.
Careers & job market
Across Building and Construction courses nationally, 90% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating. Of those working, 85% are in highly skilled roles or undertaking further study. National graduate earnings data shows starting salaries of £27,500–£35,000 at 15 months; after three years, £25,925–£36,600; and after five years, £32,300–£45,600. These are national figures from Graduate Outcomes and Longitudinal Education Outcomes data, not university-specific guarantees.
University & format
The BSc (Hons) Building Surveying is delivered full-time over 3 years at the University of Portsmouth, a public university founded in 1869. Teaching is in English. The degree is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) for the purpose of graduate membership, and holds Gold for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023. As a recognised UK degree-awarding body, your qualification is nationally recognised.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 90% |
| another higher-education qualification | 5% |
| Other | 5% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications and UCAS points. If you're worried about grades, this course has historically taken a wide range, and contextual offers may apply.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at University of Portsmouth →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
Named awards published by the university. Compare the eligibility and application route before budgeting for one.
Criminology graduates joining Thames Valley Police
Check eligibility →Amounts, exclusions and deadlines can change. An award is not guaranteed unless the university confirms it.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Building & Construction graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £33,000 | £30,000 – £40,000 | 20 |
| 3 years after | £36,500 | £29,000 – £43,500 | 40 |
| 5 years after | £45,500 | £32,500 – £55,000 | 40 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in building & construction · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Building & Construction nationally
National figures for Building & Construction graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Building & Construction courses at the same study level.
Compared with 261 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Architects, Chartered Architectural Technologists, Planning Officers, Surveyors and Construction ProfessionalsSOC 2020 245 · 75% of published destinations · ASHE median £45,972
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 60; response rate: 55%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Building & Construction graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Building & Construction graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Construction firms
- Surveying practices
- Property developers
- Local authorities
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Building & Construction graduates.
Is this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
95% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £33,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.6 out of 10: NSS 86.6% · in work or study 95% · continued 75%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
The University of Portsmouth
Architecture, building and planning across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around University of Portsmouth
2,930 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Building & Construction right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to University of Portsmouth from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £19,000 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check University of Portsmouth’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with University of Portsmouth and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at University of Portsmouth
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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