BSc (Hons) Building Surveying · University of PortsmouthBachelor's degree · 3 years
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University of Portsmouth · Undergraduate

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.

BSc (Hons)
Award
3
Years
Full-time
Study mode
95%
in work/study (15m)

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.

8.6
/ 10
Excellent
3 of 3 official measures
Student satisfaction
What students say in the National Student Survey
Excellent87

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)

Graduate outcomes
In work or further study 15 months after graduating
Exceptional95

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)

Continuation
Students who continue past their first year
Strong75

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.

The teaching on my course
89%
Learning opportunities
86%
Assessment and feedback
81%
Academic Support
91%
Organisation and management
88%
Learning resources
94%
Student voice
77%

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.

Application timelineWhat happens next
  1. 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted

    Your application needs a reference before you can send it.

  2. 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications

    Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.

  3. 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice

    Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.

  4. 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline

    18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.

Show 5 later dates
  1. 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens

    Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.

  2. 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers

    Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.

  3. 2027 entryClearing opens

    Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.

  4. 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications

    Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.

  5. 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice

    Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.

Published entry112-120 UCAS points from 2 or 3 A levels typical offer

Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.

Entry & how to get in

Typical offer (from the provider)The university’s course page lists a typical A-level offer of 112-120 UCAS points from 2 or 3 A levels and around 120 UCAS points. Always check the provider for the current offer and subject requirements.
Most entrants held A-levels or equivalent90% of accepted students came in with A-levels or equivalent (entrants over recent years).
Typical UCAS tariff: 80 - 95 pointsThe most common UCAS tariff band among accepted students. This is what entrants had, not a stated requirement.
Professionally accreditedAccredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) for the purpose of graduate membership
Entry requirements are set by the universityGrades, subjects and contextual offers vary. Check the University of Portsmouth's official course page for the current offer.

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

QualificationShare
A-levels or equivalent90%
another higher-education qualification5%
Other5%

Entry & your chances

An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.

Accessible entry

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.

Add your grades to see where you land

Your points will drop onto the distribution above, with an honest above / within / below read.

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.

Apply by13 January 2027, 18:00 UK timefor this course
Typical gradesCCDA-level equivalent admitted students held
  1. 1
    Register on UCAS Hub

    Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.

  2. 2
    Write 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.

  3. 3
    Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time

    UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.

  4. 4
    Reply to your offers

    When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.

  5. 5
    Results 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.

💡 Many universities make a contextual (reduced-grade) offer, for example based on your school’s results, time in care, or where you live. Ask University of Portsmouth whether you’re eligible before you apply; it can lower the grades you need.

Fees & funding

What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.

Tuition per year

Homeup to £9,790 / yr
International£19,000 / yr

Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).

Check fees at University of Portsmouth →

For students who normally live in England

illustrative Maintenance Loan per year
£9,790tuition used per year, illustrative full-time England fee-cap scenario
illustrative borrowing over 3 years

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.

Funding matched to this course

Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for

All University of Portsmouth funding →

Named awards published by the university. Compare the eligibility and application route before budgeting for one.

Amounts, exclusions and deadlines can change. An award is not guaranteed unless the university confirms it.

StudyKit · free

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.

Career quizApplication walkthroughSalary & CV check

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

WhenMedianTypical rangeGraduates
15 months after£33,000£30,000 – £40,00020
3 years after£36,500£29,000 – £43,50040
5 years after£45,500£32,500 – £55,00040

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

95%
in work or further study 15 months on
90%
in highly skilled work or study
75%
continue past their first year
90%
find their work meaningful
90%
say work fits their future plans
  1. 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
  2. 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in building & construction · 2–5 yrs
  3. 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
  4. 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs

How pay grows: this course vs Building & Construction nationally

Starting (15 months) HESA GO
£33,000
£27,500 – £35,000
After 3 years LEO
£36,500
£25,925 – £36,600
After 5 years LEO
£45,500
£32,300 – £45,600
national rangethis course’s medianaxis £24,500 – £47,000

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.

95 of 100

were in work or further study

15 months after graduation

85% working5% working and studying0% in further study90% in highly skilled work or study

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.

This course £45,500Peer median £37,500Middle 50% £32,000–£45,500
75th percentile

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.

90%
in work or further study 15 months after graduating, across Building & Construction courses nationally.
Graduate Outcomes
85%
of working graduates are in highly skilled work or further study.
highly skilled
85%
of students continue past their first year (still enrolled or completed).
continuation

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.

Where they work

  • Construction firms
  • Surveying practices
  • Property developers
  • Local authorities

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

All students24,015
International24.5%
Aged 25+27.1%

Architecture, building and planning across the UK

Students67,475
Aged 25+33.9%

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.

Violent Crime 1120Anti Social Behaviour 450Public Order 252Shoplifting 242Drugs 164

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.

Common questions

Entry is historically accessible, accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications. The most common tariff band among recent entrants was 80 - 95 UCAS points. Use the calculator on this page to see where your predicted grades would put you; many universities also make lower contextual offers.
Set by the University of Portsmouth. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent. Check the university's course page for the exact offer.
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 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. See Fees & funding on this page to work out your numbers.
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