• Undergraduate

Quantity Surveying with Foundation Year BSc (Hons)

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Overview

Overview

Why study at the University of West London? 
  • Ranked 30th university in the UK - The Guardian University Guide 2025
  • Number 1 London university for overall student satisfaction - National Student Survey 2024**
  • Best university for Student Experience and Teaching Quality in the UK - The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024

This Quantity Surveying course will prepare you for a career in the construction industry - one of the largest sectors of the UK economy.

You will learn to assess the amount of materials and labour required for building operations so that you are ready to work alongside architectural technologists, building surveyors, project managers and other roles.

Additionally, you will also learn to meet the contemporary challenges and opportunities in quantity surveying. These include the digitisation of design and automation of some aspects of project planning and management.

Here at the Career University, we are committed to equipping you with the skills required by the job market today.

This course is fully accredited by the RICS ( Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors).

Foundation Year

The foundation year course is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to continue onto your Honours degree. You will study a range of subjects that will underpin your future study and also gain valuable experience of university life, with full access to campus facilities. Successful completion of the year allows you to progress straight onto Level 4 of this course. Please note that a £2000 Path to Success bursary is available to all UK foundation year students, which is non-repayable.

Quantity surveying students look at some blueprints

Select your desired study option, then pick a start date to see relevant course information:

Study options:
We support flexible study by offering some of our courses part-time or via distance learning. To give you real world experience before you graduate, we also offer some courses with a placement or internship. All available options are listed here. Your choices may affect some details of your course, such as the duration and cost per year. Please re-check the details on this page if you change your selection.
Without Foundation Year
Duration: 3 years

Start date:

If your desired start date is not available, try selecting a different study option.

Why study Quantity Surveying with Foundation Year with us?

Why study Quantity Surveying with Foundation Year with us?

A collage of students

What our students say…

The connections the university has provides links for its student to meet prospective employers and know more about what it takes to make it in the industry. The teachers are specialised in their fields to ensure we get the most out of every single bit of text we go over. Classes are not blank with just words on paper, we have a selection of activities and seminars too.

Yara ElAggan
Next
Industry focused teaching
There are seven labs and studios in the School
RICS Accredited Course; the RICS logo
Tile: Mac and PC Labs
Course detail & modules

Course detail & modules

On this Quantity Surveying degree course, you will learn the skills to equip you for a career in the construction industry, including:

  • communicating effectively via 2D and 3D drawings
  • measurement and surveying
  • contract administration and contract law
  • financial management of construction projects
  • risk management
  • dispute resolution.

As you learn, you will develop broader skills in oral and written communication, and teamwork. These skills are not only essential for Quantity Surveyors but also in the wider job market.

This is a truly contemporary course so you will gain a good knowledge of the challenges and opportunities facing the construction industry today. 

For example, you will learn about:

  • application of new technologies such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) and project management software
  • sustainability and sustainable construction.

Your learning activities will be wide-ranging to suit a variety of learning styles, spanning practical and written tasks including:

  • lectures 
  • tutorial sessions 
  • demonstrations 
  • workshops 
  • practical laboratory sessions 
  • online discussions 
  • peer review and observation 
  • in-class presentations.

Foundation year

There are many reasons for joining a foundation year course; you may not have the exact subjects or grades at A level to meet the entry requirements, you may have been living abroad or want to change direction with your career. Whatever your starting point, the foundation year offers a firm grounding in the skills and knowledge that you will need to get the most from your studies and thrive at University. Successful completion of the foundation year allows you to progress straight onto Level 4 of this course.

Compulsory modules

  • Study Skills for Success

    This module will enable you to read critically, present an argument, and distinguish between the quality and suitability of materials. It will prepare you to use and evaluate a range of evidence sources throughout your degree.

  • Building Appreciation

  • Design Studies

  • Personalised Learning

    The Personalised Learning module is intended to equip you with the study skills needed to successfully progress onto level 4, the first year of undergraduate study. Tutor group sessions are an integral part of the module, where you will consolidate your learning and frame it in the context of your subject area. The module will focus on various aspects of study skills, such as those skills related to reading and writing, learning approaches, problem-solving techniques, critical thinking, researching, referencing, plagiarism, legal research and time management.

  • Mathematical Studies

  • Applied Project - Built Environment

Compulsory modules

  • Building Regulatory Control

    This module is designed to give you an understanding and appreciation of building regulations and town and country planning legislation that affect the building industry. You will be able to investigate the effects of the legislation upon construction projects. You'll also gain essential knowledge and skills regarding health and safety.

  • Design Procedures and Procurement

    This module will give you an overview of the design process, approaches to procurement and the constraints on these approaches. You will also examine the role of the project manager and learn to communicate using various methods appropriate to the role.

  • Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Building Information Modelling (BIM)

    On this module, you will train to use computer aided design (CAD). You will start by learning to use basic AutoCAD functions to produce 2D building design drawings, including floor plans, elevations and sections. Then you will progress to applying AutoCAD Revit to produce more complicated and complete design drawings, including 3D views and assembly and part details.

  • Building Structure and Materials

    The module provides an overview of the principal building materials used in construction and introduces key structural concepts such as bending moments and shear forces in simple structures.

    The focus is on the selection of the most appropriate materials through the study of the engineering performance characteristics, human comfort and sustainability considerations of those materials.

    The module also looks at repair and maintenance strategies, recycling and reuse of materials.

  • Construction Technology 1

    This module will introduce you to concepts of building technology, from site investigation to foundations to the structure of low-rise buildings. You will also study finishes and primary service provision, including gas and electricity services.

  • Professional Practice

    In this module, you will learn the basic construction and academic skills you will need to complete the course. These can range from basic skills in numeracy, literacy and IT to drawing skills and the surveying techniques used in construction.

Compulsory modules

  • Construction Law

    During this module, you will have the opportunity to develop your awareness of how the law applies to all aspects of construction.

  • Construction Technology 2

    This module will allow you to develop your knowledge and understanding of building technology, focusing on the consequences of science on building design and sustainability. Your studies will also cover multi-floored construction and a greater depth of services.

  • Measurement and Documentation

    The aim of this module is to develop a professional understanding of the client’s requirements and expectations in terms of accuracy in measurements in accordance with the RICS Rules of Conduct and international property measurement standards (IPMS). The module will focus on the evaluation of building and/or site conditions at the time of the survey and factors that influence the way measurements have been undertaken. You will develop an appreciation of time, and cost elements in reporting and explore the ramifications of the level of accuracy that is sufficient for the purpose.

  • Cost Planning and Design Economics

    This module aims to provide you with an appreciation of construction costs and their control from inception to completion of a project. It considers what affects the cost of a building, and how the costs of the development can be controlled at the pre-contract stage of the project. The importance of lifecycle costs and the maintenance management of a building are also considered.

  • Environmental Science & Building Services

    This module will provide you with knowledge about Environmental Science to help understand concepts and principles of heat and thermal insulation, air movement and ventilation, moisture and condensation, noise and sound insulation, natural and artificial light with various types of lighting design. You will also look at building services and how these are integrated in the design of buildings.

  • Project Management

    The aim of this module is to introduce you to key principles and strategies for effective project management in today’s highly competitive global marketplace and to the terminology used by professional bodies such as the Project Management Institute (PMI) and APM.

    You will consider current research and trends in the field and will gain a deeper understanding of the roles of key participants and the project manager throughout each stage of a project lifecycle following the RIBA plan of work.

    You will also hone your leadership skills, learn how best to support and guide team members and how to work effectively amid the constraints of time and budget and disruptions of project uncertainty.

Compulsory modules

  • Commercial Management

    In this module, you will learn how to analyse the connection between the commercial management of projects and successful business management. By measuring work value and through forecasting, you will learn to assess buying strategies and their implications, both from the client and from the contractor perspective.

  • Contract Administration

    On this module, you will study and analyse the contract administration factors that apply to project delivery and facilities management. This module will take a detailed look at contract provisions from the bottom up, looking at their practical applications.

  • Advanced Measurement and Quantity Surveying Practice

    The module is designed to apply the principles of pre-contract, advance building and civil engineering measurements, cost management, contract administration, cost control, project cost analysis, and provide you with an understanding of pricing Bill of Quantity, and cost forecasting.

  • Sustainable Technologies for Building

    In this module you will investigate the effects of sustainable practices upon construction projects, examine building technologies that are appropriate to the sustainable principles and consider how sustainable construction projects actually are. 

  • Dissertation

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

72 UCAS points required from level 3 qualifications

These can include:

  • A Levels at grades B and C (if you have two A levels) or grades D, D and D (if you have three), or above
  • BTEC Extended Diploma with Merit, Merit, Pass
  • Access to HE Diploma
  • T Levels

You also need GCSE Maths and/or Physics at level 3 and GCSE English and Maths (grade 9 – 4 / A* - C) or Level 2 equivalents.

Looking for BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying without Foundation Year?

View course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.

You may be eligible for a student loan to cover the cost of tuition fees, or a maintenance loan. Additional funding is available to some types of students, such as those with dependants and disabled students.

Looking for BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying without Foundation Year?

View course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.
5.5 IELTS or above

You need to meet our English language requirement - a minimum of IELTS 5.5 for each of the four individual components (Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening). Visit our English language requirements page for information on other English language tests we accept.

You also need academic qualifications at the same level as UK applicants. In some countries where teaching is in English, we may accept local qualifications. Check for local equivalents. 

We offer pre-sessional English language courses if you do not meet these requirements.

Find out more about our English Language courses.

Looking for BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying without Foundation Year?

View course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.

You may be eligible for a student loan to cover the cost of tuition fees, or a maintenance loan. Additional funding is available to some types of students, such as those with dependants and disabled students.

Looking for BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying without Foundation Year?

View course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.
Fees & funding

Fees & funding

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Please note:

  • Fees for the 2026/27 academic year and onwards may be subject to Government regulation and change.
  • Tuition fees are charged for each year of your course. If your course runs for two years or more, you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year.
  • If your course runs for less than two years, the cost above is for your full course and you will need to pay the full fee upfront.
  • If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.

Funding your studies

You may be eligible for a student loan to cover the cost of tuition fees, or a maintenance loan. Additional funding is available to some types of students, such as those with dependants and disabled students.

Foundation year bursary

If you are a UK student joining a foundation year course with UWL, you will receive a £2000 Path to Success bursary to support your studies. This is not a loan and does not need to be repaid. You will receive £500 per year subject to your attendance, engagement and progression through your studies. 

To find out more, explore our Undergraduate scholarships and bursaries page.

Funding your studies
{{ formatCurrencyValue(currentVariantData.field_p_cv_int_main_fee.name) }} per year*

Please note:

  • Fees for the 2026/27 academic year and onwards may be subject to Government regulation and change.
  • Tuition fees are charged for each year of your course. If your course runs for two years or more, you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year.
  • If your course runs for less than two years, the cost above is for your full course and you will need to pay the full fee upfront.
  • If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.

International students - funding your studies

We offer scholarships for international students including International Ambassador Scholarships. 

Further information about funding and financial support for international students is available from the UK Council for International Student Affairs.

 

Financial support for international students
Teaching staff

Teaching staff

Bolanle is wearing a black and white patterned top. She is smiling and has dark brown hair that is close cut and brown eyes.

Dr Bolanle Noruwa

In her early career, Dr Bolanle Noruwa has worked in consultancy firms carrying out primary quantity surveying duties of keeping close eyes on construction project finances and contractual relationships during pre and post contract period.

Before joining the University of West London, Dr Bolanle Noruwa taught Quantity Surveying outside the United Kingdom. She was a lecturer in Quantity Surveying at Birmingham Metropolitan College, Coventry University, and a Senior Lecturer at Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford.

She has a passion for teaching and research. Having supervised many undergraduate and postgraduate dissertations, she is proficient with SPSS and NVivo 12 software. 

In her early career, Dr Bolanle Noruwa has worked in consultancy firms carrying out primary quantity surveying duties of keeping close eyes on construction project finances and contractual relationships during pre and post contract period.

Before joining the University of West London, Dr Bolanle Noruwa taught Quantity Surveying outside the United Kingdom. She was a lecturer in Quantity Surveying at Birmingham Metropolitan College, Coventry University, and a Senior Lecturer at Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford.

She has a passion for teaching and research. Having supervised many undergraduate and postgraduate dissertations, she is proficient with SPSS and NVivo 12 software. 

Study & career progression

Study & career progression

A group of students working in the Faringdon Centre

After finishing your course, you could enter the construction industry in a range of roles including:

  • quantity surveyors
  • contract administrators
  • risk or sustainability manager.

There are many more relevant options within the construction sector.

You could also further your studies by progressing to a Masters course in a related field, such as our MSc Construction Project Management. 

How to apply

How to apply

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Important notes for applicants

Disclaimer

*Modern universities - defined as higher education institutions that were granted university status in, and subsequent to, 1992.

**The National Student Survey 2023 and 2024 - Average of answers to all questions by registered student population. Excludes specialist institutions.

Testimonials - our students or former students provided all of our testimonials - often a student from the course but sometimes another student. For example, the testimonial often comes from another UWL student when the course is new.

Optional modules - where optional modules are offered they will run subject to staff availability and viable student numbers opting to take the module.

Videos - all videos on our course pages were accurate at the time of filming. In some cases a new Course Leader has joined the University since the video was filmed.

Availability of placements - if you choose a course with placement/internship route we would like to advise you that if a placement/internship opportunity does not arise when you are expected to undertake the placement then the University will automatically transfer you to the non-internship route, this is to ensure you are still successful in being awarded a degree.