01937 420500What is Quantity Surveying?
Quantity Surveyors are the cost managers of construction – they make sure a building project is efficient and profitable. A Quantity Surveyor may be involved in a project in a technical, financial or legal capacity. As well as managing budgets, they also draw up contracts and help resolve disputes. In other words, they keep a construction project running smoothly.
What qualifications do I need and where can I study?
Quantity Surveying is suitable for students across a broad spectrum of abilities. Good basic Maths skills, common sense and a willingness to learn can be all it takes to start on the path to becoming a qualified Quantity Surveyor.
Typical degree course entrance requirements
• A Level: 2–3 A Levels
• UCAS points: 150–300
Some courses ask for subjects like Maths or Computer Science; other courses have no specific subject requirements at all and will even accept General Studies. Check with UCAS for each provider’s entry requirements. You can study Quantity Surveying as a full-time course, a sandwich course including a year of work experience, a part-time course, a distance learning course or even a combination of the above. Courses generally have a modular structure and assessment is usually through a combination of coursework, presentations and exams.
• BTEC Nationals in a construction-related subject
• NVQ in a construction-related subject
• A course accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, the Chartered Institute of Building or other qualified institutions.
• Some firms, like Cooper & Hall, offer sponsorship so you can earn and learn at the same time.
Building technology
Construction economics
Computer-aided design
Construction law
Cost modelling
Building science
Facilities and estate management
Measurement and valuation
Arbitration
People and information management
Generally £19,000 p.a and above, depending on employer and location.
The profession encourages and in some cases requires Continuing Professional Development (CDP), so you are always learning something new.
Construction contractors and subcontractors
Local councils
Property developers
Private Quantity Surveying firms
Construction consultants
Self-employed
Quantity Surveyors work on all sorts of building projects from house renovations to multimillion pound developments.
The construction industry is global and extends across all property and infrastructure markets. Quantity Surveyors work in all sectors of the construction industry worldwide.
To find out more about a career in Quantity Surveying
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors: www.rics.org/uk/the-profession
The Chartered Institute of Building: www.ciob.org/your-career
UCAS search for “Quantity Surveying”: http://www.ucas.com
TargetJobs: https://targetjobs.co.uk/career-sectors/construction-and-building-services/advice