• Undergraduate

Building 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
Why study this course?

Cast your expert eye over this course and see what it takes to be a building surveyor. A building surveyor specialises in building quality and maintenance; working in areas such as property trading, refurbishment or alteration, and resolving disputes between adjoining owners or landlords and tenants.

If you want to take advantage of building surveying opportunities in the property development and construction industries, this surveying degree is for you. On this course, you will develop the professional skills and knowledge you need to start your career.

As you work towards attaining your building surveyor qualifications, we will teach you how to advise developers and landlords on construction, maintenance and restoration. 

Studying in London – the largest property market in the UK and a magnet for investors – gives you the chance to develop your professional network and launch a rewarding, challenging career in this exciting industry.

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.

A group of students working in the Faringdon Centre

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: 5 years

Start date:

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

Why study Building Surveying with Foundation Year with us?

Why study Building Surveying with Foundation Year with us?

A collage of students
A collage of students

What our students say…

I joined the course after already working in the industry for 12 years, and I have found the course to be extremely fulfilling and it has greatly progressed my knowledge of architecture and construction. The course modules have been well balanced, and increased in sophistication as the course progressed.

Carl Collins

Studying Building Surveying at the University of West London has been an extremely rewarding experience as the university provides a wide range of activities, challenges and opportunities enabling us to develop an in-depth knowledge of the construction industry. The models are varied and interesting and lectures are helpful and outgoing.

Brandon Oliver Brookman
Next
Lifelong careers support from the UWL Careers Service.
Industry focused teaching
There are seven labs and studios in the School
RICS Accredited Course; the RICS logo
Course detail & modules

Course detail & modules

Taking your building surveying degree at the University of West London puts you close to the heart of the fast-paced London property market. Not only does this provide you with networking opportunities, it can also help you to gain insights into contemporary issues affecting the property and construction industries.

You will learn to appreciate the complex nature of the built environment and the many professions that contribute to it and gain an understanding of diverse topics, from project management principles to law and legislation.

The building surveying course will cover contemporary issues, such as sustainable technology and principles, as well as core skills in the observation and analysis of structures.

During your studies you will examine:

  • project management principles regarding process
  • law
  • procurement and tendering
  • contracting
  • business and finance
  • building technologies and regulation.

Importantly, you will also develop transferable skills in dispute resolution, teamwork, communication, and presentation. These skills are valuable assets for many roles within the construction industry.

We use different assessment methods to suit a variety of learning styles and help you get the most from your studies. These include both theory-based and practical assessments, including:

  • written assignments
  • design projects, individual and group
  • presentations
  • case studies
  • time-controlled examinations.
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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Compulsory modules

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Building Surveying, Conservation and Adaptation

    On this module you'll gain an understanding of how to examine a property with a view to converting or adapting it. The module will also give you the chance to enhance your skills in developing plans and specifications for converting or adapting existing buildings.

  • Construction Law

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

  • Building Pathology

    Throughout this module you will gain insight into the causes of defects and failure in building structures and their fabric that result from weathering and use. There will also be an analysis of remedial and preventative actions required post-survey.

  • Integrated Design and Construction Project

    On this module you will work in a team, analysing several course areas, such as developing presentation and communication skills.

Compulsory modules

  • Construction Economics and Finance

    On this module you'll learn the basic principles of economics, resource allocation, determining price and the factors that affect production. You will critically examine the economic effects of organisational practices and financing on the construction industry.

  • 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. 

  • Maintenance Management

    On this module you will have the opportunity to critically examine the role of maintenance management and inspection in the life cycle design of the built environment. On completion of the module, you will be able to provide evidence of reasoned advice and prepare a maintenance management plan.

  • 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.

  • Project 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 English and Maths (grade 9 – 4 / A* - C) or Level 2 equivalents.

Looking for BSc (Hons) Building 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) Building 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) Building 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) Building 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

Indira Chauhan

Indira Chauhan

Indira has considerable industrial experience in the design and construction of building and infrastructure projects. Working in Academia since 2006, Indira has been teaching various undergraduate courses in Building Surveying, Construction Project Management/Architectural Design and Technology at the School of Computing and Engineering. She is currently Head of Subject for Built Environment and Architectural Technology and Course Leader for BSc (Hons) Building Surveying and Chartered Surveyor Degree Apprenticeship courses. She leads modules such as Building Pathology, Building Structure and Materials, Construction Technology and Dissertation projects. She is currently an external examiner at the University of Derby and at Leeds Beckett University.

Indira is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. She is also a full member of multiple professional bodies such as the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) and the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (CICES).

As a Chartered Engineer (CENG) and a Chartered Surveyor (MRICS), Indira promotes industry-academia engagement by organising regular CPD seminars for students.

Indira has considerable industrial experience in the design and construction of building and infrastructure projects. Working in Academia since 2006, Indira has been teaching various undergraduate courses in Building Surveying, Construction Project Management/Architectural Design and Technology at the School of Computing and Engineering. She is currently Head of Subject for Built Environment and Architectural Technology and Course Leader for BSc (Hons) Building Surveying and Chartered Surveyor Degree Apprenticeship courses. She leads modules such as Building Pathology, Building Structure and Materials, Construction Technology and Dissertation projects. She is currently an external examiner at the University of Derby and at Leeds Beckett University.

Indira is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. She is also a full member of multiple professional bodies such as the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) and the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (CICES).

As a Chartered Engineer (CENG) and a Chartered Surveyor (MRICS), Indira promotes industry-academia engagement by organising regular CPD seminars for students.

Study & career progression

Study & career progression

A female in hi-vis jacket and hard hat surveying

The construction industry offers numerous potential jobs for building surveying graduates. 

As well as becoming a building surveyor itself, you could go on to work in a variety of roles such as:

  • property development manager
  • property operations manager
  • commercial or residential surveyor
  • site engineer
  • project manager
  • estimator.

You may also want to progress your studies to explore a related field or specialise on a postgraduate course.

Explore our postgraduate courses
How to apply

How to apply

Search for courses

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.