University college of estate management the degree of bachelor of science quantity surveying

Description

University of the Built Environment (UBE), formerly known as the University College of Estate Management (UCEM), is a specialist public institution dedicated to online and flexible learning in the built environment professions. Established in 1919 as the College of Estate Management to advance education in real estate and construction, it gained university status in 2013 and rebranded to UBE in 2024 to reflect its broader focus on sustainable urban development. Based in Reading, Berkshire, with a global reach through fully online programs, UBE serves over 5,000 students from 100+ countries, emphasizing accessibility for working professionals. Ranked as a top UK provider for distance learning in construction (Complete University Guide 2026) and accredited by bodies like the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Quantity Surveying is a flagship undergraduate program designed for aspiring cost managers in the construction industry. This part-time or full-time online honors degree (360 UK credits at Level 6) awards a prestigious UBE degree certificate or diploma, providing the academic foundation for chartered status and careers in project cost control, procurement, and commercial management, with 95% of graduates achieving professional roles within six months.

A Legacy of Professional Built Environment Education

UBE’s origins in post-World War I reconstruction efforts positioned it as a pioneer in vocational training for surveyors and managers, evolving into a leader in digital education with over 100 years of delivering industry-aligned qualifications. Accredited by RICS, the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE), the Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors (HKIS), and others, the BSc program addresses the global demand for quantity surveyors amid a £200B+ UK construction sector facing sustainability and cost pressures. Faculty, including Programme Leader Amanda Milambo (MSc in Construction Project Management), bring practical expertise from firms like Shell and Chevron. With 93% student satisfaction (National Student Survey 2024), UBE’s online model supports “earn while you learn,” producing alumni who lead at consultancies like Turner & Townsend and contribute to projects like HS2. The program’s focus on international standards ensures relevance for careers worldwide, from London skyscrapers to Hong Kong infrastructure.

Diverse Degree Programs and Diplomas

UBE’s quantity surveying offerings prioritize flexibility for employed students, with the BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying comprising 17 modules (16 x 20 credits + 1 x 40-credit project), studied over 3–6 years part-time or 2–3 years full-time via a virtual learning environment (VLE). Modules cover cost planning, contracts, and BIM (Building Information Modeling), culminating in a capstone project on a real-world scenario, leading to a classified honors diploma (First Class: 70%+). Key highlights include:

• Core Structure (BSc Quantity Surveying): Early modules build foundations in Construction Technology, Measurement and Quantification, and Economics for the Built Environment; mid-program advances to Contract Practice and Administration, Procurement and Tendering, and Cost Planning and Control; the final project applies skills to a client brief, such as sustainable cost modeling. Compulsory elements include legal frameworks (e.g., JCT/NEC contracts), digital tools (e.g., CostX software), and ethical procurement, with assessments via exams (30%), coursework (50%), and practical reports (20%). The program integrates RICS competencies for direct APC (Assessment of Professional Competence) entry.
• Admission Requirements: 112 UCAS Tariff points (e.g., BBC at A-level, or equivalent BTEC); GCSE Maths and English (grade 4/C+). Mature applicants (21+) with relevant experience (e.g., construction technician roles) considered via Access to HE Diploma. International students need IELTS 6.0 overall (no subscore below 5.5). Applications via UCEM’s portal; no interview required, but a personal statement on career goals is essential. An access module is available for non-standard entrants.
• Variants and Specializations: BSc Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management (4 years, with added focus on risk and finance); BSc with Foundation Year (extended entry for skill-building); or pathways to MSc Quantity Surveying for conversion graduates. Shorter Certificates of Higher Education (120 credits) in Built Environment Studies provide entry to the full BSc. Study options include Autumn or Spring intakes for global flexibility.

Fees for 2025/26: £7,200 per year (UK part-time); £9,000 full-time, with scholarships up to £2,000 for high achievers or underrepresented groups.

Why Pursue a BSc in Quantity Surveying at University of the Built Environment?

Choosing the BSc Quantity Surveying degree at UBE offers unparalleled flexibility for working professionals, with asynchronous online delivery, dedicated support tutors, and virtual simulations mimicking site valuations—ideal for balancing study with a full-time role in QS practices or contractors. As the most sought-after UBE program, it boasts 95% employability, leading to roles like assistant quantity surveyor (£30,000–£40,000 starting salaries) at firms such as Mace or Balfour Beatty, with pathways to RICS chartership in 2–3 years. The program’s international accreditation supports global mobility, from UK megaprojects to Middle Eastern developments, while webinars and alumni networks provide ongoing mentorship. Affordable fees, employer sponsorship options, and a focus on sustainability (e.g., green procurement modules) align with industry trends, earning praise for its “practical, career-boosting” approach (NSS 2024).

In summary, the University of the Built Environment Bachelor of Science in Quantity Surveying is a career-defining degree certificate that masters the financial heartbeat of construction. For those bridging costs and creativity in the built world, UBE’s BSc delivers accredited excellence and opportunity. Explore programs at ube.ac.uk to build your future.