COURSE CURRICULUM

BSc Building Surveying at the University of Reading is a professionally accredited degree designed to prepare students for careers in building surveying, property inspection, construction consultancy, and building management. The course focuses on understanding how buildings are designed, constructed, maintained, and repaired, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, building performance, and diagnosing construction defects. In the first year, students develop a foundation in construction science, building technology, economics, law, project management, site engineering, communication, and digital construction tools such as Building Information Modelling (BIM). The second year advances these skills through modules in construction project management, building environment systems, procurement and contract law, digitalisation, measurement and quantification of construction work, and building pathology, where students learn to identify causes of building deterioration and recommend solutions. In the final year, students specialise in commercial surveying practices, advanced building pathology, research methods, and a major building surveying project involving the inspection and analysis of commercial buildings. Optional modules allow students to explore areas such as construction contract management, digital technologies in construction, inclusive environments, human resource and health and safety management, sustainable built environments, environmental management, and green innovation in construction. Students can also choose a year-long industry placement between the second and final year to gain professional experience and enhance employability. The degree is accredited by both the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), helping graduates progress towards professional chartered status. Sustainability is integrated throughout the programme, reflecting the construction industry's role in achieving net-zero goals and creating environmentally responsible buildings. Graduates develop strong technical, analytical, management, and problem-solving skills that prepare them for careers in building surveying, property consultancy, facilities management, project management, construction consultancy, and other areas of the built environment sector. The course is taught at the main campus of the University of Reading, located at Whiteknights Campus, where students have access to modern facilities, industry links, and practical learning opportunities.