Building Surveying

Building surveying is a profession at the heart of the built environment, advising on the construction, maintenance, repair, renovation, conservation and sustainable transformation of buildings. Building surveyors work across the full life cycle of buildings, from the specification of new developments to the assessment of repairs, refurbishments and historic structures, and from residential property to major commercial, industrial and infrastructure projects. The profession requires technical knowledge of construction, combined with legal, contractual and management skills that allow surveyors to lead projects and advise clients effectively.

At the University of Portsmouth, this three-year full-time programme includes a sandwich year, a work placement and a year abroad. The sandwich and placement elements are particularly valuable in a practice-based discipline where professional experience is central to developing competence and professional identity. You will work in surveying or construction settings, applying your growing knowledge to real projects and developing the professional skills that employers expect.

The year abroad provides exposure to construction methods, standards and building cultures in a different country, which is increasingly relevant as sustainability, innovative construction technologies and international standards become central to the profession.

You will study building pathology, construction technology, contract law and procurement, project management, sustainability in the built environment, building conservation and professional practice. The combination of technical, legal and management knowledge is what distinguishes building surveyors from other construction professionals.

Graduates go on to careers in building surveying, project management, property management, facilities management, conservation and construction consultancy. Many pursue professional qualification with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. Postgraduate study in quantity surveying, project management or construction law is available for those who want to deepen specialist expertise.