Nottingham Trent University

What you'll study

This programme combines construction technology, building pathology, law and contract practice with hands-on measurement, inspection and project management skills. Teaching balances lectures, workshops, laboratory sessions and real-life case studies to build competence in condition surveying, defect diagnosis, repair specification and quantity measurement.

• Construction technology and materials – understanding structural elements, finishes and how materials behave in service.
• Building pathology and conservation – identifying defects, causes of deterioration and appropriate repair techniques for historic and modern buildings.
• Measurement, estimating and quantity surveying basics – measurement methods, preparing schedules of condition and cost estimating.
• Contracts, procurement and law – contract forms, procurement routes, basics of construction law and professional practice responsibilities.
• Building regulations, compliance and sustainability – regulatory frameworks, energy performance and retrofit approaches to improve performance.
• Digital surveying and BIM – use of surveying tools, laser scanning, mobile measurement and building information modelling workflows.
• Project work and major project – integrated team projects and an individual research or consultancy project in the final year.
• Placement and professional practice – opportunities for work placements or an optional sandwich year to gain industry experience and establish employer contacts.

Assessment methods typically include written exams, technical reports, measured surveys, specifications, presentations and a final-year research or consultancy project.

Entry requirements

Typical entry is from A-levels, BTEC or equivalent qualifications, with a combination of subjects that demonstrate numeracy and analytical ability. Applicants without traditional qualifications but with relevant work experience in construction or the built environment are considered. Requirements commonly include GCSE (or equivalent) English and Mathematics at a pass level.

Applicants are encouraged to provide a personal statement outlining interest in building surveying, any practical experience, and career aims. International applicants will need appropriate English language qualifications. Nottingham Trent University also considers mature applicants and offers routes via access courses and relevant employer sponsorship.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a wide range of roles across the built environment sector. Common career destinations include building surveyor roles in private practice and contracting firms, property and asset management, condition surveying for local authorities and housing providers, conservation and historic building consultancy, party wall surveying, and roles in facilities and maintenance management.

The course is designed to equip students for professional development and membership routes within industry bodies; graduates typically progress to technical and managerial positions and may undertake postgraduate study or professional qualification training with employers.

Why study at Nottingham Trent University

Nottingham Trent University offers practical, industry-engaged teaching with access to specialist built environment facilities and surveying equipment. The programme emphasises employability through live client projects, strong links with local and national employers, and options for placements or a sandwich year to build workplace experience.

Students benefit from dedicated careers and academic support, workshops on professional skills and interview preparation, and a campus location that provides easy access to a regional construction and property market for site visits and employer engagement.