MSc; PgDip BUILDING SURVEYING

Overview

Not just a desk job

Buildings are an integral part of all of our lives; our homes, schools, work places and public places wouldn't exist without building surveyors. This course will teach the underpinnings of building construction, as well as how to maintain and use them sustainably. Being a building surveyor is very varied work; much of the job is undertaken on site visits (it's not just a desk job) and no two days will be the same.

Front of apartment block under construction

The programme is for those involved in the maintenance, refurbishment, alteration and extension of existing buildings, or in project management and design for public bodies, commercial organisations and professional practice firms.

Students coming to us from a non-construction/surveying background will be taught alongside those who have completed an undergraduate surveying degree and who are already working in the industry. As a result, the student cohort is diverse and contains a wide range of viewpoints. We've had students with backgrounds as diverse as drama, law and science.

We offer different course options, depending on your circumstances:

  • Cognate version: If you hold an undergraduate Surveying/Real Estate degree or relevant experience, you could apply for the ‘Surveying graduates’ route as you will study fewer modules; your previous study will be taken into account. UK MSc Students will pay from £11,000 full time. PG Dip students from £7,334 full time.
  • Non-Cognate version: If you do not hold an undergraduate Surveying degree, you should apply for our ‘Conversion’ course. Two supplementary modules at the beginning of the course bring you up to speed in relation to Valuation & Surveying, Sustainable Construction before you embark on the master’s level modules. These supplementary modules are a distinguishing feature of the course and are highly valued by students and their employers. There is a higher fee for this course because you will be studying more credits. The non-cog masters full time for a UK student starts at £14667 and a PG Dip full time from £11000.
  • For the above routes, you can opt to study either a full master’s qualification or a PGDip qualification (the same course but the PG Dip you do not complete a dissertation). Part time options over 2 years are also offered.
  • Postgraduate loan funding via Student Finance England, is only available for students taking full master’s courses without any module exemptions. PGDip courses are ineligible for this scheme.

Why study at Building Surveying LSBU?

Great teaching: No. 1 London university: for 'satisfied with teaching' and 'satisfied with assessment' in Building, town and country planning (Guardian League Table 2018).
Ranked 1st amongst London modern competitors for Overall Score in Building (Complete University Guide 2021).  
History: we’ve been educating building professionals for over 100 years – and have strong industry connections
Professional accreditation: this programme is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
Students who have accepted an offer for a place on this course can apply for LSBU's Stuart A Johnson scholarship.
Mode Duration Start date Application code Application method
ModePart-time MSc (Surveying graduates) Duration24 months Start dateSeptember Application code5282 Application method Direct to LSBU
ModePart-time PgDip (Conversion) Duration24 months Start dateSeptember Application code4961 Application method Direct to LSBU
ModeFull-time PgDip (Conversion) Duration12 months Start dateSeptember Application code4132 Application method Direct to LSBU
ModeFull-time MSc (Conversion) Duration12 months Start dateSeptember Application code5279 Application method Direct to LSBU
ModePart-time MSc (Conversion) Duration24 months Start dateSeptember Application code5281 Application method Direct to LSBU
ModeFull-time PgDip (Surveying graduates) Duration12 months Start dateSeptember Application code5105 Application method Direct to LSBU
ModePart-time PgDip (Surveying graduates) Duration24 months Start dateSeptember Application code5106 Application method Direct to LSBU
ModeFull-time MSc (Surveying graduates) Duration12 months Start dateSeptember Application code5280 Application method Direct to LSBU
ModePart-time MSc (Surveying graduates) Duration28 months Start dateJanuary Application code5392 Application method Direct to LSBU
ModeFull-time MSc (Surveying graduates) Duration16 months Start dateJanuary Application code5393 Application method Direct to LSBU
ModePart-time PgDip (Surveying graduates) Duration24 months Start dateJanuary Application code5408 Application method Direct to LSBU
ModeFull-time PgDip (Surveying graduates) Duration12 months Start dateJanuary Application code5409 Application method Direct to LSBU
ModeFull-time (Top-up) Duration12 months Start dateSeptember Application code4072 Application method Direct to LSBU

Course Accreditations

  • RICS

Location

London South Bank University student union is located at 103 Borough Rd, London SE1 0AA.

If you are visiting our Southwark Campus, you may wish to use our downloadable campus map (PNG File 466 KB). For information on accessibility, see our DisabledGo access guides. See our location page for more details.

Entry Level Requirements

Want to start your course this September? call 0800 923 8888 for entry requirements.

Conversion

  • A minimum of a 2:1 Honours degree, the subject area does not matter as number of students undertake the course as part of a career change

For Surveying graduates/professionals

  • A minimum of a 2:1 Honours degree in a Surveying subject, or
  • Corporate membership of a professional body concerned with property or construction, for example, CIOB, RIBA, RTPI, CIOH or other relevant body of equal standing.

APEL/APL

  • An applicant who is offered a place on the course may seek credit for recent prior academic qualification or professional experience. The applicant should expect to demonstrate to the Course Director and Module Coordinator substantial relevant knowledge and skills at least equivalent to Level 6 or Level 7. Applications should be made before the commencement of the semester in which the particular modules are being offered.
  • Please note however, that if you are granted any APEL/APL which allows you module exemption you will be ineligible for a Student Finance England Postgraduate Loan. If you have already started to receive loan instalments and you are then granted module exemption, the University has a duty to inform SFE that you are no longer eligible for the loan and no further loan payments will be made.

Part-time additional requirements

Taking our part-time route requires you to be in employment related to Building Surveying (a reference from your employer will be required).

Admissions based on experience

Applicants who do not meet this requirement will be considered for entry on the basis of the length and quality of their employment experience in areas cognate to surveying and construction. Evidence of this will be required in support of any application made.

Missing English and Maths qualifications?

If you do not have the required English and Maths qualifications needed to satisfy the entry requirements for this programme, we have courses available at our partner College that you can take to upskill in these areas. Find out more at South Bank College.

United Kingdom

£15333.33

Tuition fees for home students

International

£21333.33

Tuition fees for international students

Tuition fees are subject to annual inflationary increases. Find out more about tuition fees for Undergraduate or Postgraduate courses.

  • Part-time

    part-time

    MSc Building Surveying (Cognate) (PT) - Year 1

    The fee shown is for entry 2025/26
    UK fee: £2555.56 International fee: £3555.56
    AOS/LSBU code: 5282 Session code: 1PS00
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £11500
    International: £16000

    MSc Building Surveying (Cognate) (PT) (JAN) - Year 1

    The fee shown is for entry 2024/25. If no fee shown or its blank. The fee for 2025/26 will be published shortly. Please visit again soon for the updated fee.
    UK fee: £2444.44 International fee: £3444.44
    AOS/LSBU code: 5392 Session code: 1PS00
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £11000
    International: £15500

    PgDip Building Surveying (Cognate) (PT) (JAN) - Year 1

    The fee shown is for entry 2024/25. If no fee shown or its blank. The fee for 2025/26 will be published shortly. Please visit again soon for the updated fee.
    UK fee: £2444.44 International fee: £3444.44
    AOS/LSBU code: 5408 Session code: 1PS00
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £7333.33
    International: £10333.33

    PgDip Building Surveying (Cognate) (PT) - Year 1

    The fee shown is for entry 2025/26
    UK fee: £2555.56 International fee: £3555.56
    AOS/LSBU code: 5106 Session code: 1PS00
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £7666.67
    International: £10666.67

    PgDip Building Surveying (Non - Cognate) (PT) - Year 1

    The fee shown is for entry 2025/26
    UK fee: £6388.89 International fee: £8888.89
    AOS/LSBU code: 4961 Session code: 1PS00
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £11500
    International: £16000

    MSc Building Surveying (Non - Cognate) (PT) - Year 1

    The fee shown is for entry 2025/26
    UK fee: £6388.89 International fee: £8888.89
    AOS/LSBU code: 5281 Session code: 1PS00
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £15333.33
    International: £21333.33

    MSc Building Surveying (Cognate) (PT) - Year 2

    The fee shown is for entry 2025/26
    UK fee: £8944.44 International fee: £12444.44
    AOS/LSBU code: 5282 Session code: 2PS00
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £11500
    International: £16000

    MSc Building Surveying (Cognate) (PT) (JAN) - Year 2

    The fee shown is for entry 2024/25. If no fee shown or its blank. The fee for 2025/26 will be published shortly. Please visit again soon for the updated fee.
    UK fee: £8555.56 International fee: £12055.55
    AOS/LSBU code: 5392 Session code: 2PS00
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £11000
    International: £15500

    PgDip Building Surveying (Cognate) (PT) (JAN) - Year 2

    The fee shown is for entry 2024/25. If no fee shown or its blank. The fee for 2025/26 will be published shortly. Please visit again soon for the updated fee.
    UK fee: £4888.89 International fee: £6888.89
    AOS/LSBU code: 5408 Session code: 2PS00
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £7333.33
    International: £10333.33

    PgDip Building Surveying (Cognate) (PT) - Year 2

    The fee shown is for entry 2025/26
    UK fee: £5111.11 International fee: £7111.11
    AOS/LSBU code: 5106 Session code: 2PS00
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £7666.67
    International: £10666.67

    PgDip Building Surveying (Non - Cognate) (PT) - Year 2

    The fee shown is for entry 2025/26
    UK fee: £5111.11 International fee: £7111.11
    AOS/LSBU code: 4961 Session code: 2PS00
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £11500
    International: £16000

    MSc Building Surveying (Non - Cognate) (PT) - Year 2

    The fee shown is for entry 2025/26
    UK fee: £8944.44 International fee: £12444.44
    AOS/LSBU code: 5281 Session code: 2PS00
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £15333.33
    International: £21333.33
  • Full-time

    full-time

    PGDip Building Surveying (Non - Cognate) (FT) - Year 1

    The fee shown is for entry 2025/26
    UK fee: £11500 International fee: £16000
    AOS/LSBU code: 4132 Session code: 1FS00

    MSc Building Surveying (Non - Cognate) (FT) - Year 1

    The fee shown is for entry 2025/26
    UK fee: £15333.33 International fee: £21333.33
    AOS/LSBU code: 5280 Session code: 1FS00

    MSc Building Surveying (Cognate) (FT) (JAN) - Year 1

    The fee shown is for entry 2024/25. If no fee shown or its blank. The fee for 2025/26 will be published shortly. Please visit again soon for the updated fee.
    UK fee: £11000 International fee: £15500
    AOS/LSBU code: 5393 Session code: 1FS00

    MSc Building Surveying (Cognate) (FT) - Year 1

    The fee shown is for entry 2025/26
    UK fee: £11500 International fee: £16000
    AOS/LSBU code: 5279 Session code: 1FS00

    PgDip Building Surveying (Cognate) (FT) (JAN) - Year 1

    The fee shown is for entry 2024/25. If no fee shown or its blank. The fee for 2025/26 will be published shortly. Please visit again soon for the updated fee.
    UK fee: £7333.33 International fee: £10333.34
    AOS/LSBU code: 5409 Session code: 1FS00

    PgDip Building Surveying (Cognate) (FT) - Year 1

    The fee shown is for entry 2025/26
    UK fee: £7666.67 International fee: £10666.67
    AOS/LSBU code: 5105 Session code: 1FS00

    MSc Building Surveying (Top Up) - Year 1

    The fee shown is for entry 2025/26
    UK fee: £3833.33 International fee: £5333.33
    AOS/LSBU code: 4072 Session code: 1FS00

For more information, including how and when to pay, see our fees and funding section for postgraduate students.

See our Tuition Fees Regulations (PDF File 391 KB) and Refund Policy (PDF File 775 KB).

Possible fee changes

The University reserves the right to increase its fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions.

The fees for international students are reviewed annually and the University reserves the right to increase the tuition fees in line with the RPIX measure of inflation up to 4 per cent.

Postgraduate loan (PGL) for Masters study

If you are starting a Masters course, studying either full- or part-time, you may be entitled to apply for a postgraduate study loan. Find out more at our postgraduate fees and funding section.

Scholarships

We offer several types of fee reduction through our scholarships and bursaries. Find the full list and other useful information on funding your studies on the scholarships and fee discounts page.

Fee status

Please check your fee status and whether you are considered a Home, EU or International student for fee-paying purposes and for our regulatory returns, by reading the UKCISA regulations.

Apply for the Stuart A Johnson scholarship

After accepting your place on the MSc Building Surveying programme, you are encouraged to apply for the Stuart A Johnson scholarship. This scholarship is offered to new MSc Building Surveying, MSc Construction Project Management and MSc Quantity Surveying students and is a £4,000 waiver towards your fees.

International students

International (non Home) applicants should follow our international how to apply guide.

Home

Mode Duration Start date Application code Application method
Mode Part-time MSc (Surveying graduates) Duration 24 months Start date September Application code 5282 Application method Direct to LSBU
Mode Part-time PgDip (Conversion) Duration 24 months Start date September Application code 4961 Application method Direct to LSBU
Mode Full-time PgDip (Conversion) Duration 12 months Start date September Application code 4132 Application method Direct to LSBU
Mode Full-time MSc (Conversion) Duration 12 months Start date September Application code 5279 Application method Direct to LSBU
Mode Part-time MSc (Conversion) Duration 24 months Start date September Application code 5281 Application method Direct to LSBU
Mode Full-time PgDip (Surveying graduates) Duration 12 months Start date September Application code 5105 Application method Direct to LSBU
Mode Part-time PgDip (Surveying graduates) Duration 24 months Start date September Application code 5106 Application method Direct to LSBU
Mode Full-time MSc (Surveying graduates) Duration 12 months Start date September Application code 5280 Application method Direct to LSBU
Mode Part-time MSc (Surveying graduates) Duration 28 months Start date January Application code 5392 Application method Direct to LSBU
Mode Full-time MSc (Surveying graduates) Duration 16 months Start date January Application code 5393 Application method Direct to LSBU
Mode Part-time PgDip (Surveying graduates) Duration 24 months Start date January Application code 5408 Application method Direct to LSBU
Mode Full-time PgDip (Surveying graduates) Duration 12 months Start date January Application code 5409 Application method Direct to LSBU
Mode Full-time (Top-up) Duration 12 months Start date September Application code 4072 Application method Direct to LSBU

Postgraduate students and research students should apply through our dedicated application system. Full details of how to do this are supplied on our How to apply section for postgraduate students and our How to apply section for research students.

See our admissions policy (PDF File 1,043 KB) and complaints policy (PDF File 516 KB).

Accommodation

Students should apply for accommodation at London South Bank University (LSBU) as soon as possible, once we have made an offer of a place on one of our academic courses. Read more about applying for accommodation at LSBU.

Finance

It's a good idea to think about how you'll pay university tuition and maintenance costs while you're still applying for a place to study. Remember – you don't need to wait for a confirmed place on a course to start applying for student finance. Read how to pay your fees as a postgraduate student.

We offer different course options depending on your circumstances:

  • If you hold an undergraduate Surveying degree, you should apply for the ‘Surveying graduates’ route as you will study fewer modules; your previous study will be taken into account.
  • If you do not hold an undergraduate Surveying degree, you should apply for our ‘Conversion’ course
  • For either of the above routes, you can opt to study either a full Masters qualification or a PGDip (without dissertation) qualification. Please note: Postgraduate loan funding via Student Finance England is only available for students taking full Masters courses without any module exemptions. PGDip courses are ineligible for this scheme.

Prepare to start

We help our students prepare for university even before the semester starts. To find out when you should apply for your LSBU accommodation or student finance read the How to apply tab for this course.

Enrolment

Before you start your course we’ll send you information on what you’ll need to do before you arrive and during your first few days on campus. You can read about the process on our Enrolment pages.

Apply for the Stuart A Johnson scholarship

After accepting your place on the MSc Building Surveying programme, you are encouraged to apply for the Stuart A Johnson scholarship. This scholarship is offered to new MSc Building Surveying, MSc Construction Project Management and MSc Quantity Surveying students and is a £4,000 waiver towards your fees.

By studying a combination of core and optional modules the course provides the skills required to practise. In order to complete the MSc stage, you are required to take a Research Methods unit and undertake a dissertation on a topic approved by your supervisor.

Core modules

  • Building pathology
    This module introduces students to the 'science' of building defects both in terms of diagnosis and remedial measures.
  • Property and building law
    This unit focuses on various areas of construction and property law as applied in the construction and property industries.
  • Building surveying project
    This unit covers the range of techniques used by building surveying professionals to develop a design scheme for new or refurbished buildings from initial client brief through to working drawings and statutory approval of the scheme for Planning and Building Regulation Approval.
  • Use and performance of buildings
    This module covers the technologies used to reduce the carbon emissions from new and refurbished large buildings. The efficacy of proposals to reduce this burden is examined in terms of energy use, costs and carbon emissions.
  • Property and asset management
    This module focuses on the knowledge base and range of techniques used by building surveyors and facility managers in the assessment and management process of property assets, their planned maintenance and statutory compliance and disasters recovery.
  • Dissertation (MSc Only)
    The module provides the opportunity for students to undertake an independent piece of research, investigating in depth a subject in which they have a particular interest and of their own selection. Each student will submit a dissertation of between 15,000- 20,000 words. The module includes teaching of research methods.

Additional modules (conversion course only)

  • Institutional and legal context for property
    This module focuses on introducing students to the various areas of law and issues of professional practice used and applied in the construction and property industries.
  • Construction
    This module provides a broad and critical perspective of the construction and assembly of buildings and their performance requirements and also to provide an understanding of the context in which construction decisions are made and implemented.
  • Valuations and surveying
    This module establishes a base level of knowledge and skills in relation to surveying and valuation and develops technical an appreciation of appraising buildings and building defects. It introduces Planning, Building Control, relevant legislation and forms of building contracts. The module also introduces valuation practice and procedures.

Optional modules

Please be aware that option selection is subject to availability.

  • Building control
    The module focuses upon the control and enforcement of the Building Regulations and associated legislation, along with supporting technical documents and alternative solutions, to meet specific regulative requirements as they apply to various building schemes.
  • Building Information Modelling and Collaborative Working
    A module to provide a general understanding of the role that BIM can play throughout the design, construction and operation of building assets. It looks to identify and develop the necessary managerial, technical and interpersonal skills required to deliver better value through a collaborative BIM approach.

Course structure

The following tables indicate the modular structure of the overall qualification for each of its modes.

Module structure full-time mode
Semester 1 Semester 2
Valuation and Surveying Property and Building Law
Construction Property and Asset Management
Use and Performance of Buildings Building Surveying Project
Building Pathology Building Pathology
Institutional & Legal Context for Property Option
  Dissertation
Modular structure part-time Year 1
Semester 1 Semester 2
Valuation and Surveying Property & Building Law
Construction Property & Asset Management
Institutional & Legal Context for Property  
Modular structure part-time Year 2
Semester 1 Semester 2
Use and Performance of Buildings Building Surveying Project
Building Pathology Option
  Dissertation

Careers

Employability Service

At LSBU, we want to set you up for a successful career. During your studies – and for two years after you graduate – you’ll have access to our Employability Service, which includes:

  • An online board where you can see a wide range of placements: part-time, full-time or voluntary. You can also drop in to see our Job Shop advisers, who are always available to help you take the next step in your search.
  • Our Careers Gym offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and finding work experience, as well as regular presentations from employers across a range of sectors.

Our Student Enterprise team can also help you start your own business and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills.

Nearly 100% of graduates have found employment since the inception of this course. Graduates work in a range of organisations including both small and large private practices, local authorities, housing associations and government organisations, as well as property and construction companies.

Expertise and history

London South Bank University has a long history of educating professionals for the building-related industries. With roots in the London Council School of Building (1904) and the Brixton School of Building (1940), we have been offering training in this sector for over 100 years.

We have links with major real estate consultancies, property companies, contractors, cost consultants and developers to ensure our courses are highly relevant for the current market. Our current students and alumni hold key positions in their organisation, often as senior managers and business owners.

Guest lectures

A series of guest lectures are provided as part of the Institutional and Legal Context module. Highlights have been:

  • Dr Clair Benson, School of Engineering and Professor Max Weaver, School of Law discussed tall building and fire safety in the light of Grenfell
  • Ion Fletcher, Direct of Policy at the British Property Federation spoke about fraud in the construction industry and what it means for business in practice
  • Chris Blye OBE FCMA, Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Buildings, spoke of modern slavery in the construction industry

Surveying project

We want our students to have 'real world' experiences while studying at LSBU, so field work is a major component. Our surveying and construction courses give our students the opportunity to carry out a construction project. Their work will take into account current construction technologies, energy efficiency solutions and environmental and sustainability issues.

The project is very detailed and is carried out across site visits, analysing on-going construction projects and an appraisal of eco-technologies. These factors can be influenced by location, and our field trips can take our students both overseas to expanding countries like Dubai, or round the corner to building developments happening on our own campus.

Market report and case study analysis

Students on our MSc Surveying courses can choose to study International Real Estate & Construction as an optional module. This requires students to go on a study visit to an international city which has an emerging real estate and construction market.

Past students have gone abroad either to Dubai or Shanghai. The field trip includes visits to real estate companies and construction firms, site visits and meetings with various professionals. From these briefings, students need to produce a country report with detailed strategy, including how they could break through in the real estate or construction market overseas.

Accreditation

Accreditation is a mark of quality assurance and professional relevance. The MSc and the Pg Dip is accredited by the, the Chartered Institute of Builders (CIOB) who offer a prize to the top student, the Chartered Association of Building Engineers, and Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

The course is a recognised qualification for students to progress on to the Assessment of Professional Competence Graduate Training Programme.

Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors logo
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is the world's leading professional body for setting standards in the surveying industry. They have accredited our degrees and diplomas for almost 50 years.

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Register your interest

Contact information

Course Enquiries - UK

Tel: 0207 815 7500

International team enquiry

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7815 6189