Building Surveying

Building surveying is the professional discipline concerned with the condition, repair, maintenance, and management of buildings and other structures across their whole lifecycle. Building surveyors advise clients on the condition of properties before purchase, manage defect diagnosis and repair, oversee refurbishment and adaptation projects, assess compliance with building regulations, and manage the maintenance programmes that keep built assets performing well. It is a discipline that requires both technical knowledge of how buildings are constructed and fail, and the professional skills to manage projects, budgets, and client relationships effectively.

At the University of the West of England, Bristol, this three-year full-time programme develops the technical and professional knowledge of the discipline in a city with a rich and varied built heritage, providing an outstanding context for learning about building construction, condition assessment, and conservation. The course includes a sandwich placement year, a year abroad, and a work placement component, giving you substantial professional experience in building surveying firms, construction companies, or property management organisations before you graduate. The typical entry tariff of 120 points reflects the broadly accessible character of the programme.

You will develop skills in building pathology and defect analysis, contract administration, building regulations and standards, project management, and professional practice, alongside the communication and commercial skills that client-facing professional work requires.

Graduates go on to work as building surveyors, project managers, and facilities managers in private practice, construction, housing associations, local authorities, and heritage organisations. Professional accreditation through industry bodies is the expected route to full professional status in the UK. Postgraduate study in building surveying, construction project management, or facilities management is also a well-established next step.