Quantity Surveying BSc / BSc (Hons)

Programme information

This programme is available at third year entry only

A quantity surveyor is involved in a construction project from inception to completion and even demolition in some instances. Using numeracy, analytical and communication skills quantity surveyors provide the financial, contractual and management input to construction projects. The main focus for a quantity surveyor is to ensure any project remains within budget, providing the client with value for money.

Working with clients, other built environment professionals, construction teams, legal and financial accounting experts, the quantity surveyor of today requires excellent communication skills to work effectively at all levels of the industry.

On graduating from this programme students will be able to:

• ensure that the resources of the construction industry are used to best advantage from project inception to demolition
• understand how the inter-relationship between economics, technology, management and law can be used to add value to the financial and procurement management of construction projects
• use intellectual and research skills appropriate to professional work in these disciplines
• use their range of transferable skills in information technology, communication and team working
• evaluate complex problems and formulate original ideas and proposals in the field of the built environment

This programme allows students to graduate with the necessary skills to become competent, intuitive and resourceful professionals and to become the highly qualified quantity surveyors of the future.

The programme is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Graduates from the Honours year of the programme are eligible for the professional route to membership of this professional body.

Third year

Students undertake courses in areas that aim to develop specialist skills in site management and planning for quantity surveyors. Courses taught include:

• Construction Technology
• Procurement and Contracts
• Safety Management and Site Establishment
• Design Cost Planning and Control
• Decision Making in Construction
• Business Management in the Built Environment
• Measurement and Cost Evaluation
• Design for Construction

Fourth year

The final year of the programme requires students to apply the acquired knowledge and skills through project work and personal research. Courses taught include:

• Design Projects
• Value Management and Measurement
• Vale and Risk Management
• Business Management in the Built Environment
• Facilities Management and Construction Technology

Students are also required to undertake an individual research project and prepare a dissertation on this.

Please note that this programme is available at third year entry only.

Third year entry

• Higher National Diploma HND (or equivalent) pass with B in graded units in a related field of study.
• If you have other academic qualifications such as an Access course, an abundance of work experience in quantity surveying, please contact us to discuss your prospects for entry.

Additional information

• Programmes offered in Dubai for BSc Construction Project Management and BSc Quantity Surveying are only offered on a full time basis and completion is within within one year. Students in Dubai can also work towards a BSc (Hons) with the final Honours year completed at Heriot-Watt’s Edinburgh Campus.  

English language requirements

• Where English was not the medium of instruction at secondary school, applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0, TOEFL 550 (paper-based exam); 213 (computer-based exam); 80 (internet-based exam).

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