Key information
Advance your career in construction and quantity surveying with a globally recognised, RICS-accredited MSc designed for working professionals.
- Level
- Postgraduate
- Delivery type
- Self-paced
- Degree qualification
- MSc
- Location
- Online
- Duration
- Flexible
- Start date
- September, May, January
Programme overview
Study Commercial Management and Quantity Surveying at the university ranked 1st in Scotland for Construction, Surveying and Planning (Guardian University Guide 2025).
This RICS-accredited MSc equips you with the technical, financial and managerial expertise to manage complex projects, control costs and deliver value across the built environment. Designed for professionals, it combines academic excellence with practical industry relevance — preparing you to apply your learning immediately to real-world construction and commercial challenges.
1st
1st in Scotland for Building seven years in a row, 3rd in the UK (The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025)
Flexible
Complete your MSc fully online and in as little as two and a half years or pace your learning around your career and life.
Accredited
Meets the educational requirements for Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) membership.
This MSc prepares you for professional success in the financial management of construction projects, from concept through to completion. You’ll develop an advanced understanding of cost planning, procurement, contract administration, and project management — while learning how digital innovation and sustainability are reshaping the built environment.
You’ll be taught by leading academics and industry professionals with extensive construction and quantity surveying experience. The programme’s strong emphasis on practical application and analytical thinking ensures you graduate with the skills to deliver real impact in your organisation or consultancy.
By studying this MSc Commercial Management and Quantity Surveying, you will:
- Gain a solid foundation in cost control, measurement, procurement, and contract management.
- Build financial and commercial awareness to optimise project value and performance.
- Develop critical thinking and analytical skills relevant to modern construction environments.
- Apply the latest digital tools and technologies to enhance project delivery and efficiency.
- Progress toward Chartered status with the RICS, opening global career opportunities.
Upcoming application dates
Apply by 15 December to join the upcoming intake starting in January. Study online at your own pace and gain an industry-recognised qualification in sustainable building design.
Apply nowStudent experience
Heriot‑Watt University is ranked 1st in Scotland and 3rd in the UK for Building (Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025) and 1st in Scotland for Construction, Surveying and Planning (Guardian University Guide 2025).
This global recognition reflects the strength of our teaching and research in the built environment — making us an ideal place to advance your career in commercial management and quantity surveying.
The MSc Commercial Management and Quantity Surveying is led by industry-experienced academics who bring real-world insight to the curriculum. Their expertise ensures you receive teaching that is both academically rigorous and aligned with current practice in construction, cost management and procurement.
Course content
The degree comprises eight taught courses. You must first take exams in two courses of the degree, Advanced Construction Technology and Value & Risk Management. Based on the results from these courses you will continue on the degree at MSc or at PG Diploma level.
Entry courses
- Advanced Construction Technology
- Value and Risk Management
Core courses
- Quantity Surveying Financial Management
- Construction Financial Management
- Construction Practice and Information Technology
- People and Organisation Management in the Built Environment
- Strategic Commercial and Contract Management
Optional courses
- Sustainability for Construction Professionals
- Urban Economy and Property Markets
- Sustainable Design and Development
- Quantity Surveying Practice
- Real Estate Appraisal and Finance
- Integrated Project
Dissertation
- Research Dissertation (CPMQS)
Study at your own pace
Our flexible online model allows you to study wherever you are in the world, while continuing to work and apply new knowledge in your role. Complete your MSc in as little as 2 and a half years or spread your studies over a longer period to suit your commitments.
Apply nowStudent testimonials
Each year, you add everything to your toolbox – so you’re slowly improving as a person, becoming a better manager, and a better professional.
Our teaching faculty
The postgraduate Commercial Management and Quantity Surveying programme is fully accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and will equip you with the necessary technical, business and financial management skills to pursue a career as a Chartered Quantity Surveyor, working for a contractor, government or client consultancy. The MSc will give you a career advantage and high-level analytical skills which are useful to the profession.
Fees and funding
Tuition is available on a pay-per-course basis.
| Per course | Dissertation | Full programme |
| £1,570 | £2,030 | £14,590 |
Fees apply to courses starting between September 2025 and August 2026. Fees include one assessment attempt and may increase annually. Find out more about our tuition fees.
Funding opportunities
Pay Per Course
All our programmes offer the flexibility to pay course-by-course, allowing you to spread the cost of your tuition over the lifetime of your studies.
20% Alumni Discount
If you are a Heriot-Watt alumnus, you qualify for 20% off your programme fees. For more information on how to claim your alumni discount contact hwonlineapps@hw.ac.uk.
Employer Sponsorship
All our programmes offer the flexibility to pay course-by-course, allowing you to spread the cost of your tuition over the lifetime of your studies.
Entry requirements
We have standard entry requirements for all of our courses that you will have to meet.
We welcome applications from graduates and professionals with backgrounds in engineering, construction, architecture, project management, or related disciplines.
Standard entry requirements
Applicants should be able to:
-
Have a good undergraduate degree (minimum 2:2 honours or equivalent) in engineering or a relevant science discipline, or
-
Demonstrate equivalent academic ability based on industrial experience or membership of a professional institution.
You must first complete Final Online Assessments in two courses of the programme, Human Factors Methods and Sustainability for Construction Professionals. Based on the results for these entry courses, you will continue on the programme at MSc or at PG Diploma level.
Alternative entry
Recognition of prior learning (RPL)
We are committed to providing study opportunities to applicants who have a wide range of prior experiences and recognise that some students entering our online programme will have completed prior academic study in subjects that align closely to this programme. Where this is the case, students may apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
- Applying for RPL: We can only consider requests for RPL at the time of application to a course of study.
- Maximum credits: You may be eligible to be granted exemption for a maximum of 20 credits.
- Eligibility: The qualification may be valid for RPL only if gained with the last 5 years. Evidence will need to be provided.
- Cost breakdown: The overall cost of your programme will be determined by whether you are awarded RPL for a 20-credit course, in which case you will not be required to register for that course. Programme fees can be found under the fees and funding section.
For more information contact hwonlineapps@hw.ac.uk.
English language requirements
If your first language is not English, or your first degree was not taught in English, we'll need to see evidence of your English language ability.
The minimum English language requirement for entry to this programme is IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 5.5.
If you do not have IELTS 6.0, we offer a range of English language courses to help you meet the English language requirement for this programme prior to commencing your studies.
Why Heriot-Watt
We're the top university in Scotland for graduate outcomes and 5th in the UK, which means that more of our graduates are employed or in postgraduate education than any other institution in the country. We're also ranked 1st in Scotland for producing CEO and MDs (Novuna Business Cash Flow 2023).
We're Scotland's most international University, with five global campuses and a global community of 60,000 online students and alumni from over 158 countries. Our online programmes are designed and developed by the same faculty who teach on our global campuses - expert academics and leaders in research and innovation who work alongside industry to find solutions to some of the world's most pressing challenges.
Together, we shape your future.
1st
Ranked 1st in Scotland for Construction, Surveying and Planning (Guardian University Guide 2025).
Accredited
Meets the educational requirements for Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) membership.
Flexible
Complete your MSc fully online and in as little as two and a half years or pace your learning around your career and life.
Employability
With our flexible model you can earn while you learn, build your CV, and apply new skills right away. Get free access to 500+ industry credentials and dedicated Careers Service support.
Potential career paths
- Commercial Construction Manager
- Construction Director
- Project Quantity Surveyor
- Construction Estimator
- Electrical Estimator
Your Online experience
Explore Heriot-Watt Online as a student
Speak to an advisor
Considering the MSc Safety and Risk Management and want to understand how it could work for you? Our Enrolment Advisors can talk you through entry routes, course choices, time commitment and funding options.
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