Quantity Surveying MSc
- Level(s) of Study: Postgraduate taught
- Start Date(s): September 2025
- Duration: One year full-time, two years part-time
- Study Mode(s): Full-time / Part-time
- Campus: City Campus
- Entry Requirements: More information
Introduction:
Quantity surveyors play a crucial role managing the commercial aspects of building and civil engineering projects — from handling finances, through to procurement and contracts. They set the tone for everything needed to deliver construction projects to a high standard.
On this course, you'll be equipped with the skills to specialise in this exciting and dynamic field. You'll learn about procurement options in the UK and internationally, and develop approaches that maximise client value while minimising costs to deliver on construction projects.
Through engaging module and project work, you’ll explore things such as construction law, technology and management. You'll also have the opportunity to gain real work experience on the 'Industrial or Professional Experience' optional module – the perfect preparation for graduate roles.
Who is this course designed for?
This course is aimed at professionals and graduates wishing to pursue a career in quantity surveying. It is also suitable for those wishing to ultimately pursue a career in construction project management, or construction management, through the quantity surveying route.
We welcome applications from prospective students who don't necessarily have a background in construction. This course can act as a route into quantity surveying for non-cognate professionals wishing to make a career change, or with a non-construction related qualification.
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This course is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) and the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE). -
100% of MSc Quantity Surveying full-time students, as a result of their course, are better prepared for their future career (PTES, 2024). -
NTU is ranked in the top 10 in the UK for Building (Complete University Guide 2025). -
2nd most sustainable university in the world (UI GreenMetric World University Rankings 2024).
Part of our postgraduate construction management suite
We have a suite of postgraduate construction management and quantity surveying courses. Take a look at our course comparison table to help find the right course for you.
What you’ll study
The course is formed of six core modules, three of which are shared with other construction management courses. This provides the opportunity for multi-disciplinary group work, which aims to extend your knowledge and peer network. You’ll also be able to choose between a further two optional modules, offering the opportunity to pursue research or to undertake a work placement in industry.
Your seven taught modules will total 180 credit points. The modules’ credit points are weighted based on the total time you can expect to spend studying the module content, both in terms of contact hours and non-contact hours.
Core Module Content
- Law for Construction
- Construction Business and Enterprise
- Advanced Construction Technology
- Introduction to Construction Technology and Management
- Procurement and Cost
- Contract Administration
- Measurement and Cost
Optional Module Content
- Postgraduate Research Project
- Professional or Work-based Project
Law for Construction
15 credit points
- This module will provide you with a framework for understanding legal processes and legal decision making in relation to the construction industry. This will provide you with a basis for understanding some key legal rights and responsibilities, and inform dispute resolution.
- The module content includes: an introduction to the English legal systems and process, key elements of contract law pertinent to the role of the construction manager, a review of key torts, a review of health and safety law, and methods of dispute resolution, including courts, arbitration, adjudication, mediation and conciliation. You will also look at corporate social responsibility from a legal perspective, including Corporate Manslaughter legislation.
- This module will be delivered through a combination of lectures and seminars, and be assessed via coursework and an examination.
Construction Business and Enterprise
30 credit points
- This module aims to introduce you to the construction industry as a business and enterprise. You will study three main areas: economics and finance, organisations and human resources management and marketing.
- You will develop a critical understanding of the complex economic and financial environments that construction organisations operate within, developing the necessary skills to analyse construction company accounts. The module will also introduce you to contemporary and emerging management theories and practices. You’ll appraise social, cultural, political and organisational differences, to identify how companies operate globally.
- You will also evaluate current and evolving human resource management issues, and develop the skills to critically review the marketing of construction organisations.
- This module will be delivered via a flexible programme of lectures, workshops, seminar groups and tutorials, and be assessed via coursework, a portfolio and an exam.
Advanced Construction Technology
15 credit points
- This module aims to introduce you to the technological environments, in which the construction industry operates. You will critically review construction systems and methods of implementation, including characteristics, constraints and difficulties, that together form the criteria for the development and optimisation of various methodologies available. You will explore and evaluate opportunities for the rationalisation of construction systems and production methods.
- The module will extend you knowledge of the relationship between construction projects and the environment, including the integration of environmental protection in the planning, implementation and life cycle of the construction product.
- This module will be delivered via a flexible programme of lectures, workshops, seminar groups and tutorials, and assessed via a report and a presentation.
Introduction to Construction Technology and Management
15 credit points
- This module introduces you to some of the fundamental aspects of construction technology, including materials, plant and equipment. You’ll develop your understanding of measurement principles, and develop your ability to apply measurement skills for quantification of building works for estimation and cost purposes. You’ll learn how to manage the occurrence of these costs during the construction process.
- The technology strand of the module will cover construction materials and technologies; types of construction and structures; sustainable and environmental methods and processes; and design and construction to UK and international statutory regulations.
- The management element of the module will cover construction and environmental management, health and safety, CDM regulations and logistics related to construction projects.
- This module is delivered through a combination of lectures and workshops and assessed via a portfolio.
Procurement and Cost
15 credit points
- This module examines different strategies which can be adopted by the client to procure the design and construction of a project.
- A successful outcome will depend on matching the key elements of the business case, and the client’s attitude to risk, to an appropriate procurement strategy.
Contract Administration
15 credit points
- This module introduces you to project environments in which quantity surveyors operates. The module will be based around studying the JCT 2016 and NEC 4 contracts and being able to apply these to a project scenario. You will be required to work on your own and work in teams to solve a series of problems related to the quantity surveying discipline.
- Explore various construction project environments and their impact on quantity surveyors.
- Acquire skills in project definition, contract selection, and using legal clauses to resolve issues.
- Demonstrate competencies in dispute resolution and understand their processes.
- Understand quantity surveying processes for example, valuations, bonds, guarantees, payless notices, and retentions.
- Demonstrate knowledge of client project procurement options, contracts, contractual procedures, needs and understanding.
- Develop understanding of construction contract principles and interpreting clauses for specific situations.
- Understand implications of change management in standard contracts and construction processes.
Measurement and Cost
15 credit points
- This module introduces you to cost management process which includes the measurement of quantities, preparation of cost estimates and management of cost during construction process
- Demonstrate the fundamental principles involved with construction related measurement, develop the various principles and techniques associated with it and develop your ability to apply them to real life projects.
- Develop your understanding of how construction costs occur, your ability to prepare estimates of cost and to manage the occurrence of cost during construction process.
- Develop knowledge and understanding of the role of construction as part of an investment process and your ability to apply cost forecasting techniques.
You will choose to study either:
Postgraduate Research Project
60 credit points
- This module's objective is to introduce students to the built environment research methodology, methods, theory, and their practical implementation.
- You will define a research project in agreement with your supervisor, exploring connections between theories, business/industrial practice, and research in their chosen course.
- You will conduct an independent academic inquiry, presenting findings through a postgraduate dissertation and poster.
- The module involves a critical literature review, developing and applying a relevant methodology and research design, documented in a postgraduate research report. Regular supervisor meetings provide feedback on the approach and literature review quality, culminating in an interim academic poster showcasing research processes and preliminary findings.
- The final research dissertation integrates literature, methodology, data collection, and findings, offering recommendations for professional practice and future research. While original knowledge contribution isn't mandatory, students must demonstrate a rigorous application of research processes in their selected topic
Or:
Professional or Work-based Project
60 credit points
- You are required to complete a minimum period of work-based project and research (minimum 150 hours for full-time students), examining connections between theories, principles, and various practices in the context of your chosen programme.
- A focused critical literature review and methodological considerations are required, with students specifying their research enquiry through a Practice Research Enquiry Proposal.
- The module involves a focused and critical literature review, relevant methodology application, and research design development. The research results are described, analysed, evaluated, and discussed in reference to the literature review.
- In addition to the research report, you will maintain a log and diary of work-based experience and prepare a critically reflective commentary and evaluation of their experiences. This includes the development of personal employability skills arising from the work-based project and a critical assessment of ongoing development needs, accompanied by a personal employability skills development plan.
*You will receive support in sourcing a placement through our Employability team, however it is your responsibility to source and secure your internship opportunity with a relevant company. Availability of internships is not guaranteed. If an internship cannot be secured, then you will be required to complete the Postgraduate Research Project module instead.
It is the responsibility of non-UK students to investigate the restrictions of their student visa when seeking internship opportunities and/or employment in the UK. Visit the UKCISA website for the most up-to-date visa information.
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves
How you’re taught
How will I learn?
A wide range of teaching and learning methods are used to deliver the course content. In most modules, you’ll take part in intensive sessions of key point lectures, supported by study guides and other literature. Many modules include presentations by external industry specialists, to provide a real life perspective on the module content.
Non-contact hours include direct out-of-classroom reading and activities, and independent learning and reading is deemed necessary to achieve the learning outcomes for the course.
Study trips
Field trips and study visits are essential components of your learning. As part of your studies, you will have the opportunity to go on site visits and a field trip in either the UK or Europe. Trips may be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, and alternative arrangements will be made.
Other trips may include site visits and visits to practices, exhibitions and events. Where a trip is mandatory it will be aligned to your modules and inform project work, the school will cover all substantive costs, including travel and accommodation. Optional trips may also be organised providing additional opportunities to enhance your knowledge and experience. Optional trips may incur a cost to the student. For trips outside of the UK, a valid passport and any associated visas will be required, and it is the responsibility of students to arrange and pay for these travel visas.
Studying part-time
The full-time route is usually studied for one year. The part-time route typically takes two to five years to complete, depending on your work/study balance and commitments. The part-time route is suitable for students in full-time employment.
How you’re assessed
You'll be assessed via written assignments, projects, reports, presentations, learning portfolios and exams. Assessment methods vary from module to module, however written assignments and case studies form a significant part of the assessment process.
Assignments are investigative in nature, enabling you to develop principles, analyse, critically appraise and evaluate relevant issues, demonstrating your creativity and sustainable thinking.
Careers and employability
With unrivalled support from academic staff with significant industry experience, this course provides students with excellent career opportunities.
Where do MSc Quantity Surveying graduates from NTU work?
Our MSc Quantity Surveying course has an outstanding reputation for producing employable graduates. The skills and knowledge gained on this course opens up opportunities for application to senior management positions. Graduates from the course are highly regarded by employers, enjoy excellent career prospects, and have gone on to work for a wide range of major national and international organisations.
Recent graduate destinations have included:
- E C Harris
- King West
- Rider Levett Bucknall
- Wates Group
- Next
- the NHS
- Faithful + Gould, and many more.
What our accreditations mean for you
This degree is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), and the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE). These accreditations represent seals of approval that the course delivers the highest standards of teaching, and signify the quality and relevance of the course content.
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
The RICS accreditation enables you to progress to Chartered Surveyor status once you have completed your studies. To become a Chartered Surveyor, you'll need to complete at least two years of relevant professional work experience – the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC).
This course will prepare you for future employment in a number of the RICS APC pathways. Find out more about how to complete your APC and become RICS qualified.
Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)
The CIOB accreditation ensures that successful students have a clear route to become full members of the CIOB (MCIOB). To become Chartered you must apply directly to the body, and demonstrate your knowledge, skills and experience in key areas of occupational, managerial and professional competence through reviews and assessments.
As a Chartered member of CIOB, you will be part of the world's largest and most influential professional body for construction management and leadership, with nearly 50,000 members in more than 100 countries.
Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE)
All students on a CABE accredited course can apply for free Student Membership, and after graduating can apply for Graduate Membership (Grad CABE). Graduate Membership is a developmental grade on the pathway to becoming a fully qualified Building Engineer.
CABE is an internationally recognised professional body. As a member, you'll show your peers, employers and the public that you are a competent and ethical professional who can be relied upon to strive for the highest possible standards.
Internships
If you elect to complete the optional Internship module as part of the course, it is your responsibility to source and secure your internship opportunity with a relevant company. You will receive support through our Employability team, however availability of internships is not guaranteed.
It is the responsibility of non-UK students to investigate the restrictions of their student visa when seeking internship opportunities and/or employment in the UK. Visit the UKCISA website for the most up-to-date visa information.
Hear from industry professionals
Regular campus events such as our Construction CPD Series provide the perfect chance to hear from and meet industry professionals.
Our Employability Team
Our expert Employability team will work closely with you at every stage of your career planning, providing personal support and advice. You can benefit from this service at any time during your studies, and for up to three years after completing your course.
Throughout the year, our Employability team runs a series of events specifically for students studying in the School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment. This includes the Built Environment Jobs Fair, where employers advertise graduate positions to our students.
Re:search Re:imagined
To us, research is about more than writing papers and proposing new ideas. By daring to think differently, we’re disrupting the research landscape and finding the answers to the questions that really matter. From modernising construction supply chains to BIM implementation, we’re inspiring the brightest minds to rise up and find solutions to some of the most significant global challenges facing society. Find out more
NTU Enterprise
You'll also have the opportunity to turn your ideas into a viable business with help from NTU Enterprise, NTU's purpose-built Centre for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, a support centre to help students create, develop and grow their own businesses.
NTU students networking with industry representatives at the annual Built Environment Jobs Fair
Campus and facilities
City Campus facilities
Many of your lectures and seminars will take place in the Newton building on our City Campus.
IT resources
Our IT resource rooms and PC clusters are distributed across our City Campus, with PCs providing access to Microsoft Office, email, web browsing, networked file storage and high-speed online printing services, with a free printing allowance for each student.
Resource rooms are available 24 hours a day.
Books and library resources
Our state-of-the-art Boots library will give you access to an extensive and diverse range of books and periodicals that focus on specialist areas within the built environment. The library's OneSearch system provides access to all our electronic resources, journals and books.
Within the library there is a liaison librarian who has specialist subject knowledge and can offer detailed help in finding and using print and electronic resources, and also with areas such as Harvard referencing and research skills.
Workshops and laboratories
Our Maudslay building boasts a number of industry-standard workshops and facilities. Supported by a team of expert technical staff, we offer woodwork and metal workshops, model making studios, structural testing equipment, concrete, soil and materials laboratories.
Entry requirements
Applying with prior qualifications
- 2:2 honours degree in a subject unrelated, or partially related, to property and construction, or
- Corporate membership of an appropriate professional body which has been approved for this purpose by the University, preferably alongside industry experience at managerial level, or
- An alternative approved professional qualification, together with appropriate industrial experience at senior managerial level in business, commerce or industry.
We specify these minimum entry requirements, but we will assess you individually on your ability to benefit from the course. We sometimes offer places on the basis of non-standard entry qualifications, and industrial or professional experience.
Applying with non-standard entry qualifications/experience
Applicants with non-standard entry qualifications and/or relevant experience at a senior managerial level in business, commerce or industry will be considered on an individual basis. Assessment of your experience will confirm that you have achieved the necessary skills in the course of your general experience.
Advanced entry
NTU may admit a student with advanced standing beyond the beginning of a course, through an assessment of that student's prior learning, whether it is certificated or uncertificated. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available to these prospective students, such as recognising experiential learning or transferring to a similar course at another institution, otherwise known as credit transfer.
All prospective students who wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning should initially contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please contact us at Ask NTU or call +44 (0)115 848 4200.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form
Applying with prior qualifications
- 2:2 honours degree in a subject unrelated, or partially related, to property and construction, or
- Corporate membership of an appropriate professional body which has been approved for this purpose by the University, preferably alongside industry experience at managerial level, or
- An alternative approved professional qualification, together with appropriate industrial experience at senior managerial level in business, commerce or industry.
We specify these minimum entry requirements, but we will assess you individually on your ability to benefit from the course. We sometimes offer places on the basis of non-standard entry qualifications, and industrial or professional experience.
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:
English language entry requirements
If English is not your first language you need to show us that your language skills are strong enough for intensive academic study. We usually ask for an IELTS test and we accept some alternative English language tests.
- For a list of our language requirements please visit our English language page.
- If you need to do a pre-sessional English language course to meet the English requirements please visit our pre-sessional English course page.
Advanced entry
NTU may admit a student with advanced standing beyond the beginning of a course, through an assessment of that student's prior learning, whether it is certificated or uncertificated. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available to these prospective students, such as recognising experiential learning or transferring to a similar course at another institution, otherwise known as credit transfer.
All prospective students who wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning should initially contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
Help and support
If you need any more help or information, please contact our International team or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200. Alternatively, you can speak to one of our official NTU representatives for your country.
Fees and funding
Fees for 2025 entry
| Study route | Home (UK students) fees |
|---|---|
| Full-time (1 year) | £12,150 per year |
| Part-time (Cost per year of study) | £6,075 per year |
Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.
Alumni discount and scholarships
We're happy to offer a 20% alumni discount to most current NTU students and NTU alumni for courses starting between September 2025 and August 2026. This discount is available for those starting on an eligible postgraduate taught, postgraduate research or professional course.
You might be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies. We award scholarships to those students who can demonstrate excellent achievement, passion and dedication to their studies.
Find out more about our discount and scholarships.
Funding your studies
There are numerous sources of funding available for postgraduate students, both from external sources such as the Government and funding bodies, and from the University.
There are two main costs involved with postgraduate study: the cost of your tuition fees which is paid directly to the University, and living expenses such as accommodation, travel and food.
You might be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies. We award scholarships to those students who can demonstrate excellent achievement, passion and dedication to their studies.
Please take a look at our postgraduate funding page for information about sourcing grants, bursaries and scholarships, and much more.
Additional costs
In addition, most study modules will recommend one or more core text-books, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary between courses and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. A good supply of these essential text-books are available in the University libraries which students can easily borrow or access directly whilst studying in the library.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service by calling +44 (0)115 848 2494.
Fees for 2025 entry
| Study route | EU and International fees 2025 |
|---|---|
| Full-time (1 year) | £17,850 |
| Part-time (cost per year of study) | £8,925 |
Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.
Alumni discount and scholarships
We're happy to offer a 20% alumni discount to most current NTU students and NTU alumni for courses starting between September 2025 and August 2026. This discount is available for those starting on an eligible postgraduate taught, postgraduate research or professional course.
You might be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies. We award scholarships to those students who can demonstrate excellent achievement, passion and dedication to their studies.
We also offer international scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.
Find out more about our discounts and scholarships.
Additional costs
In addition, most study modules will recommend one or more core text books, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary between courses and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. A good supply of these essential text books are available in the University libraries which students can easily borrow or access directly whilst studying in the library.
Living costs
Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:
Paying fees
Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
How to apply
You can apply to this course online through our NTU Applicant Portal.
You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU on our postgraduate pages.
Writing your application
Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. Make sure you include as much information as possible, including uploading evidence of results already achieved, as well as a personal statement.
Advice for non-standard applicants
We welcome applications from applicants without prior qualifications.
If you are applying without prior qualifications, you will need to submit comprehensive details of your achievements with evidence to substantiate your claim (any documentation can be uploaded to the My Documents section of the Applicant Portal). This type of application will be considered with respect to the University’s provision for ‘accreditation for prior experiential learning’. Decisions regarding the accreditation of prior learning are a matter of academic judgement.
Keeping up to date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or support, you can call our Admissions Team on +44 (0)115 848 4200, or contact us at Ask NTU.
Good luck with your application!
You can apply to this course online through our NTU Applicant Portal.
Application advice
Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example. After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Writing your personal statement
Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.