Building Surveying

Please check the Sheffield Hallam University website for the latest information.

Course summary

• Experience all forms of the profession, from surveying techniques and building technology to appraisal and conservation

• Learn how to design, manage and advise on new and refurbished building projects

• Tackle current industry challenges, such as sustainable design and redevelopment

• Get out of the classroom and explore diverse projects, with field trips in the UK and Europe

• Work on real-life briefs with industry experts and practising surveyors at prestigious organisations

Discover everything you need to know about the building surveying profession – including building pathology, construction technology, building conservation, project management and design.

The course is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and the Chartered Institute of Building.

How you learn
As one of the longest-running Building Surveying courses in the UK, our tutors are highly regarded throughout the industry. Not only are they experts in their field, but they also have strong connections within the profession, giving you a headstart in your career. At every level of the course, you’ll have the opportunity to engage with professionals and diverse buildings, places and communities – both locally and globally.

As the course progresses, you’ll explore the latest trends in the sector. You'll also learn how to apply your skills to real-world challenges, such as the need to balance economic, social and environmental goals in the name of ‘sustainable development’.

You learn through:

• Lectures and seminars

• Technical workshops

• Industry visits

• Field trips

• Independent study

• Practice-based learning

• Group work

• Work placements

Key themes
You’ll learn the fundamental skills of how to inspect, appraise, propose, negotiate, problem solve, innovate and plan in relation to the full life-cycle of buildings and places – from their creation and use, through to their replacement.

Core modules cover surveying skills and techniques, building technology, building pathology, conservation and heritage, dilapidations, law, sustainability and resilience, economics, property development and climate action.

In your final year, you’ll research a topic of your choice, enabling you to master the investigation, data analysis and reporting skills you’ll need in professional practice.

This combination of practice-focused learning and contemporary industry issues will make you stand out to employers, preparing you to leave us a confident graduate, ready for your next challenge.

Work placements
You’ll have the opportunity to arrange a year-long work placement before your final year. This gives you valuable work experience to prepare you for your future career and allows you to graduate with an Applied Professional Diploma to add to your CV.
We put a big focus on applied learning, and you’ll get lots of real-world experience on this course, which in turn will heighten your employability when you graduate.

Live projects
This course boasts some great hands-on, practical experience. In each year of study, you’ll work on real projects, responding to briefs set by employers, and interacting with building surveying professionals. This could include investigating and profiling an employer, or working with students from other courses to creatively address environmental issues.
You’ll also have the chance to work with our estate partners on campus development projects. Not only could you help us meet our environmental targets, but you can also have a direct impact on how our University will look.

Networking opportunities
Property is all about people. We’ll help you build a network of professional contacts by hosting networking events with employers. You’ll also be introduced to high-profile industry leaders through guest lecturers and masterclasses.