You can apply to RICS, at the start of Level 1, to enrol for the Associate Assessment, successful completion of which leads to Associate Membership of the institution (AssocRICS) On successful completion of the Diploma you can enrol on a BSc degree course and become eligible to work towards full membership of RICS and/or CIOB. Subject to confirmation, you may be eligible for exemption from Level 1A of the BSc, depending on the grades you achieve.

You should have:

• English language proficiency

• Mathematics Grade C or above at GCSE or equivalent

Evidence is required in the form of certificates or statements. You should send photocopies that have been certified as true copies by a chartered professional or academic. Do not send original documents. You are also normally required to be 18 years of age or over and in relevant employment. A letter of support from your employer or organised mentor should be submitted with your application form. Note that your employer can use your attendance on this course to meet the requirements for Investors in People status.

Exemptions will normally be considered on a module-by-module basis up to a maximum of 50% of the course (either Level 1 or 2). The basis for consideration of exemption from a module is normally as follows:

A Level at grade C or above in a relevant subject (Level 1 module exemption only).

HNC/HND in relevant subjects (merits and distinctions recognised in the final award). A relevant professional qualification or at least 10 years’ relevant experience in the property and construction profession with evidence of five years’ appropriate structured learning (Level 1 module exemption only).

Exemption from the Portfolio of Work-Based Learning may be granted if you have NVQ at Level 3 in an appropriate property- or construction-related subject.

Level 1 – Key Elements of the Surveying Profession

Compulsory Modules

Written, spoken and nonverbal communication; use of ICT; principles of information systems management.

Introduction to English legal systems; civil obligation; law of contract; law of tort.

Alternative technical solutions to performance requirements; low-rise, small span erection and assembly processes; performance of building materials in local environment; elementary building services; environmental analysis and control.

Reinforces personal and professional development through the relationship between course content and the workplace; comprises a diary of professional experience and an end-of-year written personal reflection (continues at Level 2).

Module options (choose one)

Introduction to construction and development industries; construction team; construction procurement; construction measurement and pricing.

Introduction to construction and development industries; procurement routes; construction team; introduction to M&E measurement; estimating measurement and pricing.

Nature and aims of land use; planning and development in local situations; formal land use control procedures; policy aspects of land use.

Level 2 – Understanding the Market

Compulsory modules

High-rise, long span buildings with complex foundations; environmental control; basic structural principles; maintenance problems and solutions.

Organisational structures; communications; decision-making models; human resource management; employment law; health and safety; leadership, management and motivation; financial management and analysis; planning, scheduling, project control and accounting.

Reinforces personal and professional development through the relationship between course content and the workplace; comprises a diary of professional experience and an end-of-year written personal reflection.

Module options (choose one)

Methods of estimating cost of construction work; factors influencing cost of buildings; cost planning; cost analysis; pre-contract cost control; contractor’s estimating and tendering; life cycle costing; economics of construction market.

Demand and supply of land and buildings; concept of a perfect market and comparison with non heterogeneity of property market; price, value and worth; measurement; five methods of valuation; appraisal and valuation of property.

Technical Skills module options (choose one)

Agency law; property market; marketing principles; sources of instructions; methods of sale; types of agency; negotiating; advertising; selling; finance; freehold/leasehold; sales, lettings, rent reviews; surveys; valuation; property management; Internet; health and safety.

Contract procurement strategy; contractor selection; standard forms of contract in common use; subcontracting; payment; changing the contract; quality control; time, damages; insolvency; introduction to dispute resolution.

Defect identification procedures; maintenance and repair options; life cycle costing; facilities management; measurement; health and safety issues.

Management of property as an asset; landlord and tenant lease liabilities; landlord remedies in cases of tenant default; professional codes of conduct; calculation, allocation and recovery of service charges; management records.

Measurement of more complex M&E works; introduction to basic principles of contractor selection; standard forms of contract in common use; subcontracting; payment; changing the contract; quality control; time; introduction to dispute resolution; health and safety.

Four one-day sessions take place each year in Reading. Alternative UK teaching venues may be possible if numbers permit. Overnight accommodation is not provided as part of the course.

Level 1

Technical and Professional Communication, Introduction to Construction Practice, Introduction to M&E QS Practice and Land Use Studies – assignments only. Legal Studies and Building Technology A – assignments and examinations.

Level 2

All subjects assessed by both assignments and examinations except the Portfolio of Work- Based Learning, which records your work experience for the equivalent of 13 hours a week for six months in the first year of the course and nine months in the second year. The Portfolio is assessed on the basis of being ‘satisfactory’ or ‘not yet satisfactory’.

Assignments

You will complete and submit assignments each year for assessment according to the timetable of the course.

Exams

• Two 3-hour written papers in the second block at Level 1, normally in July (September start) and January (March start)

• Two 3-hour written papers per block at Level 2, normally in February and July (September start) and August and January (March start)

Please apply using the link on the right.