Once you have successfully completed Part 1 you have two options:

• Complete Part 2 with either CEM or the University of Reading to be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Surveying. This will entitle you to use the designatory letters PGDip Surveying or PGDipSurv respectively

• If you successfully complete Part 2 following the University of Reading route you may continue to Part 3, and upon completion you will be awarded the MSc in Surveying. You will be entitled to use the designatory letters MScSurv, or simply MSc

To study for the MSc you must be registered with the University of Reading from the start of Part 2. Students completing Part 2 may take a gap of up to three years before returning to complete Part 3 to attain the MSc.

Those choosing to study for the MSc in Surveying (Construction Management Route) will receive recognition from the CIOB and RICS.

You should have:

• A bachelor’s or higher degree in any discipline from a recognised university or an RICS accredited diploma of equivalent standing to a surveying degree. (For acceptance on to the MSc route you are required to have a good first degree (2.2 or higher). A detailed syllabus must be supplied if applying for module exemptions at Part 1)

• Relevant employment within the real estate or construction industries. Maximum benefit is gained if you work alongside a Fellow or Member of RICS or similar institution, whether in a private firm or government organisation. This is not essential, but all students are encouraged to seek support from a mentor from within the property or construction industries. If you are not currently in relevant employment you may still apply, provided you have considered how you may obtain access to people and information during your studies

• 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 Member or Fellow of RICS, HKIS, SISV or a person of equivalent standing. Do not send original documents.

The choice of subject modules in various prescribed combinations will allow career specialisms in the professional disciplines shown. This diagram sets out the Part 2 module recommendations (not mandatory) for each professional discipline.

Your choice of discipline will also inform your Part 1 route and associated module electives, e.g. demonstrating an inclination towards either the construction or real estate streams in preparation for your Part 2 choices.*

*It is possible to change your chosen modules or route during the course subject to sufficient notice.

**The Construction Management Route is a defined CIOB route through the MSc in Surveying, successful completion of which makes graduates eligible to apply for Membership of the CIOB, as well as RICS/HKIS.

It is the only CIOB-accredited MSc in Surveying available via distance learning and provides the quickest route to chartered status in CIOB construction management for those with degrees in any discipline.

Postgraduate Diploma level is sufficient for RICS/HKIS status; the MSc is required for CIOB status.

Up to 60 credits may be exempted for applicants who can demonstrate prior learning:

Graduates with a degree related to real estate or construction (e.g. architecture) are exempt from the Foundation level

Graduates whose existing degree covers building technology or principles of law at final year level can request exemption from assessment in these modules at Part 1. You must produce syllabus details and copy certificates as evidence of your prior learning to obtain the exemptions

All students will receive a full set of Part 1 study materials.

The Programme has a significant online component and you must have good access to the Internet throughout your studies.

* Indicates exemption is possible for prior learning. The results for each Part are published in April. Students completing Parts 2 or 3 can anticipate sitting their APC in the autumn. All modules are 20 credits studied sequentially over nine weeks with a one week break before each module. Part 2 modules are offered subject to minimum enrolment and availability.

Foundation

The Foundation stage gives you a grounding in the business of real estate and construction, and a full awareness of the structure of the different sectors and the roles of individuals operating within them.

introduction to the various contexts, people, relationships and activities involved in conducting business within the land, real estate and construction environments.

Part 1 – Fundamentals of Practice

introduction to the fundamental principles underpinning building technology in order to source, interpret and use data and information relating to the technology of building for professional practice.

introduction to the fundamental principles underpinning building technology in order to source, interpret and use data and information relating to the technology of building for professional practice.

introduction to the principles of law and the legal framework that underpins the practice of surveying professionals.

introduction to the fundamental principles underpinning building technology in order to source, interpret and use data and information relating to the technology of building for professional practice.

overview of the strategic and administrative procedures involved with the procurement of construction work, in addition to a broad grounding in the principal skills required by surveyors working in the construction industry.

introduction to the economic and financial influences on practice in the land and real estate sectors of industry.

introduction to the economic and financial influences on the market for construction work.

Part 2 – Applications in Practice

Part 2 gives you a choice of subjects, allowing you to tailor your study to meet your own practice and learning needs by choosing one module from each of four baskets. During Part 2 you will critically examine the application of a range of subjects in practice.

Basket A

critical investigation of aspects of planning law which affect the development and use of land and buildings.

detailed exploration of the law relating to UK agricultural tenancies and other legal matters of importance to rural surveyors.

detailed examination of the complexities of ownership, rights and interests in land; common law and statutory rules relating to the landlord–tenant relationship; and the transfer of estates in land.

detailed examination of the complexities and major legal issues that arise in the construction process.

detailed exploration of the complexities associated with practice in this branch of property valuation.

Basket B

application of principles to carry out an appropriate valuation under any circumstances using a variety of techniques.

extension of value concepts into development opportunities, including factors that affect the cost of a building and how these are controlled at all contract stages.

investigation of the farming techniques, problems and constraints that influence the economic production of wholesome foods and provision of amenity ‘goods’ within environmental, conservation and government policies.

development of the fundamental concepts and theories of real estate economics and their empirical application in the context of commercial real property markets.

Basket C

application of methods to ensure that existing buildings meet the needs of their users and continue to provide sustainable assets.

extension of the knowledge of construction principles for their application to industrial and commercial buildings.

application of investment principles to critically appraise the real estate market and the management of investment portfolios.

analysis of the role of real estate in investment and occupation contexts and the application of management principles for optimising the benefits of estates to investors and users utilising alternative strategies.

examination of the context within which property development takes place, utilising skills to select appropriate sites, appraise financial viability, identify sources of finance and manage risk factors.

exploration of the contexts and issues typical of contemporary developments in the quantity surveying profession across the world.

application of practice skills to identify and resolve issues related to quantity surveying practice in civil engineering.

application of practice skills to identify and resolve issues related to quantity surveying practice in the building services sector.

investigation of the philosophy, methodology and practice of managing projects across sectors.

exploration of housing issues, including the critical appraisal and analysis of housing provision, legislation and methods for appraising housing value and worth.

application of the principles and practice of valuations within the farming and rural estate sectors.

Basket D

examination of the professional and personal skills required to establish strategic processes and to formulate, plan and manage construction projects.

exploration of the nature of disputes and the various methods available for their resolution. Students passing this module can apply to become an Associate of CIArb.

investigation of the practices, stages and processes associated with the acquisition and disposal of land and real estate, including identification of key risk factors, financial considerations and taxation.

examination of the town and country planning process and its impact on the use and development of land, including issues relating to housing, design, retail development, sustainability and urban regeneration.

extension of principles to landlord and tenant law and the ways in which these influence practical decisions.

development of methodical approaches to the assessment of existing buildings, the identification of faults and defects, and the process of dilapidation surveys.

exploration of the principles of managing rural businesses, including those within the landed estate, and to apply these within a sustainability context.

examination of the function and scope of facilities management related to real estate practice and investigation of the benefits of implementing an FM strategy.

detailed appraisal of systems of national/local taxation and the valuation of different taxes, including the management implications for both owners and occupiers.

exploration of the contexts and issues typically found within international construction procurement and their appropriate resolution.

Part 3

You will take this part if you are seeking to achieve the MSc. You may choose to take either a practice or research route. The practice route includes further taught study and completion of a workplace project. The research route requires you to complete a dissertation.

Part 3 – Practice of Surveying

introduction to research principles followed by completion of a piece of personal research conducted within the workplace.

Module options (choose one)

examination of the consultancy process and the practice factors that require managing in providing successful professional services.

investigation of the interrelationship between marketing and strategy and their practical application within the real estate and construction business environments.

exploration of the environmental and sustainability issues that influence and form the practice agenda for real estate and construction professionals.

extension of general project management principles to the exploration of contexts and issues that influence practice in the management of complex construction projects.

OR

Part 3 – Research

development of research skills and techniques required to complete the dissertation module, including critical awareness of the process, methods and presentation of results.

completion of an extended piece of research within a real estate- or construction-related area as a result of sustained personal investigation.

Professional Recognition Routes

For those seeking recommendations for modules that will assist with specific professional recognition routes, please click here for our helpful matrix guide.

Optional face-to-face sessions may be held in Reading during your course of study.* Overnight accommodation is not provided as part of these optional sessions. Other media formats may be offered as an addition/alternative to face-to-face sessions. *Availability will be based on the number of module registrations received.

Assessment consists of assignments and examinations.

Assignments

You will complete and submit two assignments per module according to the course timetable. Due dates for submission may not be changed.

Exams

Exams are normally held in December and a period of revision is scheduled beforehand. You will sit one 3-hour written paper per examined module. At Parts 1 and 2 you will complete one coursework-only module of study after sitting the examinations.

Please click here to apply.