Our degree apprenticeship courses
We currently offer a range of degree apprenticeship courses. For the full range of courses visit our apprenticeships page for applicants or for business partners.
Course summary
This Level 6 degree apprenticeship provides industry-led study of the management and organisation of sustainable construction production, focused on the economic, commercial, financial, legal and contractual dimensions of projects.
| Duration | Start date | Location | Entry level | End Point Assessment Organisation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 years part-time | September 2024 | Marylebone Campus, Central London | Level 5 | CIOB |
Starting at Level 5, equivalent to the second year of an undergraduate degree, apprentices gain a BSc Honours in Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management. Those with insufficient experience can study our Level 4 Construction Quantity Surveying Technician apprenticeship first.
Supported by their employer to ‘earn while they learn’ without paying course fees, apprentices will learn about the design, technology and management of domestic construction processes, including planning and programming, health and safety, project life cycle assessment, people management, leadership, and business management. Real-life case studies, problem- and work-based learning bring professional practice to the classroom, while apprentices apply their learning to workplace projects.
The University is ranked 14th in the UK for Building by The Times Good University Guide 2021, placing Westminster 2nd in London. Our central London location and numerous industry contacts, which include Great Portland Estates, Mace, Lendlease, The Portman Estate, Wilmott Dixon, Multiplex, Transport for London and The Crown Estate, enable us to invite practising professionals to speak and visit major construction and infrastructure projects.
Course structure
This is a three-year course. Apprentices must be employed by a construction employer. Time spent on work and training is split 80/20, meaning the apprentices spend 20% of their time learning, which can include time at the University and work-based training, linked to the apprenticeship, provided by the employer.
Year 1 introduces the principles that underpin the study of construction, specifically in relation to simple building forms, the key theories and concepts of building design, building science, construction technology, site surveying and data analysis. Right from the start, apprentices will be introduced to real-world projects and case studies.
Subjects of study include:
- Construction Engineering Technology
- Environmental Science and Services
- Project and Commercial Management (Management 5)
- Advanced Measurement (Management 6)
Credit level 5
Year 2 considers how to manage building design and procure construction services, including measurement, quantification and estimating of building costs together with the principles underlying project financial, contractual and site management.
Subjects of study include:
- Project Procurement, Management and Law (Management 3)
- Construction Project-Based Learning (Management 4)
- Contract Administration and Practice (Management 11)
- Construction Technology and Innovation (Technology 6)
Credit level 5-6
Year 3 focuses on construction frameworks and contracts, including project evaluation, development, sustainable and modern construction, cost information systems, whole life costing, industry challenges and supply chain management. At the end of Year 3, apprentices take an end point assessment based on their work experience, comprising an online test, project and professional discussion.
To achieve the apprenticeship and complete the University qualification, apprentices must successfully progress into Gateway and attempt all elements of the End Point Assessment at the end of the course in order to be awarded the qualification certificate and attend a graduation ceremony.
Subjects of study include:
- Professional Practice (Management 7)
- Project Management (Management 9)
- Project Evaluation and Development (Management 10)
- Current Issues in the Built Environment
Credit level 6
Accreditations
This apprenticeship will include the knowledge, skills and behaviours typically required to achieve full member or chartered status with the industry’s recognised professional bodies. The final assessment process for this apprenticeship will typically be partly representative of the review process required for professional registration.
The Quantity Surveying and Commercial BSc Honours is fully accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the world's leading professional body for qualifications and standards in land, property, infrastructure and construction. Successful completion fulfils the academic requirements to become a professional member with the designation MRICS after gaining experience in the workplace and passing the Assessment of Professional Competence. Additionally, the course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), which has granted Westminster Business School ‘Accredited Centre Status’. Graduates from this course can apply, with appropriate experience, for membership of CIOB and the designation MCIOB. The course is also accredited by the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE).
On completing and passing the End Point Assessment, apprentices will automatically qualify for MCIOB–L6.
Programme specification
For more details on course structure and modules, and how you will be taught and assessed, see the programme specification.
To request an accessible version of the programme specification, please email [email protected].
Download the Programme Specification
Entry requirements and eligibility
Our apprenticeships are only available to those employed as part of an agreed apprenticeship scheme in a related role, who are aged 18 or over on the first day, are not in full-time education and meet the ESFA funding eligibility criteria. Further details are available on our How to apply page.
Applicants must also meet the academic entry requirements of the course:
- BTEC HND/HNC in Construction or Built Environment: Merit profile
or
- Construction Quantity Surveying Technician Apprenticeship (an interview might be required to assess the applicant’s suitability for the apprenticeship)
In addition to the above, it is a requirement that all applicants can demonstrate competency at a Level 2 standard in English and maths. This will be assessed during the application process, as part of the initial assessment stage.
It is a mandatory requirement, that in order for an apprentice to reach End Point Assessment, they must hold a Level 2 achievement in English and maths and be able to provide a copy of the original certificate of achievement.
Current acceptable evidence can be found on the Education and Skills Funding Agency's list of acceptable qualifications for English and maths requirements.
Those who are able to demonstrate competence at Level 2 but who are unable to provide evidence of prior attainment, such as a GCSE at grade C or 4 and above in English and Maths, will be required to obtain this during their first year of the apprenticeship. The University of Westminster will support any apprentice this affects, by facilitating an option to study for Level 2 Functional Skills English and maths with a partner organisation, in order to meet the requirement to progress to year two of the apprenticeship.
Fees
Employers who pay the levy are able to use their available levy funds to cover the training and assessment costs. Employers who do not pay the apprenticeship levy share the cost of training and assessing their apprentices with the government – this is called 'co-investment'. Non-levy paying employers will contribute 5% towards the cost of apprenticeship training and the government will pay the rest (95%) up to the funding band maximum.
University module retakes are not included in apprenticeship levy funding. Employers will be charged separately. The current fee is £1,540 (price per 20-credit module).
One End Point Assessment (EPA) attempt is included in the apprenticeship levy funding. Any EPA resits are payable by the employer outside the levy. The EPA resit fees are:
- Knowledge Test £50 (first resit fee)
- Appendix B and C (Project) £200
- Professional Discussion £400
Careers/professional development
This course complements and enhances workplace knowledge and experience, boosting the apprentice’s career prospects, on-the-job performance and satisfaction. It also demonstrates the employer’s commitment to staff development, enhancing their appeal to future employees.
Apprentices must be in full-time employment, as a trainee, assistant commercial manager or more experienced role. They will develop a well-rounded understanding of the construction process, the specification of building work, cost analysis, procurement and management of building contracts.
Course Leader
Aravinda Adhikari
Dr Aravinda Adhikari joined the University of Westminster as a Lecturer in Quantity Surveying, bringing with him a diverse background in both academic research and industry practice. He previously served as a Teaching Assistant at the City University of Hong Kong, where he also completed his PhD in Architecture and Civil Engineering. His doctoral research focused on Building Damage Detection and Quantification using machine learning and point cloud analysis, highlighting his expertise in integrating advanced technologies with construction practices.
Aravinda holds an MSc in Construction Management from the City University of Hong Kong and a BSc (Hons) in Quantity Surveying from the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka. His academic journey reflects a deep commitment to advancing the field of Quantity Surveying through both teaching and research.
With professional experience as a Quantity Surveyor in Bahrain, Aravinda has applied his technical skills and industry knowledge to real-world projects, further enriching his teaching practice. At Westminster, he leads the L4 Construction Quantity Surveying Technician and L6 Construction Quantity Surveyor (CIOB) courses and serves as the Module Leader for several L5, L6, and L7 modules in Construction Management and Project Management.
In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Aravinda supervises Master's level students, guiding their research and helping them develop critical skills for the construction industry. He is also a Graduate member of the Institute of Quantity Surveyors Sri Lanka (IQSSL), reflecting his active engagement with the professional community.
Teaching and assessment
This is how you can expect to be taught and assessed at the University of Westminster. Your apprenticeship will include additional requirements, agreed in partnership with your employer, designed to develop and evidence your skills in the workplace.
How you'll be taught
Teaching methods across all our undergraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application.
Learning typically falls into two broad categories:
- Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
- Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
How you'll be assessed
Our undergraduate courses include a wide variety of assessments.
Assessments typically fall into three broad categories:
- Practical: examples include presentations, videos, podcasts, lab work, creating artefacts
- Written exams: end of semester exams
- Coursework: examples include essays, reports, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertations
Course location
Our Marylebone Campus has benefitted from a multi-million-pound refurbishment resulting in new workshops, digital studios and development of the Marylebone Library. The campus is home to Westminster Business School and our award-winning Architecture, Planning and Tourism courses.
For more details, visit our Marylebone Campus page.
Contact us
We are keen to establish new relationships with employers from a wide range of sectors and welcome enquiries. For more information please contact our dedicated apprenticeships team on:
+44 (0) 207 911 5027
[email protected]