Course Overview
Course summary
The growth in global construction is fuelling the demand for professional quantity surveyors and construction commercial managers who can take a holistic view of construction projects – overseeing costs, contractual and procurement matters – from inception to completion. Our project-based approach to learning exposes you to live and past construction projects from the outset, preparing you to accurately predict and control project costs.
This professionally focused degree will prepare you to confidently and effectively manage the commercial aspects of building and civil engineering projects across the property and construction industries. Whether you’re already working in construction or looking to enter the industry, you can start your journey to becoming a certified quantity surveyor or commercial manager.
Fully accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) and the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE), it will equip you with the professional and technical skills to ensure projects are delivered on time, to the required quality and within budget. This involves early cost planning, procurement evaluation, tendering, estimating, contractual routes, project cost control and commercial management.
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 give guest lectures and regularly contribute to the course. They provide buildings as case studies for coursework, learning materials (drawings, reports, clients briefs etc.) and come into the University to give face-to-face formative feedback on students’ work. We aim to create authentic learning activities to ensure you are business-ready for employment or can further progress in your existing careers.
Our construction courses share a common ‘Level 4’; the first year of the full-time course or the first two years if studying part-time. Shared core modules allow you to gain knowledge of the different professional roles and the interdisciplinary nature of the modern construction industry. At the end of the Level 4, you’ll be better placed to choose the course-specific modules in later years of study that emphasise the knowledge and skills for your chosen profession. It also means that, should your interests change, you can switch course.
The course also offers practical experience opportunities, with the option to spend a year in industry between your second and third year of study. Alternatively, you'll have the chance to explore international perspectives through a year abroad, providing you with valuable real-world experience.
Top reasons to study with us
- Fully accredited by RICS, CIOB and CABE
- Professionally focused course designed to produce graduates capable of dealing with the technological and managerial processes associated with pre and post-construction building lifecycle
- Put theory into practice on a year-long work placement or gain international experience studying abroad
- Taught by a knowledgeable, approachable and multicultural teaching team, who are professionally qualified having come from professional practice and/or construction research
- Take part and visit major construction and infrastructure projects, in the UK and abroad. Recently we have visited off-site manufacturing facilities and major London projects, such as Crossrail, Battersea Power Station, Google Headquarters
- Street walks and talks – a series of guided walks around Marylebone, Fitzrovia and Kings Cross, which have a wealth of historic buildings, modern buildings, examples of adaptation and reuse of buildings, such as Coal Drop Yard in Kings Cross
- Outstanding facilities include the Fab Lab, used to build models, test construction materials and for 3D printing, photographic facilities and simulation through virtual and augmented reality
Course structure
This course provides you with knowledge and understanding of the context, core concepts and theories relevant to quantity surveyors and commercial management in the design, creation and maintenance of a sustainably built environment to meet the needs of clients both nationally and internationally. Ever mindful of your route to professional practice, we pay particular attention to developing the behaviour and attitudes required of modern construction professionals. Core modules cover subjects that cross the industry, such as health and safety, site practice, construction technology, design and form, materials and building science, structures and digital construction. Specific modules covering course and profession specific content are delivered as study progresses.
Please note: this course is also offered as part of a degree apprenticeship programme. Further details are available on our Degree apprenticeships page.
The following subjects are indicative of what you will study on this course.
You will be introduced to the key theories and concepts of building design, building science, construction technology, the built environment, and digital construction. You will develop your knowledge of theses core theories and concepts. Right from the start, you will be introduced to real-world projects and case studies: we try to take you out of the classroom to visit building sites and learn about quantity surveying and commercial management in the field. You also attend events and exhibitions, for example, at The Building Centre and Futurebuild. Most of the topics are around simple construction at this level.
Subjects of study include:
- Building Design
- Building Science and Structures
- Construction Technology and Services
- Introduction to the Built Environment
- Project, Commercial and Organisational Environment
- Site Engineering and Management
Credit Level 4
As the course develops, you will move on from simple construction to look at high rise and wide span building, looking at their structure and fabric and how to procure and manage their design, develop costings and procure construction services. You will look at the measurement, quantification and estimating of building costs together with the principles underlying project financial, contractual and site management. In future, we hope to offer a European field trip to highlight different international practices within construction and other manufacturing and production industries.
Subjects of study include:
- Advanced Measurement
- Construction Project Based Learning
- Construction Engineering Technology
- Environmental Science and Services
- Project and Commercial Management
- Project Procurement, Management and Law
Credit Level 5
Between Years 2 and 3 (Levels 5 and 6), you may choose to undertake either a professional placement year in the UK or an international experience year.
Professional Experience
You’ll have the option to take a placement year in industry. During the year, you’ll identify goals to work towards achieving whilst on placement; carry out research to develop awareness of the sector you are working in and gain the commercial skills required within the contemporary business environment.
International Experience
Alternatively, you may choose to undertake an international experience year at one of our partner overseas institutions. During the year, you’ll study and reside in the country of a host institution. The content of your study is agreed through a Learning Agreement between you, the home institution and Westminster Business School.
Find out more about the costs involved in taking a study abroad or placement year.
Study focuses on the frameworks and contractual arrangements under which construction takes place to further develop your knowledge and skills in the areas of project evaluation and development, cost information systems, whole life costing and supply chain management. You will also look at professionalism and the requirements of the professional bodies, together with sustainable design and construction to ensure students are ready for the workplace and to carry on their journey to achieve professional recognition. Students also investigate a current issue of their choice in the final year. During this year, you have the option to take part in a week-long trip abroad to look at building and infrastructure projects, with some free time to explore the area that you are visiting.
Subjects of study include:
- Construction Technology and Innovation
- Contract Administration and Practice
- Current Issues in the Built Environment
- Professional Practice
- Project Evaluation and Development
- Project Management
Credit Level 6
Professional recognition
This course 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).
For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).
To request an accessible version please email [email protected]
Get your copy of the University of Westminster prospectus and browse the range of courses on offer.
Contact us for general course enquiries:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
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Careers
With our focus on professionalism and international practice, this accredited course will provide you with the principal skills needed to become Quantity or Commercial Manager and, with further education and experience, you can progress towards full professional qualification with the RICS and CIOB. There is a wide choice of careers open to you, including professional quantity surveying, commercial management, project and facilities management, value and risk management, procurement management, property investment and development, arbitration and dispute resolution, capital allowances and tax consultancy and property development.
Our graduates have developed careers with many types of organisations including surveying firms; property consultancies; commercial companies; central government; local authorities; and large property-owning organisations, such as housing associations, retailers and leisure groups. Others have also pursued further studies at Masters level, either on a full-time or part-time basis, typically in areas such as construction or project management, Construction Law or Commercial Management.
The University's Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers.
Kickstart your career
Learn how to use social media in your job hunt or LinkedIn to kickstart your career.
Develop your CQ
Develop your cultural intelligence – or ‘CQ’ – studying alongside students and staff representing more than 100 nationalities.
The Duke of Edinburgh award
Undergraduate students within the School of Applied Management can undertake their Duke of Edinburgh award.
Industry links
Our course was designed with input from a range of industry professionals and, to retain currency and relevance, we receive ongoing feedback from the School’s Employability Advisory Board. Current members include practitioner representatives from the multinational construction, property and infrastructure company Lendlease, commercial property experts Chase and Partners, and CABE. You’ll be taught by staff with substantial industry experience and be exposed to real professional practice and projects throughout.
We are proud of our excellent industry links with a host of construction companies and key professional bodies, including RICS, CIOB and CABE. They enable us to host a highly successful Annual Property and Construction Careers Fair, which in 2019 attracted 40 employers including CBRE, Mace, JLL, Barratt Developments, Bouygues UK, Savills, Carter Jonas and Grainger. Immensely popular with our students, the fair provides a unique opportunity for them to meet with leading employers in the property and construction sector, learn first-hand about their organisations, secure work experience or receive guidance from a panel of speakers on the graduate scheme application process for some of the larger employers.
Job roles
This course will prepare you for roles such as:
- Professional quantity surveyor
- Commercial manager
- Procurement manager
- Project manager
- Development manager
Graduate employers
Graduates from this course have found employment at organisations including:
- Gleeds
- Lendlease
- Galiford Try
- Ballymore
- Wilmott Dixon
- Wates
- Mace
- AECOM
- Arcadis
Westminster Employability Award
Employers value graduates who have invested in their personal and professional development – and our Westminster Employability Award gives you the chance to formally document and demonstrate these activities and achievements.
The award is flexible and can be completed in your own time, allowing you to choose from a set of extracurricular activities.
Activities might include gaining experience through a part-time job or placement, signing up to a University-run scheme – such as mentoring or teaching in a school – or completing online exercises.
Read more about our Westminster Employability Award.
International Opportunities
Many of our courses offer international study and work experiences, and the University provides other global opportunities that all students can apply for - so whatever you're studying, you'll have the chance to go abroad.
Opportunities could include:
- Taking part in semester or year-long exchanges at institutions around the world
- Attending an international summer school or field trip
- Developing your CV through volunteering or work placements abroad
International experience broadens horizons, boosts self-confidence, and improves global understanding, alongside being fantastic for your career.
Find out more about our international opportunities, including funding options and where you can go.
Course Leader
Olayinka Omoboye
Senior Lecturer
Course Team
Meet Senior Lecturer Krystal-Kay Dyer
Have you ever wondered what our lecturers did before joining the University of Westminster? What their first job was or what inspired them to teach? What music they listen to, and what shows they enjoy?
In this video series, we chat to various colleagues from across the University and ask them questions about their interests, their passions, and Westminster. In this episode, we chat to Krystal-Kay Dyer, Senior Lecturer in Property and Construction at Westminster Business School.
Why study this course?
Professional software
Access a range of industry-standard software and tools including U-value and government-approved SBEM software for energy-use modelling, and BCIS (Building Cost Information Service) for costing construction and refurbishment work, as well as digitised measurement and takeoff software.
Combine theory and practice
A truly international learning experience linking theory to global practice through real-life case studies, guest lectures, field trips and construction site visits both in the UK and overseas.
Expert teaching staff
Our expert teaching team will share their professional experiences of a range of private practice quantity surveying consultancies, construction companies, clients, dispute resolution companies and international organisations.
Entry Requirements
A Levels – BCC (104 UCAS Tariff points)
T levels – 104 UCAS Tariff points
International Baccalaureate – 104 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis
BTEC Extended Diploma – DMM
BTEC Diploma – D*D
Access – 104 UCAS Tariff points from the Access course
In addition to one of the above, you should have:
GCSE English Language grade 4/C – IB grade 4 Higher Level, GCSE Maths grade 4/C – IB grade 4
If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with 5.5 in each component.
We also welcome applications from students who are taking a combination of qualifications listed above. For further information, please contact Course Enquiries.
View more information about our entry requirements and the application process.
- International Baccalaureate – 104 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis. You can refer to the UCAS calculator to determine your point score
- We accept a wide range of international high school level qualifications. Please see information on Country-specific entry requirements
- We work in partnership with Kaplan International College London who provide International Foundation Certificate courses for students who don’t meet our entry requirements. Upon successful completion, you can progress to your chosen degree at the University of Westminster. Find out about a range of university preparation courses that are accepted for entry.
English language requirements
- If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS score of 6.0 overall, with a score of 5.5 in each component. Please note we accept a wide range of English language qualifications and assessments. Find out more at English language requirements.
- If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, then we offer online and on campus pre-sessional English programmes to help develop your English language skills to the required level before you start your course. Find out more about our pre-sessional English programmes.
More information
What our students say
Siu Yin Kwan
Studying at Westminster has taken me to another level to see things and gain confidence to try. The combination of the location, student quality, supportive lecturers, professional events, hands-on experience and the intention to succeed really makes the University of Westminster a place that you can depend on to reach higher.
Khaleed Raheem
Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management
I enjoy the varied aspects of construction as we focus on modern-day construction as well as construction in the past and how we can solve problems that could affect us in the future. I also like the fact we assess modern issues and give possible solutions.
Learn new skills
Develop your creativity
Develop your creativity to think outside the box.
Integrate your learning
Integrate your learning around project work that link key theories and practices to the construction industry today.
Develop your enquiry based skills
Develop your enquiry based skills through independent study that builds critical employability and career development skills.
Westminster Business School blog
Read our blog and get an insight into life and studies at Westminster Business School.
Fees and Funding
UK tuition fee: £9,250 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Funding
As well as tuition fee loans, there is a range of funding available to help you fund your studies.
Find out about undergraduate student funding options.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students, which cover all or part of your tuition fees.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
International tuition fee: £17,000 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme
If you are an international student accepted on an undergraduate programme starting in September 2024 or September 2025 at level 3 (Foundation) or level 4 (first year) on the basis of an eligible EU qualification only, you will be awarded a tuition fee reduction which will align your fee more closely to the one for UK students. For more information, see the EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme.
International student funding
Find out about funding for international students.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
Student work
During your studies, you will have the opportunity to visit real sites, so you can directly relate the classroom topic to actual building forms and sites. It helps you make the important connection between the intention and the reality. For example, we might pose the question: How does a contractor begin to plan and budget for the construction of a site such as Battersea Power Station? You’ll conduct research and explore the methods and tactics used in the industry within the classroom, then visit the site to see the reality!
Teaching and Assessment
Below you will find how learning time and assessment types are distributed on this course. The graphs below give an indication of what you can expect through approximate percentages, taken either from the experience of previous cohorts, or based on the standard module diet where historic course data is unavailable. Changes to the division of learning time and assessment may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions.
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 three broad categories:
- Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
- Placement: placement hours normally include placement opportunities, but may also include live projects or virtual activity involving employers
- 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 two broad categories:
- Practical: examples include presentations, videos, podcasts, lab work, creating artefacts
- Coursework: examples include essays, reports, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Data from the academic year 2023/24
Supporting you
Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.
- Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
- Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
- Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
- Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more
Facilities
The Learning Platform
Lecture theatres
Library
Bloomberg Financial Market Suite
Digital Marketing Lab
Meeting spaces
Cafe
Course Location
In the heart of London, our Marylebone Campus is home to the Westminster Business School and our Architecture, Planning and Tourism courses. Specialist workshops, dedicated digital and architecture studios, and our extensive Marylebone Library offer students everything they need for academic success.
Marylebone Campus is opposite Baker Street tube station and within easy walking distance of Regent's Park and Marylebone High Street.
For more details, visit our Marylebone Campus page.
Westminster Business School
Based in the heart of London's political, media and financial services, Westminster Business School has excellent industry links and a strong commitment to social enterprise.
Our courses are accredited by professional bodies including the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
Our practical teaching relates learning to the real world, and we develop graduates who are ready to respond to contemporary business challenges.
Contact us
Call our dedicated team on:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
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