Building Surveying

A Brighton Building Surveying degree prepares you to shape the life cycle of buildings – from design and construction to refurbishment, conservation and maintenance – by combining technical expertise with legal, managerial and sustainability knowledge. You’ll learn how surveyors diagnose defects, plan adaptations, manage contracts and apply building information modelling (BIM) to deliver projects that perform for people and the planet.

At Brighton, you’ll join a collaborative learning community where field trips, site visits and live brief projects mirror professional practice, and gain hands-on experience with specialist labs, surveying equipment and industry-standard software such as BIM and CAD.

Graduates progress into roles across the built environment, including building surveying, project management and property services.

Top reasons to choose this course

• Accredited by RICS and CABE – giving your degree professional recognition and supporting your pathway to chartered status.

• Close links with industry – from our Industrial Advisory Board to guest lecturers, providing networking opportunities and bringing learning to life.

• Brighton’s vibrant professional network – study in a city with strong links to the construction sector, with opportunities to connect with local practices and attend industry events.

• Industry engagement and live projects – work on real-world briefs, site visits and interdisciplinary activities that mirror professional practice.

• Learn building information modelling (BIM) – develop 3D modelling and life-cycle management skills in a tool widely used across the UK construction industry.

• Boost your CV with work experience opportunities, including an optional paid placement year and industry-led projects.

• Learn specialist technical skills – master surveying techniques, BIM, CAD and digital tools alongside advanced knowledge of building performance and regulations.

• Hands-on experience – take part in field courses, practical surveying sessions and lab-based workshops.

• Learn in specialist facilities – access hydraulics, dynamics and heavy structures labs, surveying equipment and digital modelling studios.

• Showcase your expertise – graduate with a portfolio of projects and professional experience that demonstrates your readiness for industry.

• Flexibility to study full- or part-time – making it easier to fit your studies around your commitments.

Why Brighton is a great place to study Building Surveying
You’ll study at our Moulsecoomb campus, close to Brighton’s thriving construction and property sector, with excellent transport links for site visits and industry engagement. The city’s dynamic environment and strong professional networks provide opportunities to connect with leading practices and attend industry events.

With specialist facilities including hydraulics and dynamics labs, heavy structures lab, modelling studios, surveying equipment and professional software such as BIM and CAD, Brighton makes learning practical, immersive and industry-focused. Our inclusive community and active research culture ensure your studies are connected to real-world challenges and future innovations.

Course Modules

Year 1
You’ll explore the fundamentals of building surveying and construction, including building technology, design principles, environmental services and material science. Practical sessions introduce land and construction surveying, architectural drawing and CADD, while a residential field course gives you hands-on experience of the construction process and professional roles.

Core modules
Introduction to the Built Environment
Building Technology and Design 1
Building Technology and Design 2
Indoor Environment and Building Services 1
Land and Construction Surveying
Construction Materials for Built Environment

Year 2
You’ll build on your first-year knowledge and focus on core aspects of building surveying in more depth. Key areas include building pathology and defect diagnosis, construction methods, cost and contract administration and professional practice. You’ll also develop skills in BIM and explore environmental services for complex buildings, combining technical expertise with sustainable and responsible design approaches.

Core modules
Building Surveying Professional Practice
Cost and Contract Administration
Construction Methods and Technology
Indoor Environments and Building Services 2
Building Surveying
Building Information Modelling (BIM)

Optional Placement Year
You can choose a salaried professional placement after year two, gaining hands-on experience with building surveying practices, property consultancies or construction firms. This year allows you to apply your academic knowledge to real-world projects such as building inspections, defect analysis, refurbishment planning and contract administration.

You’ll develop practical skills in surveying techniques, project management and client collaboration, while building valuable industry contacts. The placement enhances your employability and confidence, giving you a competitive edge for careers in building surveying and related fields.

Final year
You’ll complete an independent research project and advance your professional expertise through modules in building pathology, life-care planning and advanced surveying practice. You’ll also choose option modules to tailor your learning, with topics such as sustainable construction, environmental impact assessment and project planning, allowing you to specialise in areas that match your career ambitions.

Core modules
Advanced Building Surveying
Honours project
Building Pathology and Life Care

Option modules*
Construction Risk and Financial Analysis
Project Planning and Analysis
Sustainable Construction
Environmental Impact Assessment
Waste Management and the Circular Economy

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.