Quantity Surveying - Conversion Course - Bolton Street

Course Title: Master of Science in Quantity Surveying
What is... Quantity Surveying?
The MSc Quantity Surveying is a part-time conversion programme that enables graduates of a non-cognate discipline to acquire a qualification in Quantity Surveying at Masters level (level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications). The programme is delivered by highly experienced staff within the School of Surveying and Construction Innovation (SSCI) in the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment.

The aim of the course is to educate and prepare leaners for a career as a Quantity Surveyor (QS) and upon completion, graduates are eligible to register the title of Quantity Surveyor in line with the Building Control Act, 2007.

The QS profession plays a central role in the provision of a sustainable built environment with responsibility for cost, contract and commercial management across public and private construction sectors. QS’s provide expertise in building measurement, construction technology and life cycle costing and have knowledge of the economic, legal and financial context within solutions to complex challenges are provided. QS are involved throughout the circular built environment.

The programme builds on the intellectual formation achieved in previous professional and academic studies to develop a range of competencies to formulate solutions to delivering a sustainable construction and built environment sector, using a range of technical and digital skills.

The programme is fully accredited by the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI) and consequently the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

Students registered on the programme may be eligible to apply of their Assessment of Professional Competency (APC) with the SCSI upon enrolment on the programme (subject to suitable employment), thereby using their period of study on the programme towards the APC requirements. Graduates of the MSc QS programme may therefore be eligible to apply for APC assessment at the next available opportunity post-graduation.

The programme content is aligned with the competencies required of a Quantity Surveyor, and comprises a number of mandatory modules in year 1; with a surveying capstone project, mandatory and elective modules in year 2.

Is it possible to complete the course on a full-time basis?
Not at present. The course currently will run on a part-time basis only. However, depending on the demand the School might develop the programme so that it will be run on both a full and a part-time basis.

Is the course accredited by the SCSI and RICS?
The course has full accreditation from the SCSI and the RICS.

Year 1
Semester 1
• Construction and Sustainable Technologies (Residential)
• Quantification of Building Work (Residential)
• Procurement and Tendering
• Construction Law

Semester 2
• Construction and Sustainable Technologies (Non-Residential)
• Quantification of Building Work (Non-Residential)
• Contract Practice
• Construction Economics

Year 2
Surveying Capstone Project is undertaken over both semesters in year 2.

Semester 1
• BIM for Quantity Surveying and Cost Management
• Commercial Management

Semester 2
• Sustainable Construction and Life Cycle Analysis
• Strategy and Leadership (elective) or
• Project Management (elective)

Minimum Entry Requirements?
Applicants to the MSc QS programme should be working in the construction and built environment sector and wish to pursue a career as a Quantity Surveyor. In order to be admitted to the course, applicants must:
• Hold an honours (2.2 grade or higher) in a level 8 bachelor degree or equivalent in a non-cognate discipline;
• Work within the construction and built environment sector – preferably in a trainee Quantity Surveying or estimating role.

Applications that do not meet the minimum entry requirements will be reviewed and may be called for interview. Selection will be made, following interview, using the following criteria:
• Academic achievement
• Relevant employment experience
• Evidence of commitment to a career in Quantity Surveying

All applicants whose first language is not English, will be required to demonstrate proficiency through an IELTS score of 6.5 of higher, with a minimum score of 6 in each section.

The School of Surveying and Construction Innovation (SSCI) are committed to widening participation in the programme while promoting opportunities for diversity and accessibility.

Applicants wishing to apply on the basis of RPL must submit a portfolio of evidence in relation to formal and/or informal learning to include transcripts of results, certificates and industry references. Typically, RPL applicants will hold a minimum of 8 years relevant construction industry experience, and all RPL applicants will be interviewed.

Applications for courses commencing in September 2024 will open in November 2023.

Applicants are required to submit a range of documentation, as specified by the Postgraduate Admissions team, in addition to a current CV detailing construction and built environment experience.

Places are limited to 25 per academic year, therefore early application is recommended.

The programme is assessed through a range of techniques including: project work, group work, assignments, presentations and examinations. Assessments in the form of examinations will normally take place at the end of the respective semesters in January and May, with supplemental examinations in September. In addition, students will be expected to complete a dissertation.

Students can only progress from one academic year to the next providing all the required assessments in the pre-requisite modules have been passed.

2.5 years
Mode of Study: Part Time
Method of Delivery Blended

Schedule
The MSc QS is a part time course delivered on a blended basis combining in-person on campus and online delivery over two years (4 semesters).

A full schedule is provided at the commencement of each academic year, with classes typically requiring attendance (either in person or online) on two evenings per week.

Lectures take place two evenings per week (usually on a Monday and Wednesday) and require up to 8 hours per week of attendance, be it in person or online, over the two evenings.

Commencement Date: September 2024

What are my career opportunities?
The programme has full accreditation from the Society of Chartered Surveyors and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.