“Quantity surveying is for you if you have an analytical brain, and enjoy working with numbers and working with people.”
BSc (Hons)Quantity Surveying
Apply on UCAS
- 2026
- 2027
- 3 years
- 4 years with foundation year
UCAS code: QS01
Institution code: S30
UCAS points: 104-120Flexible entry options available
Campus: Southampton City CentreView on Google Maps
Why study a quantity surveying degree at Solent University
Learn the fundamentals of construction cost management - from estimating project bids, to analysing cashflow and managing contracts - vital skills to start your career as a quantity surveyor.
- Top0%nationally for sustained graduate employment (LEO 2025)
- Top0%of UK unis for teaching quality, out of 130 institutions (Times Good Uni Guide 2026)
- £0minvested in our campus estate and facilities
- The course has been designed with input from from companies such as Willmott Dixon, Mace and Ramboll, meaning you can be sure that this course will make you future ready and well placed to succeed in the construction industry.
- You'll gain practical skills in our recently updated construction materials laboratories. These were updated as part of a £7m investment in our facilities.
- You'll be taught by qualified professionals with extensive industry experience.
- You can study this course part-time.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: Call:Course overview
This vocationally-focused course delivers all the knowledge and skills you'll need to start a career as a quantity surveyor in construction: from tendering to win a project bid, to analysing cash flow, and effectively managing contracts.
Throughout the course, you'll build a sound knowledge and understanding of the role of cost management professionals in construction, as defined by the professional bodies, and its application in different contexts within the built environment.
At the heart of the course is the development of your problem-solving skills, providing you with the knowledge to provide sound and justified cost management advice and guidance in a variety of different formats. To aid this, you'll be encouraged to develop your technical writing and presentation skills throughout the course.
To encourage inter-disciplinary working, you'll frequently work alongside students studying on our other construction-related programmes, including apprentices and those on our construction management courses. This will help enhance your understanding of industry and offers excellent peer-to-peer learning opportunities to broaden your knowledge.
You’ll have access to Solent’s state-of-the-art construction materials laboratories. These modern spaces have recently been refurbished as part of a £7m investment into our facilities and have been developed to give students access to an environment which mirrors the feel and atmosphere of a professional studio. This enables students from various built environment courses to collaborate on multidisciplinary projects, just as they would in the workplace.
While work experience and placements are not mandatory to the course, students are strongly encouraged to complete it where possible. Using our industry links, the course team will endeavour to provide a range of suitable opportunities for you over the duration of your course, in between formal study periods.
Solent University is an experienced and well established provider of built environment programmes, with an excellent reputation for providing high quality graduates. Our teaching team combine broad industry experience with academic expertise, so you can be confident you're are being taught by experts in their field. Throughout this programme, we'll help you develop your technical and managerial expertise, with sustainability and ethical practice at the heart of what we offer.
We're proud to have been one of only three institutions to be shortlisted for the Best HE Provider Supporting Careers in Construction award at the 2025 Building the Future Awards.
If you’re looking to study our quantity surveying degree but don’t have the relevant qualifications or experience, the STEM foundation year will help you develop the core skills and knowledge to progress. Find out more about the STEM foundation year.
Who is this course for?
This course is ideally suited to students who have a general interest in construction and who want to specialise in cost management. Applicants should have a logical approach to thinking and have an eye for detail.
What does this course lead to?
Upon successful completion of this degree, graduates will be able to commence a career in cost management in the construction industry. Typical roles for graduates would include assistant quantity surveyor, assistant commercial manager or assistant contracts manager.
Graduate stories
Hear from Solent alumni about where their careers have taken them and how studying at Solent prepared them for their future.
Meet the team
You will be taught by a team of enthusiastic and approachable academics. All academics are current members of the Chartered Institute of Builders (CIOB), Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE), the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) or the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). The course team have extensive industry experience gained during time spent in various construction roles. The team draw on this experience to continually improve the curriculum and maximise learning opportunities.
The University cannot guarantee any particular members of staff will teach specific aspects of the course in the future, but will endeavour to ensure the teaching team maintains their balance of experience and qualifications.
Facilities
Students make use of our recently refurbished construction laboratories, a dedicated drawing studio, and industry-standard software during their degree.
This modern studio space has been developed to give students access to an environment which mirrors the feel and atmosphere of a working professional studio. This encourages students from various different built environment courses to come together and collaborate on multidisciplinary projects, just as they would in the workplace.
What you'll study
Core modules
Construction Technology and Materials
This module addresses the technologies and materials used in the construction of low-rise buildings including light industrial buildings and low-rise commercial buildings. You'll also be introduced to the different technological concepts used to enable the construction of building elements, from substructure, to completion, and basic infrastructure requirements by understanding the different functional characteristics and design considerations when selecting the most suitable technological solution.
Principles of Quantity Surveying
This module addresses the principles and theories, legal implications, and management theories and principles used in quantity surveying to be able to quantify low-rise buildings, including light industrial buildings and low-rise commercial buildings. You'll also be introduced to different technological concepts used to enable the quantification of simple buildings from a range of drawings, considering industry standards including SMM7, NRM1, and CESMM4, as well as an introduction to approximate estimating.
Built Environment Fundamentals
This module is important to your development as it has two distinct parts. In the first section you will be introduced to taking-off, drawing, and numerical processes and procedures commonly used by built environment professionals. In the second section you will be introduced to the principles of construction surveying and its applications, and the use of software to produce 2d and 3d construction drawings.
Innovating the Construction Project
The construction industry is constantly evolving with new technologies and processes to produce more effective and sustainable buildings. This module explores these innovative ideas and considers them in relation to not only existing legislation and requirements that need to be considered when designing and managing a successful project, but to also consider the future of the construction industry.
Core modules
Advanced Construction Technology
During this module you'll develop a deeper understanding of construction technology principles at an advanced level, with a particular focus on high-rise construction. You'll explore the construction process, such as site investigation, substructure and site preparation within the context of relevant standards, including the regulatory requirements introduced by the Building Safety Act for Higher‑Risk Buildings (HRBs). You'll also address the superstructure, including types of frames and their different envelope systems, and the flexibility of the internal space and finishes is explained in terms of the associated technology, including fire protection.
Estimating, Tendering and Financial Management
This module prepares you for the requirements of pre-construction and provides you with the essential skills needed to win projects. You'll be introduced to commercial activities at pre-contract stage, focusing on the role of the estimator and develop professional skills that align with professional bodies codes of conduct, while considering how innovation is impacting tendering processes. As a quantity surveyor, its important to understand the principles of pricing construction projects through accurate estimating as well as appropriate handling of data, alongside financial management to examine company financial accounts.
Applied Construction Management
In this module, you'll gain a firm understanding of the theoretical concepts of management and leadership within construction and how to apply these. You'll focus on practical aspects of leadership and management in construction, with a particular emphasis on ensuring safe working practices, worker wellbeing, equality and diversity in the workplace, contemporary human resource management, and collaborative practice. You'll also learn how management theories and techniques are used to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in construction projects, resulting in increasing productivity and an engaged workforce.
Applied Quantity Surveying
This module provides you with a deeper understanding a quantity surveyor's role in taking-off, bill of quantities preparation, pricing documentation, and cost management in construction using a range of drawings at a stage higher than a bungalow. You'll also be introduced to measurement using different industry standards such as SMM7, NRM2 and CESMM4, using technological concepts to enabyou to measure building elements accurately - from substructure to completion and basic infrastructure requirements.
Core modules
Commercial Management
This module addresses the the commercial accounting tasks and functions the quantity surveyor and estimator undertakes and how they influence the commercial decisions made for the project and the organisation. You'll also be introduced to the different concepts used to enable the success of construction and infrastructural projects throughout all stages and phases by understanding the various functional characteristics and commercial considerations to bear in mind when embarking on a project.
Contracts Management
At the heart of the construction project is the contract - effective management of this will ensure a project's success and is the responsibility of the whole construction project team, not just the commercial team. You will build on knowledge and skills learnt in previous modules that have considered quality, time and cost - elements that are often at the centre of contractual agreements or, more notably, disagreements. The construction contract is complex and dynamic in nature but with understanding you will be able to avoid conflict and manage expectation and responsibility successfully.
Contemporary Quantity Surveying
In this module you'll explore the concepts of contemporary quantity surveying practice, learning how to quantify buildings from a range of drawings using industry standards for construction work, budgeting, ethical principles and practice, value engineering, building/construction economics, and with a global look at wider economy. Upon completion, you should be able to effectively measure the building envelope, give expert cost and life cycle advice, and exercise ethical compliance with professional values.
Project Evaluation and Development
The module draws together the technological, management, financial, and professional practices encountered during project evaluation and development stages, leveraging on foundational knowledge gained and investigate in greater depth how clients and the industry interact during the development process. You'll work in teams on a live brief provided by industry that's designed to develop skills in managing the processes that focus on commercial solutions to client problems.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: Call:How you will learn and be assessed
You will learn by:
You may be assessed at the end of each block by:
- Practical exams
- Written exams
- Coursework
As part of this course, you will study one module at a time, giving you the chance to build a deeper understanding and see the results of your hard work more quickly. With regular assessments and feedback, rather than exams all at once, you’ll also benefit from improved focus, and a more manageable workload.
Learn more about block teaching
Study support
The student achievement team are on hand to help you succeed during your studies at Solent. They aim to contact you at key times during your time here with personalised information, advice and guidance, by email or phone.
The disability advice team provides information, advice and guidance for disabled students.
All students can access Succeed@Solent, Solent's online guide to getting better grades. It offers extensive, practical information and advice on topics such as academic writing, research and presentations.
Why choose a career as a quantity surveyor?
The UK construction industry is thriving. As the economy develops, residential housing remains the fastest growing area in the sector. There is increasing demand for talented graduates equipped with the right skills, and this course will help to prepare you for work in this exciting industry.
With the announcement of major infrastructure projects such as the Lower Thames Crossing, a new nuclear power station at Sizewell C, in addition to house building targets of 1.5 million new properties by 2029, there is a huge demand for construction project managers. The breadth of the industry ensures you can work on a huge range of projects, and with the knowledge and skills you gain with us, you can be involved in all stages.
Effective cost management skills are at the heart of the construction industry. With industry output worth over £110 billion per annum and contributing 7% to UK gross domestic product, construction offers a huge variety of opportunities, with excellent salaries and employment opportunities both in the UK and abroad.
You could earn:
Quantity surveyor
Graduates: £21,000 to £28,000
Newly trained chartered surveyors can earn around £25,000 to £35,000. With experience, you can earn around £35,000 to £55,000. Salaries at management level range from around £50,000 to in excess of £80,000.
Estimator
Starting salary: £22,000
Experienced estimators can earn between £31,000 and £53,000. Senior, chartered or master estimators can expect salaries of around £60,000 reaching up to £80,000.
The stated salaries are published on prospects.ac.uk. Income figures are intended as a guide only.
Graduate stories
Hear from Solent alumni about where their careers have taken them and how studying at Solent prepared them for their future.
“Quantity surveying is for you if you have an analytical brain, and enjoy working with numbers and working with people.”
Solent Careers
The Solent Careers team is committed to getting students into great careers.
While you are studying, the team can help you with finding work experience or placements, link you with a mentor, check your CV, or offer one-to-one guidance.
We also have graduate job opportunities just for Solent graduates.
6th
UK uni for sustained employment
Longitudinal Educational Outcomes, 2022
We have been shortlisted in the 2025 Building the Future Awards
We're proud to be one of only three institutions shortlisted for the Best HE Provider Supporting Careers in Construction Awards at the 2025 Building the Future Awards. The award recognises a higher education provider who is leading the way in enabling students to succeed in a career in construction. Judges take into account the way institutions imbue learners with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in the industry.
Tuition fees
The tuition fees for the 2027/28 academic year are not yet available. For guidance, the 2026/27 fees were:
- UK, ROI, EU (settled status) and Channel Island full-time fees: £9,790 per year
- International full-time fees: £19,081 per year
For further information, please visit our tuition fees page.
Extra course costs
While most course costs are covered by your tuition fees, some essential resources and optional extras may need to be paid for separately. These additional costs are listed below. For advice on budgeting and managing your money, please contact student.funding@solent.ac.uk.
The 2026/27 additional costs are not yet available. For guidance, previous additional costs have been:
Compulsory costs
Students will be required to have the following personal protective equipment for construction site visits:
- Safety boots that conform to EN ISO 20345:2011. S3 category - protective toecap and midsole and a water repellent upper (approximately £60*).
- Construction hard hat that conforms to BS EN 397 (approximately £6*).
- Builders working gloves suitable for general handling (approximately £3*).
- High visibility vest with reflective tape on body and shoulders (approximately £4*).
- Outdoor lens safety glasses that conforms to BS EN166. Grade F impact lens and optical class 1. (approximately £7*).
* Prices accurate June 2020.
- Purchase of JCT Standard Building Contract with Quantities - £164 (only required if students want their own hard copy)
- Miscellaneous costs for site visits - £200 (approx)
Bursaries, scholarships and financial support
Solent University offers a range of bursaries and scholarships that provide financial assistance or waive fees for tuition or accommodation. Each bursary or scholarship has specific eligibility criteria. Check out our bursaries and scholarships pages to find out more.
Cost of living support
At Solent, we understand that the cost of living crisis may be of some concern. To help, we've put together some detailed information to show what support is available and how to make your money go further.
Graduation costs
There is no charge to attend graduation, but you will be required to pay for the rental of your academic gown (approximately £45 per graduate, depending on your award). You may also wish to purchase official photography packages, which range in price from £15 to £200+. Graduation is not compulsory, so if you prefer to have your award sent to you, there is no cost. Extra guest tickets will go on sale after results publication and will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis. The cost per ticket is currently £20. Please note, we do not guarantee there will be any extra tickets available to purchase.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: Call:Entry requirements
Please select an option below:
Key entry requirements
104-120 UCAS tariff points
- A minimum of two completed A-levels, a BTEC Extended Diploma at DMM or BTEC Diploma at D*D, T-level Pass or equivalent qualification or a combination of qualifications which comply with the minimum entry requirement of 104 UCAS points.
- A BTEC Subsidiary Diploma will be considered in conjunction with other qualifications.
- Applications from mature students may also be considered.
- For further information about UK qualifications, please contact admissions.
Key entry requirements
As a general guide, we look for qualifications that are equivalent to the British high school A-levels.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about EU qualifications, please see our course entry requirements document.
Key entry requirements
As a general guide, we look for qualifications that are equivalent to the British high school A-levels.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about international qualifications, please see our course entry requirements document.
Note to all international students requiring a visa
All international applicants need to be aware that the English language requirements to attend Solent University, and the English language requirements to obtain a visa from the Home Office, may be different. This means that if you meet the Solent University language requirement to gain a place on the course, you may still have to meet additional requirements to be granted with a visa by the Home Office.
We strongly advise all applicants to visit the Home Office website which outlines all the requirements for a successful visa application.
How to apply
Full-time
Any student applying for the first year of a full-time/sandwich undergraduate course must apply through UCAS (University and Colleges Admissions Service). This includes mature, overseas and EU students.
Nearly all schools and colleges offer their students the facility of applying electronically through the UCAS website using 'Apply'; it may also be used by those applying independently in the UK and overseas. This facility and all course information can be found on the UCAS website: www.ucas.com.
Your application should reach UCAS by 26 January if you hope to enter a course the following autumn. Early application is advised for the most popular subject areas. Late applications may be made until the end of June. The UCAS Code for the University is S30, code name SOLNT.
Find out what happens after you apply
Contextual offers
Solent endeavours to offer learning opportunities to students from all backgrounds. When we receive and review an application, we take into consideration the context and personal circumstances of applicants when making a decision, which means our advertised entry tariff could be reduced.
Find out more about Solent's contextual offers
Top-up route
We welcome applications from students currently studying a Foundation Degree, DipHE, HNC, HND or modules of an undergraduate degree course at another university, who wish to enter directly into Years 2 or 3 of one of our undergraduate degree courses. Please contact our admissions team for more information: contact us
Part-time route
Applications for part-time and distance learning courses are made directly to the University and can be made at any time prior to the start of the course. If you have any questions about applying for this course, please contact the admissions office by emailing admissions@solent.ac.uk.
Alternative entry options
Top-up route
We welcome applications from students currently studying a Foundation Degree, DipHE, HNC, HND or modules of an undergraduate degree course at another university, who wish to enter directly into Years 2 or 3 of one of our undergraduate degree courses. Please contact our admissions team for more information: contact us
Part-time route
Applications for part-time and distance learning courses are made directly to the University and can be made at any time prior to the start of the course. If you have any questions about applying for this course, please contact the admissions office by emailing admissions@solent.ac.uk.
Language requirements
Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language. The agreed minimum requirements for this course are:
- IELTS minimum 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each individual component.
- Duolingo English Language Test - 115 overall with minimum of 95 in each component or equivalent.
TOEFL IBT tests taken prior to 21 January 2026
- Minimum overall score of 80 with a minimum of 20 in each individual component.
TOEFL IBT tests taken from 21 January 2026
- Minimum overall score of 4.5 with a minimum of 4 in each individual component.
Qualifications are checked before enrolment, and international students must bring their original certificates or certified copies when coming to study at the University.
Pre-Sessional English programme
The University also offers a pre-sessional English programme for international students who wish to improve their level of English before starting a degree course.
UCAS points: 104-120
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: Call:Make your application
- 3 years
- 4 years with foundation year
