Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management

Year 1

Introduction of basic concepts of construction and the built environment.

Your first year introduces you to basic concepts of construction, construction professions, building technology, digital skills and collaborative working. You will learn how buildings are constructed and how the role of the Quantity Surveyor role influences this process.

Year 2

You will develop your knowledge of construction then apply that knowledge within the context  of the quantity surveying role. You will learn how to produce various levels of cost plans, measure buildings based on drawings and familiarise yourself with construction law and sustainable construction practices.

Year 3

Opportunity to enter the workplace in Term 2 via the Industrial Placement.  The learning in Term 1 allows you to apply your knowledge to more complex scenarios and is designed to prepare you for entry into the workplace.  You will learn about contract administration, procurement, estimating and the measurement of framed buildings

Year 4

The final year of study allows you to apply your learning in the context of the strategic role of the Commercial Manager for construction and infrastructure projects. You will learn about financial control of projects alongside undertaking project work and a dissertation on a topic of your choice. 

Learning Methods

Your learning is tutor guided but student centred and is a collaborative process. You will learn through undertaking tasks and projects then reflecting, thus constructing your knowledge. This will ensure that you are prepared to make the transition into the workplace. This is facilitated through the use of project-based learning, tutorials, workshops, lectures and private study.  The tasks and projects are often based on real life scenarios brought to the course from staff who have professional experience or from visiting professionals.

Activity Summary

• Lectures - 20 students per group, 2 hours per week
• Seminars - 30-40 students per group, 2 hours per term
• Project Supervision - 20 students per group, 3-6 hours per week
• Practical class or workshop - 20 students per group, 4 hours per week
• Independent Study - 20 students per group, 10 hours per week
• External Visits - 20 students per group, 3 hours per term

How long is a BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management course?

The Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management course can be successfully completed in 4 years.

Independent Study

We encourage students to develop an independent learning ethos.  This is an important skill to take into professional life as employers regularly seek graduates who possess a strong work ethic and a willingness to continue to learn.

Staff Delivering on This Course

The course is delivered by a range of staff who have professional or academic qualifications. We have a small team of Surveying staff who deliver the core modules.  This is augmented with staff from across the school who are qualified architects, engineers and architectural technologists. We are also very fortunate to receive regular input from practicing professionals who provide “real” and current scenarios for students to apply their knowledge to.

Assessment

Typically students are assessed each year:

Year 1

• 1 written exam, typically for 2.5 hours
• 2 reports
• 5 project outputs

Year 2​

• 4 reports
• 3 project outputs

Year 3​

• 2 reports
• 2 project outputs
• 1 oral assessment
• 1 portfolio

Year 4​

• 1 report
• 1 dissertation
• 4 project outputs

Feedback

We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.

Academic Support

The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.

Online Learning & Support

All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.

Study Skills Support

The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:

• Academic writing
• Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
• Maths and statistics
• English language
• Information technology support

Library Support

The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.

Placements

You are provided the opportunity and encouraged to undertake a term of Industrial Placement in Term 2 of Year 3. This lasts for a minimum of 600 hours but can be extended at the employer’s discretion.  

The placement is usually paid and students can find employment with employers in any field of construction or property.  Previous employers have included Previous employers include WM Donald, Babcock International, BAMNuttall, McLeod and Aitken, Aberdeen City Council, Robertson’s Construction, W.I. Talbots, Morrisons, Nicol of Skene, CHAP, CALA and Cummings.

Placements are extremely valuable to students and the employment often extends through final year and can convert into a graduate position on completion of the course.

You are expected to source your own placement positions, with the support of the course team who have very close relationships with numerous employers. The University will also provide valuable support in how to source employers and how to discuss potential positions with them.

Job Prospects

Is Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management a good career?

Graduates from this course will be able to progress their career both nationally and internationally. Career prospects extend beyond Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management. You will have the ability to pursue careers in Project Management, Contract Administration, Dispute Resolution, Procurement, Property Development and so on.

Opportunities for construction graduates/ professionals are on a global scale and we have alumni working in the USA, New Zealand, Australia as well as all over the UK.

What are the entry requirements for a BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management degree?

Standard Entry Requirements

SQA Higher: BBCC to include English (or a written subject requiring the use of English). Maths or a science subject is required at National 5 grade C or above if not held at Higher.

GCE A Level: CCC to include English (or a written subject requiring the use of English). Maths or a science subject is required at GCSE grade 5/C or above if not held at A Level.

Irish Leaving Certificate Higher: H3H3H3H3 to include English (or a written subject requiring the use of English). Maths or a science subject is required at grade O3 or above if not held at Higher.

IB Diploma: 26 to include Higher Level English (or a written subject requiring the use of English). Maths is required at Standard Level grade 4 or above if not held at Higher Level.

Minimum Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements for widening access applicants are:

SQA Higher: BCC/CCCC to include English or a written subject requiring the use of English. Maths or a Science required at National 5 C if not held at Higher.

Applicants from Partner Colleges

A relevant HNC or HND from one of our partner colleges will be considered for entry into Year 2 or 3 subject to meeting requirements.

Advanced Entry

All other applicants who are interested in applying for advanced entry will be considered on an individual basis.

International Students 

International students who do not meet our direct entry requirements for this course can gain additional entry points through our International College at Robert Gordon University.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.

We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:

Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.

Additional Costs

• Laptop £600 to £800
• Stationery approx. £30 per year