About the programme

BUILT FOR LIFE

Do you want to make an impact on the growth of the world’s cities and the development of urban areas? Do you have an interest in both the property and construction industries? If the answer is yes, then a career in building surveying could be the perfect career for you. Building surveying is a growing, international, professional discipline dealing with the inspection, maintenance and refurbishment of existing buildings. Building surveyors also advise clients about sustainable design, planning and conservation, with clients ranging from homeowners to commercial and industrial companies.

This is an industry-recognised qualification that provides you with the academic preparation you need for a career as a chartered surveyor. It is a fully supported online programme with great flexibility to earn while you learn, giving you the ability to study anywhere in the world.

THIS PROGRAMME IS FOR YOU IF:

  1. You want to begin or enhance your career as a professional building surveyor
  2. You want to become professional members of RICS, HKIS, CIOB, CABE and HKICM
  3. You want to specialise in building surveying
  • This postgraduate degree programme comprises eight modules including a postgraduate project.
  • All modules are worth 20 credits, except the project module which is worth 40 credits.
  • Our programmes are flexible and can be studied in either Autumn or Spring. Students can decide on the number of modules they study each semester, to fit their needs and achieve life-study balance. The maximum length of study is 6 years.
  • Graduates of our MSc Building Surveying can apply for the Probationer Membership of the following professional bodies: RICS, HKIS, CIOB, CABE and HKICM

How you’ll learn

Study methods

Studying online means taking control of when and where you study, so you can study at your own pace, no matter where you are in the word. It means being able to balance your home and work life with your education, so you can earn while you learn.

When you study at UCEM, you’ll be using our state-of-the-art Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), a specialised resource which provides you with everything you need to keep on top of your studies and succeed.

You’ll be guided through your learning with weekly study schedules and course guides, which you can adapt to suit your needs, pace and lifestyle. Studying online doesn’t mean studying alone, as you’ll also be fully supported by tutors and fellow students throughout your studies.

The online learning experience

Your learning experience with UCEM will be fully supported through a range of activities on our state-of-the-art Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).You’ll also have access to UCEM’s valuable and comprehensive e-Library service, providing you with a wealth of subject-specific materials to support you throughout your studies.

Your learning will be broken down into the following (on average):

Directed Study Time (30%)

Participating in web classes and online discussion forums
Watching video material and voice-over presentations

Undertaking exercises and quizzes linked to programme materials.


Self-directed Study Time (35%)

Reading textbooks and study papers to develop your knowledge of the subject matter


Assessment Study Time (35%)

Planning and writing coursework

Each 20-credit module equates to a total of 200 study hours broken down between directed online learning, self-directed learning and assessment.

The types of assessments used on this programme will include coursework (such as essays, reports, portfolios, reflections, problem or short questions or video presentations), computer based assessments, and computer marked assessments (CMAs). The exact combinations of assessment will vary from module to module.

YOUR COMMITMENT

The expected time commitment for the standard route is around 15-20 hours per week (based upon studying two modules per six-month semester).

Support

How you’ll be supported during your studies

While studying with UCEM, you’ll be fully supported on your programme by our friendly and informative academic and support teams, who will be there to guide you from the moment you enrol until the day you graduate. They’ll assist you with your online learning experience, provide you with academic support, and be there for you if you have any disability or well-being support needs.

 

Support Tutor in HK

The HK-based Support Tutor will help you navigate the world of online learning. Whether you need help using the VLE or managing your workload, these tutors are here throughout your studies.


Student Engagement Team

Your first point of contact as a student. They will support you in your studies and queries, ensuring you’re put in touch with all of the right teams and services within UCEM.


Academic Support

Our Academic staff are experts in their fields and are here to make your studies with UCEM both stimulating and inspiring, whilst offering vital support and guidance along the way.

Module Team

Your module leader is assisted by a team of module tutors to provide support via discussion forums and webinars.


Disability & Well-being

This friendly team is here to listen and provide expert guidance, support and assistance at any time throughout your studies.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

Standard entry requirements

A Bachelor’s degree with honours at lower second standard (2:2), or equivalent

Alternative entry requirements

  • A Bachelor’s Degree, or equivalent, plus experience in a relevant field
    Or
  • A professional qualification plus 5 years’ relevant experience
English language requirements

All UCEM programmes are taught and assessed in English. In addition to the programme entry requirements listed above, all applicants will therefore be required to demonstrate adequate proficiency in the language before being admitted to a programme.

You should have:

  • Grade 6.0 or above, with at least 6.0 in the reading and writing modules, in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
  • HKDSE Grade 3 in English Language, or equivalent
  • A cognate sub-degree (Level 5) qualification taught and assessed in English from the University of Hong Kong or City University of Hong Kong.

Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree that has been taught and examined in the English medium can be considered for entry in the absence of the qualifications detailed.

Don’t meet the entry requirements listed above?
Applicants who do not meet the requirements stated above, but who wish to be considered for this programme, should still apply. Such applications will be considered on merit in each case. Please contact us for further enquiry.

Applications are assessed in accordance with the UCEM Code of Practice on Admissions and Recognition of Prior Learning.

FEES AND FUNDING

2024/25 academic year
£1,325 per module x 8 modules (usually students undertake 2 modules per semester).

Total programme fee £10,600

Bursaries and financial support

We have a number of bursaries and scholarships to help you with your studies.

"Building surveying is the broadest of the Built Environment professional disciplines, covering all aspects of design, construction, maintenance and assessment of the manmade environment. The MSc Building Surveying programme will provide you with a grounding in the major Built Environment subjects and is for those wishing to start, change or progress your career."

James Ritson
Programme Leader, MSc Building Surveying

Application process

It’s time to apply

Choose your semester and take the first steps towards your future

Spring 2025

Apply by 10 February 2025 to start on 31 March 2025

Autumn 2025

Apply by 11 August 2025 to start on 29 September 2025

FIND OUT MORE

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    Remarks

    This programme is registered with the Hong Kong Non-local Courses Registry (NCR). It is a matter of discretion for individual employers to recognize any qualification to which this programme may lead.

    These programmes are eligible programmes under the Extended Non-means-tested Loan Scheme administered by the Student Finance Office (SFO), Working Family and Student Financial Assistance Agency (WFSFAA).