BSc (Honours) Building Surveying

The BSc (Honours) Building Surveying program at Sheffield Hallam University equips students with the knowledge and skills required to become competent building surveyors in the construction and property industries. This program provides a comprehensive understanding of building technology, construction methods, building pathology, and regulatory frameworks. Students learn how to assess, evaluate, and report on the condition of existing buildings, as well as how to manage renovation, restoration, and maintenance projects. The program combines theoretical learning with practical experience, preparing students for a rewarding career as a chartered building surveyor.

Curriculum: The curriculum of the BSc Building Surveying program covers a wide range of topics essential to building surveying practice. Students study modules in building pathology, building regulations, construction technology, property law, project management, and sustainability. They also learn how to conduct building surveys, diagnose defects, prepare specifications, and manage building projects effectively. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through site visits, case studies, and practical projects, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios and develop practical skills relevant to the profession.

Research Focus: Sheffield Hallam University encourages a strong research focus in the BSc Building Surveying program, enabling students to explore emerging trends, innovative practices, and research-led solutions in building surveying and construction. Research-focused modules provide students with opportunities to investigate topics such as sustainable construction, building performance analysis, heritage conservation, and technological advancements in the built environment. Students engage in research projects, literature reviews, and critical analysis, developing their research skills and contributing to advancements in the field.

Industry Engagement: The BSc Building Surveying program fosters close ties with industry partners, professional bodies, and construction firms to ensure that students receive relevant and up-to-date insights into the building surveying profession. Industry engagement activities include guest lectures, site visits, industry placements, and networking events, providing students with opportunities to learn from practicing building surveyors, gain exposure to real-world projects, and develop professional connections. Students receive mentorship and guidance from industry professionals, helping them to transition smoothly into the workforce upon graduation.

Global Perspective: Building surveying is an international profession that addresses a wide range of built environment issues across different geographic regions and cultural contexts. The BSc Building Surveying program incorporates a global perspective, exposing students to diverse building typologies, construction methods, and regulatory frameworks from around the world. Students study international standards, best practices, and case studies, and have opportunities to engage in international projects, study tours, and collaborative initiatives. This global perspective prepares students to work in multicultural environments, understand global trends, and address global challenges in the built environment.

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: International students applying for undergraduate programs at Sheffield Hallam University are typically required to have a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their high school or equivalent qualifications.

English language proficiency:

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
• TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 90, with at least 20 in Listening, 20 in Reading, 20 in Speaking, and 20 in Writing.
• PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 60 with no individual score below 51.
• DET (Duolingo English Test): A minimum score of 105 is required.
• Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

Sheffield Hallam University offers a range of scholarships to international students to support their academic journey and recognize their achievements. These scholarships are designed to provide financial assistance and enhance the overall student experience.

Transform Together Scholarships: These scholarships are available for undergraduate and postgraduate students and cover a significant proportion of the tuition fees. The scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, and applicants are required to demonstrate their commitment to making a positive impact in their home country after completing their studies.

Chevening Scholarships: Sheffield Hallam University is a Chevening partner, offering scholarships to exceptional students from Chevening-eligible countries. Chevening scholarships are fully funded and cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other study-related costs. Recipients of Chevening scholarships become part of the influential global network of Chevening Alumni.

Country-Specific Scholarships: Sheffield Hallam University offers scholarships specifically designed for students from certain countries. These scholarships may be based on academic merit, financial need, or other specific criteria.  

Sports Scholarships: Sheffield Hallam University recognizes the achievements of talented student-athletes by offering sports scholarships. These scholarships support athletes in balancing their academic and sporting commitments. Recipients of sports scholarships receive financial assistance, access to training facilities, coaching support, and other sports-related benefits.

Partnership Scholarships: The university has established partnerships with various organizations and institutions, leading to the availability of partnership scholarships. These scholarships may be offered to students from partner institutions or through collaborations with industry partners. They provide financial support and unique opportunities for academic and professional development.

It's important to note that scholarship availability, eligibility criteria, and application processes may vary from year to year.

Graduates of Sheffield Hallam University's BSc (Honours) Building Surveying program possess a versatile skill set and specialized knowledge that qualify them for a wide range of career opportunities in the construction, property, and built environment sectors. With their expertise in building technology, construction management, property assessment, and regulatory compliance, graduates are well-prepared to pursue rewarding careers as chartered building surveyors. 

Building Surveyor: Many graduates choose to work as building surveyors, providing professional advice and services related to the built environment. Building surveyors conduct building inspections, diagnose defects, assess building condition, and provide recommendations for repair, maintenance, or renovation. They may specialize in areas such as residential, commercial, industrial, or heritage buildings.

Project Manager: Some graduates progress to roles as project managers, overseeing construction projects from inception to completion. Project managers coordinate design teams, contractors, and subcontractors, manage project budgets and schedules, and ensure that construction works comply with relevant regulations and quality standards. They may work for construction companies, consulting firms, or property developers.

Asset Manager: Graduates may pursue careers as asset managers, responsible for managing property portfolios on behalf of owners or investors. Asset managers develop asset management strategies, conduct property inspections, negotiate leases, oversee maintenance and repair works, and maximize the value of properties through effective management and investment strategies.

Building Conservation Officer: With a focus on heritage conservation and historic preservation, some graduates specialize in roles as building conservation officers. Building conservation officers assess the historical significance of buildings, provide advice on conservation and restoration projects, liaise with heritage organizations and planning authorities, and ensure that development proposals comply with conservation principles and regulations.

Facilities Manager: Graduates may work as facilities managers, responsible for managing the operational and maintenance needs of buildings and facilities. Facilities managers oversee cleaning, security, maintenance, and repairs, manage service contracts, ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, and optimize the efficiency and functionality of building services and systems.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) Coordinator: With the increasing adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM) technologies in the construction industry, some graduates specialize in roles as BIM coordinators. BIM coordinators manage BIM processes and workflows, coordinate BIM models across different project stakeholders, and ensure the integration of BIM data and information throughout the project lifecycle.

Property Developer: Some graduates choose to work in property development, identifying opportunities for property development projects, conducting feasibility studies, and managing development projects from acquisition to disposal. Property developers may specialize in residential, commercial, or mixed-use developments, working for property development companies or real estate investment firms.

Building Inspector: Graduates may pursue careers as building inspectors, working for local government authorities or private inspection firms. Building inspectors conduct inspections of new construction projects, alterations, or renovations to ensure compliance with building codes, zoning regulations, and safety standards. They may issue permits, conduct site inspections, and enforce regulatory requirements.

Construction Consultant: Some graduates work as construction consultants, providing expert advice and consultancy services to clients in the construction industry. Construction consultants may specialize in areas such as sustainability, energy efficiency, building performance, or building regulations compliance, helping clients optimize their construction projects and achieve their objectives.

Urban Planner: With a focus on urban design and planning, some graduates pursue careers as urban planners, working for local government authorities, planning agencies, or consultancy firms. Urban planners develop land use plans, zoning regulations, and development policies to create sustainable, livable, and well-designed urban environments that meet the needs of communities and promote economic development.