UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL LANCASHIRE

Programme Specification

This Programme Specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme
and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and
demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.

Sources of information on the programme can be found in Section 17

1. Awarding Institution / Body

University of Central Lancashire

2. Teaching Institution and Location

of Delivery

University of Central Lancashire

Vocational Training Council (VTC), Hong Kong
UoM Enterprise Limited, Mauritius

3. University School/Centre

Grenfell Baines School of Architecture, Construction and

Environment

4. External Accreditation

Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and

Chartered Institute of Building

5. Title of Final Award

BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying
6. Modes of Attendance offered

7. UCAS Code
8. Relevant Subject Benchmarking
Group(s)
9. Other external influences

10. Date of production/revision of this

form

3 Years Full-time, 4 Years Sandwich and 5 Years Parttime UK Only

Part-time Hong Kong (Level 6 only)
Full-time Mauritius (levels 4, 5 &6)
K240
Construction, Property & Surveying 2008
Workplace requirements and market demand
CIOB Educational Framework 2007
RICS Guidance on the APC examination and APC
Competences
December 2013

11. Aims of the Programme

To provide a broad and rigorous programme of study appropriate to the award of an Honours
degree
To provide a basis from which students can continue their intellectual and professional
development by academic study to a higher degree and/or professional qualifications
To provide the means which will enable students to undertake independent critical thinking and
enhance and extend their understanding of the profession and industry whilst developing and
enhancing necessary problem solving skills
To encourage students to approach their academic and subsequent professional careers as
creative and innovative individuals
To prepare students for the vocational problems they will encounter in the procurement of

construction work generally, and hence develop the potential to adapt and contribute to changes
and advances in the subject matter and direction of the discipline of Commercial Management
and Quantity Surveying
12. Learning Outcomes, Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
A. Knowledge and Understanding
A1. Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts, theories and principles of the subject matter
contained within specific modules, comprising the general themes of technical, economic and
legal studies and in particular, the specialised areas of financial management and construction
law
A2. Demonstrate an understanding of the context within which commercial management and quantity
surveying operates and develops as a profession including the relationship between the
discipline and other construction disciplines within the built environment generally
A3. Acquire and develop an awareness of the importance of professional ethics within the
discipline of commercial management and quantity surveying in particular and the community in
general.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Teaching and learning takes place within a structured environment of lectures, seminars, tutorials,
student presentations, workshops, laboratory experimentation and studio sessions. In each case the
chosen methodology is appropriate to the individual module.
Assessment methods
A variety of methods of assessment are utilised appropriate to the learning outcomes of the individual
modules. The range of assessments experienced by the students will include formal exams,
assignments, continuous assessment, portfolios and design. Student presentations, where they
occur, will be used to assess the development of the presentation skills of the students which, in
some cases, will be assessed by peer review.
B. Subject-specific skills
B1. Demonstrate an ability to locate, analyse, interpret and manipulate a wide range of construction
data in support of decision making
B2. Acquire and develop independent critical awareness of the significance and scope of commercial
management and quantity surveying and its contribution to the construction industry and to the
society which it serves
B3. Develop the potential to contribute to significant advances in the field of commercial
management and quantity surveying and related spheres of work.
Teaching and Learning Methods
By completion of lectures, seminars and workshops in applied modules considering the study of
commercial management and quantity surveying; in particular the professional practice modules at
levels 4, 5 & 6 where greater emphasis is placed upon the development of forward thinking and
innovation.
Assessment methods
By completion of the specific module assessments including examinations and coursework which are
based upon both theoretical scenarios and live case study scenarios.
C. Thinking Skills
C1. Develop learning skills which relate to the transformation of information gained at each stage of
the course;
C2. Identify and analyse broadly defined problems, evaluate possible optional strategies, design and
propose appropriate solutions;
C3 Critically appraise current attitudes and methods and adopt a creative and innovative approach
aimed at tackling unfamiliar problems or the achievement of continuous improvement.
Teaching and Learning Methods
By the completion of class room exercises via lectures, seminars and tutorials. The problem solution
skills are developed, in particular in the dissertation module that includes an element of individual and
in depth problem solution, allowing the students to demonstrate their cognitive ability and problem
solving skills.
Assessment methods
Assessment is by the completion of a variety of assignments and examinations which include the
analysis and resolution of case study and project based scenarios. The dissertation will test the
ability of students to apply their cognitive skills in undertaking the production of a major piece of
investigative written work.

D. Other skills relevant to employability and personal development

D1. Develop their ability to use information and communication technology in application to the
construction process including the use of computer aided design.
D2. Develop their abilities in constructing and communicating coherent arguments.
D3. Develop their ability to be an effective team-worker.
D4. Use and reflect upon their professional development by setting learning objectives and reviewing
progress and attainment on a regular basis.
Teaching and Learning Methods
By completion of the ICT and professional practice based modules which will seek to develop core
skills involving the communication of design and project information, by use of small scale and also
project based assessments using case study examples.
Assessment methods
By completion of assessments in elements of modules where these skills are developed. By the
presentation of project information and development of clear written advice.

13. Programme Structures*

Level
Level 6

Module
Code
BN3010
BN3017
BN3050
BN3060
BN3990

BN3040
BN3319

Level 5

Module Title
Project Management
Expenditure Planning & Control
Construction Law 3
Project Analysis & Appraisal
Dissertation

14. Awards and Credits*

Credit
rating
20
20
20
20
20

Optional Modules
Facilities Management
European Competition and
Procurement

Optional
BN2830
BN2001
BN2017
BN2018
BN2104
BN2105

Industrial Experience
Construction Technology 2
Production Economics 2A
Production Economics 2B
Construction Law 2
Management and Project
Planning
BN2988 Professional Practice 2A:QS
BN2989 Professional Practice 2B:QS
Level 4
BN1101 Construction Technology 1
BN1102 Sustainable Environment 1
BN1104 Law for the Built Environment
BN1105 Management & Economics
BN1991 Professional Practice 1A
BN1992 Professional Practice 1B
15. Personal Development Planning
Level 5

20
20

120
20
10
10
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20

Bachelor Honours Degree

Requires 360 credits including a
minimum of 240 at Level 5 or
above and 120 at level 6.
Bachelor Honours Degree with
sandwich
Requires 480 credits including
a minimum of 360 at level 5 and
120 at level 6.
Bachelor Degree
Requires 320 credits including a
minimum of 200 at Level 5 or
above and 80 at level 6.

Diploma of Higher Education

Requires 240 credits including a
minimum of 120 at Level 5 or
above

Certificate of Higher Education

Requires 120 credits at Level 4 or
above

Students are required to establish a personal development programme along the lines of a
portfolio of work and reports to identify their professional development across the
programme.
PDP is developed across the degree via interaction with their personal tutor who will monitor
progression at regular intervals. In the professional practice modules the student will be encouraged
to review and reflect upon progression and to develop an awareness of the personal and professional
needs to reflect and develop skills relevant to the role of chartered surveyor. PDP will contribute
towards the professional development programme for chartered surveyors as such a free on line
software aid is available which is known as RAPID and which provides a specific PDP tool for use by
students.
16. Admissions criteria
The minimum entry requirements for the course are:
240 UCAS tariff points (12 unit profile, which must be made up from one of the following configurations):

Two A2 level subjects or equivalent

One double award VCE Advanced level or equivalent
BTEC National Diploma/Certificate - Pass with Merits

AND

GCSE English Language / Mathematics at grade C or above.

Equivalent qualifications are welcome including UCLans access and foundation courses.
Applicants who do not satisfy the standard minimum entry requirement can be admitted on the basis of
equivalent prior experience or learning details of which can be found at:
http://www.uclan.ac.uk/information/services/sss/accreditation/index.php

The course is subject to the Universitys Admissions Policy & Code of Practice which can be
accessed at the following link: http://www.uclan.ac.uk/information/services/sss/admissions/index.php
The admission criteria are consistent with the requirements of the accrediting bodies, and are also
common across all courses in surveying, offering in particular RICS accreditation. Non-standard entry
and mature students will be considered for the course at the discretion of the course team and on the
understanding that the RICS admission requirements are not compromised.
Applications will be considered for advanced entry to Level 5 (Year 2 of the full-time and Year 3 of the
RICS accredited programmes in the UK) where students have completed an HNC/D in Construction,
or similar course and have achieved a pass with a full merit profile in each module taken or
equivalent.
Specific Entry requirements for direct entry to Level 6 only at the University of Central
Lancashire (Preston Campus) British College of Applied Studies (BCAS), Sri Lanka and Yaba
College of Technology (YabaTec), Nigeria NON RICS ACCREDITED PROGRAMME.
Students holding the HND in Quantity Surveying from either BCAS or YabaTec may enter directly into
the Level 6 only (final year full time) of the programme, but will NOT be eligible for RICS accreditation.
Students will enrol under a DIFFERENT COURSE CODE from the RICS accredited programme in
order to clearly distinguish between the accredited and non accredited routes.
Specific Entry requirements for Direct entry to Level 6 only VTC, Hong Kong Only
Higher Diploma graduates possessing the following qualifications are eligible to apply for this course:
VTC
1.

A VTC Higher Diploma in Surveying; Building Studies; Construction Engineering and

Management; Civil Engineering and Urban Renewal, Building Inspection and Maintenance

* As the programme is both taught and assessed in English, applicants must be able to demonstrate a
proficient level of fluency in the language for their studies at IELTS 6 or TOFEL 550 or equivalent.
Exceptionally, candidates who do not satisfy the requirement of the above may be admitted to the
programme at the discretion of the School of Built & Natural Environment of the University, subject to
interview and assessment of commitment.
Applicants may be invited to attend an interview to determine their ability, experience, commitment and
potential to benefit from the course of study

17. Key sources of information about the programme

www.rics.org.uk
www.uclan.ac.uk/information/courses/bsc_hons_commercial_mgmt_quantity_surveying.php

e.g. LEVEL 4

e.g. LEVEL 5

e.g. LEVEL 6

18. Curriculum Skills Map

Please tick in the relevant boxes where individual Programme Learning Outcomes are being assessed
Programme Learning Outcomes
Core (C),
Compulsory
Module
(COMP) or
Knowledge and
Subject-specific
Level Code
Module Title
Option (O)
understanding
Skills
Thinking Skills

Note:

BN3010
BN3017
BN3050
BN3060
BN3990
BN3040
BN3319
BN2830
BN2001
BN2017

Project Management
Expenditure Planning and Control
Construction Law 3
Project Analysis and Appraisal
Dissertation
Facilities Management
European Competition and
Procurement
Industrial Experience
Construction Technology 2
Production Economics 2A

BN2018
BN2014
BN2105
BN2988
BN2989
BN1101
BN1102
BN1104
BN1105
BN1991
BN1992

Production Economics 2B
Construction Law 2
Management and Project Planning
Professional Practice 2A:QS
Professional Practice 2B:QS
Construction Technology 1
Sustainable Environment 1
Law for the Built Environment
Management & Economics
Professional Practice 1A
Professional Practice 1B

A1

A2

A3

COMP
COMP
COMP
COMP
C
O

O
O
COMP
COMP
COMP
COMP
COMP
COMP
COMP
COMP
COMP
COMP
COMP
COMP
COMP

A4

B1

B2

B3

B4

C1

C2

C3

C4

Other skills relevant

to employability and
personal
development
D1

D2

D3

D4

Mapping to other external frameworks, e.g. professional/statutory bodies, will be included within Student Course Handbooks