Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management with Foundation BSc Honours

The module aims to explore the construction methods, materials, and technologies used when designing, constructing and operating built environment assets. It will look at new build, refurbishment and infrastructure projects, traditional and modern construction techniques across a wide range of sectors, including the residential, commercial, educational and hotel sectors. It considers the building materials used and the benefits of sustainable sourcing during the project lifecycle.

Critical thinking is fundamental to our ability to progress in an increasingly complex and changing world. It is an essential skill across a range of academic and practice-based disciplines.

This module helps you understand the importance and function of critical thinking both at university and beyond. By working in partnership with academic staff and peers, you will explore how critical thinking aligns with disciplinary practices, shapes scholarly knowledge, and addresses inequalities. Through problem-posing education and anti-racist practices, you will engage with real-world problems, fostering the ability to create a more just and sustainable world.

The module aims to explore the building lifecycle, including the design, development and operation stages. Breaking the lifecycle into stages, it will explore the functions and stakeholders who engage, along with the outputs from each stage, including the production of scaled plans, initial quantities and budget costs. It considers how different stakeholder groups influence the development process.

This module introduces you to the key academic, professional, and personal skills essential for success at university. It encourages good practices in writing, presentation, and time management, while also fostering reflection to help you build confidence as you transition to higher education. Open to all students enrolled in courses delivered through Westminster Foundation Pathways, the module provides a creative and supportive environment where you can reflect on and develop their academic and professional journey. You'll work with specialist facilitators who play a crucial role in guiding your academic and professional development.

With a focus on managing academic choices in a higher education setting, the module emphasises the importance of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), using methodologies that prioritise equality, diversity, and inclusion. Through these lenses, you'll explore topics that prepare you to address real-world challenges as highlighted in the SDGs in a socially conscious, inclusive, and responsible manner.

The module aims to investigate both the residential and commercial markets. It will enable you to explore the processes involved in buying, selling, leasing and renting a residential and/or commercial property. The module will also provide you with an opportunity to gain understanding on the responsibilities of owning and managing buildings, outlining the five valuation methods and three approaches, considering both the economic and the social aspects within the markets.

The module aims to introduce the basis of sustainability and sustainable development goals (SDGs) in the light of planning, and land use. You will acquire knowledge about various types of communities which establish themselves as sustainable, considering the social, environmental and economic sustainability impact of community developments through environmental assessment models. You will develop an understanding of the basis of development regulatory system as well as implications for the Built Environment on globalisation, urbanisation and megacities.

This module provides you with a comprehensive understanding of architectural design principles within the built environment. You'll explore key aspects of building layout, spatial organisation, and functional considerations, developing a strong foundation in design theory and practice. The module also focuses on equipping you with the skills to produce accurate, industry-standard architectural drawings using drafting conventions, digital tools, and technologies to effectively communicate design ideas.

This module introduces students to essential legal concepts and practices in construction management. Students will gain foundational knowledge of construction law, contracts, and regulations, preparing them to navigate legal frameworks confidently and effectively in their future roles within the construction industry.

This module provides students with a comprehensive understanding of domestic construction principles within the built environment. Students will explore performance requirements for simple buildings, alternative construction approaches, and techniques associated with domestic construction.

Emphasis is placed on analysing structural and functional needs and recognising the importance of sustainable construction practices. By the end of the module, students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to engage in domestic construction projects critically and contribute to creating sustainable built environments.

This module introduces you to fundamental environmental principles and their application in construction management. The module also provides an overview of building service systems, emphasising energy efficiency and the integration of sustainable technologies. A core focus is placed on the role of environmental regulations and standards in promoting eco-friendly construction practices. Engagement and preparation of the materials for the Westminster Award is encouraged to formally recognize extracurricular activities and further develop employability skills.

This module gives you a comprehensive understanding of measurement and cost estimation for building works. You'll explore measurement techniques from first principles, enabling you to quantify various construction project elements accurately. The module also examines the cost implications of different construction materials, methods, and processes. Through practical exercises and case studies, you'll apply your knowledge to prepare basic estimates, enhancing your budgeting, forecasting, and project planning skills. By the end of the module, you'll have developed a strong measurement and cost estimation foundation, equipping you for successful careers in the construction industry.

The module provides a practical and comprehensive understanding of site management essentials. It focuses on various crucial aspects such as site engineering and management principles, land surveying, health and safety regulations, risk assessment and site setup.

You engage in hands-on activities, including conducting surveys, risk assessments and site layouts. The module equips you with the skills to manage construction sites confidently. This practical exposure ensures that you are well-versed in the latest industry practices and safety standards, significantly boosting your readiness for the construction industry. The focus on real-world applications helps bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical execution, preparing you for successful careers in construction site management.

The Construction Contract Practice module aims to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively apply various construction contracts in project settings.

Through theoretical study and practical application, students will develop proficiency in selecting, administering, and advising on contract usage, considering legal implications, obligations, and procurement strategies.

The module aims to prepare students to navigate complex contractual frameworks inherent in construction projects, enabling them to make informed decisions and contribute effectively to project success.

The Construction Engineering and Technology module is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles, methodologies, and regulations governing infrastructure construction across various sectors, including roads, railways, airports, ports, water, energy, and telecommunications.

By exploring infrastructure design principles, sustainable practices, and cross-disciplinary perspectives, students will develop the knowledge and skills necessary to plan, design, and execute construction projects effectively while ensuring functionality, safety, sustainability, and compliance with industry standards and regulations.

Through critical analysis and synthesis of diverse perspectives, students will be equipped to address complex societal challenges and contribute to the resilience and sustainability of infrastructure development.

The module provides comprehensive knowledge of UK health and safety regulations and skills to manage risks on construction sites. Students learn how to identify hazards, develop safety systems, and use technologies such as Virtual Reality and Building Information Modelling to improve safety.

Interactive activities, including workshops, guest lectures, and site visits, help students understand real-world practices.

The module improves employability by offering essential safety knowledge, practical experience, and problem-solving abilities that are highly valued in the industry which facilitates safer and more efficient project management.

The Design Economics module is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to critically analyse development and design economics within the context of the built environment.

Through theoretical learning and practical applications, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the financial aspects of project development and design, enabling them to assess the financial viability of projects and make informed recommendations based on economic analysis.

The Measurement of Civil And Infrastructure Works module is designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and skills in quantification and measurement techniques tailored explicitly for civil and infrastructure works. It investigates methodologies utilising cutting-edge technology to ensure accurate measurement in diverse construction scenarios.

Students will understand the intricacies of quantity surveying processes, learning to leverage technology effectively to enhance their professional practice's accuracy, efficiency, and productivity.

Through theoretical learning and practical exercises, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of the civil and infrastructure work quantification methods and utilise cutting-edge technology in their application in real-world construction projects.

The Procurement and Tendering module is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in procurement and tendering processes within the construction industry.

Through a comprehensive exploration of procurement strategies, contract management, negotiation techniques, and tendering practices, students will develop the expertise to effectively navigate the complexities of procurement and tendering in construction projects.

By applying best practices and industry standards, students will be prepared to analyse, negotiate, and manage contracts efficiently, ultimately contributing to the successful procurement and delivery of construction projects.

The Construction Project Finance module is designed to equip you with advanced skills and knowledge to understand and manage the financial aspects of construction projects. Through a comprehensive exploration of financial mechanisms, investment strategies, and funding procurement processes, students will develop a critical understanding of how financial decisions impact project outcomes. By demonstrating proficiency in financial modelling, budgeting techniques, and risk assessment, students will be prepared to navigate the complexities of construction project finance and contribute to the success and sustainability of construction projects.

The Contract Administration and Law module is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the legal frameworks and administrative processes involved in construction projects. This module will enable students to master the principles of contractual relationships, various types of construction contracts, and the procedures for effective contract administration. Students will also gain knowledge of dispute resolution methods and the legal obligations of different stakeholders. By the end of the module you will be adept at managing contractual risks, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations, applying best practices in contract administration to facilitate the successful delivery of construction projects.

The International Building Challenge Project module is designed to provide you with the opportunity to engage deeply with international construction challenges and solutions. You can choose between two paths: participating in the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) Global Student Challenge project or conducting a dissertation focused on international construction management. Through this module, you will gain advanced insights into global construction practices, project management techniques, and cross-cultural communication skills. The module aims to enhance your readiness for international roles in the construction industry by offering practical, hands-on experiences and fostering critical thinking and problem-solving abilities in a global context. You will be encouraged to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges and to develop innovative solutions with a focus on sustainability, efficiency and global best practices.

The Measurement of Engineering Services (MEP) module is designed to enable you to develop advanced skills and knowledge in assessing and quantifying sustainable engineering services within construction projects. You will learn to critically appraise and apply advanced measurement techniques to Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) systems by exploring industry-standard methodologies and technologies. The module aims to equip you with the expertise necessary to ensure accuracy and reliability in measuring and evaluating MEP components, thereby contributing to the delivery of technically robust, environmentally sustainable construction projects.

The Project Commercial Management module is designed to equip you with the advanced knowledge and skills to effectively manage the commercial aspects of construction projects. By exploring advanced principles in cost control, financial forecasting, and risk management, you will learn to evaluate and apply commercial strategies to ensure the successful delivery and financial sustainability of construction projects within the industry. The module will also include a concise overview of the professional pathways available to graduates, with particular reference to the typical stages of early career development in surveying. This will encompass structured training expectations, sector pathway awareness, and the principles of professional conduct and ethical responsibilities associated with progression toward chartered status. Emphasis will be placed on reflective practice and career readiness to support students’ transition into professional roles within the built environment.

The Sustainability Practice (Carbon Measurement and Management) module is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to design and implement sustainable initiatives to reduce carbon footprint, enhance environmental performance, and promote Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within construction practices.

Through a combination of theoretical study and practical application, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of carbon measurement techniques, sustainability standards, and green building certification schemes.

The module aims to prepare students to evaluate carbon emissions critically, design cost-effective sustainability initiatives, analyse their financial impact, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive sustainability strategies aligned with industry standards and best practices.