Quantity Surveying

Module overview:

In this module, you will explore three key themes: procurement, contract administration, and professional development. You will learn how procurement plays a vital role in securing goods and services to meet client requirements in construction projects. Through case studies and industry examples, you will analyze contract administration principles that define the roles and responsibilities of project stakeholders. You will develop problem-solving skills by evaluating procurement strategies and applying contract management techniques.

How you'll learn:

You will engage in hands-on activities, including industry-aligned projects, contract analysis, and professional development exercises. The module will introduce you to standard construction contracts, such as JCT, NEC, or FIDIC, which you will study in the context of real-world projects. Additionally, you will be introduced to property and employment law, broadening your understanding of legal considerations in construction.

Module overview:

The module builds upon the knowledge and understanding developed from the level 4 Construction Science, Technology and Materials 1 with a focus on the technology of high-rise frame construction and new methods of construction. You will develop a deeper understanding of contemporary construction technology principles in complex buildings including basements, their future adaptation and refurbishment options.  

It addresses the superstructure to include types of frames and their different envelope systems and complex building services. The flexibility of the internal space and finishes is explained with the associated technology, including fire and life safety. It covers the safe disposal of buildings with consideration given to sustainability. Safe working practices are considered in the introduction to each element of construction technology as emphasised by the relevant code of practice.
Sustainability considerations will be integrated throughout the module, particularly in discussions on demolition waste disposal, alternative materials, and energy-efficient design.

How you'll learn:

By engaging with this module, you will develop analytical and problem-solving skills applicable to careers in architectural technology, construction project management, and sustainable engineering.

Module overview:

This module covers how construction organisation carries out estimating and costing, tendering and financial accounting and control along with human resource management practices.
 
You will be introduced to pre-contract quantification of construction work and the skills required for the preparation of Bills and Quantities. Furthermore, you will be introduced to computerised techniques for computerised BQ production methods based upon the group method of take−off and the use of standard libraries of item descriptions. This will include the interpretation of graphical and textual project information; mensuration techniques and conventional methods of booking and preparing dimensions. 

Topics on tendering practices will concentrate on the construction manager’s responsibilities at tender stage. A full review and analysis of a live project brief tender documentation pack will develop your skills required to produce a professional tender submission; focusing on the design proposals, method statements, tender programme, logistics planning and risk management to produce a comprehensive technical submission.

You will develop understanding of how construction organisations manage their finances and human resources. The financial management covers management of finances in the project and accounting concepts and conventions, objectives of financial statements and their uses. You will develop an understanding of HRM functions carried out by the Construction Managers in developing and maintaining professional relationships with colleagues and partner organisations and explore
productivity improvement techniques are explored. 

How you'll learn:

This module adopts a practice-based and experiential learning approach to ensure students engage in real-world construction management scenarios. The learning experience is designed to be research-informed and industry-driven, incorporating guest lectures from professionals, hands-on workshops using industry software, problem-based learning (PBL) activities, and collaborative projects. Lectures provide theoretical foundations, while seminars and tutorials focus on case studies, role-playing exercises, and critical discussions. The use of construction project simulations and live industry projects ensures that students develop both the technical and managerial skills needed for professional practice.

Module overview:

In this module you will apply the knowledge and skills acquired at Level 4 and during Level 5 to a multi-faceted design problem of a building or part of one, develop holistic design thinking, further embed approaches to design that are sustainable and carbon neutral, in particular novel materials, timber and reused or recycled steel and carbon accounting for construction, and to continue with self-reflection and collaborative practices with other disciplines. Further, the project will usually be related to one of the key contexts adopted by SETEC, e.g. the UN Sustainable Development Goals and industry collaboration. Further, where appropriate, you will also work with other students in ‘vertical’ cross-cohort disciplinary groups where you are given the opportunity for peer-to-peer learning.

The content is delivered in the context of a design project in which you play the role of a professional within your discipline within a broader design team. This module employs an experiential learning approach, integrating problem-based learning (PBL) and collaborative, interdisciplinary teamwork to simulate professional practice.

You will present your design appropriately using hand-drawn sketches, computer generated graphics, computer aided drawings, physical models, calculations, specifications, and bills of materials/ quantity. You will be developing your knowledge of computer assisted design and engineering in context and its value in terms of optimisation and parametric design.

How you'll learn:

The project has an individual component and a groupwork component. A combination of tutorial and design studio sessions will be used to generate the designs and track progress.

You will continue your planning and recording of self-learning and development as the foundation for lifelong learning / CPD. This will be continued within each Interdisciplinary Design Project at each level of the course.

Module overview:

This module builds on the knowledge and understanding of measurement, estimating, procurement, and contract administration developed earlier in the programme. You will cover a diverse range of topics, including advanced measurement, cost and risk management techniques, the use of digital software, and conflict/dispute resolution. By applying this knowledge to real-world scenarios, you will enhance your problem-solving skills and gain insight into the practical challenges faced by modern quantity surveyors.

How you'll learn:

A central focus of this module is the use of industry-standard software, equipping you with the data management and analysis skills increasingly sought by employers. You will also explore sustainability and life cycle assessments, learning how to calculate embodied carbon and utilise current guidance and tools. Upon completion, you will have a deeper understanding of the evolving role of quantity surveyors and the ability to apply advanced cost management practices that reflect both economic and environmental considerations.

Module overview:

In this module, you will explore fundamental theories and concepts of project management in construction. Construction projects are complex and provide challenges in managing resources mainly people, plant and materials, specialist subcontractors effectively. You are introduced to contemporary principles and concepts in project management and the processes, tools and methodologies that are utilised to complete the construction projects successfully are explored. 

The relationship of project management with strategic objectives of the client organisation, quality, health and safety, risk management are covered. You will be introduced to time cost relationships and techniques of progress monitoring of the projects including the use of Building Information Modelling.  

You will develop critical project management skills, including leadership, risk management, and stakeholder communication, preparing you for careers in construction, architecture, and infrastructure development.

How you'll learn:

Lectures will cover theories, process and techniques related to the subject, while seminars/ tutorials will consist of project-based tasks, problem solving and creative activities. There will be an additional 30 minutes of asynchronous digital support per week. This will consist of pre-recorded lectures, videos and other digital materials

Module overview:

This module provides you with the opportunity to independently investigate a selected topic of interest in a built environment related issue, and the scope may include, if appropriate, the development of a design. The design option is for students of who would like to carry out an individual design project and is primarily aimed at students who are enrolled on programmes that involve some level of design discipline. You will need to take responsibility for managing your time, identifying objectives and follow a systematic approach to explore, and possibly solve, a problem, or generate a design. It includes the production of a report of the investigative project. 
 
You will select a topic for research or design provided by prospective supervisors, or they may propose a topic for research to the module leader who will seek a suitable supervisor. Proposed topics may be the subject of further discussion and development before they are mutually agreed by you and your proposed supervisor.
 
The project will typically be of an investigative nature, exploring and extending your knowledge of the chosen subject within the context of the construction industry. A design project will also require a good degree of investigation on your part. You are expected to demonstrate an understanding of fundamental principles of research, follow research ethics and appropriate methodologies for collecting and analysing primary and / or secondary data and communicate your findings to a professional standard. You will be required to submit an application for ethical approval for the research prior to any primary data collection involving human subjects. You will also need to develop a risk assessment for all practical work either in the field or laboratory.

How you'll learn:

There will be a programme of lectures and seminars at the beginning of the module to introduce you to research techniques and appropriate methodologies. This will include coverage of appropriate statistical techniques that you may need to adopt. Online resources will be provided to support the investigation. Specialist librarian support will be provided to help you with literature searches and use of software for citing articles and providing their bibliographies in a reference list. You are expected to show considerable initiative throughout the duration of the module and schedule supervision meetings with their supervisors.

Module overview:

In this module, you will further develop your ability to design larger-scale built environment artefacts of a more complex scale for a specific development site. The projects will usually be related to one of the key contexts adopted by SETEC, e.g. the UN Sustainable Development Goals and industry collaboration.  You will also work with students in ‘vertical’ cross-cohort disciplinary groups providing additional opportunity for peer-to-peer learning.

You will conduct research on the background of the site and explore developments in design and construction practices and techniques. It will therefore contain research methods teaching, also required for the Investigative Project. This instruction will build on that provided as part of Integrated Design Project 1 and 2. You will develop your understanding and application of project planning, cost estimation, risk assessment, ethics, sustainability, and Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). It will also cover matters connected with search and retrieval of academic and grey literature, constructing text which summarises current known knowledge, critical thinking, the construction of technical reports, and writing.

How you'll learn:

You will work collaboratively to develop built environment proposals for a concept scheme at a specified development site, which may include geotechnical, water design and transport (such as pedestrian and cycle access within the perimeter). Working in teams, you will be presented with a brief that they will need to interpret, and where necessary challenge, in order to develop a programme of integrated activity.