BSc (Hons) Building Surveying (Degree Apprenticeship)

What you will study

YEAR 1 (LEVEL 4)

The first year of the BSc (Hons) Building Surveying Degree Apprenticeship programme comprises six core modules and one optional module that combine to provide an informed introduction to the range of aesthetic, functional, legal and environmental considerations that contribute to the measurement, assessment and refurbishment of buildings and infrastructure.

MODULES

• Building Surveying (Core)
• Digital Technologies in Drawing and Modelling (Core)
• Legal Principles, Compliance and Liability (Core)
• Science and Materials (Core)
• Construction Technology (Core)
• Work-based Learning 1 (Core)

One of:

• Architectural Design Technology (Optional)
• Civil Engineering Design (Optional)
• Construction Management (Optional)
• Quantity Surveying (Optional)

YEAR 2 (LEVEL 4 & 5)

The second year of the Programme builds upon the first through modules that explore important technical and procedural considerations in the practice of building surveying. Modern Methods of Construction considers opportunities for prefabrication and the use of modular construction systems, and Commercial Management addresses financial considerations and costs associated with the design, procurement, construction, completion, maintenance and decommissioning of buildings. 

MODULES

• Digital Technologies in Surveying (Core)
• Building Surveying 2 (Core)
• Modern Methods of Construction (Core)
• Commercial Management (Core)
• Work-based Learning 2 (Core)

YEAR 3 (LEVEL 5 & 6)

The third year of the programme provides opportunities to better understand the implications of, and mitigations against, the effects of climate change in Design for Climate Resilience, and Project Management considers the principles and practices that lead to the successful implementation of refurbishment and development projects. 

MODULES

• Building Services (Core)
• Procurement and Contract Practice (Core)
• Project Management (Core)
• Design for Climate Resilience (Core)

YEAR 4 (LEVEL 6)

The fourth and final year of the programme completes the Degree Apprenticeship by incorporating elective elements where apprentices are able to identify and pursue an appropriate research proposal in Individual Research Project, and complete a Major Project, the parameters and work-based context of which is determined between the Apprentice, their employer and the Module Tutor. 

MODULES

• Individual Research Project
• Professional Practice
• Major Project

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal academic framework review, so may be subject to change.

Entry requirements & applying

To enrol on the BSc (Hons) Building Surveying Degree Apprenticeship programme, applicants must:

• be in full-time employment in a job role appropriate to building surveying,
• work in Wales at least 51% of the time,
• be able to attend one day a week for studies,
• meet the respective entry requirements identified below, and
• not have previously studied a similar subject at this level or higher.

Applicants will normally be expected to satisfy one or more of the following academic and/or professional criteria as a minimum:

• Successful completion of a Foundation Year at Level 3 in a discipline considered appropriate by the Programme Team; or
• 48-72 UCAS tariff points or
• a BTEC National Certificate or Diploma; or
• membership of a construction-related professional body at a level deemed appropriate by the programme team.

Applications from candidates who do not satisfy the standard academic or professional body entry criteria identified above are welcome and will be expected to demonstrate through interview that they have the potential to succeed on the programme.

Candidates who have sufficient appropriate industrial experience are also welcome, though diagnostic assessment prior to admission will be considered in order to measure academic capability, particularly in mathematics and English or Welsh. 

International applicants whose existing qualifications are outlined by the National Academic Recognition and Information Centre (NARIC) as being equivalent to the relevant UK entry qualification are also welcome. All applicants whose first language is not English or Welsh will be expected to demonstrate English language proficiency; European applicants are able to provide this evidence in a number of ways (further details), including IELTS; International applicants require a UKVI Approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) (further details).

Teaching & Assessment

Modules are delivered using a variety of teaching and learning techniques, including traditional lectures, practical ‘hands-on’ activities, tutorials and group discussions, laboratory work, construction site-based observation and peer appraisal. The main priority is to ensure that you feel comfortable within the academic learning environment and feel able to contribute to the discussion of subject matter within any class, tutorial or other learning activity that forms part of their studies – teaching and learning is fundamentally a two-way process within which your opinion is vitally important.

A range of assessment methods are used within the programme to simulate the sorts of written, practical, visual and oral communication skills that are expected of building surveyors; written reports, the practical use of technical equipment, visual presentations, laboratory analyses, in-class tests, examinations, coursework and oral presentations are all important ways in which you can demonstrate your understanding. The types of assessment selected for each module have been chosen to best-suit the nature of the technical content in each subject, and collectively provide a range of opportunities for you to demonstrate your interest, enthusiasm and interpretation of content during your studies. 

In terms of particular assessment needs, the University’s Inclusion Services department can provide appropriate guidance and support should any apprentices require reasonable adjustments to be made to assessment processes because of a recognised prevailing disability, medical condition, or specific learning difference. 

Career prospects

The BSc (Hons) Building Surveying Degree Apprenticeship provides a qualification that is recognised as a comprehensive, informed and valuable measure of the ability of the Wrexham University graduate in the measurement, appraisal and refurbishment of buildings.

Opportunities for building surveyors exist within the construction industry in many varied contexts, from recent developments to heritage and refurbishment projects of all scales and types – developing a career as a building surveyor can therefore lead to many rewarding experiences, not least due to the fact that no two building projects are the same, and that building surveyors are likely to spend as much time on site as they are at their desks. These circumstances mean that a career in building surveying can often be challenging, particularly rewarding, but never routine. 

The BSc (Hons) Building Surveying Degree Apprenticeship qualification will therefore provide a sound basis upon which to develop a career in the professional and technical aspects of measuring, appraising and renovating  buildings in a range of contexts. Graduates can expect to establish themselves as building surveyors, building inspectors and diverse other building technologists, not least because of the experience and understanding that can be gained by following the BSc (Hons) Building Surveying Degree Apprenticeship programme at Wrexham University.

Fees & funding

Subject to satisfying both Degree Apprenticeship eligibility criteria in the Welsh context and Wrexham University entry requirements, the BSc(Hons) Building Surveying Degree Apprenticeship programme is fully-funded by Welsh Government, subject to availability. 

Programme specification

View the full programme specification here