MSc Building Surveying

This module provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the role of a building surveyor in relation to project cost control and contract administration. This will be considered from the point of the Client. The module covers inception of a construction project, through both pre- and post-contract phases. The importance of considering life-cycle costs and the impact of design and specification are considered.

This module introduces an overview of English law, the legal system and the law-making process. Students are introduced to the law of contracts, from their formation, acceptance and validity, through to termination and remedies for breach and the enforceability of exclusion clauses. Students are then introduced to the law of tort which deals with 'civil wrong' (tort being the French for 'wrong') that causes harm or loss to one or more parties. In tort we will explore the concept of duty and standard of care, vicarious liability, and remedies and specific classes of tort. An introduction to conflict avoidance, dispute resolution and, particularly, Alternative Dispute Resolution is provided, which includes considering when and how ADR is commonly used in a built environment context.

This module provides an introduction to planning law and the planning process relevant to property development. The property development process, site selection and financial appraisal of development sites and their funding are considered. The module blends the basic knowledge of planning law with the real estate implementation of a development project.

This module develops the principles of construction technology, including modern, innovative and traditional construction. Within the framework of a sustainable built environment, assessment methods and relevant codes and regulations are explored in providing for a sustainable agenda

This module develops both the personnel and organisational issues of construction management, with a focus on the managers of construction projects. Comprehensive understanding and practice of skills in managing, planning and controlling the safe production of a construction project are investigated.

The module develops the principles of law and practice appropriate to the effective and efficient management of commercial property both in the UK and globally. The focus is principally on the landlord and tenant relationship within legal and regulatory frameworks, but also encompasses property held for owner occupation. In business planning terms, this module also examines key issues, such as the strategic use of property, property performance evaluation, positive tenant management and life cycle planning, and evaluates how these issues inform the development of strategic advice. Accounting principles are addressed in the context of service charge management.

The module investigates the principles and practice of building control and inspection. It develops students’ ability to analyse the purpose of building control and relevance of building regulations and apply these in a range of scenarios. It provides an understanding of the Building Act and Approved Documents, international building standards, inspections, noncompliance, fire safety and safety in buildings used for events.

This module investigates the wider context and technical issues regarding both the analysis and adaptation of existing buildings. The module covers the history of architecture enabling the student to identify different ages and key feature that make up existing buildings. This allows the student to make informed decisions about the alteration and adaptation of building with in-module developed skills of drawing and design theory.

The module investigates building pathology and maintenance in the context of professional practice. It develops students’ ability to recognise, analyse and remedy building defects in a range of scenarios, and provides an understanding of inspection, testing and monitoring techniques to ensure that the most appropriate diagnosis and reporting of building defects and planning is appropriate maintenance planning.

This module requires students to develop their research skills within the context of the built environment and is a key part of their wider professional development. It provides them with an opportunity to conduct a self-directed research project that reflects the culmination of their studies in the relevant programme. The topics selected are expected to reflect the current and critical issues that concern the built environment. For many students the development of case study research, often emanating within their own workplace or arising from their professional activity, will be an appropriate approach to demonstrate research and expertise in a specific area.