Overview
With BSc Building Surveying you will analyse building performance and material lifecycles to establish the cause and effect of building defects — and how to manage them across the lifecycle of the built environment.
Why Choose Building Surveying at Reading?
We're one of the UK's top-ranking universities for teaching and research in the built environment. This course is designed to prepare you for a successful career in a management position within the construction sector. You will benefit from the School's strong links with industry and with the surveying professions.
The degree is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). Successful completion of these accredited courses satisfies the academic requirements for membership of CIOB and RICS.
Accreditation is reviewed periodically.
Two years in Malaysia, one year at our University of Reading UK campus — graduate within the standard three-year timeframe.
Flexible Course Options
As with all of our surveying and construction courses, the programme structure provides an opportunity to explore a range of construction-related disciplines prior to specialising in the final year. You will be able to transfer onto other courses, such as BSc Quantity Surveying or BSc Construction Management, at the end of your second year if you wish to do so.
A particular emphasis is placed on transferable skills, and University of Reading graduates are renowned for rapid progression to senior positions within professional firms.
Internships
Our successful internship scheme establishes a balance between outstanding academic achievements and relevant industrial experience.
Between your second and final year you have the option to carry out a paid internship for sixteen weeks. You don't have to make internship choices before enrolment — your experience and exposure to industry during the second year will help shape your decision.
Completing an internship not only provides you with insight into industry but is also a valuable opportunity to get to know a range of industry professionals and build your professional network.
Where you can intern
Internships can be located anywhere in Malaysia or abroad. The proximity of UoRM to Singapore makes it easy for you to commute for internships at multidisciplinary consultancy firms, large construction companies and smaller specialist practices.
You will be given advice and support in finding the ideal placement, writing a CV, and developing interview skills, by our dedicated Careers and Internship Coordinator.
Your Learning
Your first two years are designed to develop a comprehensive understanding of the disciplines which underpin construction management and the surveying professions. This will include subjects such as economics, law, and building technology. Recurring themes throughout the course include the application of digital technologies, sustainability and internationalisation.
There is an especially strong focus on project work and on interdisciplinary collaboration. We place a strong focus on employability and you will have the opportunity to network with industry professionals throughout the course.
The final year of the BSc Building Surveying course — completed at our UK campus — introduces you to the latest thinking in management technology and provides the opportunity to specialise. You will also complete a dissertation on a research topic of your choice and a built environment project, in which you will prepare an environmental impact assessment for a building project.
Our Community
A diverse, supportive and inclusive community of students, staff, alumni and industry partners — locally and globally. You will be assigned an Academic Tutor who will guide you throughout your studies.
Research with Real-World Applications
Members of staff are active in research and consultancy across infrastructure, BIM and sustainability — ensuring the course reflects the very best of current practice.
Final Year in the UK
Spend Year 3 at the University of Reading's main campus, studying the same modules as your peers in Malaysia while gaining international exposure.
Industry Engagement
Career talks, site visits, sector-focused career fairs and BIM-based workshops give you direct access to employers and project leaders.
Programme Structure
Year 1 — Malaysia
- Construction Technology
- Construction Science
- Information and Communication
- Introduction to Economics and Law
- Empirical Studies and Site Engineering
- Introduction to Management and Projects
Year 2 — Malaysia
- Management of Construction Projects 1
- Building Environment Systems and Technology
- Introduction to Quantification and Computerised Taking Off
- Projects and Digitalisation
- Projects and Digitalisation
- Construction Procurement and Contract Law
- Building Pathology and Surveying Practice
Year 3 — United Kingdom
Compulsory modules
- Research Skills and Dissertation
- Building Surveying Project
- Commercial Surveying Practices and Advanced Building Pathology
- Research Skills and Dissertation
- Building Surveying Project
Optional modules
- Human Resource and Health and Safety Management
- Business Organisation and Management
- Digital Technology use in Construction
- Construction Contract Management
- Inclusive Environments
- Management of Construction Projects 2
Sustainability-themed modules — choose at least one
- Sustainable Built Environments
- Green Innovation in Construction
- Environmental Management and Assessment
These are the modules currently offered for 2025/26 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they're informed by the latest research and teaching methods. Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.
Programme At A Glance
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements follow the published requirements set by Admissions. Please contact the Admissions Office or visit the Fees & Intakes page for the most up-to-date information.
Careers
After graduation you will be well-placed to move into careers such as construction, contracting, or site, property or project management. Past graduates have progressed to a variety of roles within the construction and surveying sector, including:
Building Surveyor · Project Manager · Facility Manager · BIM Manager
Graduates may also choose to further their studies through postgraduate programmes.
Our strong international reputation and close relationships with industry and professional institutions make our graduates highly sought after in the workplace. With an internationally recognised qualification, students are well positioned to build careers locally, across the ASEAN region, and internationally — contributing to the delivery, maintenance and improvement of the built environment.
Many of our students secure job opportunities by returning to their internship host companies or through industry engagement activities organised by the School. These include career talks, site visits, and annual sector-focused career fairs.
Where Our Graduates Work
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Building Surveying involve?
Building Surveying focuses on analysing building performance, material lifecycles and the causes of building defects. Building surveyors play a critical role in maintaining, refurbishing and adapting the built environment.
What is the 2+1 programme structure?
You spend the first two years at the UoRM Malaysia campus and your final year at the University of Reading UK campus, studying the same modules as your peers in Malaysia. You will graduate within the standard three-year timeframe with a professionally accredited degree.
Is the degree recognised internationally?
Yes. The degree is accredited by both RICS and CIOB, ensuring global recognition and career opportunities in the UK, Malaysia, and across the ASEAN region.
Can I transfer to another programme?
Yes. At the end of your second year you have the option to transfer to BSc Quantity Surveying or BSc Construction Management, subject to academic performance.
Are there internship opportunities?
Yes. You have the option to undertake a paid sixteen-week internship between Year 2 and Year 3 with leading firms in Malaysia, Singapore or abroad.
Who can I contact for more information?
Please contact UoRM via the Enquire Now page, or reach out to our admissions team for further details on the programme.
