Quantity Surveying Degree: Full-Time vs Part-Time

As you set out on your journey to become a Quantity Surveyor, you’ll generally find yourself at a crossroads, choosing between two distinct degree pathways:

Pursuing a full-time study programme, followed by securing a graduate Quantity Surveyor position.
Opting for part-time study while simultaneously undertaking a Quantity Surveyor apprenticeship.

In this article, we’ll delve into the specifics of each path, highlight their advantages, and aim to assist you in determining which path aligns best with your aspirations.

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Time

A full-time degree typically spans 3 years, which can extend to 4 years if you incorporate a placement year.

In contrast, a part-time degree usually takes about 5 years to complete. There’s often flexibility to break this down into a 2-year HNC and a subsequent 3-year degree, allowing you to earn a recognised qualification in just two years and offering a break if needed.

For part-time students who are also working, the usual schedule involves 4 days of work and 1 day dedicated to studies, either attending university or online lectures.

Cost

For UK students, a full-time degree totals £27,750, while international students face a fee of £44,700.

This breaks down to £9,250 per year for UK students and £14,900 for international students.

The part-time degree costs are identical, but the extended duration means annual fees of £5,550 for UK students and £8,940 for international students.

Notably, if you’re studying part-time while working as a trainee/apprentice QS, your employer typically covers your tuition fees.

Advantages of each degree route

Pros of Full-Time Study:

Dedicated time to focus solely on your studies.

The opportunity to fully immerse yourself in university life.

Graduating with an industry-recognised qualification, ready to step into a quantity surveying role.

Pros of Part-Time Study:

Often, your employer covers the costs, contrasting with the typical student loans or self-funding needed for full-time studies.

You benefit from working alongside peers who have pursued similar academic paths, offering mentorship and support.

Crucially, you accumulate on-the-job experience; meaning, after 5 years, you’ll have both a degree and five years of practical experience, compared to just a degree and possibly two years of experience with the full-time route.

In conclusion, the most suitable route will depend on your personal circumstances. A part-time route is a great choice, offering the opportunity to supplement your studies with valuable on-the-job experience. However, it might not be feasible for everyone, particularly if you’re finding it challenging to secure a position without some prior experience or a construction-related qualification. On the other hand, a full-time course allows you to gain a QS degree before entering the job market. We recommend conducting thorough research and carefully considering which path aligns best with your personal and professional goals.

Introducing Metroun Learning

Metroun Learning is an online education platform, specific to Quantity Surveyors which can satisfy all your formal CPD needs. We offer over 30 hours of formal CPD, with new courses added each month. Although all courses amass to 30 hours of formal CPD, each individual course has been engineered so it can be completed during your lunch break. This can save you time, money & reduce your carbon footprint. Metroun Learning will not only satisfy your formal CPD needs, but you’ll also gain access to: