In a previous article, we compared the roles of a construction manager & quantity surveyor. It also just happens to be the most read article on our website. Part of its success is because of the cross roads many people find themselves in at the start of their construction journey. Should I go down the route of construction management, or quantity surveying. For most people, this decision starts at the point of their university application. Therefore, in this article, we compare the construction management degree, with the quantity surveying degree. We’ll look into what topics you can expect to study year-by-year, helping you to make an informed decision as to which route is best suited for you.
To illustrate the differences, we’re going to compare both routes as offered by the University of Reading in Berkshire, England.
First, let’s look at what Reading has to say about each course.
Quantity Surveying
“With BSc Quantity Surveying you will learn about the mechanisms that determine the cost and price of construction, and how projects can be completed on time, to specification and within budget.
This course is designed to prepare you for a successful career in quantity surveying. You will benefit from the Department’s strong links with industry and with the surveying profession. Additionally, the degree is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and by the Chartered Institute of Building. (Accreditation is reviewed periodically. Successful completion of courses accredited by CIOB and RICS satisfies the academic requirements for membership of CIOB and RICS.)”
Construction Management
“Develop an expertise in the planning and programming of construction operations with this BSc Construction Management course.
This course is designed to prepare you for a successful career in construction management and you will benefit from the Department’s strong links with industry. Additionally, the degree is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building and by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. (Accreditation is reviewed periodically. Successful completion of courses accredited by CIOB and RICS satisfies the academic requirements for membership of CIOB and RICS.)”
So what topics can you expect to study? Interestingly, you’ll notice there’s a lot of crossovers!
Let’s break this down per year.
Year 1 – Quantity Surveying
- Construction Science
- Information and Communication
- Construction Technology
- Introduction to Economics and Law
- Empirical Studies and Site Engineering
- And, Introduction to Management Projects
Year 1 – Construction Management
- Construction Science
- Information and Communication
- Construction Technology
- Introduction to Economics and Law
- Empirical Studies and Site Engineering
- And, Introduction to Management Projects
As you’ve noticed, both routes are identical in year 1, and year 2 is no different.
Year 2 Construction Management & Quantity Surveying
- Management of Construction Projects
- Building Environment Systems and Technology
- Projects and Digitalisation
- Construction Procurement and Contract Law
- Introduction to Quantification and Computerised Taking Off
- Building Pathology and Surveying Practice
Year 3 is when things start to change. It contains a mixture of compulsory & optional modules.
Year 3 – Quantity Surveying (Compulsory)
- Quantification and Costing: Buildings and Civil Works
- Quantity Surveying Project
- And, Research Skills and Dissertation
Year 3 – Construction Manager (Compulsory)
- Construction Management Project
- And, Research Skills and Dissertation
Both these routes contain an array of optional modules, click the following links if you’d like to see these.
In summary, both of these routes share many of the same modules. However, it’s worth noting that the modules completed in year 3 will have the biggest impact towards your final grade. We recommend you do some research into both these roles & what they entail day-to-day once you’ve graduated from university.
