module specification

Building Surveying is a broad field that focuses primarily on the management, assessment, and maintenance of existing buildings rather than new constructions. The Building Surveying Practice module is designed to equip you with the advanced skills needed to excel in this area, including the ability to identify different construction types, recognise defects, and understand their underlying causes.

You will gain a thorough understanding of the historical significance of buildings and how to approach their conservation with sensitivity and care. Critical thinking and problem-solving are integral to the course as you will be taught how to gather relevant evidence and provide well-reasoned, practical advice. The module will also delve into the legal and regulatory aspects of Building Surveying, ensuring you are prepared to navigate complex, real-world situations effectively.
A strong emphasis will be placed on communication, enabling you to present your findings and recommendations clearly and confidently to clients, contractors, and colleagues.

By the end of the module, you will have developed the expertise and practical knowledge to offer informed, actionable solutions to common challenges in Building Surveying. The use of case studies and industry engagement throughout the course will ensure that you gain a comprehensive understanding of the role and responsibilities of a Building Surveyor, preparing you to be a valuable asset to any Surveying Practice or related profession.

The module syllabus is informed by contemporary research and practice in building surveying, adaptation, refurbishment, and sustainability. Topics will include:

• buildings through the ages and how to identify these (LO1)
• identification of different forms of construction (LO1)
• defects inherent to certain eras of building and/or construction types and materials (LO1, LO2)
• deleterious materials (LO2)
• following a trail of evidence (LO2, LO4)
• consequences of defects (LO1, LO2)
• methods of repair (LO2)
• repair of buildings of historical significance (LO1, LO2)
• digital innovation and data analytics in Building Surveying for predictive maintenance and defect detection (LO3)
• AI and ethics in Building Surveying (LO3)
• professional surveying report writing and effective communication (LO4)

The Building Surveying Practice module will be delivered through a mix of lectures, seminars, workshops, and guided online activities. Some of these activities will be recorded and available for you to access anytime, so you can keep exploring topics outside of class. This blended approach helps you engage with your peers, contributing to discussions and debates. The VLE will also be used to keep communication flowing between students and academics, as well as encourage interaction through discussion boards and other tools.

Lectures will build on what you have learned in previous modules, while workshops and other activities give you a chance to apply your knowledge to real-world surveying situations, with support from both your peers and tutors.
You will receive regular formative feedback to help you improve your understanding of key concepts, develop your academic writing, and strengthen your critical thinking skills. While this feedback will not count toward your final grade, it will help you track your progress. You will also have opportunities to assess yourself through group sessions and discussions.

Your learning will be supported by independent and guided reading and research, helping you deepen your knowledge of Building Surveying and how it relates to the Built Environment and your future career. The role of Building Surveyors is evolving with the rise of digital tools and AI. These technologies are transforming how surveys are carried out, making data collection, defect analysis, and predictive maintenance faster and more accurate. As a Building Surveyor, you will use these tools to deliver more effective solutions and keep up with the demands of modern building management and sustainability.

On completion of the module, the learner, operating independently and applying their knowledge and skills, should be able to:
1. evaluate the nature of different building types in terms of age and construction, and justify the conclusions reached.
2. critically evaluate the condition of different building types, identify defects, reflect on the consequences of these defects in different contexts, and formulate solutions to rectify these problems whilst dealing with uncertainty.
3. explore the role of digital innovation, artificial intelligence, and technological advancements in Building Surveying
4. effectively communicate findings, demonstrating critical thinking through succinct, clear, and logical professional advice.

There is currently no single text in publication that provides comprehensive coverage of all aspects of Building Surveying practice as well as the role and demands for a Building Surveyor in this process. Several books cover various parts of the subject in detail, and these are listed in the core text list.

SU7003 Building Surveying Practice | London Metropolitan University