There’s quantity surveying, and there’s building surveying. Wait. Aren’t they both the same? Both involve surveying and construction of some sort, right?
Well, they have different names for a reason. Although, both of them pretty much have been sharing similar job scopes for quite some time now — however, going into the 21st century, the role of building surveying has slowly evolved and has now separated distinctly from quantity surveying.
What is Quantity Surveying?
Quantity surveying is a profession that guarantees the assets of the construction business are used to the best point of interest of society. It is an assessment of the cost based on certain rates of materials and labour by prioritising minimum expenditure and ensuring optimum use of materials.
What is Building Surveying?
Building surveying is a field that focuses on building control and performance to achieve a safe, friendly, and well-maintained building and infrastructure. Although Building Surveying used to be less known than other built environment and property professions such as Architecture and Quantity Surveying, it is now one of the widest areas of surveying practice.
What are the Job Scopes?
Quantity surveyor – Quantity surveyor works mainly with cost calculation of the whole project. A quantity surveyor will work out a budget for the overall project, taking into account the materials and labour required. They will also provide estimates for the overall cost of the construction work.
Building surveyor – Building surveyor works on a variety of roles involved in the construction of the building like initial surveys, design processes, structural surveys, legal issues including leases, running contracts, and supervising workers on-site. The workload can include everything from the conservation and restoration of historic buildings to contemporary new developments.
What are the Key Skills?
Quantity Surveyor
Meticulous and accurate – Project costs involve detailed and accurate measurements of all work required. A quantity surveyor must be accurate in his work and calculations.
Built Environment knowledge – Quantity Surveyors must have a sound knowledge of building materials and construction.
Communication – Quantity Surveyors must be able to describe clearly in proper unambiguous language the requirement of the Architect and so arrange his bill of quantities (BoQ) that the Builder can quickly, easily, and accurately arrive at the estimated cost of the project.
Building Surveyor
Problem Solving – A building surveyor is required to diagnose the defect, removing a number of possibilities, and then to identify appropriate remedial action.
Time Management – Building surveyors often have a load of instructions to work through simultaneously and therefore time management skills are necessary.
Communication – Oral, written, and graphical communication skills are also important in a building surveying career. Similarly, when dealing with building contractors on-site, negotiating skills are required to ensure the client’s interests are best served.
What are the Other Career Opportunities?
- Construction Manager – Construction managers oversee and lead a range of building projects from beginning to end.
- Contract Administrator – Contract administrators are the individuals responsible for administering the construction standard contracts.
- Real Estate Analyst – Real estate analysts study commercial real estate trends, meet with buyers and sellers of real estate, negotiate real estate deals, and manage the company’s real estate investment portfolio.
What are the General Entry Requirements to study Quantity Surveying & Building Surveying in Australia?
Academic Requirements
STPM | Minimum CGPA of 2.33 |
Foundation/Pre-University/Matriculation/Diploma | Minimum CGPA of 2.75 |
A-Levels | Aggregate score of 6 |
UEC | Aggregate score of 14 |
International Baccalaureate (IB) | Minimum 25 points |
English requirements
IELTS | Minimum 6.5 (no individual band below 6.0) |
TOEFL | Minimum 79 (Internet Based Test) |
*The requirements may vary among universities, for inquiries on other entry requirements, contact Excel Education.
What are the Top Universities to study Quantity Surveying & Building Surveying in Australia?
Having come as a package, quantity surveying and building surveying often share the same degree course which is mainly the Bachelor of Construction Management that includes built environment subjects with different majors for certain universities. Enquire with us now to learn more!
1. University of New South Wales (UNSW)
“The UNSW Built Environment Bachelor of Construction Management and Property is one of the most respected programs in the nation and will prepare you to meet the demands of an industry which is constantly evolving.”
Accreditations:
- The Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AIQS)
- The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
- Australian Institute of Building (AIB)
Program Name | Bachelor of Construction Management & Property (Hons) |
Program Duration | 4 years |
Intakes | February, July |
Indicative Annual Fee 2020 | AUD$41,040 |
2. University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
“The Bachelor of Construction Project Management delivers the management, technology and process skills required to work in a variety of well-paid roles across the full spectrum of construction projects.”
Accreditations:
- Project Management Institute (PMI)
- The Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AIQS)
- The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
- Australian Institute of Building (AIB)
- Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)
Program Name | Bachelor of Construction Project Management |
Program Duration | 4 years |
Intakes | March, September |
Indicative Annual Fee 2020 | AUD$33,100 |
3. Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
“There are opportunities for field trips, site visits, and practical and laboratory-based work and the flexible structure of the course allows you to choose a second major or group of minor units to match your career aspirations and personal goals and maximise employment opportunities.”
Accreditations:
- The Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AIQS)
- The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
Program Name | Bachelor of Urban Development (Hons) (Quantity Surveying and Cost Engineering) |
Program Duration | 4 years |
Intakes | February, July |
Indicative Annual Fee 2020 | AUD$32,300 |
4. Griffith University
“In this degree, you will learn about construction and building practices, developing a rigorous understanding of construction law and ethics, business management, construction economics, and property development in a global context.”
Accreditations:
- The Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AIQS)
- Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)
- Australian Institute of Building (AIB)
Program Name | Bachelor of Construction Management (Hons) |
Program Duration | 4 years |
Intakes | February, July |
Indicative Annual Fee 2020 | AUD$34,500 |
5. Western Sydney University (WSU)
“This degree offers a solid mix of theory in four concentrated areas, as well as hands-on experience through practical work and opportunities for cadetships.”
Accreditations:
Program Name | Bachelor of Construction Management (Hons) |
Program Duration | 4 years |
Intakes | March, July |
Indicative Annual Fee 2020 | AUD$33,000 |
6. RMIT University
“RMIT offers the only undergraduate surveying degree in Victoria. It is accredited with local and international surveying organisations and thoroughly prepares you to enter the profession.”
Accreditations:
- Surveyors Registration Board of Victoria
- The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
- Land Surveyors Board of Malaysia
Program Name | Bachelor of Applied Science (Surveying) (Hons) |
Program Duration | 4 years |
Intakes | February, July |
Indicative Annual Fee 2020 | AUD$35,520 |
Contact us to find out more!
Student enquiries:
Call/Whatsapp: +60182414802
Email: [email protected]
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Heather
I seek peace and knowledge in discovering myself.
