BSc Building Surveying Top-Up
Course overview
This is a top-up course that takes one year (or two years if the student studies part-time). It is for people with a background in building and construction. The course helps them learn the main skills they need to become a Building Surveyor. It gets them ready to become a fully qualified professional surveyor. They learn by doing practical, hands-on work, including surveying buildings and understanding what a Building Surveyor does.
The course matches what the building industry needs. Students will cover real-life building tasks, how to fix building problems, different ways to build, proper work behaviour, legal rules, and how to manage risks. It also teaches them about keeping old buildings in good shape, giving them new uses, and making them fit for today, along with new ideas and protecting the environment. This helps students gain technical, creative, and business skills for the changing world of buildings.
Entry requirements
International candidates need to submit a personal statement explaining why they want to study the course and sharing details about their past education. They will also need a suitable academic or employer reference. Students can choose to upload their CV (a document showing their work history) with their application to share their experience.
Grade Requirements:
- Candidates will need a Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE), a Foundation degree (Level 5), a Higher National Diploma (HND), or a related degree to apply.
- For a Foundation degree, candidates need at least 60% overall, and for an HND, you will need a Merit. Your previous studies should also match this course well.
English Proficiency:
- If English is not your main language, you will need an IELTS Academic score of 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in each section: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
- Birmingham City University also accepts other English tests like Pearson PTE Academic (59 overall, with no section below 59), TOEFL iBT (80 overall, with specific minimum scores in each part), and the BCU English Proficiency Test. A Grade C (or 4) in English IGCSE is usually enough.
Scholarships
Accelerate Scholarship
If you come from a lower income family or household, you could receive an offer that is up to four grades below our normal entry requirements – and possibly claim a £1,000 scholarship too.
Up to £1,000Bowater Financial Assistance Award
Graduate Scholarship
20% fee discount for BCU graduates undertaking Master’s or PhD study.
Up to 20% of feesInternational Postgraduate Scholarships
BCU is offering a scholarship of £3,000 to all self-funding international postgraduate students joining BCU on a full-time postgraduate taught Master’s degree in 2026.
Up to £3,000International Undergraduate Scholarships
BCU is offering a guaranteed scholarship of £5,000 to all self-funding international undergraduate students joining BCU on a full-time degree in September 2026.
Up to £5,000Sports Scholarship
Enhanced performance support funding.
The High Achievers' Scholarship
You will be eligible for a £1,000 scholarship to get your university life off to a flying start.
Up to £1,000
Career opportunities
Graduates of the BSc Building Surveying (Top-Up) programme can have careers in the construction and property sectors that include:
- Building Surveyor
- Project Manager
- Property Manager
- Facilities Manager
- Conservation Surveyor
- Sustainability Consultant
Cost of study
For the 2025/26 academic session, the annual tuition fee for the BSc Building Surveying (Top-Up) course is £17,690 per year.
Admission
Candidates who are interested in this course can apply through UCAS or the university's international application form. Those who have further questions about the application process can reach out to one of our trained counsellors.
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