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Quantity Surveying and Construction Economics
Bachelor of Science
Course Details
CAO Code | AU536 |
---|---|
Level | 7 |
Duration | 3 Years |
CAO Points | 251 (2024) |
Method of Delivery | On-campus |
Campus Locations | Galway City – Dublin Road |
Mode of Delivery | Full Time |
Work placement | Yes |
Course Overview
As the businessperson of the construction world the Quantity Surveyor is a mix of an Accountant, a Solicitor and a Building Manager. Quantity Surveyors have expertise in cost planning and controlling of construction projects, estimating, procurement, tendering and contracts administrative processes. In Year 3, a four-month work placement provides an opportunity for practical learning for each student.
The programme incorporates both group and individual project work relevant to the surveying profession and is delivered in an equal mix of lectures and practical work. Work Placement during year 3 provides further practical application of the skills learned.
The programme is delivered in partnership with the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI) and the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). It is also fully recognised by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).
Students will be liable for an additional materials fee of €100 per year for certain full time programmes. This fee is not covered by Granting Authorities. Material Fees are not applicable to either Erasmus, Part-Time or Full time Non-EU students.
Course Details
Year 1
Semester | Module Details | Credits | Mandatory / Elective |
---|---|---|---|
Year |
Academic and Professional Skills (SC:EN)The aim of this module is to develop academic and professional development skills for student success in higher education and beyond. This module combines online learning activities and small group workshops to focus on areas such as academic writing and integrity, creative thinking, problem-solving, time management, communications, group work, technology, innovation and presentation skills. Learning Outcomes 1. Apply appropriate tools and principles to optimise the learning experience. 2. Develop self-reflection practices for individual and group-work activities. 3. Develop academic writing skills, recognise different information sources and apply the principles of academic integrity. 4. Assess a variety of professional communication practices and digital tools and apply to problem-solving. 5. Consider how the chosen discipline has a responsibility to wider society. |
05 | Mandatory |
Year |
Quantity Surveying Practice and ProceduresAn introduction to the construction industry, its parties, practices and control mechanisms. An overview of the surveying related practices of costing and measurement Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate an appreciation of the overall roles, scope and importance of the construction industry to a countrys economic climate 9. Demonstrate an understanding of theIrish planning permission system andlocal authority development plans. |
05 | Mandatory |
Year |
Law for The Built EnvironmentThe aim of this module is for students to develop competency and understanding of the Irish legal system and an understanding of legal issues in relation to the built environment. Learning Outcomes 1. Have a broad knowledge and understanding of the principal purpose and scope of Irish law and it’saffects on the built environmentin Ireland; 2. Have an awareness of legal considerations in decision making in the built environmentand have a sensitivity to the legal problems which arise in the operation of a built environmentbusinesses. 3. Have the ability to analyse and apply law to their working environment; |
05 | Mandatory |
Year |
Building MeasurementThis module will introduce students to both the theory and practice of building measurement. The following will be covered: Reading and study of drawings Measurement Rules as set out in ARM 4. (Refer to the syllabus section for the elements that will be covered) Introduction to specification writing BOQ Elemental breakdown Practical Measurement: Using Scale Ruler, CUBIT Software Learning Outcomes 1. Select various rules of measurement using ARM4 (in regard to specific elements) 2. Summarise the layout and structure of a Bill of Quantities (building elements) 3. Describe the principles of building measurement 4. Relate measurement techniques to the measurement of various type buildings 5. Write descriptions to quantities for inclusion in Bills of Quantities 6. Preparemeasured sections of Elemental sections of a typical Bill of Quantities |
10 | Mandatory |
Year |
Construction Technology 1Construction Technology 1 will introduce the student to the materials, method and technologies involved in the design and construction of residential buildings and the wider context of housing development. Learning Outcomes 1. Describe the construction process and recognise the relationship between the different stages of residential construction identifying any problems that may arise. |
10 | Mandatory |
Year |
Building Services 1Building Services 1 introduces the student to the materials, methods and technologies involved in the provision of water services and LPHW space heating services to buildings. Basic electrical theory. safety and installation are also covered. Sustainability content includes Rainwater Harvesting and Solar Hot Water installations. Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate understanding of the basic theory of water, wastewater space heating and Electrical services 4. Select the appropriate design solution for water and wastewater services |
05 | Mandatory |
Year |
Financial and Economic ManagementThe financial element of this module focuses on the use of financial information for decision making. The economic element will focus on the principles of macro and micro economics with specific reference to the applications to the construction sector. Learning Outcomes 1. Prepare a cash budget and suggest appropriate financial decisions based on numerical findings 3. Apply the project appraisal techniques Payback,ARR,NPV and IRR. 5. Evaluate the economic concepts and economic systems 6. Analyse the various theories in relation to supply and demand |
05 | Mandatory |
Year |
BIM for Surveyors 1This Module will introduce students to the BIM and digital cost estimating / control. Students will acquire the skills and competence needed to represent buildings and building details graphically using appropriate software & hardware, with an emphasis on the development of the skills required to create models suitable to use in a 5D BIM workflow. Students will also learn to use estimating software to create accurate take-offs from models. Learning Outcomes 1. Developcognitive and practical skills in the areas of computer graphics 2. Represent graphically the development and refinement of problem solving ideas |
10 | Mandatory |
Year |
MathematicsMathematics for Construction Management, Quantity Surveying and Building Economics and Architectural Technology Year 1. Gain the understanding and skills necessary to measure, monitor and quantify change in economic, energy and ecological systems. Apply measurement, estimation, calculation and comparison to gauge ecosystem health that lead to preferred futures. Learning Outcomes 1. Performcalculations involving fractions, percentages and ratios. Formulate calculations forVAT inclusive and exclusive invoicing. 2. Manipulate units, including squared and cubic units, in the metric system. Determineuse of scientific notation for linear, squared and cubed units. Be prepared to estimate costs andmeasurements . 3. Understand calculations involvingindices, laws of indices and logs. 4. Simplify algebraic expressions, find factors for algebraic expressions. Solve linear andquadratic equations. Solve equations involving surds and indicies. 5. Convert from radiansto degrees and visa versa. 6. Perform calculations for graphing lines, simultaneous equations, quadratic equations and mix of each. Plot and measure points in 2 and 3-D for surveying purposes. 7. Determine solutions forright-angled and other triangles. Find areas of triangles using various methods. Perform calculations using Simpson’s Rule, Trapezoidal Rule and Mid-Ordinate Rule 8. Calculate the surface areas and volumes of regular and irregular solids. Calculate the surface areas and volumes for composite shapes including frustra. 9. Apply the compound interest and depreciation formulae. Perform calculations involving the time value of money. Interpret APR, NPV and IRR calculations. 10. Calculate summary measures for data manually and/or using statistical function on calculator. |
05 | Mandatory |
Year 2
Semester | Module Details | Credits | Mandatory / Elective |
---|---|---|---|
Year |
Applied Measurement and EstimatingThe application of Quantity Surveying Measurement Procedures & Rules to contemporary building designs. The application of detailed Estimating Procedures including Unit Rate calculations, all-in labour rates, all-in plant rates, material purchasing, impact of productivity, links with programming, overheads and profit. Learning Outcomes 1. Apply measurement rules and procedures (Building Work + M&E) to contemporarybuilding designs. 2. Extract relevant information from detailed construction drawings, specifications & schedulesin the pursuit of a particular measurement element. 3. Develop item descriptions in line with ARM requirements. 4. Distinguish clearly the roles of a PQS, CQS and Estimator. |
10 | Mandatory |
Year |
Cost Studies 1This module relates to construction costs. The principle focus of study is the estimation, cost planning and analysis of construction costs. The module brings students through the various stages of cost estimation and cost planning for building projects. Specific areas of study included, project appraisal, cost factors (items that influence construction costs), design economics, sources of cost information and elemental cost planning. Learning Outcomes 1. Develop an appreciation of Design economics and how it may influence construction costs. 5. Develop effective and efficient self directed study skills and group working skills |
05 | Mandatory |
Year |
Health, Safety and Site ManagementThis module provides a broad overview and understanding of the processes and procedures used to in the management of construction projects. The module focuses on the key site management areas of planning, programming, procurement, waste management, health & safety management, sub contractor management, plant management, environmental management and quality control. Learning Outcomes 1. Describe the broad range of planning and programming tools used on a construction site and select appropriate tools to suit situational requirements and apply the tools to work specific problems. |
05 | Mandatory |
Year |
Construction Technology 2Construction Technology 2 will introduce the student to the materials, method and technologies in the construction of commercial and industrial buildings. Learning Outcomes 1. Describe the construction process and recognise the relationship between the different stages of commercial and industrial construction identifying any problems that may arise. 3. Discuss and compare the advantages and disadvantages of concrete, timber, steel frame and hybrid non-residential construction methods and materials. 5. Research Modern Method of Construction and Digital Construction processes used on construction projects |
10 | Mandatory |
Year |
Building Services 2Building Services 2 follow Building services 1 and firstly treats space heating systems in greater detail. Other contents are Mechanical Ventilation, Refrigeration, Psychrometry, Air Conditioning and an introduction to 3-phase electricity. Energy efficient technologies are introduced. Learning Outcomes 1. Understand the concepts fundamental to the space heating ventilation and air conditioning of buildings, and to three phase electricity. |
05 | Mandatory |
Year |
Project / QS Computer ApplicationsImplementation of software packages as part of group and individual project work to replicate 'real world' surveying tasks and scenarios. Learning Outcomes 1. Apply a variety of software packages to QS activities. 5. Demonstrate improved verbal, written and graphic communication and presentation skills. |
05 | Mandatory |
Year |
BIM for Surveyors 2This module will build on the skills and competence acquired in year one to represent buildings graphically using computer software and hardware. Students will be introduced to representing buildings in 3D and further enhancement of 5D costing skills. Learning Outcomes 1. Explore applications associated with the production of models and drawings for construction and digital cost estimating. 2. Apply his / her knowledge of drawing conventions and systems to solving problems. |
05 | Mandatory |
Year |
Procurement StudiesProcurement Methods available in the Construction Industry, their uses in the Industry taking into account the Clients requirements in terms of time, cost, quality and function of a building. The procedural requirements for a PQS and CQS in the Pre & Post Contract Tender Phase. Learning Outcomes 1. Show an awareness of the various tendering and procurement options available including the procedures involved during the tender period, subsequent analysis, reporting and contractor appointment. 2. Show an awareness of the factors that influence of the most appropriate procurement route, identify the appropriate timing for each procurement event and identify the advantages and disadvantages of the procurement route applicable to a given situation 3. Understand public procurement including E U requirements and Government requirements understand the prequalification process in public sector procurement 4. Understand post contract procurement. 5. Understand contract documentation, preparation, management, signing and sealing 6. Show an awareness of the IT requirements in Procurement and Tender Box Facilities. |
05 | Mandatory |
Year |
Contract Accounts AdministrationThe administrative aspects of construction projects in preparing interim accounts, variations, claims, price variation, dayworks and the use of IT. Learning Outcomes 1. Show an awareness of the administrative aspects of construction projects and the contractual obligations that underpin administrative procedures. 2. Understand interim accounts and all its associated parts including variations, preliminaries, increased costs, claims, and dayworks. 3. Apply the knowledge gained in addressing administrative issues on construction projects including remeasurement of accounts. 4. Understand the Construction Contracts Act 2013 and how this applies to Sub-Contractors. 5. Understand the different terminologies on construction sites and the processes involved in ordering of materials. 6. Cash Flow projections and profit reporting. 7. Understand Site Preliminaries costs |
10 | Mandatory |
Year 3
Semester | Module Details | Credits | Mandatory / Elective |
---|---|---|---|
1 |
Advanced MeasurementThis module relates to the measurement of elements for a complex building in accordance with the Agreed Rules of Measurement (ARM4), the National Standard Building Elements (NSBE). This module allows the student to demonstrate an understanding of the importance of creating accurate descriptions and accurate quantification of construction work. This module allows the student to build on their knowledge of construction technology, source relevant information from drawings in order to produce a Bill of Quantities. Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate the ability to apply the rules of standard methods of measurementto the quantification of building works 2. Prepare take off solutions to the measurement of elementsfor inclusion in a Bill of Quantitiesfrom detailed drawings and specifications for complex buildings 3. Develop effective and efficient self-directedstudy skills including time management skills and working to programme 4. Apply theory to practice and develop an understanding of the management and application of data and how it’s applied to measurement. 5. Analyse and apply methods of measurementand project informationand use the information in the preparation a set of preliminaries suitable for a construction project |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
Cost Studies 2This module aims to give students the knowledge of the cost planning process on construction projects.This module builds on the Cost Studies1 Module and the focus of learning is on cost planning process, activities, outputs and communication of same in relation to the main project process of the OGC gateway. The module will appraise the procurement, cost planning, procurement and tendering options for the management of construction projects including refurbishment projects. The use of cost data in estimating, updating tenders and in the preparation of cost analysis will be included in this module. Insurance reinstatement valuations and best practice for the preparation of valuations will form part of this module. Learning Outcomes 1. Appraisal of the cost planning proccesses for public sector construction projects 3. Interpret and apply reasonable professional judgment in the application of the subject in those circumstances generally encountered in practice including knowledge ofprofessional ethics 4. Apply knowledge of measurement and costing including the building up of unit rates for inclusion in elemental cost planning documentation 5. Demonstrate knowledge of the complexities ofcost planning, procuring and tendering for refurbishment construction projects. 6. Critique, Interpret,analyse and manipulate data for use in preparing costAnalysis, cost planning and updating of Indices for use in cost planning 7. Demonstrate knowledge of sustainability in relation to the construction Industry and role of the Quantity Surveyor in the delivery of construction projects. 8. Practice an ability to communicate and workeffectively within a team environment, with reference to the production of project documentation, including standard cost forms, sources of specialist information and IT system |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
Building Performance and TechnologyThis module will introduce the student to the materials, methods and technologies involved in the identification of defects, refurbishment and maintenance of existing buildings. In addition, the module applies the use of various Building Regulations (Part M, B and L) to provide a practical element to further students' knowledge of the Building Performance requirements. The teaching and learning strategy are focused on problem solving and scenario-based approach with class contact divided up between lectures, problem solving activities and undertaking real world scenarios (to be discussed and attempted in class), group work and individual exercises. The assessment strategies complement the teaching and learning strategy by focusing on practical assignments related to actual case studies. Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate a clear understanding of the refurbishment process including legislative requirements, buildability, cost and the associated environmental impacts. 3. Evaluate the health and safety issues associated with refurbishment and retrofit works to prepare appropriate risk assessments. 5. Review and recommend building energy upgrade strategies to improve the energy performance of existing buildings. 6. Review and recommend building upgrade strategies to improve the fire safety of existing buildings. |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
Building Services 3Building Services 3 firstly covers electric lighting services for buildings and their curtileges. Then Emergency Lighting systems. Cleanrooms. Data and Communication Services. Structured Cabling. Photovoltaic on-site renewable energy. Fire alarm systems, fire safety & fire fighting services. Lifts and transportation services. Safety and Health in the context of Building Services. Finally, Commissioning and Handover of Services Installations. Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate understanding of the concepts fundamental to the electric lighting of buildings, and to alternative approaches to energy supply and utilisation. |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
Contracts (Private Sector)This module outlines knowledge and understanding of contractual issues in the Private Sector of the Irish Construction Industry together with an overview of the legal framework that underpins contractual agreements, rights and responsibilities. Learning Outcomes 1. Understand, explain and apply the RIAI Form of Main Contract includingits interaction with the CIF Sub-Contract 2. Outline the need for and contents of Letters of Intent, Collateral Agreements & PerformanceBonds. 3. Show an appreciation of construction contract indemnities & insurances and their practical application |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
Cost Management of Civil WorksTo provide an insight into the specialised area of civil engineering measurement and documentation, with digital cost measurement & estimating & control. Learning Outcomes 1. Describe the finer rules of civil engineering measurement and the importance ofaccurate description. 2. Develop an appreciation for the representation of modern method of civil engineering in construction documentation 3. Outline the format, structure and purpose of acivil engineering BQ. 4. Complete the measurements & BoQ using costing software 5. Extract relevant information for inclusion in a Bill of Quantitiesfrom detailed drawings. 6. Demonstrate a knowledge of unit rate build up and estimating for civil engineering works |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Industrial PlacementThis module is specifically designed within the curriculum to integrate theoretical knowledge from the programme with practical experience in a professional work environment. Through a 14-week industry placement, students will contextualize their learning and develop the skills, knowledge, and competencies essential for professional roles within the quantity surveying profession. In addition, the module allows for the development of key interpersonal, personal, and lifelong learning skills. Learning Outcomes 1. Show initiative and application in enhancing formal academic education with active learning in real like situations. 3. Produce a formal record of their active learning in a diary format including demonstrating the application of assistant Quantity Surveying skills to L2 on the APC framework including on going reflective practice in the form of a log book and reflective diary. 4. Identify a QS-related dissertation topic of suitable scope and formulate a proposed research question and data collection strategy. 5. Compile a written report on the management, financial and technical aspects of a construction project and present the findings in a final presentation. 6. Demonstrate the development of technical and transversalskills including reflection in carrying out duties on industrial placement as guided in placement preparation |
30 | Mandatory |
Progression
Options for progression are available for graduates to proceed to year 4 of the BSc (Honours) in Construction Economics and Quantity Surveying programme in ATU Galway City or elsewhere.
Download a prospectus
Entry Requirements
Leaving Certificate Entry Requirement | 5 subjects at O6/H7 |
QQI/FET Major Award Required | Any |
Additional QQI/FET/ Requirements | 5N1833 or 6N3395 or 5N0556 or 5N18396 or C20139 or C20174 or C20175 or Leaving Certificate Maths at 06/H7 |
Fees
Total Fees EU: €3000
This annual student contribution charge is subject to change by Government. Additional tuition fees may apply. Click on the link below for more information on fees, grants and scholarships.
Total Fees Non-EU: €12000
Subject to approval by ATU Governing Body (February 2025)
Further information on feesProfessional Accreditation
Successful students may progress to Year 4 of this programme to gain a Level 8 award which is fully accredited at Professional Level by the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI), The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors in the UK (RICS) and the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE).
Careers
Quantity Surveying offers a choice/ mix of office or site-based roles.
Graduates find employment at a technical level with:
Professional Consultancy Practices
Building and Civil Engineering Contractors
A variety of Sub-Contracting specialists
Property Developers
Insurance Companies
Local Authorities
Government Departments
State/Semi-State Organisations
Utility Providers (i.e. ESB, Bord Gáis, Eircom etc)
Builders Suppliers
Further Information
Contact Information
Department of Building & Civil Engineering
Lisa Dooley
Programme Chair
T: + 353 (0) 917 42585
E: lisa.dooley@atu.ie
Building & Civil Engineering