MSc Quantity Surveying at the University of Salford: Modules, Credits and Assignment Guide

Starting an MSc in Quantity Surveying at the University of Salford can feel challenging, especially if you are new to construction. You may need to learn about contracts, project costs, procurement and digital technologies while developing postgraduate research and writing skills.

This guide explains the course’s modules, credits and assessments, with practical suggestions to help you prepare for your assignments and dissertation.

Please note: The assignment examples below are based on the topics listed on Salford’s course page. They are illustrative examples, not confirmed assessment questions. Always check your module handbook and assignment brief for the requirements that apply to you.

Course Structure and Credits

The full MSc consists of 180 credits: eight taught modules worth 15 credits each, followed by a 60-credit dissertation.

Course componentCredits

Eight taught modules120

Dissertation60

Total180

For full-time students, the university lists four taught modules in each of the first two trimesters, followed by the dissertation. Part-time and distance learning students study the taught modules over a longer period.

Salford also offers a 120-credit Postgraduate Diploma, comprising eight taught modules. The university states that a 15-credit postgraduate module generally represents around 150 hours of learning, including teaching, reading and independent study.

How Is the Course Assessed?

Salford states that the course is assessed through written coursework, with some presentations for full-time students. The MSc also includes a research-based dissertation.

Your assignments will depend on your module and intake. Before starting, check the brief for the question, format, word count, deadline, marking criteria and referencing requirements.

First-Trimester Modules

1. Contracts Management and Practice

15 credits

This module examines construction contracts and how they are managed. Topics include standard forms such as JCT, FIDIC and NEC/ECC, as well as variations, extensions of time, payments and conflict management.

Possible assignment focus: An illustrative task might ask you to consider a construction delay or a change requested by a client, then discuss the relevant contractual issues.

How to prepare: Identify the contract and facts specified in your brief. Explain the relevant principles, apply them to the scenario and support your discussion with appropriate sources.

2. Procurement

15 credits

Procurement involves selecting how a client obtains the services and resources needed to deliver a construction project. The module considers procurement strategies, contractual frameworks, partnering and supply chains.

Possible assignment focus: You might be asked to compare approaches for a client who has a tight deadline, a limited budget or complex requirements.

How to prepare: Consider the client’s priorities and explain the trade-offs between options. Support your recommendation with evidence and relate it to the specific project.

3. Financial & Commercial Management

15 credits

This module explores the financial side of construction, including estimating, tendering, bidding, payments and financial control.

Possible assignment focus: An illustrative task could examine how a contractor prepares a tender or how financial controls help manage project costs.

How to prepare: Explain any figures or assumptions you use. Show how financial information supports your analysis and recommendations.

4. Quantity Surveying Practice

15 credits

This module introduces key quantity surveying activities, including budgeting, cost planning, quantification, tendering and whole life costing.

Possible assignment focus: You could be asked to consider how a cost plan supports a project or compare initial construction costs with longer-term operating and maintenance costs.

How to prepare: Use the method required by your brief, state your assumptions and explain any limitations in the information available.

Second-Trimester Modules

5. Value and Risk Management

15 credits

This module focuses on value, uncertainty and risk in construction projects. It considers how risks can be identified, assessed and managed.

Possible assignment focus: An illustrative task might ask you to analyse risks for a proposed project and recommend suitable responses.

How to prepare: Go beyond listing risks. Explain their possible effects, who may be best placed to manage them and why your proposed response is appropriate.

6. Sustainable Construction Process and Technology

15 credits

This module covers construction processes, building elements, environmental sustainability and modern methods of construction.

Possible assignment focus: You might be asked to compare construction methods and discuss their potential environmental, practical and cost implications.

How to prepare: Use evidence to explain your comparison. Consider both benefits and limitations rather than assuming that one method is always the most sustainable.

7. Process Management in Construction

15 credits

This module looks at how construction processes are planned, analysed and improved. Topics include project planning, process models, innovation and resource management.

Possible assignment focus: An illustrative task could involve examining a project process and suggesting ways to address delays or resource constraints.

How to prepare: Identify the important stages and dependencies, then explain how your proposed improvements could affect project delivery.

8. BIM and Digital Transformation in the Built Environment

15 credits

This module explores Building Information Modelling (BIM), data standards, information management and digital collaboration between project stakeholders.

Possible assignment focus: You could be asked to discuss how digital information supports a construction project or assess challenges in adopting BIM-related processes.

How to prepare: Explain how a digital process could help in a particular situation, who would use the information and what barriers might affect its success.

The module descriptions above are based on the topics currently listed on the. The university notes that module content may change.

Dissertation: The 60-Credit Research Project

The dissertation is a major part of the MSc, accounting for one-third of the total credits. Salford describes it as a research-based project involving a proposal, critical analysis of existing research and a sustained written argument.

Potential research areas include:

• Cost management in construction.
• Procurement and project risk.
• BIM adoption in quantity surveying.
• Whole life costing and sustainable buildings.
• Contract management and dispute avoidance.

Start with an area that interests you, then narrow it to a manageable question. For example, rather than choosing the broad subject “BIM in construction”, you could explore:

What challenges do quantity surveying professionals report when using BIM for cost management on UK construction projects?

This is an example starting point. Discuss your proposed topic with your supervisor and consider whether you can access enough literature, data or participants within the time available.

How to Approach Your Quantity Surveying Assignments

Understand the Question

Highlight the instruction words in your brief. If you are asked to evaluate, you need to consider strengths and limitations before reaching a judgement; if asked to recommend, explain why your chosen option suits the scenario.

Use Reliable Sources

Depending on the task, useful sources may include academic journals, university library books, professional guidance, relevant contract documents and industry publications. Follow the referencing instructions provided by your university.

Apply Theory to Practice

Do not rely on definitions alone. Explain how the concepts you have researched relate to the project, client or problem in your assignment.

Build a Clear Argument

A practical way to structure a paragraph is:

Point → Evidence → Application → Judgement

Make a point, support it with a credible source, apply it to the question and explain what your analysis means.

Review Before Submitting

Check that you have answered every part of the question, supported your conclusions, referenced your sources and followed the required format and word count.

Final Thoughts

The Salford MSc Quantity Surveying course combines technical, commercial and research skills across eight taught modules and a dissertation. If the subject is new to you, focus on learning one concept at a time and using your assignment feedback to improve.

Need support with your academic writing? Contact British Scholars for guidance with research, report structure, proofreading and any other services.