Quantity Surveying

The Bachelor of Science with Honours in Quantity Surveying is a 1 year full-time degree.

Overview

The BSc (Hons) in Quantity Surveying is a one year, full-time degree. The degree enables graduates to apply quantity surveying techniques to building and civil engineering projects; carry out property development and -portfolio administration and perform applicable professional quantity surveying management roles.

Career Opportunities

After completing the honours programme, graduates can apply for registration as a professional Quantity Surveyor with the South African Council for the Quantity Surveying Profession.  Quantity surveyors work with other professionals on construction projects and are accountable for the financial and contractual management of projects.

Some employment opportunities include:

  • Quantity surveying practice in private sector
  • Property sector
  • Building and Construction sector
  • Manufacturing industry
  • Government departments
  • Banking

Curriculum

A candidate shall comply with all curriculum requirements and complete the courses with a total of 141 credits.

BUQS4022A Simulated Project: 17 Credits, NQF 8

This course requires candidates to integrate all the learning in the programme and provide quantity surveying services using all the rules of professional quantity surveying under supervision based on a real-life project. This will include measurement, preparation and pricing of bills of quantities, estimating, cost planning and value engineering, tendering and tender mitigation, contract administration such as valuations, variations, financial statements and appraisals, and final accounts. In the process, provide professional service using best practices in quantity surveying. 

BUQS4023A Dispute Resolution: 17 Credits, NQF 8

The aim of the course is to enable students develop knowledge and skills relating to the avoidance, management and resolution of disputes in construction contracts. The course will also enable students acquire skills for identifying and solving problems early and applying appropriate dispute resolution techniques in construction contracts.

BUQS4024A Cost Evaluation and Control: 17 Credits, NQF 8

This course introduces estimating techniques for projects; Life cycle costing; Developers budget; Cost planning, cost to design and design to cost, cost checks; value creation in projects and value engineering and management; Preparation of financial appraisals and presentations of financial reports for projects; Implementation of financial controls; Financial effects of time on projects; Sources and uses of data project for project cost management. 

BUQS4025A Advanced Theory and Practice of Quantity Surveying IV: 17 Credits, NQF 8

The purpose of the course is to prepare and develop students to be professional quantity surveyors by exposing them to the day-to-day practical duties of a quantity surveyor, appreciate the nature of professional work, and the issues affecting the operation of a consultant QS practice.

BUQS4026A Construction Law: 17 Credits, NQF 8

The course aims to enable students to develop a detailed understanding of the legal and organizational framework within which construction contracts take place. This entails the legal and commercial processes of structuring, negotiating, recording and enforcing contracts and business deals in construction. 

BUQS4027A Construction Project Management: 17 Credits, NQF 8

This course enables learners to gain knowledge of the practical application of the relevant project management concepts with specific reference to construction projects.

BUQS4031A Research Report: 39 Credits, NQF 8

The purpose of Research report is to enable students to be competent in research methodology and undertaking research across a broad spectrum of topics related to the built environment and management and policies. To collect, analyse and interpret data and report research findings clearly.

A student shall also complete the following course to the satisfaction of the Senate:

BUQS1991A Practical Training

This course requires students to source experiential training in a quantity surveying firm or Construction Company for at least two consecutive weeks during or before the winter vacation period. They observe the activities in the company that relates to the theories that they have learned in the classroom and may be given specific assignments by the company. The students must submit a journal and a report on their experience within two weeks of completion of practical training. The journal must be signed by the work mentor.

Entry Requirements

 

  • BSc Quantity Surveying degree with 60% weighted average for final year courses; or 
  • BTech or Advanced Diploma or equivalent Quantity Surveying degree with 65% weighted average for final year courses

University Application Process

  • Applications are handled centrally by the Student Enrolment Centre (SEnC). Once your application is complete in terms of requested documentation, your application will be referred to the relevant School for assessment. Click here to see an overview of the Wits applications process.
  • Please apply online. Upload your supporting documents at the time of application, or via the Self Service Portal.
  • Applicants can monitor the progress of their applications via the Self Service Portal.
  • Selections for programmes that have a limited intake but attract a large number of applications may only finalise the application at the end of the application cycle.

Please note that the Entry Requirements are a guide. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee a place. Final selection is made subject to the availability of places, academic results and other entry requirements where applicable.

International students, please check this section.

For more information, contact the Student Call Centre +27 (0)11 717 1888, or log a query at www.wits.ac.za/askwits.

University Fees and Funding

Click here to see the current average tuition fees. The Fees site also provides information about the payment of fees and closing dates for fees payments. Once you have applied you will be able to access the fees estimator on the student self-service portal.

For information about postgraduate funding opportunities, including the postgraduate merit award, click here. Please also check your School website for bursary opportunities. NRF bursaries: The National Research Foundation (NRF) offers a wide range of opportunities in terms of bursaries and fellowships to students pursuing postgraduate studies. External bursaries portal: The Bursaries South Africa website provides a comprehensive list of bursaries in South Africa.