Build a Global Career as a Quantity Surveyor with the University of Reading Malaysia
Most large engineering and construction projects, whether it be a building, bridge or highway, involve quantity surveyors. In Asia, quantity surveyors are in particularly high demand due to the rapid economic growth and development of the region.
You can think of a quantity surveyor as a project consultant who is responsible for ensuring that a project meets its financial and delivery outcomes. A quantity surveyor not only has to ensure a project is properly planned and costed, but also successfully delivers to the required levels of quality on-time and on-budget. A quantity surveyor therefore needs to have a well-rounded view of the entire project.
One of the key attractions of being a quantity surveyor is the variety and diversity of work. No two projects are the same. A quantity surveyor will spend a significant amount of time both in and out of the office at a project site. Quantity surveyors also need to meet and work closely with, customers, contractors and other stakeholders to ensure that the project runs smoothly.
Highly-Established QS Programme
The BSc Quantity Surveying (QS) offered at the University of Reading has a long and established track-record of producing many of the industry’s senior surveyors. The School of Built Environment at the University is ranked 5th in the UK and has been at the forefront of education and research in the building and construction industry.
Students in Malaysia now have the option of completing the programme on the university’s UK campus or the new Malaysia campus in Educity, Iskandar Johor. The programme offered at the Malaysia campus is identical in curriculum and quality to the programme on the UK campus, but is more affordable than studying in the UK.
The BSc QS programme exposes students to both the theory and practice of quantity surveying. During the first two years of the programme, students learn about core topics such as:
- Building science and technology.
- Construction techniques and processes.
- Construction economics.
- Construction law and contracts.
- Building procurement, cost planning and project management.
- Building information modelling (BIM).
In the final year, students undertake a major project that allows them to apply their knowledge and skills. The Malaysia campus benefits from having its own dedicated Building Information Modelling (BIM) lounge which allows students to gain hands-on experience using cutting-edge technology such as virtual reality (VR).
High Employability
Employability has always been a strong feature of the programme. The university has many industry links and encourages students to take a work placement during the term breaks to gain experience. Firms that have offered placements to our students include AECOM, Turner & Townsend, ARCADIS, Gamuda, Sunway Construction, SP Setia and EcoWorld. You should not be surprised to hear that some of our students are offered jobs by the firms in which they are placed even before they graduate.
Another good reason for considering a career as a quantity surveyor is the opportunity to work globally in places like Singapore, London, China and the Middle East. Indeed, any major country with large engineering and construction projects is a possible career destination for a suitably qualified quantity surveyor.
Professional accreditation and recognition
The BSc Quantity Surveying programme is globally accredited. The programme is recognised by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the Board of Quantity Surveyors Malaysia (BQSM) and the Pacific Association of Quantity Surveyors (PAQS). PAQS accreditation includes recognition from over 10 further professional bodies that enables students to work in countries such as Australia, China, Canada, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan and New Zealand among others.
September Intake
Our next undergraduate intake is September and you can apply for direct entry with a relevant foundation, A-levels or other suitable qualification. SPM, IGCSE and equivalent holders can enrol on the International Foundation Programme (IFP) which allows direct progression to the QS degree programme.
