Master of Science in Quantity Surveying

Purpose and Rationale

The purpose of the qualification is to provide learners with the knowledge and skills to carry out research and successfully complete a research project in a specialised area of quantity surveying.

Learners will

• Understand the nature and purpose of the investigation.
• Demonstrate evidence of knowledge of relevant literature.
• Have mastered the necessary techniques.
• Have acquired a thorough understanding of scientific methods.
• Be capable of assessing the significance of their findings.
• Produce a dissertation of a satisfactory style and presentation.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution accepts the principle underlying outcomes-based, source-based and life-long learning, in which considerations of articulation and mobility play a significant role, and subscribes to the view that Recognition of Prior Learning, whether acquired by formal education curricula at this or another institution or informally (by experience) is an indispensable element in deciding on admission to and awarding credits in an explicitly selected teaching-learning qualification of the institution.

An applicant who falls outside of the formal qualifications system, but who can demonstrate (through the production of substantial and satisfactory evidence) experiential or work-based learning or a non-formal qualification (or a combination), may be considered for admission and/or for the Recognition of Prior Learning for the achievement of the qualification in part or in full. An applicant who after such assessment, is deemed to have sufficient potential, but is in need of further academic development, must be directed to other suitable learning qualifications prior to admission or to parallel qualifications after admission.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Science Honours in Quantity Survey, Level 8.

This qualification consists of a compulsory module at Level 9 totalling 192 Credits, namely

• Master of Science (Quantity Surveying) Dissertation, 192 Credits.

1. Identify a problem or area of interest in Quantity Surveying and design a research plan to find solutions or to deepen knowledge.
2. Carry out the research ethically using appropriate methods and techniques.
3. Draw up a report detailing the research findings.
4. Report on the research findings to diverse audiences using appropriate language and terminology.

1. Understand the scientific method and its purpose.
2. Understand the significance of research findings and critically evaluate them.
3. Effectively communicate research findings both orally and in the written form.
4. Evaluate the relevant literature and of assessing their own research findings in relation to this literature.
5. Work co-operatively in a team in a problem solving context.
6. Master the relevant techniques.
7. Think clearly, independently and critically.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment in an integrated way to ensure the achievement of the overall programme learning outcomes: The achievement of learning outcomes will be assessed through a dissertation in the traditional format or in the format of journal manuscripts that will be submitted for examination on completion of the research project. Selection of independent examiners: Two examiners who hold a Doctoral Degree and with competency in the subject area covered in the dissertation and/or methodology of choice will be appointed by the College Dean for Research through the School Academic Leader Research, as per the University Policy and Guidelines on Supervision of Postgraduate Degrees. The examiners must have a minimum of a Doctoral Degree and evidence of recent publication in their field and successful research supervision. At least one of the two examiners must be external to the University.

External Assessment and Moderation of the Programme: All final outputs are examined by two examiners, independent of the research supervisor (of which at least one is external to the University) with the appropriate level of subject matter expertise and qualification. The Dean and Head of School or School Academic Leader (Research and Postgraduate Studies) who writes a coordinating report that reflects comments from both examiners checks the two reports submitted. The coordinating report gives direction to both the student and the supervisor on how to manage comments from both examiners.