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Key details

Course area
Construction
Student type
University Level
Course type
Part-time University Level course
Course level
Level 4
Start date
Monday 21st September 2026
Location
Basford 664 Nuthall Road, Nottingham, NG8 6AQ
Fees
£4,125.00
Course code
Parent course code:C056234 Child course code: Q056235
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Course introduction

This course is ideal for those thinking about starting a career or developing their current career in quantity surveying.

Equivalent to the first year of a university degree, the course develops the practical and personal skills necessary for a role in this exciting and rapidly expanding sector. 

Quantity surveyors oversee project budgets, assess client needs, calculate costs, set timelines, and track construction progress. This course is designed to meet the needs of employers in the construction quantity surveying field. You'll gain a comprehensive introduction to construction and the various functions of quantity surveying.  Key themes explored include: 

• Developing knowledge of quantity surveying practice 
• Recognising the use of digital applications in quantity surveying 
• Acquiring skills in material take-off and estimation 
• Advancing communication skills in presentations and project report writing 
• Gaining an understanding of legal frameworks in quantity surveying 
• Developing knowledge of Tendering and Procurement for construction projects 

You will be assessed on 8 units,  7 compulsory and 1 option. The compulsory units are:

  • Construction Design Project
  • The Construction Environment
  • Measurement and Estimating
  • Tender and Procurement
  • Construction Economics & Sustainability
  • Quantity Surveying Practice
  • Law & Legal Frameworks in Quantity Surveying 

The final option has not been finally decided at the time of publishing this summary (February 2025).  
Please check with the college for more information as we approach the start of the course.

Facilities

A brand-new Construction Skills Centre recently opened at our long-established Basford campus, already home to the largest construction training facility in the East Midlands region.  Nottingham College has invested heavily in these facilities, so you’ll have access to industry-standard workshops and resources. 

What are HTQs? 

Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) are new or redesigned Level 4 and 5 qualifications (such as HNCs and HNDs) that have been approved against occupational standards in their sector. These qualifications have been developed by UK awarding bodies, working with employers and businesses to make sure that students get the specific training, knowledge and skills they need for their chosen career. 

Timetable (subject to change)

This course is expected to run over one day per week, plus self directed study.

Please note: Some classes may be delivered online.

Course information

2 years

Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Quantity Surveying for England (HTQ)

You’ll need a minimum of 48 UCAS points from:

  • At least two A Levels at A2
  • Level 3 BTEC Diploma or Extended Diploma
  • International Baccalaureate
  • Access to HE Diploma
  • T levels

Other combinations of qualifications and experience will also be considered, as will Level 3 qualifications not currently listed on the UCAS tariff.

GCSE English Language and Maths passes at Grades 9 to 4 (previously A* to C) are required. As an equivalent, we expect applicants to be working at (or to demonstrate their competency at) Level 2 or above in English/literacy and Maths/numeracy.

Mature applicants with relevant industrial experience - but without the standard educational requirements - are encouraged to apply.   Applicants will be considered based on skills and experience and may be invited to an informal interview to assess their ability to successfully complete the course.

Each unit is assessed following Pearson’s guidelines using a range of assessment methods, including individual presentations, report writing, research and project work.  There will also be opportunities to go on site visits and learn at first hand from guest speakers from a range of key industrial sectors and roles. 

This course will give a firm foundation to progress to an undergraduate degree in any of the following areas: Quantity Surveying, Building Surveying, Construction Project Management, Project Management or Property and Real Estate Management.   Graduates from this course will be well-placed for a wide range of roles such as: Quantity Surveyor or Building Surveyor, Cost Estimator, Manager or Planner, Real Estate Manager, or Contracts Manager.

About the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)

The TEF is a national scheme run by the Office for Students (OfS) that aims to encourage higher education providers to improve and deliver excellence in the areas that students care about the most: teaching, learning and achieving positive outcomes from their studies.

View our TEF assessment (opens in a new window/tab) Learn more about the TEF (opens in a new window/tab)

Careers related to this course

Quantity Surveyors

Potential Earnings

£77,427.03

Average Earnings

£42,571.03

Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

Pathways

Architecture and Planning

People in these occupations design construction projects, prepare technical drawings and blueprints, survey land, and plan land use.

Skills

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Mathematics

Using mathematics to solve problems.

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
View more about this career

Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.

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