8th November 24
Quantity surveying may sound like a niche field, but it’s one that holds incredible opportunities and offers a fulfilling career path for anyone with a passion for construction, finance, and project management.
But what is quantity surveying? And what does a quantity surveyor do day to day? If you’re curious about the career, our blog takes a deep dive into what a quantity surveyor does, why this role is appealing, and how you can get started towards becoming one with our Quantity Surveying Online Degree Pathway.
What is Quantity Surveying?
Quantity surveying is a vital aspect of the construction industry, focused on managing and controlling costs in building and infrastructure projects. Quantity surveyors are responsible for ensuring that projects remain within budget, providing financial and contractual management, and guiding project teams on cost-effective practices. You’ll find quantity surveyors working across various types of projects, from large commercial developments to smaller residential buildings, making the role incredibly versatile and engaging.
What Does a Quantity Surveyor Do?
To understand if quantity surveying is the right fit for you, it’s essential to get a sense of the day-to-day duties of a quantity surveyor. So, what does a quantity surveyor do day to day? Here’s an overview of five key responsibilities:
- Cost Estimation: Quantity surveyors estimate costs for materials, labour, and services to prepare a budget.
- Tender Preparation and Evaluation: They prepare and evaluate tender documents to select contractors for projects.
- Contract Management: From drafting to overseeing, quantity surveyors manage contracts to protect their client's interests.
- Cost Control and Reporting: They monitor budgets during construction to ensure projects stay on track financially.
- Final Project Analysis: At a project’s completion, they conduct financial analyses to report on costs and profitability.
Overall, quantity surveyors play a pivotal role in keeping construction projects financially viable and efficient, providing vital expertise in both finance and project management.
Is Quantity Surveying Difficult?
One of the common questions people ask is, How hard is quantity surveying? Like any career in the construction and finance sectors, quantity surveying has its challenges, but it is also highly rewarding. The role requires a blend of analytical thinking, attention to detail, and strong organisational skills. Quantity surveyors must be able to manage budgets, understand complex contracts, and communicate effectively with various stakeholders.
While the learning curve can be steep, especially in understanding construction law, contract management, and the financial aspects of projects, the right training can make this journey much smoother. For those dedicated and interested in the field, quantity surveying offers a fulfilling challenge that’s balanced by the satisfaction of managing costs effectively and seeing projects come to life.
Do You Need to Be Good at Maths to Be a Quantity Surveyor?
Another frequently asked question is whether being strong in maths is necessary to succeed in this field. While you don’t need to be a maths prodigy, a good grasp of numbers is beneficial. Quantity surveyors deal with estimating costs, managing budgets, and calculating material quantities—all of which require a reasonable level of mathematical ability. You’ll be using these skills to assess costs and make decisions that affect the financial health of a project.
Why Get Into Quantity Surveying?
Beyond the practical elements, quantity surveying is a rewarding career with various benefits. Here are some reasons why you might consider getting qualified for quantity surveyor jobs:
Diverse Career Opportunities
The quantity surveyor job role provides entry into other roles such as construction estimator, project manager, contract administrator, or cost consultant. The versatility of the skills you develop opens up many paths, even outside construction.
Global Demand
Quantity surveyors are in demand worldwide, so this career allows you to work internationally if you want to. With qualifications that are often transferable, it’s a path that can take you almost anywhere.
High Earning Potential
By becoming a quantity surveyor, you’ll enjoy a competitive salary with the potential for growth as you gain experience and additional qualifications, such as RICS accreditation.
Work That Makes a Difference
Quantity surveyors ensure that building projects run smoothly and within budget, contributing to the successful completion of infrastructure projects, housing developments, and more. This can provide a sense of accomplishment, knowing you’re part of something tangible and impactful.
Engaging and Varied Work
From early project planning and budgeting to on-site management and final cost analysis, quantity surveyors rarely have a dull day. If you’re someone who thrives in a dynamic environment, quantity surveying could be the perfect fit.
How to Become a Quantity Surveyor with learndirect
If you’re ready to explore this career, our Quantity Surveying Online Degree Pathway offers a fast and flexible way to gain the qualifications you need.
Fast Track Your Journey Towards Becoming a Quantity Surveyor
The Quantity Surveying Online Degree Pathway is designed as the first step toward becoming a fully qualified, RICS-accredited quantity surveyor. By enrolling in this course, you’ll cover the equivalent of Years 1 and 2 of a traditional university degree – but with the freedom to study online, at your own pace. This pathway prepares you to progress to the final year of a bachelor’s degree at our partnered university, putting you on the fast track to getting qualified.
Benefits of the Online Degree Pathway
This course is ideal for those who want the benefits of university-level education without the typical constraints of on-campus learning.
Key benefits include:
- Flexible Online Study: Instead of attending in-person lectures, you can learn from anywhere, with a schedule that fits around your life.
- Cost Savings: Studying online for the first two years allows you to save big on the tuition fees and living expenses associated with a regular on-campus degree.
- Accelerated Learning: You can complete the first and second years of your degree within 12 months, making this a faster route to a career in quantity surveying.
Get RICS-Ready
Upon completion of this pathway, you’ll have the qualifications to advance toward Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) accreditation. This credential is globally recognised, opening doors to prestigious roles within the industry. Becoming an RICS-accredited quantity surveyor signals to employers that you have a high level of professionalism and expertise.
Your Future as a Quantity Surveyor Awaits
If you’re ready to take the first step toward this exciting career, our Quantity Surveying Online Degree Pathway can provide you with the foundation you need. With flexible online study options, course content designed to help you hit the ground running, and the backing of RICS accreditation, this pathway can help turn your interest in construction and finance into a rewarding career.
Check the course out on our website or by downloading our FREE Online Degree Pathway faculty brochure below.
