Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Quantity Surveying

What you'll be able to do

• Explain the importance of information management in construction projects and the roles of different parties involved in the Building Information Modelling (BIM) process.
• Assess the Organisational Information Requirements (OIR) for a given project.
• Prepare the Exchange Information Requirements (EIR) for a given project.
• Analyse the relationship between Project Information Requirements (PIR) and the Project Information Model (PIM) for a given construction project.
• Use available data and information from a completed construction project to prepare the Asset Information Model (AIM).
• Base the Asset Information Model (AIM) on the Asset Information Requirements.

What you'll be able to do

• Develop prototypes for a manufactured construction solution through iterative testing, refining the design based on performance and feedback.
• Create a final prototype through the integration of resolved component, assembly, and system solutions, ensuring seamless interaction and optimal functionality.
• Present a comprehensive offsite manufacturing solution based on prototype development and evaluation, highlighting its benefits and feasibility.
• Evaluate a design proposition to identify opportunities for prototyping, considering factors such as complexity, innovation, and potential for improvement.

What you'll be able to do

• Prepare an information package for a given construction project, ensuring all relevant details are included.
• Explore the methods to ensure consistent development of construction information, maintaining accuracy and clarity.
• Explore the methods to ensure consistent management of construction information, facilitating efficient access and updates.
• Examine the relationship between CAD data and BIM data in the production of construction information, understanding their integration.
• Examine the relationship between CAD data and BIM data in the management of construction information, optimising data flow.
• Discuss the types of information required throughout the lifecycle of a construction project, from inception to demolition.

What you'll be able to do

• Review a given site context and client brief to identify key design requirements and constraints for a housing project
• Develop a comprehensive housing design proposition that addresses the identified requirements and constraints
• Prepare building information modelling (BIM) data to accurately represent the housing design
• Generate detailed construction information, including drawings and schedules, to support the housing design proposition
• Produce specifications for materials, components, and workmanship based on the construction information
• Develop schedules of work outlining the sequence and duration of construction activities
• Compile a contract tender package that includes specifications, schedules, and other relevant documentation
• Present the housing design proposal to a diverse audience, including clients, stakeholders, and consultants
• Present the tender package to a diverse audience, including clients, stakeholders, and consultants
• Integrate information from other consultants, such as structural engineers and services engineers, into the presentation

What you'll be able to do

• Evaluate the characteristic properties which contribute to the mechanical functionality of materials.
• Examine failure mechanisms of different materials through intrinsic methods.
• Examine failure mechanisms of different materials through extrinsic methods.
• Present a case study exploring innovative and smart materials.
• Analyse the role of innovative and smart materials in sustainable construction.
• Analyse material selection strategies in either a structural or civil engineering environment.
• Analyse design strategies in either a structural or civil engineering environment.

What you'll be able to do

• Explore different production models, such as lean manufacturing and modular construction, and analyse their application to building manufacture.
• Analyse how the relationship between material selection and technical processes informs design decisions in offsite construction, considering factors such as cost, performance, and sustainability.
• Develop detailed design and construction information to support a high-volume offsite building manufacture strategy, ensuring compliance with stakeholder requirements for a given building type and context.
• Present a comprehensive strategy for high-volume offsite manufacture for a given building type and context, outlining the key processes, resources, and technologies involved.

What you'll be able to do

• Apply measurement techniques to a range of complex situations encountered in construction projects, including irregular shapes, underground structures, and refurbishment works.
• Produce measured quantities for a range of elements and components on large-scale projects, such as concrete works, steelwork, cladding, and internal finishes, adhering to standard measurement rules and conventions.
• Develop relevant contract preamble and preliminary items for given situations, including site establishment, temporary works, insurance, and security, considering project-specific requirements and risks.
• Create measured bills of quantities and schedules using both manual and computer techniques, such as spreadsheets and dedicated quantity surveying software, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and compliance with industry standards.

What you'll be able to do

• Analyse the functions of a quantity surveyor on large complex projects, including cost planning, procurement, contract administration, and value management.
• Explain the quantity surveyor’s interactions with project teams, including architects, engineers, contractors, and clients, highlighting the importance of communication, collaboration, and conflict resolution.
• Prepare a contract for a complex project, including drafting contract documents, negotiating terms and conditions, and ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and regulations.
• Develop preliminary items and specification sections for a building or infrastructure project, including site clearance, temporary works, and environmental protection measures, ensuring compliance with relevant standards and regulations.

What you'll be able to do

• Conduct a 3D traverse survey of a control network to a ‘local grid’ to produce 3-dimensional coordinates, including corrections for instrument errors, atmospheric conditions, and geometric distortions.
• Produce industry-standard survey output based on completion of a comprehensive topographic survey of landscape features and built structures, using Total Positioning System (TPS) and Global Positioning System (GPS) methods, adhering to relevant surveying standards and specifications.
• Analyse the potential benefits and challenges of using TPS and GPS surveying methods, including sources of error, accuracy limitations, and suitability for different surveying applications.
• Explain the principles of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), including modes of use, and relationships between coordinate systems, such as WGS84 and local grid systems.

What you'll be able to do

• Discuss the term Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the context of local, national and global developments in the construction industry.
• Illustrate the key features of Common Data Environment for a given project; in relation to the information producers and information uses.
• Explain the Project Information Model and the Asset Information Model in terms of their use through a project lifecycle.
• Assess the benefits of Building Information Modelling for the stakeholders involved in a building project.

What you'll be able to do

• Discuss the technologies used in Building Management Systems.
• Discuss the applications used in Building Management Systems.
• Assess how a Building Energy Management System (BEMS) can optimise cost.
• Assess how a Building Energy Management System (BEMS) can optimise energy usage.
• Evaluate the potential benefits in cost through the use of a Building Management and Building Energy Management systems.
• Evaluate the potential benefits in sustainability through the use of a Building Management and Building Energy Management systems.
• Specify a Building Management System suitable for a small multi-zone non-residential building.

What you'll be able to do

• Explain the methods used in civil engineering for earthworks.
• Explain the techniques used in civil engineering for earthworks.
• Explain the methods used in civil engineering for substructures.
• Explain the techniques used in civil engineering for substructures.
• Discuss the civil engineering technologies associated with road construction.
• Discuss the civil engineering technologies associated with bridge construction.
• Evaluate how a given civil engineering project addresses issues related to the environment.
• Evaluate how a given civil engineering project addresses structural requirements.
• Evaluate how a given civil engineering project addresses economics.
• Evaluate how a given civil engineering project addresses quality.
• Present a design proposal for a new infrastructure project.

What you'll be able to do

• Discuss the stages of a design process and the types of information required to communicate, share and manage the project process effectively.
• Explain the different types of construction information developed through the course of a project, including drawings, specifications, and schedules.
• Produce design propositions that address project requirements defined through feasibility stages, demonstrating creativity and problem-solving skills.
• Present a construction information package, highlighting the coordination of information between different project stakeholders to ensure accuracy and avoid conflicts.

What you'll be able to do

• Present a comprehensive analysis of an existing or proposed development, considering the economic, social, and political factors influencing its success
• Discuss the political, economic, social, and environmental factors that significantly influence the construction industry
• Assess the relationship between key economic factors and the fluctuating costs of materials and labour
• Explore various strategies for construction procurement that effectively address economic, social, environmental, and political challenges

What you'll be able to do

• Explain the key terminology used in the field of construction technology.
• Describe the different construction techniques employed to build a range of substructures and superstructures, including their function and the design selection criteria.
• Discuss various methods for managing site conditions to effectively support building and infrastructure construction projects.
• Illustrate the supply and distribution of essential building services and explain how these services are integrated within a building's design.
• Discuss the environmental and sustainability factors that influence the selection of materials for a given construction project.

What you'll be able to do

• Discuss the characteristics of complex construction projects and their challenges, including factors such as project scale, technical complexity, regulatory requirements, and stakeholder management.
• Define a strategy for the preparation, materials and substructures for a given large-scale construction project, considering site investigation, ground improvement techniques, foundation design, and material selection.
• Develop an information package for the superstructure, building services and fire safety of a given large-scale construction project, including structural design, mechanical and electrical systems, fire protection measures, and building information modelling (BIM).
• Propose solutions that meet the requirements for safe demolition and disposal of materials for a large-scale construction project, considering environmental regulations, waste management strategies, and health and safety protocols.

What you'll be able to do

• Discuss the different stakeholders that may be involved in a construction project.
• Discuss the contractual relationships that may develop during a construction project.
• Explain the criteria that inform the selection of a construction contract.
• Examine different forms of standard construction contract.
• Analyse the application of different forms of standard construction contract to built environment projects.
• Prepare an appropriate form of contract for a selected project.
• Specify the terms and conditions within the prepared contract.

What you'll be able to do

• Model common building elements for a given project.
• Modify common building elements for a given project.
• Generate 2D views of a building model to present key features of a given project.
• Generate 3D views of a building model to present key features of a given project.
• Assemble construction information using appropriate views generated within a BIM application for a given project.
• Discuss the role of model data in a BIM-enabled project.

What you'll be able to do

• Present a package of construction information, including drawings, schedules and specifications for a given construction project.
• Discuss the key types of construction information that may be produced in support of construction projects.
• Demonstrate the use of project standards and their setup within digital applications.
• Generate construction information for a given project using industry-standard digital applications.

What you'll be able to do

• Explain the legal status and implications of different types of construction companies operating in the UK.
• Explore the diverse sources of finance available to a construction company and analyse the strategies used to effectively manage finances.
• Evaluate different forms of company organisation commonly found within the contemporary construction industry.
• Illustrate the various strategies employed by a construction company to efficiently manage its resources, including labour, materials, and equipment.

What you'll be able to do

• Assess individual skills to determine appropriate roles within a collaborative team for a construction project.
• Assess group skills to determine appropriate roles within a collaborative team for a construction project.
• Plan a construction project, based on the Pearson-set theme, in collaboration with others, demonstrating good practice in resource management.
• Plan a construction project, based on the Pearson-set theme, in collaboration with others, demonstrating good practice in staffing.
• Plan a construction project, based on the Pearson-set theme, in collaboration with others, demonstrating good practice in project scheduling.
• Prepare tender documentation, undertaking work appropriate to a defined role within a team.
• Evaluate own work in a collaborative team, identifying areas for improvement.
• Evaluate the work of others in a collaborative team, providing constructive feedback.

What you'll be able to do

• Evaluate how a new highway route is identified.
• Evaluate how a new highway route is planned.
• Evaluate how a new highway route is designed.
• Assess the methods of earthwork operations used in connection with the provision of highways.
• Assess the methods of bridge construction used in connection with the provision of highways.
• Assess the methods of tunnelling used in connection with the provision of highways.
• Specify a form of pavement construction for a given highway provision.
• Present a proposal for improvements that can be made to a given highway infrastructure.
• Include maintenance techniques in the proposal for improvements.
• Include planning considerations in the proposal for improvements.

What you'll be able to do

• Calculate the magnitude of forces related to fluids both at rest and in motion, considering relevant factors and units.
• Develop practical solutions for the effective and efficient distribution of fluids within pipe networks, ensuring pipes are correctly sized to meet specified requirements.
• Apply concepts of physics, including fluid mechanics and thermodynamics, to develop effective solutions to hydrostatic and hydrodynamic problems encountered in engineering contexts.
• Calculate the hydrostatic pressure exerted on substructures, taking into account the specific context, environmental conditions, and material properties.

What you'll be able to do

• Discuss the legal context within which a quantity surveyor operates, including relevant legislation and professional responsibilities.
• Explain the principles and practices involved in the management of confidential data within a quantity surveying context, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations.
• Assess the quantity surveyor’s role in contractual dispute mediation and alternative dispute resolution processes.
• Investigate property legislation relevant to the practice of quantity surveying, including land law, planning law, and building regulations.

What you'll be able to do

• Discuss the different parties involved in building maintenance activities, their roles and responsibilities.
• Discuss the different parties involved in building operations activities, their roles and responsibilities.
• Compare different types of building maintenance approaches that support these.
• Compare different types of building management approaches that support these.
• Demonstrate how Building Information Modelling assists in managing maintenance effectively and efficiently.
• Demonstrate how Building Information Modelling assists in managing operations effectively and efficiently.
• Assess how maintenance is managed as part of a wider business management strategy.
• Assess how operations are managed as part of a wider business management strategy.

What you'll be able to do

• Use analytical and computational methods to solve construction related problems.
• Investigate applications of statistical techniques to interpret, organise and present data by using appropriate computer software packages.
• Illustrate the wide-ranging uses of calculus within different construction disciplines by solving problems of differential and integral calculus.
• Use mathematical methods to solve vector analysis, arithmetic progression and dimensional analysis problems.

What you'll be able to do

• Define the standard measurement techniques used for accurately taking-off quantities for estimating purposes
• Perform taking-off techniques effectively in the production of a range of quantities for a structure
• Interpret the underlying principles and techniques of estimating in compiling a final price for a construction project
• Prepare a detailed estimate for a specific work activity within a construction project

What you'll be able to do

• Assess personal learning needs within the context of employment, identifying areas for development.
• Assess personal learning opportunities within the context of employment, identifying potential avenues for growth.
• Plan a personal learning journey, through consultation with an employer and/or tutor/instructor, setting realistic goals.
• Manage a personal learning journey, through consultation with an employer and/or tutor/instructor, adapting to changing circumstances.
• Record personal progress throughout the learning journey, documenting achievements and challenges.
• Record feedback from others, noting key observations and suggestions.
• Respond appropriately to feedback from others, adjusting learning strategies as needed for future development.
• Evaluate own learning, based on personal experience, reflecting on strengths and weaknesses.
• Evaluate own learning, based on comments from others, considering different perspectives.
• Plan for the future, based on self-evaluation and feedback, setting new learning objectives.

What you'll be able to do

• Present a detailed strategy for upgrading an existing building to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions
• Justify the selection of an appropriate form of alternative energy for the building upgrade, considering factors such as cost-effectiveness and environmental impact
• Examine the social context that informs discussions on environmental sustainability
• Examine the economic context that informs discussions on environmental sustainability
• Examine the political context that informs discussions on environmental sustainability
• Discuss the principles and operation of various types of alternative energy systems, such as solar photovoltaic, wind power, and biomass
• Explain how alternative energy systems contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating climate change
• Explain the factors that influence the selection of a renewable energy system for a specific installation, including site conditions, energy demand, and regulatory requirements
• Analyse the technical feasibility of integrating a renewable energy system into a building or infrastructure project
• Evaluate the economic viability of a renewable energy system, considering factors such as capital costs, operating costs, and energy savings

What you'll be able to do

• Analyse the performance, operation and control of AC and DC motors, considering their applications and limitations.
• Explain the different methods of electricity generation and distribution, outlining their advantages and disadvantages.
• Present a proposal for a non-domestic lighting installation in a given project, justifying design choices and compliance with regulations.
• Discuss the fundamentals of electricity, magnetism, transformers and circuits, demonstrating an understanding of key concepts and principles.

What you'll be able to do

• Analyse the factors that contribute to heating loads in a non-domestic building, such as heat loss through walls, windows, and roofs
• Analyse the factors that contribute to cooling loads in a non-domestic building, such as solar gain, internal heat sources, and ventilation requirements
• Calculate the heating and cooling loads for a given non-domestic building, using appropriate methods and software tools
• Present a comprehensive design proposal for a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system tailored to a specific non-domestic building type
• Justify the selection of specific HVAC system components for a proposed installation, considering factors such as energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact
• Justify the selection of specific HVAC system components for a proposed installation, considering factors such as building usage, occupancy patterns, and indoor air quality requirements
• Prepare the pre-design information required for a non-domestic HVAC installation, including building plans, load calculations, and system schematics
• Prepare the pre-design information required for a non-domestic HVAC installation, including equipment specifications, control strategies, and commissioning procedures

What you'll be able to do

• Explain the different forms of offsite construction methods and analyse how they provide potential benefits for building production and delivery
• Explore the ways in which design considerations are influenced by different forms of offsite construction techniques
• Discuss the specific benefits of a selected offsite construction method or technology, in relation to efficiency, sustainability and overall cost of project delivery
• Present a detailed proposal for the offsite construction of a given building type, highlighting the benefits of the chosen method for quality, efficiency and cost-effective delivery

What you'll be able to do

• Explain the operation of different types of domestic water services systems commonly used in large buildings, including hot and cold water distribution systems
• Explain the operation of above-ground drainage systems used in large buildings, including waste and vent piping
• Identify relevant design considerations for buildings when selecting water pipework, considering factors such as material compatibility, pressure ratings, and flow rates
• Identify relevant design considerations for buildings when selecting drainage pipework, considering factors such as pipe size, slope, and venting requirements
• Identify relevant design considerations for buildings when selecting water plant and equipment, considering factors such as pump capacity, storage tank volume, and water treatment requirements
• Identify relevant design considerations for buildings when selecting drainage plant and equipment, considering factors such as sump pump capacity, grease trap size, and sewage treatment requirements
• Develop sustainable design strategies for public health engineering systems, focusing on water conservation, energy efficiency, and waste reduction
• Design water supply systems for large non-domestic buildings, including pipe sizing, fixture selection, and backflow prevention
• Design sanitation systems for large non-domestic buildings, including drainage layout, fixture selection, and waste treatment
• Specify the components and materials required for water and sanitation services in large non-domestic buildings, ensuring compliance with relevant standards and regulations

What you'll be able to do

• Explore the key factors that drive refurbishment projects and analyse their potential benefits and challenges
• Discuss different approaches and methodologies used in refurbishment projects
• Illustrate the complete project process for a given refurbishment scheme, from inception to completion
• Prepare an initial scheme for a refurbishment project that effectively meets a client brief and specified requirements

What you'll be able to do

• Discuss the theory underpinning project management practice and its application in the construction industry
• Analyse the context of the project management profession within the construction sector
• Explain the roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders involved in a construction project
• Analyse the relationships between stakeholders and their impact on project success
• Evaluate methods for managing stakeholders effectively throughout a construction project
• Describe the activities undertaken by a project manager during the initiation phase of a construction project
• Describe the activities undertaken by a project manager during the planning phase of a construction project
• Describe the activities undertaken by a project manager during the execution phase of a construction project
• Describe the activities undertaken by a project manager during the closure phase of a construction project
• Present a comprehensive project management strategy tailored to a specific construction project scenario
• Justify the chosen strategies and methodologies within the project management strategy, based on industry best practice

What you'll be able to do

• Explain the role of the quantity surveyor.
• Explain the activities of a quantity surveyor in the pre-construction phases of a project.
• Assess the processes of quantity surveying during the construction phase of a project.
• Present a case study that considers the role and activities of a quantity surveyor for a given project.

What you'll be able to do

• Discuss the environmental factors that influence material choices for construction projects.
• Discuss the sustainability factors that influence material choices for construction projects.
• Present material choices for a given project using performance properties.
• Present material choices for a given project using experimental data.
• Present material choices for a given project considering sustainability.
• Present material choices for a given project considering environmental impact.
• Evaluate the performance of a given project in respect of its human comfort requirements.
• Review health and safety regulations associated with the storage of materials on a construction site.
• Review health and safety regulations associated with the handling of materials on a construction site.
• Review health and safety regulations associated with the use of materials on a construction site.
• Review legislation associated with the storage of materials on a construction site.
• Review legislation associated with the handling of materials on a construction site.
• Review legislation associated with the use of materials on a construction site.

What you'll be able to do

• Review construction information to determine quality requirements, ensuring compliance with relevant standards and specifications.
• Illustrate the ways in which monitoring of construction projects ensures quality and safety, identifying key performance indicators and control measures.
• Explain the different stages in the management of a construction project, outlining the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders.
• Discuss methods for assessing and improving the performance of site staff, promoting a culture of continuous improvement and professional development.

What you'll be able to do

• Present a comprehensive building survey report in support of a proposed renovation or refurbishment scheme, including detailed findings and recommendations.
• Examine an existing building to determine its character, architectural style, and historical significance, and to assess the need for renovation or refurbishment.
• Analyse a given building to determine the range of methods and systems used in its construction, including materials, techniques, and structural elements.
• Assess mechanisms of failure and deterioration in buildings, identifying the causes and extent of damage, and recommending appropriate remedial measures.

What you'll be able to do

• Explain the methods used in surveying for construction.
• Explain the technologies used in surveying for construction.
• Undertake a closed levelling survey to establish station coordinates for horizontal and vertical control.
• Undertake stages of a closed 2D traverse survey to establish station coordinates for horizontal and vertical control.
• Apply industry standard techniques in the collection of survey data.
• Apply industry standard techniques in setting out the co-ordinates of construction elements.
• Explore the causes of errors in surveying.
• Explore the causes of errors in setting out.
• Explore techniques to improve accuracy in surveying.
• Explore techniques to improve accuracy in setting out.

What you'll be able to do

• Explore sustainable construction methods which are fit for purpose in a given context.
• Discuss the potential benefits associated with different forms of sustainable construction.
• Discuss the potential challenges associated with different forms of sustainable construction.
• Present a design proposal, utilising a selected sustainable construction method, and explain how it is ‘fit for purpose’ in the given context.
• Examine how the construction industry impacts on the environment.
• Examine how changes in the construction industry can create broader social benefits.
• Examine how changes in the construction industry can create broader economic benefits.

What you'll be able to do

• Define what constitutes a tender in the construction industry and detail the information typically required for the tendering process.
• Explain the standard procedures and contractual arrangements involved in tendering for construction projects.
• Analyse the various factors that influence the selection of appropriate construction procurement methods.
• Prepare comprehensive tender documentation suitable for a specific construction project.

What you'll be able to do

• Explore the development of the construction industry.
• Explore the roles of professionals involved in the construction industry.
• Explore the relationships of professionals involved in the construction industry.
• Assess the impact of the construction industry on the environment.
• Assess the impact of the construction industry on the economy.
• Assess the impact of the construction industry on society.
• Discuss the ways in which the construction industry ensures quality.
• Discuss the ways in which the construction industry ensures timely completion.
• Discuss the ways in which the construction industry ensures safety.
• Examine the routes to employment within the construction industry.
• Examine the routes to progression within the construction industry.

What you'll be able to do

• Discuss the functional requirements for circulation within a proposed building design, considering factors such as user needs, accessibility, and building regulations.
• Determine traffic planning and equipment selection criteria for lifts, escalators and moving walkways for a given building design, taking into account building occupancy, usage patterns, and safety standards.
• Develop a design and installation strategy for escalators and moving walkways into a given building design, considering structural requirements, space constraints, and integration with other building systems.
• Present a design and installation strategy for lifts to support a given building design, including lift type selection, shaft design, control systems, and maintenance considerations.

What you'll be able to do

• Explain the principles of value engineering in construction projects, outlining its aims and benefits.
• Apply value engineering principles to a construction project, identifying areas for cost reduction and performance improvement.
• Describe the principles of cost control in construction projects, explaining techniques for managing expenditure.
• Demonstrate the application of cost analysis for a given construction project, evaluating different cost factors and their impact.