Building surveying student profiles

"I chose to study BSc (Hons) Building Surveying at the University of Plymouth as the course offers numerous opportunities for my future career in the industry. The University has many links with companies to enhance and strengthen the learning process and an option of a placement year sandwiched between your second and third year. This made this course stand out from courses elsewhere. 

So far, I have particularly enjoyed learning about the fundamentals of construction and the software used in industry. Getting used to applying software such as AutoCAD and Revit will be invaluable for my future career in the industry. Having dedicated lectures to learn these software was extremely useful. Learning about site surveying and construction materials gave me further insight into how buildings and the environment work in conjunction with each other. 

I would highly encourage others, especially girls, to study building surveying if they are interested in the process of the built environment and you have an enthusiasm for making the future of the construction industry more sustainable."

The teaching quality and methods have been great throughout all years of study, both by in-house and guest lecturers. The teaching staff are supportive of your work, especially in the final year regarding the dissertation project.

I spent my placement year at Malcolm Hollis LLP in their Birmingham office. During this time I was mainly involved in pre-acquisition surveys undertaking schedules of condition, as well as the odd project management job. The year on placement allowed me to build on the foundation of knowledge that I picked up in years 1 and 2 at Plymouth.

I also attended a number of CPD events and managed to log time against my post-graduation qualification period to become a Chartered Surveyor.

On the back of my year with Malcolm Hollis, I was offered a job with their London Office.

My advice to those thinking about coming to Plymouth? The course and the teaching staff have opened up many doors in terms of future career. My advice would be to seize the opportunities that present themselves and to get involved with everything that is offered to you.

Foremost, enjoy yourself. It may sound cliché but meeting friends for life and the experiences I have shared with them has been the most enjoyable part of my experience at university."

Oliver Werby, BSc (Hons) Building Surveying and the Environment graduate