What's better a degree in Construction Management or Quantity Surveying?
I have two offers in the built environment, for Construction Management and Quantity Surveying
(edited 12 years ago)
Reply 1
What is your background in terms of work experience and qualifications?
Have you looked into Quantity Surveying as a career?
Are you set on a career within the construction industry or can you see yourself 'moving horizontally' so to speak into another sector?
Have you looked into Quantity Surveying as a career?
Are you set on a career within the construction industry or can you see yourself 'moving horizontally' so to speak into another sector?
Reply 2
Thanks for the additional info.
Extensive experience of the industry will work in your favour whatever you decide to do. Only you can decide if Quantity Surveying is for you but it can open the door into other industries such as Gas and Oil with are very lucrative. Moving into finance in some form or another will also be possible with a QS degree.
The typical role of a QS within construction is putting together Bills of Quantities and Target Costs, paying subcontractors and generally rubbing people the wrong way, though saying that, a good QS is worth their weight in gold. The work is predominantly figures based which some either love or hate.
The majority of Project Managers I know were all Quantity Surveyors at some point (usually for a period of roughly 10 years) before moving across. Some do this with a Masters in Construction Management though it isn't required.
I see having a QS degree and working in construction management as having the best of both worlds but that is just my opinion based upon my ambitions.
Due to your age it may be worth looking straight into Management. Would you be more interested in a site management role or project management role?
Whatever you do decide to do, make sure your degree is accredited with the RICS.
Extensive experience of the industry will work in your favour whatever you decide to do. Only you can decide if Quantity Surveying is for you but it can open the door into other industries such as Gas and Oil with are very lucrative. Moving into finance in some form or another will also be possible with a QS degree.
The typical role of a QS within construction is putting together Bills of Quantities and Target Costs, paying subcontractors and generally rubbing people the wrong way, though saying that, a good QS is worth their weight in gold. The work is predominantly figures based which some either love or hate.
The majority of Project Managers I know were all Quantity Surveyors at some point (usually for a period of roughly 10 years) before moving across. Some do this with a Masters in Construction Management though it isn't required.
I see having a QS degree and working in construction management as having the best of both worlds but that is just my opinion based upon my ambitions.
Due to your age it may be worth looking straight into Management. Would you be more interested in a site management role or project management role?
Whatever you do decide to do, make sure your degree is accredited with the RICS.
Reply 3
Original post
by KrisMitchesonI have two offers in the built environment, for Construction Management and Quantity Surveying. Which job has the best prospects? highest pay and best chance of employment after graduating
I would say a QS has the best prospects. On most construction sites a QS or architect takes up the role as 'project (construction) manager' due to its relatively small size. If you're working on massive multi-million pound contracts then a specialism is required in managing it but there are many that argue that a QS could easily become qualified enough to become an out-right project manager through experience.
There's a lot being said about BIM at the moment though and the risk that QS fees can expect to see a downturn due to it taking over but I disagree personally.
Reply 4
Good question!
For me I've been edging to construction project management, just because i like the hustle and bustle of construction sites. Quantity surveying does have advantages, but i think you personally need to have an interest in what these professions involve!!
way up the pro's and con's of both and see where you stand, and also look further into what they actually do and see if that interests you.
Also this thing with QS's becoming site/project managers, yeah possible but over the past decade of working on large/medium sites I've never come across a site or project manager who is from a QS background!
I'm not saying ones better than the other but it is a personal preference, as i have also got offers for CPM and QS degree courses, and I'm still trying to decide myself where i see myself in 10 years from know.
For me I've been edging to construction project management, just because i like the hustle and bustle of construction sites. Quantity surveying does have advantages, but i think you personally need to have an interest in what these professions involve!!
way up the pro's and con's of both and see where you stand, and also look further into what they actually do and see if that interests you.
Also this thing with QS's becoming site/project managers, yeah possible but over the past decade of working on large/medium sites I've never come across a site or project manager who is from a QS background!
I'm not saying ones better than the other but it is a personal preference, as i have also got offers for CPM and QS degree courses, and I'm still trying to decide myself where i see myself in 10 years from know.
Reply 5
I'm currently in my final 5 weeks of my BSc Hons Construction Engineering & Management degree at University of Ulster. With the introduction of BIM, an ever increasing emphasis on sustainable development and with construction companies becoming increasingly competitive in the current financial climate in order to make money companies call for greater emphasis on project management as better management results in a smoother project, which should result in a greater profit margin.
I have enjoyed every minute of the course and cannot wait to get onto site and put what I've learnt into action, and of course start real learning.
Construction is a brilliant route to take as the possibilities as to how far you go depend on how hard you work, and the technologies are evolving constantly.
Have a think to yourself, would you rather be involved in the more mathematical orientated QS side, or be involved in a more people/time based job.
What ever you do, give it your best shot!
I have enjoyed every minute of the course and cannot wait to get onto site and put what I've learnt into action, and of course start real learning.
Construction is a brilliant route to take as the possibilities as to how far you go depend on how hard you work, and the technologies are evolving constantly.
Have a think to yourself, would you rather be involved in the more mathematical orientated QS side, or be involved in a more people/time based job.
What ever you do, give it your best shot!
Reply 6
13
Original post
by garethwoods91I'm currently in my final 5 weeks of my BSc Hons Construction Engineering & Management degree at University of Ulster. With the introduction of BIM, an ever increasing emphasis on sustainable development and with construction companies becoming increasingly competitive in the current financial climate in order to make money companies call for greater emphasis on project management as better management results in a smoother project, which should result in a greater profit margin.
I have enjoyed every minute of the course and cannot wait to get onto site and put what I've learnt into action, and of course start real learning.
Construction is a brilliant route to take as the possibilities as to how far you go depend on how hard you work, and the technologies are evolving constantly.
Have a think to yourself, would you rather be involved in the more mathematical orientated QS side, or be involved in a more people/time based job.
What ever you do, give it your best shot!
I have enjoyed every minute of the course and cannot wait to get onto site and put what I've learnt into action, and of course start real learning.
Construction is a brilliant route to take as the possibilities as to how far you go depend on how hard you work, and the technologies are evolving constantly.
Have a think to yourself, would you rather be involved in the more mathematical orientated QS side, or be involved in a more people/time based job.
What ever you do, give it your best shot!
You obviously don't know that:
A) BIM has been around for decades and still shows no real signs of taking off.
B) It is well known that CFSH and other 'green' initiatives are likely to be scrapped or heavily reduced due to the fact they bring no benefit to the builder - they reduce revenues and generate countless customer care issues.
C) The majority of a QS's time us spent talking and negotiating with people - managing orders and keeping things running smoothly. There wouldn't even be a bricklayer or other trade on site if the QS hadn't done all the groundwork.
D) Whilst I congratulate you on your degree, and wish you all the best in your future career, you are in for a rather large shock - if you are a site manager, project manager, contracts manager or pretty much anything else on site nothing gets done without the QS's say so.
Reply 7
ok. just joined in but still confused as to the answer. which is the best career- QS or Cons. Project Manager?
or does one do the Bsc in QS and the Msc in CPM?
any experts on the topic pls respond
or does one do the Bsc in QS and the Msc in CPM?
any experts on the topic pls respond
Reply 8
16
Original post
by kayceeuok. just joined in but still confused as to the answer. which is the best career- QS or Cons. Project Manager?
or does one do the Bsc in QS and the Msc in CPM?
any experts on the topic pls respond
or does one do the Bsc in QS and the Msc in CPM?
any experts on the topic pls respond
The QS and the CM are the Project Manager's subordinates.
The term 'best career' is so subjective. Most major construction companies have cross-functional teams opposed to strict. This allows you to go into different functions within the industry.
For instance a Construction Manager could go into Planning due to knowing the construction sequence or Design Management due to knowing how building components work.
A QS could join the Procurement team as the roles are interlinked, or leave the organisation and work as a PQS.
Both could with their way up the hierarchy to become a Project Manager.
Reply 9
It doesn't matter really. I got my BSc(Hons) in Construction Management and then ended up doing contractor QS work years - flip-floppin into estimating, scheduling (planning), buying, claims consulting, and site/project management. I know others that graduated with a BSc(Hons) in QSíng who never actually worked as a QS - they ended up working in other areas of construction management.
Frankly, there are very few differences between the program of study taken for a degree in QS''íng and a degree in CM. The core subjects are the same. The only real difference is that CM degrees are normally accredited by the CIOB whereas QS degrees are normally accredited by the RICS.
Frankly, there are very few differences between the program of study taken for a degree in QS''íng and a degree in CM. The core subjects are the same. The only real difference is that CM degrees are normally accredited by the CIOB whereas QS degrees are normally accredited by the RICS.
Reply 10
Lol.
I'd like to see someone with a CM degree measure a large civil engineering job and produce a bill of quantities, jobs are completely different, you don't learn about the numbers game in CM you learn a lot more practical oriented topics such as building science, construction technology(extended) and the building environment, whereas QS courses teach you how to do take offs(measurement) produce bill of quantities, Contractual management, whole life costing, supply chain management. There is some crossover for sure but mainly in your first year.
To answer your question, a Project Manager is a very well paid/senior position where you are in control of managing an entire project, for most people in construction this is the aspiration.It's not an entry level job like a QS or a CM you have to prove your worth in a firm and be chosen for the responsibility.
I would say (i'm QS so take my opinion with a pinch of salt as i'm biased) i know more PM's which are previous QS' than CM's, CM is a bit of a vague role and if you're okay with the numbers, i think that Quantity Surveying is the "best choice" (subjective).
hope that helps.
I'd like to see someone with a CM degree measure a large civil engineering job and produce a bill of quantities, jobs are completely different, you don't learn about the numbers game in CM you learn a lot more practical oriented topics such as building science, construction technology(extended) and the building environment, whereas QS courses teach you how to do take offs(measurement) produce bill of quantities, Contractual management, whole life costing, supply chain management. There is some crossover for sure but mainly in your first year.
To answer your question, a Project Manager is a very well paid/senior position where you are in control of managing an entire project, for most people in construction this is the aspiration.It's not an entry level job like a QS or a CM you have to prove your worth in a firm and be chosen for the responsibility.
I would say (i'm QS so take my opinion with a pinch of salt as i'm biased) i know more PM's which are previous QS' than CM's, CM is a bit of a vague role and if you're okay with the numbers, i think that Quantity Surveying is the "best choice" (subjective).
hope that helps.
Reply 11
Hi guys
I want your advice, i have an offer for commercial manager position in project management field. Currently i m a cost controller and i m responsible on the project cost in terms of project budget work structure breakdown and feasibilty plan. I m thinking to take the position but i m afraid that it will hurt mycarrer as i m from finance background and i have an experience around 8 years in accounting and auditing field
So what do you think
I want your advice, i have an offer for commercial manager position in project management field. Currently i m a cost controller and i m responsible on the project cost in terms of project budget work structure breakdown and feasibilty plan. I m thinking to take the position but i m afraid that it will hurt mycarrer as i m from finance background and i have an experience around 8 years in accounting and auditing field
So what do you think
Reply 12
Hello, I am finished my A levels and waiting my results in August. I am stuck between two course which are Quantity Surveying and Design with technology.
I would like to know what the WS course is like? What are the job opportunities like after wards? And how is the pay?
For design and technology I would like to know the same questions also and does it involve much computer work? And what jobs are you likely to get after?
Thanks
I would like to know what the WS course is like? What are the job opportunities like after wards? And how is the pay?
For design and technology I would like to know the same questions also and does it involve much computer work? And what jobs are you likely to get after?
Thanks
Reply 13
Original post
by garethwoods91I'm currently in my final 5 weeks of my BSc Hons Construction Engineering & Management degree at University of Ulster. With the introduction of BIM, an ever increasing emphasis on sustainable development and with construction companies becoming increasingly competitive in the current financial climate in order to make money companies call for greater emphasis on project management as better management results in a smoother project, which should result in a greater profit margin.
I have enjoyed every minute of the course and cannot wait to get onto site and put what I've learnt into action, and of course start real learning.
Construction is a brilliant route to take as the possibilities as to how far you go depend on how hard you work, and the technologies are evolving constantly.
Have a think to yourself, would you rather be involved in the more mathematical orientated QS side, or be involved in a more people/time based job.
What ever you do, give it your best shot!
I have enjoyed every minute of the course and cannot wait to get onto site and put what I've learnt into action, and of course start real learning.
Construction is a brilliant route to take as the possibilities as to how far you go depend on how hard you work, and the technologies are evolving constantly.
Have a think to yourself, would you rather be involved in the more mathematical orientated QS side, or be involved in a more people/time based job.
What ever you do, give it your best shot!
Hello, I am finished my A levels and waiting my results in August. I am stuck between two course which are Quantity Surveying and Design with technology.I would like to know what the WS course is like? What are the job opportunities like after wards? And how is the pay?For design and technology I would like to know the same questions also and does it involve much computer work? And what jobs are you likely to get after?Thanks
Reply 14
So it’s 2022, just wanted to ask where you’re at as I’m in the same boat as you were?
Reply 15
Just starting my final year in CM, but I have worked on site throughout the job so that has even been better experience for me.Depending on the firm, most PMs were Construction Managers in my opinion.A PM is not really a profession as rightly said in previous chats but a very senior role, who coordinates the entire project and ensures time, quality and costs are met.To become a PM you need many years on the job but frankly speaking, anyone with a mamanegement background and ample Site/ Construction experience who knows the Construction sequence can become a PM.QSs deal with the tendering process, financial aspects and figures, and payments and disputes etc CMs organise the subbies, ensure the builders work according to the design, check the quality of work, deal with the issues and errors in the build and do the call off of materials, they also run the site and ensure health and safety.What to study depends on where you see yourself in the future and if you like the hustle and bustle of being out on site or the calmer and more office based QS role involving the monetary aspects. They are both different professional paths but link up and work together where the project is large and the financial sums are significant.Put it this way, if you are planning for a very large party, the person supervising the cooking team making sure they deliver an awesome feast when the cooking contract starts is not necessarily the same person planning for the purchase of the ingredients and the costs to pay the food and other suppliers, the cooks energy costs etc.However, both persons have an idea of what their client wants and how to deliver the client's need (ie processes involved) but due to the sheer size of the event, they split up what service they contribute...All the best whatever route you go.
Reply 16
Hi ! i’m stuck between quantity surveying and construction management at northumbria. Both are accredited by RICS however i am unsure what to pick. The QS degree is part time over 2 years and the CM is one year in person which would be cheaper. Which one has better prospects in terms of employability and career longevity. The QS course would mean i have to pay council tax and it’s distance learning i don’t want to end up paying all of that when i could do the CM course and have a full time degree which is one year. Are they very similar and interchangeable or is QS still more employable and better money.
Reply 17
Original post
by Amber.SiddiqueHi ! i’m stuck between quantity surveying and construction management at northumbria. Both are accredited by RICS however i am unsure what to pick. The QS degree is part time over 2 years and the CM is one year in person which would be cheaper. Which one has better prospects in terms of employability and career longevity. The QS course would mean i have to pay council tax and it’s distance learning i don’t want to end up paying all of that when i could do the CM course and have a full time degree which is one year. Are they very similar and interchangeable or is QS still more employable and better money.
what did you end up deciding trying tomake the same decision now
Reply 18
As a QS now with lots of experience (20 years), I would say - construction management. Experience is what counts and a QS degree whilst very desirable, is largely interchangable with construction management believe it or not. But if you're not set on going the QS route then a general construction management degree may pigeon hole you a little less.
Of course, if going the QS route then you can't go wrong with having a fully fledged QS Degree.
But ultimately, pick the degree that suits your situation (time, cost); given you say that both are RICS accredited, the decision becomes more academic rather than reflective of your end-outcomes.
Of course, if going the QS route then you can't go wrong with having a fully fledged QS Degree.
But ultimately, pick the degree that suits your situation (time, cost); given you say that both are RICS accredited, the decision becomes more academic rather than reflective of your end-outcomes.
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