Are you fascinated by the structure of the land? Do you wish to pursue a career within the construction industry? Are you talented at geology? If so, then perhaps a qualification in surveying might be ideal for you!

It is important that potential candidate have a natural aptitude for maths and the sciences as well as geology, as this knowledge will provide you with the strong foundations you will need to complete the course. Students will also be expected to hand in written assessments as well as conducting their own research in their private time, so it is important that they are not only dedicated to the subject matter, but are also self-motivated and capable of independent study.

There are a number of different surveying roles available to graduates in this particular field. It is possible to pursue a career as a building surveyor with a starting salary of £18,000 - £26,000. As part of this role, graduates will be responsible for giving professional advice on property development and construction assisting in the design and maintenance of buildings and structures.

In contrast a quantity surveyor takes a more pragmatic approach towards the construction of buildings and manages the costs relating to specific projects alongside ensuring that specific legal obligations are adhered to. The average salary for an entry level role will start at £19,000.

However, surveyor roles are not the only ones available to those with a qualification in surveying. Many opt to work for environmental charities or even at post-graduate level for qualifications in law or journalism.

There are a number of surveying courses available for study, both at undergraduate and post graduate level. Before studying either of these courses, international students who are non-native speakers of English will be required to sit an IELTS test and score a minimum of 6.0 – 6.5 in order to demonstrate that there are no language barriers preventing learning.

Undergraduate degree programmes in surveying last for a minimum of three years, although many will encourage students to extend the programme to gain hands-on industry experience. Those wishing to study on this course will be expected to have high grades in a minimum of 3 A-levels or equivalent and to be able to demonstrate a passion for the subject matter.

Post graduate programmes can last anywhere from 1 – 4 years and will already expect students to have achieved a minimum of 2:1 in their honours degree.

The majority of courses will expect students to attend lectures as well as work on their own independent projects that will be assessed to showcase their progression on the course. Undergraduate students will also have to complete a minimum of 2 work placements before graduating as part of their course in order to gain hands on experience working within the building and construction industry.

Irrespective of which course you decide to study, the location of the university itself should also be taken into consideration when deciding where to study. You will be studying for at least a year, so it is important that you choose somewhere you can be happy on both a social and academic level. While some students prefer to study at smaller establishments with a more communal focus, others will thrive in larger bustling Universities.

It is important to ensure that you attend a University that is both prestigious and has strong links within the building design industry. Many top firms cultivate relationships with certain academic establishments and these links will be useful if you need to find a work placement as part of your course, or are simply looking for some extra hands-on experience. A lot of firms will give priority when recruiting to those who have previously worked for them, or for students of specific Universities, so this will have an essential impact upon your ability to get a job post-graduation.

You should always look at the entry requirements and your own finances before submitting an application to your university of choice, particularly for a course such as architecture. There is a reason that the entry requirements are so high, and if you can’t meet them, you are unlikely to be accepted onto the course. Similarly, you should also look at your finances. If you’re planning on taking a long course of study, you should look at the fees – can you afford them? If you’re struggling financially then have you considered applying for a grant or scholarship?