Surveying

Chartered surveyors identify and develop the value of all physical assets of the world, from land to buildings.

They spot long-term potential, whether advising businesses on property, monitoring environmental effects of inner-city regeneration, managing construction from home extensions to airport terminals, valuing homes or digitally mapping land. Legal, financial, design and management skills combined with knowledge of construction allow surveyors to create just the right environment for us to live in.

Case study: Erik Kodjiie, 27

"We are often the first on site gathering vital information for major construction"

"There's plenty of variety in projects - some easy, some quite challenging - and also the chance to work abroad. Already I've studied in America, and worked in Turkey doing reservoir surveillance and monitoring a dam built on a fault line… The land surveying workforce is extremely diverse with opportunities for everyone, both here and abroad - creating projects reflecting the variety of people in society.

You can learn about the latest technologies, progress to managerial positions or even specialise in a niche market like 3D scanning or boundary surveying which can particularly enhance your career prospects. My degree in engineering surveying included a sandwich year learning from experienced surveyors. After working with experts on real projects I knew this was the career for me."

Facts and figures

Typical salary

Starting out - up to £22,000; after five years - around £30,000 - £35,000.

Qualifications

Normally three A-levels for entry to a degree in a surveying discipline accredited by RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors), or GCSEs followed by a BTEC/SCOTVEC HND or HNC. Then move on to two years of RICS-structured training and practical experience to become fully qualified.

If you do not study a RICS-approved surveying-related subject, you can join an RICS accredited postgraduate course.

Related careers

  • quantity surveyor
  • property developer
  • construction surveyor
  • building surveyor

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