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Quantity Surveying — Your Route to MRICS

Study a Quantity Surveying degree pathway 100% online. SEG Awards Level 4+5 Diplomas, optional university BSc top-up, and the RICS APC route to MRICS — all from £130.85 a month.

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Looking for the wider career picture? Read our quantity surveying careers guide for routes in, salary ranges, and what it takes to qualify with RICS.

Online Quantity Surveying Courses – Your Route to MRICS

learndirect offers the SEG Awards Level 4 & Level 5 Diploma in Quantity Surveying – 18 months, 100% online, £2,385.29 total, with an optional a RICS-accredited UK university of your choice BSc (Hons) Year 3 top-up. Designed for career changers and working adults. A RICS-recognised feeder route to MRICS chartership.

A quantity surveyor manages the financial and contractual side of UK construction projects – from cost planning and procurement through to final account settlement. The learndirect Quantity Surveying Online Degree Pathway covers the first two years of a QS degree framework, comprising 12 units, 240 credits, and 720 guided learning hours. Both qualifications are Ofqual-regulated by SEG Awards (Level 4 ref: 610/2941/5; Level 5 ref: 610/2942/7). Assessment is 100% by written assignments and portfolio – no exams.

The optional progression to a RICS-accredited UK university of your choice (for example London South Bank University, Leeds Beckett University, the University of the Built Environment, or Northumbria University) BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying Year 3 costs typically £9,000–£11,000 (2025/26 UK fee, varies by university), bringing the all-in route to an honours degree to approximately roughly £11,000–£14,000 – compared to £28,566 for the UBE part-time BSc over 4.5 years. The complete pathway from diploma to MRICS chartered status typically takes 5–7 years.

Written by the learndirect Editorial Team · Updated July 2025 · Sources: Ofqual · RICS · a RICS-accredited UK university of your choice · Maxim Recruitment 2025/26

What You'll Study – The QS Learning Journey

The learndirect QS pathway moves through four defined stages – from the first online unit through to optional MRICS chartership. Each stage has a clear entry point, a defined outcome, and a confirmed progression route to the next level.

1

Level 4 Diploma in Quantity Surveying – Months 1–9 (approx.)

The Level 4 Diploma (Ofqual ref: 610/2941/5) covers the foundational knowledge and skills of the QS profession: construction technology, construction economics, measurement and estimating to NRM2 standards, procurement and tendering, construction law, and project cost management. All 6 Level 4 units are assessed by written assignments – no exams. On successful completion, you hold the SEG Awards Level 4 Diploma in Quantity Surveying, a regulated qualification at Level 4 on the RQF (equivalent to the first year of a bachelor's degree). Many learners begin applying for QS-adjacent roles from this point. See the full course modules breakdown for detailed unit descriptions.

2

Level 5 Diploma in Quantity Surveying – Months 9–18 (approx.)

The Level 5 Diploma (Ofqual ref: 610/2942/7) builds on the Level 4 foundation with advanced QS competencies: post-contract cost management, value engineering, contract administration under JCT and NEC frameworks, dispute resolution, professional practice, and commercial management. The 6 Level 5 units are also 100% assignment-assessed. On completion, you hold the SEG Awards Level 5 Diploma in Quantity Surveying at RQF Level 5 – equivalent to the second year of a bachelor's degree in terms of academic level. The combined Level 4+5 pathway covers 240 credits and 720 guided learning hours across all 12 units. The SEG Awards Level 4+5 diplomas are described in full on our SEG Awards qualification page.

3

Optional – a RICS-accredited UK university of your choice BSc (Hons) Year 3 Top-Up

After completing the Level 5, learners can progress to the a RICS-accredited UK university of your choice BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying final year – a RICS-accredited honours degree programme at typically £9,000–£11,000 (2025/26 UK fee, varies by university). The Year 3 top-up is a direct progression from the learndirect diploma, without requiring a fresh UCAS application or A-level grades. Combined with the diploma costs, the all-in route to a BSc (Hons) QS is approximately roughly £11,000–£14,000 – a saving of approximately £16,931 versus the UBE part-time BSc (Hons) at £28,566 over 4.5 years. See the online QS degree vs university comparison for the full cost breakdown.

4

Optional – RICS APC and MRICS Chartership

Once the BSc top-up (Hons) is awarded, graduates are eligible to begin the RICS Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) – the structured route to MRICS chartered status. The APC requires a minimum of 24 months of structured experience in a QS role, culminating in a final assessment and panel interview. MRICS designation is the benchmark qualification for a Chartered Quantity Surveyor in the UK and internationally. The total timeline from starting the learndirect diploma to achieving MRICS is typically 5–7 years. See the full RICS APC route guide for the step-by-step pathway.

Course at a Glance

Feature Level 4 Diploma Level 5 Diploma
Ofqual Ref 610/2941/5 610/2942/7
RQF Level Level 4 (Year 1 degree equivalent) Level 5 (Year 2 degree equivalent)
Units 6 units 6 units
Credits 120 credits 120 credits
Duration (typical) Approx. 9 months Approx. 9 months
Assessment Written assignments + portfolio; no exams Written assignments + portfolio; no exams
Delivery 100% online via learndirect portal 100% online via learndirect portal
Cost £2,385.29 combined (£29.99 deposit + £130.85/mth × 18)
Entry requirement A-Level standard or equivalent Level 3 qualification; aged 18+
Max. access window 24 months from enrolment

Who the Learndirect QS Pathway Is For

The learndirect QS diploma pathway is not the right route for everyone. Understanding who it is designed for – and who should consider a different path – is the most important first step in your decision.

This pathway is right for you if...
  • You are working full-time and cannot attend a university campus for 3 years
  • You are a career changer – from teaching, the military, trades, finance, administration, or any other background – seeking a structured route into the QS profession
  • You have A-Level standard qualifications (or equivalent Level 3) and are aged 18 or over
  • You want to qualify faster – the 18-month diploma start is significantly faster than a 3-year traditional degree or 4.5-year part-time BSc
  • You want a manageable monthly cost (£130.85/month) rather than a large lump-sum university fee
  • You want the option to progress to a full BSc (Hons) and MRICS chartership but need a flexible, staged pathway to get there
  • You are in a construction-adjacent role (estimating, site management, procurement, finance) and want to formalise your existing knowledge with an Ofqual-regulated qualification
  • You want a no-exam route – every unit assessed by assignments and portfolio work, with assessor feedback on every submission
Consider a different route if...
  • You are 17 or under, or do not yet hold A-Level standard qualifications – you would need to complete Level 3 study first
  • You want a full-time, on-campus university experience with lectures, tutorials, and the associated student life
  • Your employer specifically requires a named RICS-accredited degree from a traditional university as a condition of employment – check with your employer first
  • You want a funded route – the learndirect QS diploma is not eligible for Student Finance England loans (unlike university degree programmes)
  • You already hold an undergraduate degree in a built environment subject and are looking for a postgraduate route to MRICS – a conversion MSc or direct APC may be more efficient
  • You want the degree awarded immediately, without a staged diploma + top-up structure – if so, a full-time or part-time BSc (Hons) directly from a university is the more direct path, at higher cost

4 Pillars of the Learndirect QS Pathway

Four connected elements combine to make the learndirect QS pathway a complete, credible, and cost-effective route to a professional career in Quantity Surveying.

1. SEG Awards Diploma – Ofqual Regulated

The Level 4 and Level 5 Diplomas in Quantity Surveying are awarded by SEG Awards, an Ofqual-regulated awarding body. Both qualifications are listed on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF): Level 4 (ref: 610/2941/5) and Level 5 (ref: 610/2942/7). 12 units total, 240 credits, 720 guided learning hours, assessed entirely by assignments and portfolio work – no exams. Total cost: £2,385.29 (£29.99 deposit + £130.85 per month for 18 months). Rolling enrolment – start at any time. Learn more about the SEG Awards diplomas.

2. BSc top-up (Hons) Top-Up – Full Honours Degree

After completing the Level 5 Diploma, graduates can progress directly to the a RICS-accredited UK university of your choice BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying Year 3 – a RICS-accredited degree programme at typically £9,000–£11,000 (2025/26 UK fee, varies by university). The all-in cost for diploma + Year 3 is approximately roughly £11,000–£14,000. This compares to £28,566 for the UBE part-time BSc over 4.5 years – a saving of £16,931. The your chosen UK university degree opens the formal RICS APC route to MRICS chartered status. Explore the full QS degree pathway and the online vs university comparison.

3. RICS APC Route – The Path to MRICS

The RICS Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) is the formal route to MRICS chartered status. After completing the BSc top-up (Hons), learners register with RICS and complete a minimum of 24 months of structured professional experience in an APC-supporting employer environment, culminating in a final assessment and panel interview. MRICS is the benchmark professional designation for a Chartered Quantity Surveyor and is recognised internationally. The total timeline from enrolling on the learndirect diploma to achieving MRICS is 5–7 years. See the full RICS APC route guide for each step of the process.

4. Career Outcomes – £35k to £90k+

Quantity Surveying offers a clear and substantial salary trajectory. Graduate / Trainee QS: £25,000–£30,000 nationally (£30,000–£40,000 London). Chartered QS (MRICS): £42,000–£58,000 nationally (£55,000–£65,000 London). Senior QS: £56,000–£75,000 nationally (£70,000–£90,000 London). Source: Maxim Recruitment 2025/26. With 93% of employers reporting difficulty recruiting qualified QS staff, the labour market for qualified quantity surveyors remains persistently strong. See the full QS salary guide for sector and regional breakdowns.

Resources in This Faculty

The learndirect Quantity Surveying faculty contains 17 specialist pages – covering every stage of the QS journey, from understanding the profession to achieving chartered status. Explore the most important resources below.

Degree Pathway

Full details of the Level 4+5 Diploma, unit structure, progression to your chosen UK university Year 3, pricing, and the RICS APC route – all in one place. The definitive course page.

→ View Degree Pathway

2. BSc top-up (Hons) Top-Up – Full Honours Degree

After completing the Level 5 Diploma, graduates can progress directly to the a RICS-accredited UK university of your choice BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying Year 3 – a RICS-accredited degree programme at typically £9,000–£11,000 (2025/26 UK fee, varies by university). The all-in cost for diploma + Year 3 is approximately roughly £11,000–£14,000. This compares to £28,566 for the UBE part-time BSc over 4.5 years – a saving of £16,931. The your chosen UK university degree opens the formal RICS APC route to MRICS chartered status. Explore the full QS degree pathway and the online vs university comparison.

3. RICS APC Route – The Path to MRICS

The RICS Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) is the formal route to MRICS chartered status. After completing the BSc top-up (Hons), learners register with RICS and complete a minimum of 24 months of structured professional experience in an APC-supporting employer environment, culminating in a final assessment and panel interview. MRICS is the benchmark professional designation for a Chartered Quantity Surveyor and is recognised internationally. The total timeline from enrolling on the learndirect diploma to achieving MRICS is 5–7 years. See the full RICS APC route guide for each step of the process.

4. Career Outcomes – £35k to £90k+

Quantity Surveying offers a clear and substantial salary trajectory. Graduate / Trainee QS: £25,000–£30,000 nationally (£30,000–£40,000 London). Chartered QS (MRICS): £42,000–£58,000 nationally (£55,000–£65,000 London). Senior QS: £56,000–£75,000 nationally (£70,000–£90,000 London). Source: Maxim Recruitment 2025/26. With 93% of employers reporting difficulty recruiting qualified QS staff, the labour market for qualified quantity surveyors remains persistently strong. See the full QS salary guide for sector and regional breakdowns.

Resources in This Faculty

The learndirect Quantity Surveying faculty contains 17 specialist pages – covering every stage of the QS journey, from understanding the profession to achieving chartered status. Explore the most important resources below.

Degree Pathway

Full details of the Level 4+5 Diploma, unit structure, progression to your chosen UK university Year 3, pricing, and the RICS APC route – all in one place. The definitive course page.

→ View Degree Pathway

How to Become a Quantity Surveyor

Five routes into the profession explained – diploma pathway, degree apprenticeship, AssocRICS, postgraduate conversion, and direct university entry. Entry requirements per route.

→ Full Career Entry Guide

QS Salary Guide UK 2025

Graduate to chartered: full salary data for every QS career stage, with London premium analysis, sector breakdown, and ROI comparison against course cost.

→ View Salary Data

Online QS Degree vs University

Side-by-side cost and outcome comparison: learndirect diploma + your chosen UK university Year 3 (~roughly £11,000–£14,000) vs UBE part-time BSc (£28,566). The £16,931 saving fully explained.

→ Compare Your Options

Quantity Surveying Without a Degree

Can you become a QS without a traditional degree? Four routes explained, including the diploma pathway – the fastest and most cost-effective option for most career changers.

→ Routes Without a Degree

Course Modules

All 12 units of the Level 4+5 Diploma described in full – what each unit covers, how it is assessed, and how it connects to QS professional practice and the RICS competency framework.

→ Browse All 12 Modules

RICS APC Pathway

Step-by-step guide to the RICS Assessment of Professional Competence – from diploma to BSc (Hons), employer registration, structured experience, and the final APC panel interview.

→ RICS APC Step by Step

Quantity Surveying Glossary

40 essential QS terms explained – from Bills of Quantities and NRM2 to JCT contracts, the RICS APC, and cost-value reconciliation. Essential reading before starting the Level 4 Diploma.

→ Browse the Glossary

Frequently Asked Questions

A quantity surveyor (QS) manages the financial, commercial, and contractual elements of construction and infrastructure projects. Core responsibilities include initial cost planning and feasibility studies, preparing bills of quantities and tender documents, procuring contractors and managing the tendering process, administering building contracts (typically under JCT or NEC frameworks), valuing interim payments, and settling the final account at project completion. QS professionals work on both the client side (employers, developers, public bodies) and the contractor side (main contractors, subcontractors, specialist firms). The profession is regulated internationally by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), and the MRICS designation is the recognised benchmark for a Chartered Quantity Surveyor. According to the National Careers Service, quantity surveying is one of the most consistently in-demand professional roles in the UK built environment. See our guide to what a quantity surveyor does for a full role breakdown.
The combined Level 4 and Level 5 Diploma in Quantity Surveying is designed to be completed in 18 months – approximately 9 months per level – with a maximum access window of 24 months. The 12-unit structure (6 per level), 240 credits, and 720 guided learning hours are delivered 100% online and self-paced, with no fixed lecture times or mandatory log-in dates. Most learners study between 8 and 12 hours per week alongside full-time employment. The rolling enrolment model means you can start at any time, and there are no academic year boundaries to navigate. Learners who can commit more hours per week may complete faster than 18 months; those with more demanding professional or personal commitments have up to 24 months to finish.
The Level 4+5 Diploma costs £2,385.29 in total: a £29.99 deposit on enrolment, followed by 18 monthly payments of £130.85. There is no interest on the payment plan – the total is fixed. If you progress to the optional a RICS-accredited UK university of your choice (for example London South Bank University, Leeds Beckett University, the University of the Built Environment, or Northumbria University) BSc (Hons) Year 3 top-up, the additional cost is typically £9,000–£11,000 for UK students (2025/26 fee), paid directly to your chosen UK university. The all-in route to a full BSc (Hons) is therefore approximately roughly £11,000–£14,000. By comparison, the UBE part-time BSc (Hons) in Quantity Surveying costs £28,566 over 4.5 years – a difference of £16,931. See the online QS degree vs university comparison for the full side-by-side analysis.
The a RICS-accredited UK university of your choice (for example London South Bank University, Leeds Beckett University, the University of the Built Environment, or Northumbria University) BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying Year 3 top-up is an optional progression from the learndirect Level 5 Diploma. It is not compulsory – the Level 4 and Level 5 Diplomas are complete, standalone Ofqual-regulated qualifications the are valuable in their own right for employment purposes. However, if your goal is MRICS chartered status via the RICS APC, you will need a RICS-accredited degree, which the BSc top-up Year 3 provides. The BSc top-up at your chosen university is priced at typically £9,000–£11,000 (2025/26 UK fee, varies by university), and progression from the learndirect diploma to your chosen UK university Year 3 does not require a fresh UCAS application. Full details of the progression route are available on our degree pathway page and the your chosen UK university course website.
The RICS APC (Assessment of Professional Competence) is the formal route to MRICS chartered status. The six-step pathway from the learndirect diploma to MRICS is: (1) Complete the Level 4+5 Diploma with learndirect (18 months); (2) Progress to the BSc top-up (Hons) Year 3 top-up (approximately 12 months); (3) Secure QS employment with an APC-supporting employer in a structured role; (4) Register with RICS and begin the structured APC training programme; (5) Complete a minimum of 24 months of structured professional experience and submit your APC final assessment; (6) Attend the RICS panel interview and achieve MRICS designation. The total timeline is typically 5–7 years from enrollment. The RICS APC route is described in full on our RICS APC pathway page and on the RICS website.
There is no upper age limit for entering the QS profession. The National Careers Service notes that QS is a profession that values experience alongside qualifications, and the labour market data supports this – with 93% of employers reporting difficulty recruiting qualified staff (Maxim Recruitment 2025/26), employers cannot afford to discriminate based on age. learndirect's enquiry base includes career changers in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s. Those with backgrounds in construction, engineering, finance, project management, or administration often find that their existing skills map directly onto QS competencies. The only real constraint is the time investment: 18 months for the diploma, plus the optional degree top-up and APC, means that someone starting at 45 could achieve MRICS in their early-to-mid 50s. For many learners, that is both realistic and professionally worthwhile. See our career change guide for age-specific guidance.
The learndirect QS diplomas are Ofqual-regulated qualifications – this means they meet the same external quality standards as qualifications from any Ofqual-regulated awarding body in England, including those delivered by colleges and universities. The RICS does not itself accredit the Level 4+5 Diplomas, but they are designed around RICS competency frameworks and the progression to the BSc top-up (Hons) Year 3 – which is RICS-accredited – is the bridge that opens the formal APC route. For employers recruiting at the trainee and assistant QS level, an Ofqual-regulated Level 5 Diploma represents substantive, independently assessed evidence of QS knowledge. The no-exam, assignment-based model is not a weakness – it more closely mirrors the way QS professionals actually work, producing cost plans, reports, and contract documents rather than performing under timed exam conditions. See our guide to SEG Awards and qualification recognition for more detail.
The enrolment process begins with a free consultation with a learndirect course adviser – accessible via the “Request a Callback” button on any page of this faculty. The adviser will confirm your entry qualifications (A-Level standard or equivalent Level 3), explain the payment plan, and walkyorap:wrap;"> Request a Callback View Degree Pathway Details

How to Become a QS  ·  QS Salary Guide  ·  RICS APC Route

Quantity Surveying Courses

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QS Online Degree Pathway

Level 4 and Level 5 Diplomas covering Years 1 and 2 of a QS degree, 100% online, no exams, from £130.85/month. Progress to a Year 3 BSc (Hons) top-up at a UK university of your choice, then on to MRICS via the RICS APC.

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Explore Quantity Surveying Resources

Guide

Why learndirect for Quantity Surveying

Why learndirect is the right home for your Quantity Surveying study — Ofqual-regulated SEG Awards Diplomas, a a UK university of your choice degree top-up, named tutor support and 20+ years of distance-learning experience.

Guide

Quantity Surveying Learner Journeys

Illustrative scenarios — not direct testimonials — describing the typical paths into Quantity Surveying for teachers, military leavers, tradespeople, finance professionals, admins and returners.

Guide

Quantity Surveying FAQ

Eighteen of the most common questions about studying Quantity Surveying online with learndirect — covering enrolment, costs, funding, chartership and the university degree top-up.

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