QS Course Modules – Level 4 & Level 5
The learndirect Quantity Surveying Diploma covers 12 units – 6 at Level 4 and 6 at Level 5 – totalling 240 credits and 720 guided learning hours (GLH). Level 4 covers foundational construction and measurement; Level 5 covers advanced cost planning, contract administration, and professional practice. Assessment is 100% written assignments – no exams.
Both diplomas are awarded by SEG Awards and regulated by Ofqual: Level 4 ref 610/2941/5; Level 5 ref 610/2942/7. Together they equal the first two years of a BSc (Hons), enabling progression to a RICS-accredited top-up degree. See the RICS APC route guide for the full pathway to chartered status.
The curriculum is aligned with the RICS QS and Construction Pathway, so every unit builds evidence for competencies assessed at the APC Final Assessment.
12 Units at a Glance
Level 4 units (1–6) form the foundation year, typically 9–12 months. Level 5 units (7–12) build directly on Level 4. See the SEG Awards diploma details for full credit and GLH breakdown.
| Unit Name | Credits | GLH | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|
| LEVEL 4 – Foundation (120 Credits / 360 GLH) | |||
| Construction Technology | 20 | 60 | Substructure, superstructure, building services, building regulations, sustainable construction |
| Construction Practice and Management | 20 | 60 | RIBA Plan of Work Stages 0–7, project team roles, CDM 2015, quality and risk management |
| Mathematics for Construction | 20 | 60 | Areas and volumes, cost calculations, reading drawings, structural loading basics, spreadsheets |
| Measurement | 20 | 60 | Introduction to NRM2, quantity take-off, measuring substructure and superstructure, bill of quantities |
| Construction Economics | 20 | 60 | BCIS cost indices, elemental cost analysis, whole-life costing, value engineering, feasibility appraisal |
| Construction Law | 20 | 60 | UK contract law, JCT and NEC4 overview, HGCRA 1996, CDM, dispute resolution, professional liability |
| LEVEL 5 – Advanced (120 Credits / 360 GLH) | |||
| Project Management | 20 | 60 | Critical path analysis, earned value management, risk registers, stakeholder management, BIM |
| Procurement | 20 | 60 | Traditional, D&B, Management Contracting, PFI/PPP, ITTs, bid evaluation, contractor selection |
| Advanced Measurement (NRM2) | 20 | 60 | Full NRM2 bill preparation, complex measurement, CostX software, schedules of rates, remeasurement |
| Contract Administration | 20 | 60 | JCT SBC and NEC4 post-contract, variations, compensation events, interim valuations, final account |
| Cost Planning | 20 | 60 | NRM1 order of cost estimate, BCIS elemental cost plans, pre-tender estimate, cash-flow forecasting |
| Quantity Surveying Practice | 20 | 60 | Client QS vs contractor QS roles, RICS Rules of Conduct, CPD requirements, RICS APC overview, digital QS |
12 units · 240 credits · 720 GLH. Assessment: 100% assignments, no exams. 18-month average, 24-month access. Regulated by Ofqual (SEG Awards).
What Each Diploma Level Unlocks
Each diploma level is a standalone Ofqual-regulated qualification and a meaningful employment milestone.
- ✓ Ofqual-regulated Level 4 Diploma (ref 610/2941/5) – verifiable on the Ofqual Register
- ✓ Understanding of UK construction technology sufficient for site and design team conversations
- ✓ Basic NRM2 quantity take-off – the core measurement skill
- ✓ Grounding in construction economics and BCIS cost indices for cost planning and client reporting
- ✓ Eligible to apply for trainee QS, commercial assistant, or estimating support roles
- ✓ Ofqual-regulated Level 5 Diploma (ref 610/2942/7) – 240 credits at RQF L4+L5, equivalent to Years 1 and 2 of a BSc (Hons)
- ✓ Full NRM2 advanced measurement competence, including complete bills of quantities
- ✓ JCT and NEC4 post-contract administration: variations, valuations, final account
- ✓ BCIS elemental cost plans and pre-tender estimates
- ✓ Eligible for Year 3 BSc top-up at RICS-accredited university – e.g. De Montfort University (£9,535 for 2025/26)
Diploma Modules and RICS APC Mapping
Every unit was designed around the RICS QS and Construction Pathway. See the NRM2 guide and cost management guide for deeper coverage.
1. Cost Management (APC Level 3)
Mapped across Units 5 (Construction Economics), 11 (Cost Planning), and 12 (QS Practice). These build from Level 1 knowledge to Level 3 advice on cost risk. Diploma assignments provide the scaffolding; live project experience during APC training provides the evidence.
2. Procurement and Tendering (APC Level 3)
Mapped to Unit 8 (Procurement) and Unit 10 (Contract Administration), building Level 1–2 evidence in procurement strategy. Level 3 is achieved through strategic procurement advice on real projects during APC structured training.
3. Quantification and Costing (APC Level 2)
Mapped to Unit 4 (NRM2 introduction) and Unit 9 (Advanced Measurement – full NRM2 BQ preparation). L4 builds principles; L5 delivers full professional-standard bills. This competency underpins the QS's core commercial value.
4. Construction Technology and Ethics (APC Level 1–2)
Unit 1 builds the mandatory Construction Technology competency. Unit 12 (QS Practice) introduces RICS Rules of Conduct and CPD requirements – the foundation for Ethics at Level 3, the most commonly failed APC component.
Frequently Asked Questions
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