Building and Surveying

Get to grips with the latest technology used in the creation of buildings, and gear up for a career in the design, creation and assessment of new structures.

The University of Reading is ranked 3rd for Building in the Complete University Guide 2025. At Reading, you'll develop a global outlook and join a connected community of students, staff and alumni. Our School has a friendly, collegiate atmosphere, thanks to the full-time nature of our courses, our campus-based teaching, and our supportive community of staff, students and alumni. 

You will join a network of talented individuals within the construction and built environment sectors, enabling you to develop connections during your studies that can last throughout your career. Gain insights into the global construction sector from our staff who draw on their wide range of expertise and international experience to feed directly into our degree courses and research activities; many are engaged in overseas construction projects or working to influence policy around the globe.

Facilities

You will also have access to the latest digital technology and software, including the use of building information modelling (BIM). You can also work with a range of cutting-edge technology including Oculus Rift head-mounted displays, immersive virtual reality environments, laser scanners and 3D printers. Improving the sustainability of the built environment is another central theme that runs through all our undergraduate degree programmes.

Real-world application

Our courses are designed with industry in mind and grounded in practice. As part of the sector, we understand the industries with which we align, we place emphasis on staying in touch with an ever-changing environment and we engage with current challenges.  You will benefit from site visits and experiential learning that enable you to develop a deeper appreciation of projects.

Benefit from our extensive links with industry and build your own network of contacts through our series of events, collaborations and placement opportunities. Many of our academic staff have direct experience of working in industry, and continue to be active in consultancy, contributing to the policy agendas of the government, industry bodies and professional institutions. 

Flexible courses

Our four building and surveying courses share a common first two years; this enables you to wait until towards the end of your second year to choose which course is the right fit for you. This unique flexibility allows you to acquire an in-depth knowledge across the construction spectrum before making an informed decision.  You can begin your studies with us even if you are uncertain exactly which degree is best for you and without compromising your future.

Research-intensive environment

100% of our research is of international standing  and 100% of our research impact has been classed 'outstanding’ or ‘very considerable’ (REF 2021, combining 4*, 3* and 2* submissions – Architecture, Built Environment and Planning).

Our multidisciplinary team of experts teach the best of current practice, and your studies will be enhanced by their research excellence and extensive industry experience.

Careers

Construction accounts for 6.4% of the UK's gross domestic product (GDP) with approximately 2.1 million workers (Office for National Statistics, Construction Statistics, Great Britain: 2020).

Overall, 98% of graduates from Construction Management and Engineering are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation; of those in full-time employment, 97% are in graduate-level roles (Based on our analysis of HESA data © HESA 2024, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021/22; includes first degree Construction Management and Engineering responders).

Scholarships

As part of the cohort joining our building and surveying courses in 2025, you may have the opportunity to secure an annual £1,000 scholarship for each of the three years of the undergraduate degree (subject to conditions).

A sustainable university

• Leading university for environmental and ethical performance (ranked 1st in the People and Planet University League, 2023/24).
• First ever winner of the Times Higher Education (THE) award for Outstanding Contribution to Environmental Leadership in 2023.
• Named Sustainable University of the Year in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.