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    Study surveying abroad

    An in-depth guide to studying surveying as an international student.

    Find surveying programs

    Explore surveying programs abroad

    See other programs in surveying

    Surveying degrees abroad

    Qualified surveyors are experts at analyzing, measuring, and recording the spatial characteristics of landscapes. This data is then used to inform the mapping, planning, and construction stages of projects.

    Surveying is a broad field with plenty of opportunities to specialize in different areas, including quantity, building, property, and environmental surveying. You’ll gain a detailed understanding of the techniques and processes used by surveyors, as well as gathering hands-on experience that will prepare you for a successful career in the sector.

    The global need for surveyors means that you can choose to study abroad in several different countries. Not only will you encounter new landscapes and technologies that will enrich your knowledge of surveying, but you’ll meet international professionals, explore a new country, and make new friends.

    Surveying program structure

    You can study surveying as a diploma, certificate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degree.

    The most popular course of study is to complete a BSc. Most universities strongly recommend that you undertake at least one placement year during your studies to gain industry insight and practical experience, so undergraduate courses will typically last at least four years.

    Once you’ve finished your BSc, you can go on to study a postgraduate qualification. An MSc usually takes between one and two years to complete, whereas a PhD can take anywhere from four to seven years.

    Most of your teaching will be done through lectures, seminars, practical workshops, and tutorials. Many universities will also organize guest presentations from industry experts, as well as field trips to local surveying projects. The way you’re assessed will depend on the module, but you can expect to complete exams, coursework, presentations, group projects, and practical assessments.

    What you study on your surveying degree will vary from university to university. However, most programs will cover these core topics:

    • The built environment
    • Understanding construction
    • Construction technology
    • Construction design
    • Land law and registration
    • Analytical skills
    • Managing contracts

    Types of surveying degrees

    Best countries to study surveying

    Best universities to study surveying

    See all universities offering surveying programs

    How to study surveying abroad

    1. University & program search

      Find the right program for you and your career aspirations

    2. Application guidance

      We'll get you to the right place to start your application

    3. Visa & travel advice

      Get help after application, all the way to your first day at university

    Our team of advisors is ready to support you at every step of your study abroad journey.
    Our services are 100% free for students like you because we're funded by universities.

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    Surveying study abroad programs

    Surveying undergraduate programs

    Bachelor's in surveying

    • false

      Building Surveying - BSc (Hons) University of the West of England - UWE Bristol, UK

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      17,873 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 13,000 GBP

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Building Surveying
    • false

      Building Surveying - BSc (Hons) University of Portsmouth, UK

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      24,197 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 17,600 GBP

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Building Surveying
    • false

      Building Surveying - BSc (Hons) London South Bank University, UK

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      5 years
      Annual tuition fee
      18,945 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 13,780 GBP

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Building Surveying
    • false

      Building Surveying - BSc (Hons) Ulster University, UK

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      19,908 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 14,480 GBP

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Building Surveying
    • false

      Surveying / Business - BBus/BSc University of Newcastle, Australia

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      5 years
      Annual tuition fee
      23,896 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 32,445 AUD

      Start date
      February, July, September
      Show program overview about Surveying / Business
    See all bachelor's degrees in surveying

    Associate in surveying

    • false

      Land Surveying - ASc College of the Canyons, USA

      Program type
      Associate
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      10,000 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 10,000 USD

      Start date
      August, February, June
      Show program overview about Land Surveying
    • false

      Land Surveying - ASc Santiago Canyon College, USA

      Program type
      Associate
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      8,304 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 8,304 USD

      Start date
      February, June, August
      Show program overview about Land Surveying
    See all associate degrees in surveying

    Pathway in surveying

    • false

      Building Surveying (Foundation) - FD Leeds Beckett University, UK

      Program type
      Undergraduate pathway
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      14,986 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 10,900 GBP

      Start date
      January, September
      Show program overview about Building Surveying (Foundation)
    See all undergraduate pathways in surveying

    Surveying graduate programs

    Master's in surveying

    • false

      Building Surveying - MSc University of the West of England - UWE Bristol, UK

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      17,873 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 13,000 GBP

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Building Surveying
    • false

      Civil Engineering and Surveying - MPhil University of Portsmouth, UK

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      24,197 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 17,600 GBP

      Start date
      October, February
      Show program overview about Civil Engineering and Surveying
    • false

      Surveying - MSurv University of Otago, New Zealand

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      15,753 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 22,590 NZD

      Start date
      February, July
      Show program overview about Surveying
    See all master's degrees in surveying

    Doctorate in surveying

    • false

      Civil Engineering and Surveying - PhD University of Portsmouth, UK

      Program type
      Doctorate
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      24,197 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 17,600 GBP

      Start date
      October, February
      Show program overview about Civil Engineering and Surveying
    See all doctorates in surveying

    Diploma in surveying

    • false

      Land Surveying - PGDip University of Tasmania, Australia

      Program type
      Postgraduate diploma
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      24,355 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 33,068 AUD

      Start date
      February, July
      Show program overview about Land Surveying
    See all postgraduate diplomas in surveying

    Future surveying careers

    Thanks to the global shortage of surveyors, the career prospects for surveying graduates are exciting. Every country around the world needs skilled surveyors if they are to construct safe and modern buildings, so you’ll be in high-demand when it comes to the following roles:

    • Building surveyor
    • Quantity surveyor
    • Commercial/residential surveyor
    • Architectural technologist
    • Estimator
    • Planning and development surveyor
    • Project manager
    • Site engineer

    If you’re unsure about what type of surveying you’d like to specialize in, discuss the differences and similarities between roles with your career advice service. They’ll help you to secure some work experience with surveying companies where you’ll be able to get a taste of what aspects you enjoy most.