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Study surveying abroad
An in-depth guide to studying surveying as an international student.
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
How to study surveying abroad
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Surveying study abroad programs
Surveying undergraduate programs
Bachelor's in surveying
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Building Surveying - BSc (Hons) (with placement) University of Portsmouth, UK
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
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24,063 USD
Fee in university's local currency 17,600 GBP
- Start date
- September
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Building Surveying Pathway - BSc (Hons) Glasgow Caledonian University, UK
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
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16,195 USD
Fee in university's local currency 11,845 GBP
- Start date
- September
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Surveying - BSc Stephen F. Austin State University, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
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18,564 USD
Fee in university's local currency 18,564 USD
- Start date
- January, August
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Building Surveying - BSc (Hons) Ulster University, UK
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
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19,797 USD
Fee in university's local currency 14,480 GBP
- Start date
- September
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Building Surveying - BSc (Hons) London South Bank University, UK
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 5 years
- Annual tuition fee
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18,840 USD
Fee in university's local currency 13,780 GBP
- Start date
- September
Associate in surveying
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Land Surveying - ASc Santiago Canyon College, USA
- Program type
- Associate
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
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8,304 USD
Fee in university's local currency 8,304 USD
- Start date
- February, June, August
Pathway in surveying
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Building Surveying (Foundation) - FD Leeds Beckett University, UK
- Program type
- Undergraduate pathway
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
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14,903 USD
Fee in university's local currency 10,900 GBP
- Start date
- January, September
Surveying graduate programs
Master's in surveying
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Building Surveying - MSc University of the West of England - UWE Bristol, UK
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 1 year
- Annual tuition fee
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17,774 USD
Fee in university's local currency 13,000 GBP
- Start date
- September
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Surveying - MSurv University of Otago, New Zealand
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
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16,261 USD
Fee in university's local currency 22,590 NZD
- Start date
- February, July
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Civil Engineering and Surveying - MPhil University of Portsmouth, UK
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
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12,032 USD
Fee in university's local currency 8,800 GBP
- Start date
- October, February
Doctorate in surveying
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Civil Engineering and Surveying - PhD University of Portsmouth, UK
- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 6 years
- Annual tuition fee
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12,032 USD
Fee in university's local currency 8,800 GBP
- Start date
- October, February
Diploma in surveying
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Land Surveying - PGDip University of Tasmania, Australia
- Program type
- Postgraduate diploma
- Duration
- 1 year
- Annual tuition fee
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25,636 USD
Fee in university's local currency 33,068 AUD
- Start date
- February, July
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.
