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BSc (Hons) Surveying and Mapping Sciences

Construction, Transport and Logistics
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LOCATION
Docklands Campus
Location Fees and Funding
Here's the fees and funding information for each year of this course
Overview
Surveyors are in high demand, and this course will give you the skills to take advantage of a worldwide employment market.
We have superb links with the industry and run a regular programme of guest speakers. You'll also visit major projects in London - one of the world's most dynamic construction areas.
You'll undertake a 50-50 split of academic and practical work. This will involve fieldwork projects, including a residential scheme, and classroom and laboratory exercises.
You'll also be able to apply for student membership of the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors - an international qualifying body dedicated to the regulation, education and training of surveyors working in civil engineering.
Surveying involves the precise measurement of spatial data - information that's crucial to a huge range of construction projects, on land and offshore.
On large building projects, surveyors are the first on-site to establish the basic measurements and the last to leave, checking everything is in the right place.
If you want a degree in surveying, but don't meet the standard entry requirements, then you can apply for the foundation year,
First, we prepare you for your degree during the foundation year, bringing you up to speed with academic skills and a firm grounding in the subject. Then you can go on to do the full undergraduate degree.
What makes this course different
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
You'll learn the techniques required to produce the reliable spatial data on which all construction tasks depend.
You won't just be measuring. You'll be analysing data, presenting it and managing it. And of course re-measuring… just to be sure.
The course involves a range of ways to map geographical features. You'll learn about land surveying and geodesy, which involves taking into account the earth's curvature when you are measuring large areas.
Other fields of study will involve photogrammetry - the science of making measurements from photographs - laser scanning, remote sensing, and hydrographic surveying, typically investigating the seabed.
We'll also introduce you to cadastral surveying, which combines technical and legal knowledge to establish boundaries.
The modules you'll take include land and construction surveying, legal and regulatory framework, computer programming, data acquisition and 3D modelling, engineering surveying and sea surveying.
All match the required standards of the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (ICES).
MODULES
- Core Modules
Mental wealth; Professional Life CloseMental wealth; Professional Life
The module will introduce key knowledge and skills required for your success in higher education, communication and interpersonal life skills for academic and professional purposes. The module is designed to provide guidance in order to become independent learner, effectively reflect and take necessary actions for professional success. The module will also aid you to build your confidence as a learner, enabling you to identify where your strengths and weaknesses lie, and how you can build their skills for the future.
Analytical Mathematics CloseAnalytical Mathematics
The main aims of this module are to prepare you for L4 study by developing the mathematical abilities required for understanding engineering and be able to apply mathematical techniques to solve engineering problems.
Engineering Sciences CloseEngineering Sciences
The aim of this module is to provide you with an elementary knowledge and understanding of the physical concepts relating to materials, electricity and simple structures used in engineering.
Mathematical Applications CloseMathematical Applications
The main aims of this module are to prepare you for L4 study by developing the mathematical abilities required for understanding engineering and be able to apply mathematical techniques to solve engineering problems.
Physical Sciences ClosePhysical Sciences
The aim of this module is to provide you with an elementary knowledge and understanding of the physical concepts relating to second moment of area, sound, light, thermodynamics and work and energy systems used in engineering.
Introduction to Computing CloseIntroduction to Computing
The module equips you with an understanding of computing principles and an understanding of the fundamentals of hardware and software, which can provide an opportunity for you to gain appreciation of the practical skills involved in computer systems. It helps you develop a better understanding of computations to solve problems, analysing problems and procedures, and a better understanding of algorithms, languages and programming. It provides an opportunity to you to understand the connections between the different areas of computing.
- Core Modules
Mental Wealth: Professional Life CloseMental Wealth: Professional Life
This module aims to develop students' core competencies to form the basis of future competencies development throughout the programme of study. In this module, the students would consolidate their Construction / Engineering knowledge and skills for practical applications, and develop their awareness of impacts on the environment, commerce, society and individual brought about by various construction and engineering activities.
The Built Environment CloseThe Built Environment
The aim of the module is to appreciate the factors, organisation and professional disciplines involved in the planning, design, development and in-use of the built environment facility.
Construction Technology CloseConstruction Technology
This module involves exploring the choices for materials, systems and techniques used in the construction of typical domestic and industrial/commercial building. The module also looks at building design and performance particularly with respect to the selection of materials for construction purposes. It also covers sustainability issues affecting the condition of existing buildings, and their maintenance and adaptation. It will also enable the development of spatial skills in producing and understanding graphical forms of communication used in construction.
Land and Construction Surveying CloseLand and Construction Surveying
This module introduces you to geospatial surveying practices, principles and procedures for civil engineering and construction projects. The module develops skills in using modern surveying instrumentation to enable 3-dimensional position of features to be determined and for the quality of those positions to be known. The processes for determining vertical height (level) as well as horizontal position (by measuring angles and distances) will be studied. On completion of this module, students will be able to carry out survey data collection using a range of equipment and will appreciate the role of the surveyor and the role of survey data for construction purposes.
Analytical Skills in Built Environment CloseAnalytical Skills in Built Environment
The main aim of this module is to develop your skills and understanding, of the numerical and mathematical techniques which underpin civil engineering, construction and surveying disciplines. At the end of this module you should possess the core knowledge of algebra, trigonometry and statistics which can be applied to data analysis, presentation and problem solving. This module also aims to equip you with the CAD skills which will enable you to manipulate and process data numerically, graphically and spatially.
GIS & Mapping CloseGIS & Mapping
This module provides an overview of the key concepts and practises of geographical information systems and of mapping data collection. GIS software are used to analyse geospatial data sets and to present smaller scale mapping Information. The module also focuses on the issues of large-scale spatial data collection related to, scale, quality and 2D and 3D data presentation. At the end of this module students should possess both the theoretical and practical skills which will enable them to manipulate and present data using GIS techniques and to processes and present large-scale detail survey data. This module includes a residential field scheme which takes place away from the university.
- Core Modules
Mental Wealth: Professional Life CloseMental Wealth: Professional Life
This module builds on the L4 Mental Wealth: Professional Life module to further develop students' competencies to form the basis of their future careers. In this module, the students will undertake feasibility studies with reference to human, financial, logistical resources to realise a product/service. The module will further develop the students' self-awareness, interpersonal and negotiation skills through team work and mentoring.
Contract Procedures CloseContract Procedures
- To provide an understanding of the UK legal system, legal process, institutional structures in application to the construction process in terms of contract performance, obligations, tort and statutory requirements, in the professional environment of construction management, surveying and information management.
- To comprehend the legal obligations and procedures associated with contracts, letting, employment, equality, design, development and health and safety, and to apply legal principles to practical problems.
Engineering Surveying CloseEngineering Surveying
This module develops your understanding and theoretical knowledge of applied techniques within engineering surveying. You will develop your ability to devise solutions to measurement problems and to evaluate the results and the systems performance in an engineering context. Students on this module will hence investigate and apply measurement techniques and systems in order to solve engineering surveying problems.
This module includes a residential field scheme which takes place away from the university.
Ground Engineering CloseGround Engineering
Any construction project at any scale begins with groundworks. For the success of groundworks, Civil Engineers need to have a fair understanding of engineering geology (i.e. earth science for engineers), soil mechanics, rock mechanics, and materials used in transforming the natural ground to the engineered ground through reinforcement and/or stabilisation, so too the benefits and costs (technical and environmental) of groundwork solutions.
This module is designed for you to gain a thorough understanding of engineering geology (earth processes, geological structures, ground hazards and engineering implications), soil mechanics (physical, hydraulic and mechanical properties), and soil as a construction material in form of compacted ground or reinforced compacted ground (i.e. accompanied with physical/chemical additives).
This module builds on stability analysis topics of study that are embedded in the Level 4 Engineering Mechanics module. This module also builds on the Level 4 Engineering Materials; the emphasis here will be on materials in ground engineering discipline.
3D Data Modelling and Analysis Close3D Data Modelling and Analysis
This module examines the concepts, methodologies and techniques of acquiring and modelling 3D data. The principles of 3D ground models based on grid and triangulated structures are investigated as techniques for representing and analysing terrain and other surfaces. The principles of Terrestrial Laser Scanning, Photogrammetry, and Satellite Remote Sensing are examined as techniques for data acquisition. The techniques and limitations of 3D data, representation and modelling via digital terrain models, point clouds 3D surfaces are analysed.
GNSS & Reference Systems CloseGNSS & Reference Systems
This module develops students understanding of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), Geodetic control networks and the relevance of the shape, size and the gravitation field of the earth in solving surveying and mapping problems.
This module provides an understanding of the mathematical treatment of errors for the analysis and solution of position. The use of Geodetic Reference Systems to describe position. At the end of this module students should also have an appreciation for gravity and its role in surveying.
Employment Internship CloseEmployment Internship
The aim of this module is to enable you to integrate the skills and knowledge, you have acquired during the programme to produce reflections on and solutions to realistic work based problems set within a real working environment.
- Core Modules
Mental Wealth: Professional Life CloseMental Wealth: Professional Life
The aim of this module is to develop students' awareness of the importance of linking Project management with professional life practice. It will prepare students to be ready for the challenges and opportunities of the 4th industrial revolution by further developing the skills and knowledge. The key areas are as digital environment, ethics, and sustainability; preparing them to become world-class professional managers who are able to support their practice with theoretical understanding, so that they can be innovative and push the barriers of technical excellence safely and sustainably.
The module is designed around the construction and surveying knowledge and skills and professional practice modules at L4 and L5 by integrating theory with practice through industry-relevant live projects.
This will be accomplished by placing students in a multi-disciplinary project group (to reflect the range of disciplines.
It will explore the feasibility and design development of practical scheme(s) in terms of technical, ethical, legal, financial and quality matters. The module will build upon the core mental wealth/professional practice-based modules offered at L4 and L5 that introduce students to among others, digital proficiency, industry connections and intelligent development (emotional, social & physical) and in doing so helps equip them with the fundamental techniques necessary to work in inter-disciplinary teams.
Capstone Project CloseCapstone Project
The main aim of this module is to equip you with the necessary skills to carry out and report research in order to consolidate the knowledge gained in other modules in a chosen field of study, combine it with the published knowledge of others, investigate it practically and report your findings.
Land Law and Registration CloseLand Law and Registration
This module develops students understand of legal systems in practice and their link to the operation of effective land management systems. The link between land measurement and land management. Is explored. Students will examine the role surveying, cadastral systems and land registration play in land management. Students will also examine the concept of the land parcel as a fundamental unit in land administration. This module will allow students to examine and evaluate the inter-relationship between land ownership, land policy, land management, the economy, the environment and society. Participants of this module will analyse and assess issues around cadastral and land reform.
Professional Geospatial Practice CloseProfessional Geospatial Practice
This module investigates the principles of organisation and management with an emphasis on Geospatial professional practice.
It focuses on developing the student’s appreciation of the role of the professional, professional conduct and ethics within the work environment. The relationship and responsibilities of the client and contractor for geospatial contracts, together with specification and method statements and associated health, safety and environment requirements are explored.
The module will incorporate a number of guest speakers from a range of organisations including professional bodies, contracting companies and clients.
Sea Surveying CloseSea Surveying
This module builds an appreciation for the natural elements and problems of surveying at sea. It develops the student’s knowledge and understanding of the requirements of mapping and measurement in the marine environment.
Students will investigate the applications of sea surveying, including navigation charts and engineering applications in the hydro-carbon, renewable energy and communications industries.
The principles of measurement at sea and associated sources of error utilised in instrumentation used to determine position and depth is studied. The physical properties and processes of the sea is examined and methods of data collection and processing in the offshore environment discussed.
HOW YOU'LL LEARN
With more than 60 years' experience, surveying is one of the longest established areas of teaching within the University of East London.
Most of our students on this course work part-time in the profession, including during the summer break, while they're studying. This is usually on a paid basis.
Throughout your studies you'll undertake a number of small projects, usually based on practical work. Your final year will include a project involving independent research and study of a technical subject.
This project will be supervised by a member of staff with an interest in the field and will normally include some laboratory work or the analysis of a specific surveying problem. Throughout, you'll be working with the very latest surveying equipment and software.
Each term, we're visited by around 20 local industry professionals - known as the Industrial Advisory Board (IAB) – to update us on changing requirements for graduates. They also supervise final-year projects, when they'll be looking out for likely candidates to recruit for jobs.
This course also has regular contact with Fugro UK, the offshore surveying and exploration company, Plowman Craven, one of the UK’s biggest land surveyors, and other major construction companies such as Skanska and Costain.
Guided independent study
We are investing in key areas beyond your studies including our career services, library and well-being, to be available both face-to-face on campus and online with many of these available 24/7. We have new, modern library facilities on both campuses offering inspirational environments for study and research. Libraries contain resources in print and digital formats, a range of study spaces and dedicated librarian who can assist with your learning.
Academic support
Students are supported with any academic or subject related queries by an Academic Advisor, module leaders, former and current UEL students.
If you need a bit of extra help with certain skills such as academic writing, English, maths or statistics, our Academic Tutors offer workshops, drop-in sessions and one-to-one appointments to help our students achieve their potential. You can receive advice and guidance on all aspects of the IT systems provided by the university from our IT Service Desks located on all three campuses.
Our Student Support hubs in Docklands and Stratford feature centralised helpdesks to cater for your every need. UEL provides also support and advice for disabled students and those with specific learning difficulties (SPDs).
Workload
Each year you will spend around 300 hours of timetabled learning and teaching activities. These may be lectures, workshops, seminars and individual and group tutorials. Contact hours may vary depending on each module.
The approximate percentages for this course are:
- Year 1: scheduled teaching - 300 hours; guided independent study - 900 hours.
- Year 2: scheduled teaching - 300 hours; guided independent study - 900 hours.
- Year 3: scheduled teaching - 300 hours; guided independent study - 900 hours.
The size of classes can vary depending on the nature of the course, module and activity. This can range from large groups in a lecture theatre setting, to smaller groups taking part in seminars and collaborative work. You will receive your personalised timetable at the beginning of the academic year dependent on your course.
HOW YOU'LL BE ASSESSED
Assessment is undertaken in various modes such as written assignments, laboratory reports, project reports and examinations. Assessment tasks are spread across the year to make the workload manageable.
Feedback is provided within 15 working days in line with UEL's assessment and feedback policy.
CAMPUS and FACILITIES

Docklands Campus, Docklands Campus, London, E16 2RD
WHO TEACHES THIS COURSE
The teaching team includes qualified academics, practitioners and industry experts as guest speakers. Full details of the academics will be provided in the student handbook and module guides.
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What we're researching
At the University of East London we are working on the some of the big issues that will define our future; from sustainable architecture and ethical AI, to health inequality and breaking down barriers in the creative industries.
Our students and academics are more critically engaged and socially conscious than ever before. Discover some of the positive changes our students, alumni and academics are making in the world.

UEL was the only university that offered what I actually wanted to study. It was definitely the place to be and I am where I am today thanks to UEL. Studying there could not have been bettered. The staff are dedicated and the students hospitable and friendly."
Franklin Nubila
Surveying and Mapping Sciences, BSc (Hons)

I studied Electrical and Electronic Engineering at UEL - starting with my Foundation Studies in Engineering year, and graduating with a First Class Honours BEng award. While studying at UEL, I was impressed by the nurturing attitude of the staff, and the quality of the Foundation year. These helped me develop a thorough understanding of the core elements of engineering, and the confidence to approach any problem in a methodical way. I've also had an opportunity to build long-lasting friendships with fellow students and staff members alike. Since leaving UEL, I've completed a project at the European Centre for Nuclear Research (CERN), a PhD at Harvard University, and now work as a consultant for Goldman Sachs. "
Mudassar Rasul
BEng Electrical & Electronic Engineering
YOUR FUTURE CAREER
This course has a superb record in getting graduates into employment. Likely UK destinations include Highways England, Network Rail, Thames Water and local authorities.
The emphasis placed internationally on precision measurement of boundaries in property sales means surveyors are hugely valued worldwide. Many overseas students who graduate from this course return home to work in their government land survey departments.
Other graduates have moved into UK companies specialising in surveying land for new houses or roads.
The course is also a route into forensic surveying, which establishes precise data for use in court cases. You might be involved in checking measurements following a serious road accident, or attending a serious crime scene, such as the aftermath of bomb explosion.
Your knowledge of hydrographic surveying will equip you for worldwide employment opportunities in the fields of offshore gas and oil exploration. These skills are also required for tasks such as searching for aircraft which have disappeared over the ocean. The search in the Pacific for a missing Malaysian Airlines plane in 2014 involved hydrographic surveyors.
Recent UEL graduates in Surveying and Mapping Sciences have gone on to land jobs with Fugro, Plowman Craven, Ordnance Survey, Scopus, Survey Solutions and Crossrail.
Explore the different career options you can pursue with this degree and see the median salaries of the sector on our Career Coach portal.