- Requirements: 5 GCSEs (9–4), including English & Maths.
- Optional: T-Level in Construction: Design, Surveying & Planning – a strong level 3 qualification
- Takes ~2 years.
- Leads to Level 3 Diploma and roles supporting chartered surveyors (measuring buildings/land, collecting data, using CAD, supporting valuations)
- Designed as an entry point into the profession (leading to AssocRICS title)
- Subjects such as maths, geography, science, and design & technology are especially useful because they support the analytical, technical and spatial skills used across surveying. These align well with the subjects recommended later for surveying‑related degrees - including economics, geography, mathematics, science, social sciences, and urban/land studies - making them strong early choices for anyone aiming to enter the profession through an apprenticeship or further study.
College resources and routes to surveying
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What is surveying - and why does it matter?
Surveyors help shape the world around us. They work on everything from houses, shops and offices to schools, hospitals, sports venues, and major infrastructure. They also work with land and the environment, helping manage farms, parks and energy projects.
Surveyors measure, design, value and manage places, playing a key role in how our towns, cities and spaces are built, used and improved.
Surveying matters because:
- it influences how cities grow, how buildings perform, and how land is used
- it is essential to tackling climate, housing and infrastructure challenges
- it is a global profession, with qualifications and skills recognised worldwide.
Routes into surveying
There is no single route into surveying. Opportunities are available for students to enter from GCSEs, A levels or T Levels progressing into apprenticeships, university, or professional membership pathways later in their career.
Apprenticeships allow students to earn while they learn, combining paid work with professional training.
Here are some typical entry requirements:
- Entry: typically 4 GCSEs + 3 A‑
- A T‑Level may be accepted as an equivalent Level 3 qualification for university‑level entry depending on provider policy.
- Duration: 3-6 years (5 years for undergraduates).
- Provides a full BSc or MSc plus eligibility for MRICS chartership.
- Most programmes expect 4 GCSEs at grades 9-4 (A–C)* and three A‑levels, because the degree apprenticeship route is designed for learners who can manage both university‑level study and professional work at the same time. These requirements ensure you have the academic foundation to progress through a full surveying degree while gaining hands‑on industry experience. Subjects like maths, geography, sciences, economics or design & technology are especially helpful because they support the analytical, technical and problem‑solving skills used throughout the surveying profession.
- Entry: 2-3 A-Levels (or equivalent) + GCSE (English and Maths), often at grades 9-4
| Qualification Route | Typical Requirements for RICS - Accredited Degrees |
|---|---|
| A‑Level | BBC–AAB (varies by institution) |
| UCAS Points | ~112–128 (varies by institution) |
| BTEC Extended Diploma | DMM–DDD* (varies by institution) |
| T Level (DSP Construction) | Merit–Distinction (depending on university) Visit ucas.com for more information |
| IB Diploma | 30–35 points |
| GCSEs | English (4/C), Maths (5/6/B) - typical |
| Access to HE | 30D + 15M at Level 3 (depending on university) |
- Over 500 RICS‑accredited courses exist in the UK, covering the subjects in surveying, construction, civil engineering and building engineering.
- Students without a surveying degree can take accredited postgraduate conversions (e.g., MSc Surveying).
- By completing RICS accredited degree, you become eligible to undertake the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) process, which leads to chartership upon successful completion (MRICS title).
Salaries and career progression
- Surveying Technician (Level 3)
- £24,000 starter → £32,000 experienced
- £24,000 starter → £32,000 experienced
- Graduate or Assistant Surveyor
- Typically, £25,000–£35,000 depending on sector (based on NCS and RICS early career pathways)
- Typically, £25,000–£35,000 depending on sector (based on NCS and RICS early career pathways)
- Chartered Surveyor (MRICS)
- Often £40,000–£60,000+, higher in London or specialist fields
- Chartered surveyors take on complex projects and leadership responsibilities.
Why surveying is an exciting, future proof career
Surveying offers a surprisingly wide range of exciting, future focused careers. You can work on major city shaping construction projects, valuing land and buildings or assessing their condition to keep communities safe. Some surveyors specialise in environmental and sustainability work, helping the UK transition to greener buildings and smarter infrastructure.
Others focus on cutting edge tech, using drones, digital twins, and 3D modelling to map and analyse the built environment. Whether you prefer being out on-site, solving technical problems, or advising clients at board level, surveying offers a dynamic career with real-world impact.
Because every nation needs infrastructure, housing and land management, the profession is global - RICS is recognised worldwide, enabling travel and international careers.
Surveying isn’t an old fashioned clipboard job - it’s a modern, tech driven, world shaping profession with routes for everyone, from hands on apprenticeships to university degrees. Whether you love maths, science, geography, teamwork, drones, architecture, sustainability or simply solving real problems, there is a surveying path for you.
Springpod - Free virtual work experience
Our Virtual Work Experience programme, delivered in collaboration with Springpod, offers students a flexible and accessible way to explore careers in surveying.
- Over 7 hours of interactive content
- Certificate awarded upon completion
- Free and accessible online
This programme provides a practical and engaging introduction to the surveying profession, helping students gain valuable insights and build confidence in their career choices. It's especially beneficial for individuals who may face barriers to accessing in-person work experience opportunities.
By connecting with students early, this initiative supports a stronger, more inclusive pathway into the profession and encourages future RICS membership.
Work experience
If you’re interested in gaining experience in surveying, we would strongly encourage you to research and contact large property and construction firms directly, as many of them offer structured work experience, insight days, and early careers programmes. For example:
- Knight Frank
- Savills
- CBRE
You may also wish to look at local surveying firms in your area, as smaller practices can sometimes offer valuable shadowing opportunities.
Be sure to check their careers pages and apply directly. You can also use our Find a Surveyor website to find local surveying companies in your area.
