Qualification details
The Diploma is a vocationally related qualification, meaning it gives you the skills and knowledge to be a well-rounded residential surveyor. The Diploma is delivered part time and is delivered in two parts – training and assessment.
Key features:
- Level 6 vocational related Diploma to enable existing property professionals to gain knowledge on residential construction and pathology
- Training material and course training days delivered by industry leaders
- Provides in-depth training and assessment
- Study is part time so you can complete it whilst continuing to work in your current job
Qualification Summary
Qualification type:
Level 6 vocational related Diploma
Qualification Duration:
18-22 months
Awarding body:
Awarding Body for the Built Environment (ABBE)
Study method:
Part-time blended learning including a mix of 19 face-to-face and virtual sessions
Qualification outcome:
Diploma in Residential Surveying
Learning Credits:
52
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Training
Training lasts for 10 months and is delivered via a mix of face-to-face and online learning. It includes the following modules:
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1. Being A Professional
his module discusses everything it means to be professional and introduces ethics, client care, communication, regulation, and professional conduct. It covers conflict avoidance, management, and dispute resolution procedures
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2. Law
Law underpins the whole qualification. This module introduces law and discusses how it is made and introduces some land law concepts such as easements, restrictive covenants, contract law negligence, and occupier’s liability. It also covers legal and regulatory compliance
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3. Property Research and Observation
Observational and research skills are essential for surveying and these modules introduce completing thorough property research as well as developing the skills needed to ’see’ and record those observations in residential properties. This module also includes the importance of keeping property records and data management and introduces health and safety in residential property. By working in groups, you will begin to develop these skills
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4. Investigating Residential Property – Case Study Properties
This module focus on how properties are built and what can go wrong. They look at sites, foundations, floors, roofs, walls, and joinery. We explore how residential buildings should be correctly built and the process of diagnosing the cause of defects such as building movement, dampness etc. The interactive sessions will focus on case study properties
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5. Investigating Residential Property – Building Services
This module looks at service systems and what can go wrong. It covers inspection and testing of service systems, electrical systems, heating services, plumbing and drainage. The interactive session will focus on a case study property
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6. Inspecting Property
Building upon the observation and recording skills from earlier in the course, this focuses on the inspection ‘agenda’ and equipment. It covers property measurement in depth (including industry regulatory standards) and looks at residential rebuilding costs. It also covers health and safety whilst on site
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7. Investigating Residential Property - Practical days
The practical days are site visits to a range of real properties to carry out a full inspection followed by a detailed analysis of the findings to determine what defects might exist and how impactful they would be on the owner. Please note: regardless of course location, these site visits take place in Milton Keynes. The practical sessions will be followed by an overview day to ensure you develop a robust inspection technique
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8. Introduction to Assessment
This is separated into two sessions and covers the preparation needed for the assessment process, how to present evidence for your qualification, and an overview of how to use the online e-portfolio system
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9. Energy & Sustainability
This module focuses on sustainability using the ‘three pillar’ framework. It looks in depth at energy efficiency and how appropriate energy improvement measures and renewable technologies can contribute to the carbon saving agenda. It covers RDSAP conventions as part of this, but the course does not give you the ability to produce EPCS
Assessment
Once the training is complete, you will then produce a portfolio of evidence for assessment. This will include 10 condition reports so that you can demonstrate your technical knowledge, as well as written tasks to assess your business and interpersonal skills. This is followed by a multiple-choice external examination.
How long does it take?
The training takes 10 months, and once this is complete you move onto assessment. The assessment should take around 12 months to complete.
Trainer expertise
The training is delivered by leading surveying practitioners, including Larry Russen, Mike Ridgell, John Wheatley, and Carrie de Silva.
How much study do I need to undertake?
This depends on the relevance of your past work experience and your individual learning style. Most learners dedicate minimum 10 -15 hours each week to study.
What are the entry requirements?
There are no formal requirements for entry onto this qualification. However, learners should be able to demonstrate English Writing, Mathematics and IT skills comprehension at a level equivalent to an A-C GCSE.
Who the Qualification is designed for?
The Diploma is designed for those who wish to undertake residential condition surveys and gain knowledge on residential construction and pathology. Ideal for those who are already a member of the RICS but qualified through a different pathway e.g. commercial property.
"I was attracted to the course because it is run by industry leaders and it also gave me the flexibility to keep working in my current role while I was studying. I liked how quickly you could qualify if you were prepared to put the work in"
James Quinn, Diploma Graduate,
Now Owner Of Surveying Company
You will be taught by industry experts
Larry Russen, Chartered Surveyor & Diploma Trainer explains how learners are taught by industry experts
Download and read later
Our take away PDF contains a qualification overview and key information...
What is a Residential Surveyor?
A residential surveyor deals with all aspects of residential property. Principal activities are valuing and surveying property as well as the management, purchase, sale, or leasing of land and property.
Career rewards?
- There’s a high demand for surveying services across the UK and there’s limited supply of new surveyors
- A career in residential surveying offers great freedom and flexibility such as working for yourself or with an established company
- The RICS Recruit website also provides up to date information on career opportunities click here for more info
Opportunities within residential surveying
The Diploma in Residential Surveying is very similar to the Diploma in Residential Surveying and Valuation – but without the valuation element. Consequently, it does not map against the RICS Associate pathway for Residential Survey and Valuation and currently there is no alternative pathway, so on its own it will not give direct entry to RICS. It is however accredited by the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE).
Because it is a robust level 6 Diploma it may give you direct access to employment on its own, and if combined with previous experience, other professional qualifications (such as Associate Membership of RICS through a different route to membership), or other academic qualifications, it may give access to the following career options:
- Join a surveying firm – most surveying companies offer 9-to-5 employment so if you are looking for a salaried position joining an existing firm could be for you.
- Working with a housing provider – you will have a deep understanding of construction and building pathology, essential for modern housing managers.
- Find work through a panel of surveyors – a surveying panel offers work to its members on a contract basis – perfect if you are looking for some flexibility with your workload.
In addition, it is an excellent option for someone returning to residential property after a career break or working in a different sector as it demonstrates valid CPD with a Certificate of competence.
Course Fees
The total qualification cost is £9,950 inc. VAT. Payment plans are available. Click here to view the full pricing information.
Course Intakes
The Diploma is run from several locations throughout the UK. Contact us for more information on start dates.
Industry endorsements & quotes
Ben Browne
Surveyor with Arnold & Baldwin Chartered Surveyors
Ben graduated with Sava in 2018, In this video hear about Ben’s story to become a
surveyor.
Ewa Wolska
Surveyor with Michael Holden Chartered Surveyors
Ewa graduated with Sava in 2018. In this video hear about what Ewa loves about her new career
in surveying.
Nick Goldsmith
Surveyor with Arnold & Baldwin Chartered Surveyors
Nick graduated with Sava in 2018. In this video, hear about why Nick decided on a new career
in surveying and how he achieved his Diploma.
Industry endorsements & quotes
“I didn’t find the workload too daunting and there was always the opportunity to stop and ask
questions if you didn’t understand something”
Chris Norris, Diploma Graduate
“At Arnold & Baldwin we recruit top quality candidates from a variety of backgrounds. We recognise the transferable skills from other industries and professions, such as estate agency.
The knowledge our current Sava alumni [who have completed the Diploma in Residential Surveying and Valuation] possess is very impressive. We want all of our surveyors to have the same level of knowledge. We are currently putting 3 members of staff through the Certificate in Residential Surveying”
Joe Arnold, BSc (Hons) MRICS Registered Valuer
Managing Director, Arnold & Baldwin Chartered Surveyors
We are not currently running any events for the Diploma in Residential Surveying. Please call us on 01908 442158 to find out more.
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For over 35 years we have been Making Buildings Better
Sava strives to make buildings better. We do this by providing education, technology, and compliance
services to building owners, surveyors and the wider property industry. We were established in 1983, and
our roots are within energy assessment and home condition surveying.