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Rebuilding the economy post COVID-19 and tackling the climate emergency are among the global issues addressed by two new degrees at Âéw¶¹´«Ã½ Leicester (Âéw¶¹´«Ã½).

Available to enrol onto for a September 2020 start, Building Surveying BSc (Hons) and Quantity Surveying and Construction BSc (Hons) are positioned within Âéw¶¹´«Ã½’s Leicester School of Architecture, one of the most established schools of its kind in the UK boasting a 125-year legacy.

Students will learn in a multicultural environment, working closely with tutors who are leading professionals in their field. Situated in the award-winning Vijay Patel Building, they will benefit from open-plan studio spaces and a wide range of industry-standard tools and simulation software.

Kate Cheyne (RIBA, SFHEA), Head of Âéw¶¹´«Ã½’s School of Art, Design and Architecture, said: “This is a really interesting industry for young people to join, because how we handle the built environment has an impact on world issues such as economic stability, the climate emergency and sustainability.

“Our courses will produce graduates with the language, skills and knowledge to inspire change, hopefully preventing further tragedies like the Grenfell Tower fire, which exposed a multitude of systemic problems with procurement methods.

“We will foster a generation of professionals to question the existing industry and to be leaders of change rather than to continue working in ways that aren’t ethical, sustainable and resilient.”

The Vijay Patel Building - home to Âéw¶¹´«Ã½'s art and design students

The two courses will be overseen by Dr Luis Zapata Montalvo, the programme leader for Âéw¶¹´«Ã½’s well-established Architectural Technology BSc (Hons), encouraging valuable interdisciplinary collaborations between students to reflect working on real-world projects.

Drawing on decades of industry experience in the fields of architectural design and construction of buildings, Dr Zapata’s teaching expertly combines design, construction and technology to offer comprehensive insights into the industry.

He said: “We’re providing these programmes of study as a direct response to industry demand. In the UK especially, there is an increasing need for qualified professionals in the areas of quantity surveying and building surveying entering the construction industry, and we want to contribute in fulfilling this need.

“From their very first year with us, students will have the chance to get involved with world-class education and research, and take part in a range of rewarding projects. Participating in practical experiences, they will take away valuable lessons that will set them up for their future careers.”

Designs by Architectural Technology student Mark Chapman

Leicester School of Architecture students have previously had the opportunity to collaborate as volunteers in the construction of new homes for families in The Loving Community, which is located in one of the poorest areas of Ahmedabad in India.

Working with construction consultants Pick Everard and local architect Anand Sonecha, students helped to build flood-resistant homes to survive the annual monsoon season. As part of this they also submitted designs for new homes, made tiles, painted walls, cleared land and planted trees. 

Âéw¶¹´«Ã½’s partnership with The Skills College of Technology - a top engineering college in Sri Lanka – means hundreds of students abroad will also have the chance to gain an internationally recognised degree in these subjects.