KA5040 - Business and Professional Development

What will I learn on this module?

This module will teach you about the surveying profession, the governing bodies and give you an understanding of the skill set required to succeed within the profession to allow you to consider the direction of your future career. You will learn how to develop your professional CV and how to conduct yourself within an employment interview through a mock interview. You will also look at the RICS Assessment of Professional Competence in order to understand the process to become a Chartered Surveyor to be able to start planning a learning strategy.

How will I learn on this module?

You will learn through a combination of lectures, interactive workshops and seminars together with independent learning.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Your main support is via summative assessment which is broken down into two parts.

Assessment 1 – CV and covering letter (50%)
Assessment 2 – Mock job interview (50%)

Written feedback will be given on each assessment and will be given within the university timings and will give you more guidance on how to improve your work and your transferable skills.

In addition to the two summative assessments support will include formative feedback from the tutors during seminars and interactive workshops.  In addition, the tutors will respond to any questions on discussion board on eLearning Portal in relation to assessments in order that the whole group can benefit. 

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
• MLO1: You will undertake survey, appraisal and feasibility studies in a justifiable and professional manner.
• MLO2: You will critically assess the differing needs of clients and other stakeholders.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• MLO3: You will research and evaluate data and communicate results to a range of stakeholders.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• MLO4: You will develop an understanding of global professional ethics and the rules of conduct for building surveying.
• MLO5: You will develop and apply a reflective approach to learning and personal development.

How will I be assessed?

Summative assessment

You will be required to complete two components within this module. The first assessment is the completion of a CV and covering letter for a placement/summer internship. This will be followed by a mock job interview.

Assessment 1 – CV and covering letter (50%)

Assessment 2 – Mock job interview (50%)

Written feedback will be given on each assessment and will be given within the university timings and will give you more guidance on how to improve your work and your transferable skills.

Formative assessment

In addition to the two summative assessments support will include formative feedback from the tutors during seminars and interactive workshops.  In addition, the tutors will respond to any questions on discussion board on eLearning Portal in relation to assessments in order that the whole group can benefit. 

Both assessments will assess MLO1-5.

Pre-requisite(s)

None

Co-requisite(s)

None

Module abstract

This module is designed to allow students to develop business awareness and opportunities for building surveyors, quantity surveyors and real estate surveyors to reflect on their career aspirations and current skills level. It aids the identification and development of the key skills required by employers and seeks to develop these transferable business skills. Consideration is given to potential areas and sectors of employment and it provides students with the skills to apply for professional employment, undertake selection processes, and to meet workplace and professional requirements. Seminars will be interactive encouraging students to demonstrate their communication, negotiation and interview skills. The knowledge and skills developed will improve your surveying attributes alongside the inter-personal soft skills, significantly enhancing employability.

Course info

UCAS Code K240

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Department Architecture and Built Environment

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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