Engineering & Technology
Quantity Surveying
Quantity Surveying teaches you how to manage the money side of construction projects -- estimating costs before building starts, tracking spending as work progresses, and managing contracts between clients and builders. You become the person who makes sure a construction project delivers value for money.
Program objectives
- 01Learn to estimate and control construction project costs.
- 02Understand construction contracts and procurement processes.
- 03Build skills in measuring and pricing construction work accurately.
- 04Get grounding in construction law and dispute resolution basics.
Why choose this program
Every construction project needs one
From small residential builds to major infrastructure projects, someone has to manage costs and contracts -- that's the quantity surveyor.
Strong path to independent practice
Experienced quantity surveyors often set up their own consultancies, working directly with clients and contractors.
Recognized professional body in Ghana
The Ghana Institution of Surveyors has a dedicated Quantity Surveying division, giving a clear route to professional recognition.
Skills you'll build
- Construction cost estimation and budgeting
- Measurement and pricing of construction work
- Contract administration and procurement
- Construction financial reporting
- Numerical precision
- Negotiation
- Attention to contractual detail
- Clear communication with clients and contractors
Tools & software
- Cost estimation and measurement software
- Excel and financial modeling tools
Challenges to expect
Academic
- Involves detailed, precise calculation work alongside construction law and contract knowledge -- a demanding combination.
Technical
- Accurately measuring and pricing construction work takes real practice; small errors can have costly real-world consequences.
Personal
- Site visits are common, so expect some time on active construction sites alongside office-based cost work.
Tips from the field
- Practice measurement and cost estimation constantly -- precision here is everything, and it only improves with repetition.
- Look into membership with the Ghana Institution of Surveyors early -- it's the recognized path to becoming a chartered quantity surveyor.
- Get comfortable with construction contracts and law basics; disputes over money and contracts are common in this field, and understanding the rules protects both you and your clients.
Career paths
- Quantity surveyor
- Cost consultant
- Contracts manager (construction)
- Construction cost estimator
- Independent quantity surveying consultant
Where you can study this
| Name | Latest cutoff | Tuition (annual) |
|---|---|---|
| Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyBSc | 9(2024) | — |
FAQs
Is this the same as Construction Technology and Management?+
They're related but distinct. Quantity Surveying focuses specifically on costs, contracts, and financial management of construction projects, while Construction Technology and Management covers a broader range of technical and project management skills.
Do I need to be excellent at Maths for this?+
Yes, you need to be comfortable and precise with numbers, since cost estimation and measurement are central to the job.
Can I become independent and run my own consultancy?+
Yes, many experienced quantity surveyors, once professionally certified, go on to run their own independent consultancy practices.
What professional body should I aim to join in Ghana?+
The Ghana Institution of Surveyors has a dedicated Quantity Surveying division, which is the recognized path to professional chartered status in this field.
Will I work mostly in an office or on construction sites?+
A mix of both -- expect office-based cost estimation and reporting work, along with periodic site visits to track actual project progress and spending.
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