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Trades & Construction

How to Become a Quantity Surveyor in Scotland

Manage construction costs, contracts and procurement for building projects across Scotland.

Maths required at Heriot-Watt

RICS APC route to chartership

Graduate Apprenticeship at GCU

Strong infrastructure pipeline in Scotland

Highers You Need

Typical entry: ABBB at Higher. You also need English (C) and Maths (C) at National 5.

No specific Higher subjects are required for Quantity Surveyor — any combination of Highers is accepted, provided you meet the overall grade threshold.

Recommended (not required)

  • Maths— required at Heriot-Watt; recommended elsewhere
  • English— required at RGU

Route to Qualification

Degree: BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying (4 years at university).

1

BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying (4 years)

4 years

2

RICS APC (Assessment of Professional Competence — minimum 24 months)

2 years post-degree

3

Graduate Apprenticeship in Construction and Built Environment — QS pathway (Glasgow Caledonian)

4 years

Employer-funded

Scottish Universities Offering This Course

Scottish-domiciled students can apply through UCAS and have tuition fees funded by SAAS.

  • Heriot-Watt University
  • Glasgow Caledonian University
  • Robert Gordon University
  • Edinburgh Napier University

Professional Registration

To practise as a Quantity Surveyor in Scotland, you must register with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Registration is required by law and must be maintained through continuing professional development.

Salary in Scotland

Starting salary

£24,000–£29,000

Newly qualified

Mid-career salary

£38,000–£50,000

5–10 years experience

Graduate QS starting salary in Scotland (Glassdoor/market data 2025). Chartered QS (MRICS) earns approximately 15–25% more. Scotland's major infrastructure pipeline supports strong demand.

EduSCOT note

Quantity surveying offers a clear route from school to professional chartership with or without the traditional university path. The Graduate Apprenticeship at Glasgow Caledonian is fully employer-funded.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Highers do you need to become a Quantity Surveyor in Scotland?▾
No specific Higher subjects are required to become a Quantity Surveyor in Scotland — though you will need English (C) and Maths (C) at National 5. The typical offer grade is ABBB.
Which Scottish universities offer BSc?▾
The following Scottish universities offer routes into Quantity Surveyor careers: Heriot-Watt University, Glasgow Caledonian University, Robert Gordon University, Edinburgh Napier University. Scottish-domiciled students are eligible for tuition fee funding through SAAS.
How long does it take to become a Quantity Surveyor in Scotland?▾
The main degree route takes 4 years. Alternative routes include: RICS APC (Assessment of Professional Competence — minimum 24 months) (2 years post-degree); Graduate Apprenticeship in Construction and Built Environment — QS pathway (Glasgow Caledonian) (4 years). After completing the degree, registration with Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is required before you can practise.
What is the salary for a Quantity Surveyor in Scotland?▾
Starting salary for a Quantity Surveyor in Scotland is typically £24,000–£29,000. Mid-career salary is typically £38,000–£50,000. Graduate QS starting salary in Scotland (Glassdoor/market data 2025). Chartered QS (MRICS) earns approximately 15–25% more. Scotland's major infrastructure pipeline supports strong demand.
Is there an apprenticeship route to becoming a Quantity Surveyor in Scotland?▾
Yes — Graduate Apprenticeship in Construction and Built Environment — QS pathway (Glasgow Caledonian) (4 years). Graduate Apprenticeships are funded through Skills Development Scotland and employers — tuition fees are covered.
Does SAAS cover tuition fees for Quantity Surveyor degrees in Scotland?▾
Scottish-domiciled students studying BSc at a Scottish university are eligible for SAAS (Student Awards Agency Scotland) tuition fee funding. For 4-year undergraduate degrees, SAAS covers tuition in full. Professional or postgraduate stages (such as a Diploma in Legal Practice or pre-registration year) may not be covered — check the SAAS website for your specific course.