u/Prior-Group2466

Background: I'm a electrician looking to move into QS. Got offers from both Northumbria University and University of the Built Environment for their MSc Quantity Surveying programmes.

I'm trying to decide between the two and would appreciate input from anyone who knows better

- Which carries more weight with employers when you're applying for jobs?

- How's the course content , is one more practical/commercial vs academic?

- Does either have better industry links or placement opportunities?

I'm not chasing prestige for the sake of it , I just want to make sure whichever I pick actually sets me up properly for the industry. Any experience or opinions welcome.

Hey everyone, looking for some honest opinions here.
I’ve been working as an electrician for a few years now and I’m thinking about going back to study specifically a Master’s in Quantity Surveying.
I’ve always been interested in the commercial side of construction and it feels like a natural step up.
But lately I keep reading about how AI is automating takeoffs, cost estimation etc
So before I commit the time and money, I just want to get a reality check from people actually in the field:
1) Are QS roles actually being cut or is AI just changing how the work gets done?
2) Is there still good demand for QS professionals?
3) For anyone already working as a QS ,are you worried about your job in the next 5-10 years?
4) Would you still recommend someone enter this field in 2026?
I don’t mind adapting and learning new tools ,I just don’t want to invest in a degree for a role that’s going to be gutted by the time I graduate.

Any insight appreciated.

I come from a tech background with a couple of years of industry experience, but QS is genuinely where I want to be. I'm currently looking at conversion MSc programmes in the UK.

My biggest concern isn't the degree , it's what happens after. Specifically:

• Are consultancies and large contractors actually sponsoring international grads, or is it mostly for experienced hires?

• If the UK route doesn't pan out as i have seen in some post that people were struggling to find a job , is a UK QS MSc a credible stepping stone to other markets —and which European country currently has the most demand and openings for QS roles?

• Beyond Europe, how does it translate to the Middle East or other market ?

Would love to hear from anyone who's in the market, Happy to answer any questions about my background if it helps.

Hey everyone,

I'll be upfront because I think honesty gets better advice than sugarcoating.

My background:

• BS in Computer Science — CGPA: 2.47/4.00
• MS in Data Science- overall Pass (no distinction/merit)
• Interested in pursuing a funded PhD in AI / Machine Learning

The honest picture:

My grades aren't great, and I know it. My MS covered relevant material  ML, Data Mining, Statistics, Research Methods , but again, no standout marks.

I'm not here to make excuses. I want to know what people in similar situations actually did to turn things around.

What I'm currently thinking:

• Start publishing —  workshop paper or arXiv preprint in an area like ML or AI?,
• Build a strong GitHub portfolio with real ML projects
• Write a Statement of Purpose that directly addresses my grade trajectory and upward trend

My questions for you:

1. Is my BS GPA a hard disqualifier everywhere, or do some programs genuinely look past it with strong research?
2. For those who got in with weak grades , what was the single thing that made the differences
3. Any specific programs, universities, or scholarships in Europe that are more research-potential focused?
4. Is publishing worth anything, or does it need to be a proper conference/journal?
5. or i have to do something else

I'm based in Dublin so EU/Irish programs are ideal, but I'm open to anywhere fully funded.

Appreciate any honest takes ,  brutal is fine, I'd rather know the reality than chase the wrong path for another year.

Thanks

Hey everyone,

I'll be upfront because I think honesty gets better advice than sugarcoating.

My background:

• BS in Computer Science — CGPA: 2.47/4.00
• MS in Data Science- overall Pass (no distinction/merit)
• Interested in pursuing a funded PhD in AI / Machine Learning

The honest picture:

My grades aren't great, and I know it. My MS covered relevant material ML, Data Mining, Statistics, Research Methods , but again, no standout marks.

I'm not here to make excuses. I want to know what people in similar situations actually did to turn things around.

What I'm currently thinking:

• Start publishing — workshop paper or arXiv preprint in an area like ML or AI?,
• Build a strong GitHub portfolio with real ML projects
• Write a Statement of Purpose that directly addresses my grade trajectory and upward trend

My questions for you:

1. Is my BS GPA a hard disqualifier everywhere, or do some programs genuinely look past it with strong research?
2. For those who got in with weak grades , what was the single thing that made the differences
3. Any specific programs, universities, or scholarships in Europe that are more research-potential focused?
4. Is publishing on arXiv (without peer review) worth anything, or does it need to be a proper conference/journal?
5. or i have to do something else

I'm based in Dublin so EU/Irish programs are ideal, but I'm open to anywhere fully funded.

Appreciate any honest takes , brutal is fine, I'd rather know the reality than chase the wrong path for another year.

Thanks

Hi everyone,

I’m 27 years old and currently at a major crossroads in my career. I already hold a Bachelor’s and an MSc in IT, and I’ve worked in the tech sector for a couple of years. However, I’ve realized that tech isn't where my true passion lies. I’m planning to make a career switch into Quantity Surveying (QS), which I find much more interesting and aligned with my long-term goals.

Since I already have an MSc, I know I’m committing to a second one, but I want to make sure it’s the right move. I’m an international student, so my perspective is heavily driven by employability, ROI, and the harsh reality of visa sponsorships. 

Here are my main questions and concerns. I’d love to hear from current QS professionals, students, and especially recruitment consultants familiar with the industry:

1. Leeds Beckett vs. University of the Built Environment (UoBE)

I’m narrowing down my options for an MSc in Quantity Surveying (conversion) and am currently stuck between these two. 

• Employability & Reputation: Which university has a better reputation and stronger connections in the construction industry? 
• Does one have a noticeably better track record for getting international students into grad schemes or sponsored roles?

2. The Job Market (2-5 Years Down the Line)

• How does the QS job market look for the next 2 to 5 years? I hear there’s a current talent shortage, but will this hold up by the time I graduate?
• Are we looking at a saturation of graduates, or is the demand still outpacing supply?
• How do current economic conditions, inflation, and recent construction slowdowns affect hiring for junior QS roles? Are companies still taking on grads, or are they pulling back?

3. Visa Sponsorships & Global Demand (UK, Middle East, Australia)

• UK Sponsorship: Will there be enough Skilled Worker Visa sponsored roles for QS in the future? I know construction roles often pop up on the shortage list, but does that actually translate to smaller PQS (Private Quantity Surveying) consultancies sponsoring international grads? 
• Contractors vs. Consultancies: Are large main contractors more likely to sponsor international grads than boutique cost consultancies? Is the demand high enough that companies are willing to go through the administrative hassle of sponsorship for an entry-level international QS?
• I am also keeping my options open globally. How does the QS market look in the Middle East (UAE, KSA, Qatar) and Australia for someone with a UK MSc? Are these regions more open to sponsoring international grads, or do they strictly require local experience first? What’s the realistic pathway to getting sponsored in these regions after graduating in the UK?

4. Additional Concerns & Career Strategy

• IT to QS Transition: How difficult is the switch? Can my IT background (data analytics, estimating software, an understanding of BIM/PropTech) be a unique selling point, or will I just be seen as another grad with zero site experience?
• Grad Schemes: Are QS graduate schemes at major firms actually open to international students requiring sponsorship, or do they exclusively hire home students with an existing Right to Work?
• Networking: What should I be doing now (before or during the MSc) to guarantee a job? (e.g., RICS student memberships, networking events, cold-emailing contractors).
• Recruiter Advice: I’d especially love to hear from recruitment consultants in the built environment space. What are you actually seeing on the ground right now? What makes an international candidate stand out to you, and what are the common dealbreakers?

I know this is a lot of information, but I want to go into this with my eyes wide open. Any honest advice, harsh realities, or success stories would be massively appreciated!

Thanks in advance!