Overview
Our BSc (Hons) Surveying and Mapping Sciences programme delves into mapping geographical features. This includes land surveying and geodesy, photogrammetry, laser scanning, remote sensing, and hydrographic surveying. Study modules that line up with the standards of the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors, positioning yourself as a global leader in precision measurement techniques. This course is sought after by international students where precision in measuring boundaries and buildings forms an integral part of property sales.
On this course you will:
- learn about cadastral surveying, which combines technical and legal knowledge to establish boundaries, a fundamental part of surveying and mapping sciences
- engage in national-level competitions with Engineers Without Borders
- showcase your dedication to sustainable surveying practices; and
- become part of an exclusive group of students in one of only two institutions in the UK offering this specialised surveying and mapping course, in the science of surveying and mapping.
This course is in Clearing
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Course modules
This programme's foundation year lays a solid foundation for pursuing a career in surveying and mapping. Core modules such as Analytical Mathematics, Engineering Sciences, and Introduction to Computing develop essential skills for understanding engineering concepts and applying them to real-world problems. You will gain both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in surveying, mapping, and computing, which are essential for successful careers in engineering and surveying.
The first year of the surveying and mapping degree equips you with a comprehensive understanding of construction, surveying, and engineering principles. Modules such as Land and Construction Surveying, Construction Technology, and GIS & Mapping provide both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in surveying, data analysis, and building design. This programme prepares you for a successful career in surveying and mapping.
The second year of the surveying and mapping degree provides a comprehensive understanding of surveying and mapping, integrating both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Core modules such as Engineering Surveying, 3D Data Modelling and Analysis, and GNSS & Reference Systems prepare you to solve complex measurement problems using advanced technologies.
In the third year of the surveying and mapping programme, you gain advanced knowledge and practical skills through core modules like Capstone Project, Land Law and Registration, and Sea Surveying. The curriculum explores critical areas such as geospatial professional practice, land management systems, and marine surveying, preparing you for real-world challenges in surveying and mapping fields. The focus on digital proficiency, ethics, and sustainability ensures that you are ready for the evolving demands of the surveying industry.
NOTE: Modules are subject to change. For those studying part time courses the modules may vary.
Download course specification
Entry requirements
What makes this course different

Strong industry connections
The programme maintains regular contact with major industry players like Fugro UK, Plowman Craven, Skanska, and Costain, offering valuable networking and potential recruitment opportunities.

Rare course
We're one of only two institutions in the UK that can offer you a surveying and mapping course at the undergraduate level.

Engineers Without Borders
As a part of our curriculum, you will be competing at the national level. At Engineers Without Borders, our students are committed to operating in the most sustainable and globally responsible ways.
Chartered standards

Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (ICES)
All our modules match the required standards of the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (ICES).
Your future career
Surveyors are in high demand, and this course will give you the skills to take advantage of a worldwide employment market. We have superb links with the industry and run a regular programme of guest speakers, who are leaders in surveying and mapping sciences.
Industry links
Each term, we're visited by around 20 local industry professionals - known as the Industrial Advisory Board (IAB) – to update us on changing requirements for graduates. They also supervise final-year projects, when they'll be looking out for likely candidates to recruit for jobs. This course also has regular contact with Fugro UK, the offshore surveying and exploration company, Plowman Craven, one of the UK’s biggest land surveyors, and other major construction companies such as Skanska and Costain ensures you are always in touch with the latest trends in the science of surveying and mapping.
Graduate employers
Our graduates are well-equipped for roles that require expertise in surveying and mapping sciences. Likely UK destinations include Highways England, Network Rail, Thames Water and local authorities. Recent UEL graduates in Surveying and Mapping Sciences have also gone into jobs with Fugro, Plowman Craven, Ordnance Survey, Scopus, Survey Solutions and Crossrail.
Job roles
The emphasis placed internationally on precision measurement of boundaries in property sales means surveyors skilled in the science of surveying and mapping are hugely valued worldwide. Many overseas students who graduate from this course return home to work in their government land survey departments.
Other graduates have moved into UK companies specialising in surveying land for new houses or roads. The course is also a route into forensic surveying, which establishes precise data for use in court cases. You might be involved in checking measurements following a serious road accident or attending a serious crime scene, such as the aftermath of a bomb explosion.
Your knowledge of hydrographic surveying will equip you for worldwide employment opportunities in the fields of offshore gas and oil exploration. These skills are also required for tasks such as searching for aircraft which have disappeared over the ocean.
Further study
As you complete your surveying and mapping degree, you may choose to pursue further studies with our courses such as:

As a university committed to your career growth, we've curated dedicated Career Zones across all of our campuses with practical services tailored to your success. From internships, personalised coaching, and employability workshops to volunteering, mentoring, placements, and enterprise opportunities, we offer a diverse range of support."Rema Khatun
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How you'll learn
With more than 60 years of experience, surveying is one of the longest-established areas of teaching within the University of East London.
Most of our students on this course work part-time in the profession, including during the summer break, while they're studying. This is usually on a paid basis. Students engage in small projects, based on practical work, that build their knowledge of the science of surveying and mapping. Throughout the course, students work with the latest surveying equipment and software. Your final year will include a project involving independent research and study of a technical subject.
This project will be supervised by a member of staff with an interest in the field and will normally include some laboratory work or the analysis of a specific surveying problem. Throughout, you'll be working with the very latest surveying equipment and software.
Each term, we're visited by around 20 local industry professionals - known as the Industrial Advisory Board (IAB) – to update us on changing requirements for graduates. They also supervise final-year projects, when they'll be looking out for likely candidates to recruit for jobs.
This course also has regular contact with Fugro UK, the offshore surveying and exploration company, Plowman Craven, one of the UK’s biggest land surveyors, and other major construction companies such as Skanska and Costain.
Guided independent study
We are investing in key areas beyond your studies including our career services, library and well-being, to be available both face-to-face on campus and online with many of these available 24/7. Our new library facilities contain resources essential for the science of surveying and mapping, including print and digital formats, a range of study spaces and a dedicated librarian who can assist with your learning.
Academic support
Students are supported with any academic or subject-related queries by an Academic Advisor, module leaders, and former and current UEL students.
If you need a bit of extra help with certain skills such as academic writing, English, maths or statistics, our Academic Tutors offer workshops, drop-in sessions and one-to-one appointments to help our students achieve their potential. You can receive advice and guidance on all aspects of the IT systems provided by the university from our IT Service Desks located on all three campuses.
Our Student Support hubs in Docklands and Stratford feature centralised helpdesks to cater for your every need. UEL provides support and advice for disabled students and those with specific learning difficulties (SPDs).
Dedicated personal tutor
When you arrive, we'll introduce you to your personal tutor. This is the member of the academic course team who will provide academic guidance, be a support throughout your time at UEL and who will show you how to make the best use of all the help and resources that we offer.
Workload
Each year you will spend around 300 hours of timetabled learning and teaching activities. These may be lectures, workshops, seminars and individual and group tutorials. Contact hours may vary depending on each module.
The approximate percentages for this course are:
- Year 1: scheduled teaching - 300 hours; guided independent study - 900 hours.
- Year 2: scheduled teaching - 300 hours; guided independent study - 900 hours.
- Year 3: scheduled teaching - 300 hours; guided independent study - 900 hours.
Your timetable
You will receive your personalised timetable at the beginning of the academic year depending on your course.
Class sizes
The size of classes can vary depending on the nature of the course, module and activity. This can range from large groups in a lecture theatre setting, to smaller groups taking part in seminars and collaborative work.
How you'll be assessed
Assessment is undertaken in various modes such as written assignments, laboratory reports, project reports and examinations. Assessment tasks are spread across the year to make the workload manageable.
Feedback is provided within 15 working days in line with UEL's assessment and feedback policy.
Campus and facilities
Docklands Campus, London, E16 2RD
Our waterfront campus in the historic Royal Docks provides a modern, well-equipped learning environment.
Join us and you'll be able to make the most of our facilities including contemporary lecture theatres and seminar rooms, art studios and exhibition spaces, audio and visual labs and a multimedia production centre.
Features include our 24/7 Docklands library, our £21m SportsDock centre, a campus shop and bookstore, the Children's Garden Nursery, cafés, eateries, a late bar, plus Student Union facilities, including a student lounge.
The University of East London is one of the few London universities to provide on-campus accommodation. Our Docklands Campus Student Village houses close to 1,200 students from around the world. We are well connected to central London and Canary Wharf, with London City Airport just across the water. We also run a free bus service that connects Docklands with Stratford campuses.
Who teaches this course
This course is delivered by the School of Architecture, Computing and Engineering
The teaching team includes qualified academics, practitioners and industry experts as guest speakers. Full details of the academics will be provided in the student handbook and module guides.
What our students and staff say

UEL was the only university that offered what I actually wanted to study. It was definitely the place to be and I am where I am today thanks to UEL. Studying there could not have been better. The staff are dedicated and the students hospitable and friendly."
Franklin Nubila
Surveying and Mapping Sciences, BSc (Hons)

Classes cover a wide range of different avenues you can follow within the surveying industry, from the bread-and-butter work of topographic to digital 3D mapping to legal and even offshore surveying."
Carmen Tong
BSc (Hons) Surveying and Mapping Sciences graduate




