Media

The University of Hong Kong (HKU) has announced a groundbreaking milestone for its Bachelor of Science in Surveying [BSc(Surv)] programme, offered by the Department of Real Estate and Construction. The programme has recently received accreditation from the Land Surveying Division of the Hong Kong Institute of Surveying (HKIS), complementing existing recognitions across five other disciplines—General Practice, Quantity Surveying, Building Surveying, Planning and Development, and Property & Facility Management. This achievement makes HKU’s BSc(Surv) the world’s first and only surveying programme with full accreditation across six disciplines, establishing it as a global leader in integrated surveying education.

Surveying boasts a rich history dating back to ancient Egypt, evolving into six key specializations that support urban development and construction worldwide. While different surveying disciplines have specialized expertise, Land Surveying in particular has evolved into a technology-driven discipline that benefits from geospatial data analytics and advanced digital tools. It plays a fundamental role in accurate measurement and mapping of land parcels, boundaries, and topographical features, thereby guiding land use and development decisions.

Professor K.W. Chau, Chair Professor of the Department, notes, “Established in 1988, HKU’s BSc(Surv) was the first globally to integrate different surveying disciplines within its curriculum, demonstrating our commitment to comprehensive and innovative education.” Beyond the six HKIS accreditations, the programme is also recognized by esteemed international bodies including The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), and The Pacific Association of Quantity Surveyors (PAQS).

Over the course of four years, students will acquire comprehensive professional knowledge across all six disciplines, without the need to specialise in a single area. This holistic approach aims to foster seamless interdisciplinary collaboration, equipping students to address complex real-world challenges. Professor Wilson Lu, Head of the Department, emphasises, “In this era of digitalisation and GenAI, our ‘One Surveying’ approach provides students with the multi-disciplinary skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry, ensuring they remain at the forefront of technological innovation and industry best practices.” Embracing digital transformation, the programme integrates cutting-edge technologies such as geospatial data analytics, Building Information Modelling (BIM), Internet of Things (IoT), Generative AI, and other innovative tools.

Professor Isabelle Chan, Associate Head in Teaching and Programme Director, states that these recognitions, alongside the ongoing curriculum enhancements, studio projects which spans through four years of study, credit-bearing internships, international exchanges, overseas study tours, VR/AR modules, mentor-mentee programme, and other experiential opportunities, thoroughly equip students for success both locally in Hong Kong and internationally on the global stage.

The comprehensive education prepares students to excel in the dynamic global real estate and construction markets. Sr Robin Leung, President of HKIS, highlights that “Hong Kong and other GBA cities will undergo large-scale urban and infrastructure developments over the next 20-30 years,” driving a strong demand for interdisciplinary talents to contribute to making planning and development processes faster, smarter, healthier, and more sustainable.

Graduates of HKU BSc(Surv) are in high demand among developers, property firms, consultancy agencies, contractors, financial institutions, and public sector bodies such as Lands, Buildings, Housing, Rating and Valuation, Architectural Services, or Urban Renewal departments. Recent data shows over 90% of graduates receive two or more job offers, with more than 70% securing three or more. Looking ahead, Sr Robin Leung is confident that “the revamped programme will further broaden graduates’ career prospects,” and the industry eagerly awaits the first cohort of ‘One Surveyors’ from HKU BSc(Surv).

For more information about the programme and its accreditation, please visit the programme website.

For media enquiries, please contact Ms. Viann Wong (Tel: 3917-0039; Email: [email protected]).