Rural surveyor

You can study for a degree in surveying, accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors or approved by the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers .

Employers will often accept other subjects, such as:

• geography
• geographic information science
• rural estate and land management
• land use and environmental management
• rural business management
• environment and sustainable development

You can do a postgraduate conversion course if your first degree is not related to surveying.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

• a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

You could apply to do a Chartered Surveyor Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

This takes around 5 years to complete and combines on-the-job training with university study.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

If you have a degree, you may be able to join a graduate training scheme with a surveying practice. Your employer would put you through a structured training programme.

You can also study for a degree or postgraduate qualification in surveying or real estate management through the University of the Built Environment. These courses are done through supported online learning.

Professional and Industry Bodies

You can join the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors or the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers for professional development training and networking opportunities.

Further Information

You can get more advice about careers in surveying from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

As a rural surveyor, you could:

• survey and value land, farms, rural buildings and other assets
• advise clients on legal and tax issues
• manage planning applications and produce financial forecasts
• investigate ways to reuse land and assess potential redevelopments
• handle lease negotiations. rent reviews and contract disputes
• work closely with architects, construction staff and engineers

You could work on a country estate, on a farm or in the countryside.

Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers and you'll travel often.