Diploma in Residential Surveying and Valuation

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements to enrol on the diploma as learners are taught from the ground up. However, we recommend that you possess a good understanding of written and spoken English, mathematics and IT skills at an equivalent standard to GCSE level C.

Months of entry

March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November

Course content

The Diploma in Residential Surveying and Valuation, delivered by Sava, is the UK’s leading professional route into residential property surveying – a profession that calls on your investigative skills to uncover issues and defects in homes, providing an essential service to buyers, homeowners, and housing providers.

Recognised across the industry, the Sava diploma provides a direct pathway to Associate (AssocRICS) membership of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, one of the most respected professional bodies in the property sector.

This Level 6 diploma (equivalent to a bachelor’s degree) combines academic learning with practical, real-world training to equip you with the skills and confidence to work as a competent residential surveyor. Throughout the course, you’ll be guided by experienced industry practitioners who will teach you the essential foundations of the profession, including:

• Residential construction

• Building pathology – identifying, diagnosing, and reporting on building defects

• Survey and inspection techniques

• Residential property valuation methods and practice

• Legal, regulatory, and ethical frameworks within surveying

The diploma is delivered through a blended learning format, combining online and virtual study with practical, face-to-face training days, making it ideal for learners at any point in their career journey, whether you're just starting out, pursuing a complete career change or looking to upskill in the property sector).

On completion, you’ll hold an industry-recognised qualification that is highly sought after by UK surveying firms. Sava surveying graduates go on to work for:

• Corporate surveying firms

• Small-to-medium-sized surveying businesses

• Housing providers and local authorities

Some graduates also choose to set up their own businesses to practise independently.

Beyond RICS Associate membership, the qualification also provides eligibility for professional recognition with the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE), enhancing your credibility and career prospects even further.

Whether you’re new to the property world or already working in the sector, the Diploma in Residential Surveying and Valuation offers a respected, supported, and accessible route into one of the UK’s most rewarding professions.

Course Delivery

The diploma is delivered through a flexible blended-learning format designed to fit around work and family commitments. Running over approx. 24 months, the course has multiple intakes each year at locations across the UK, including Birmingham, Bristol, Kent, London, Manchester, Milton Keynes, and Southampton.

During the training phase, you’ll attend 8 face-to-face training days at your chosen location and 4 practical days at Sava’s training properties in Milton Keynes, supported by a schedule of virtual classrooms and online study through our state-of-the-art online learning platform. During the assessment phase, you’ll complete a portfolio of evidence including condition surveys, valuations, and reflective accounts, with guidance from your assessor and our dedicated support team.

Assessment