Surveying Overview
Surveying is not a single career, but a collective name for a group of careers within construction, property and land. Surveying careers are surprisingly varied and include quantity surveying, estate agency, valuation and investment, project management, property and facilities management, land surveying and mapping, planning and development and mining.
Surveying is essential for construction projects, but its applications extend beyond construction alone. Surveying is used as part of the process for key areas like
transportation,
communication,
land apportionment and mapping,
and environmental issues, it is also an important tool for research in many scientific disciplines.
Whether it’s used to address global issues such as climate change, regenerate deprived areas or pioneer high-tech cities, the true meaning of surveying for the future is to shape the way we live. The role of a surveyor is to guide projects, and to provide professional advice on matters within the built environment.
Surveyors work closely with a range of professionals such as; architects, engineers, bankers, ecologists, town planners and property developers. There are many different types of surveyors and they work across land, property, and construction.
SCSI’s commitment to supporting the future of surveying
Most recently Geospatial Surveyor, Land Surveyor, Geomatics Surveyor, and Quantity Surveyors were added to the Critical Skills Occupations List.
The SCSI’s approach to promoting careers in surveying is backed my the Employment Outlook for The Surveying Profession 2026 – 2029. This report outlines employment demand and skills needs across Ireland’s surveying profession for the period 2026–2029. The most recent report, number four in the series highlights strong, sustained demand across construction, land and property, with supply projected to fall short and a significant workforce gap emerging.
While student enrolments into third level have increased, they are unlikely to fully meet projected demand. It further examines awareness of surveying careers among students and guidance counsellors, identifying opportunities for SCSI to improve engagement. The report concludes with recommendations focused on strengthening promotion, education pathways, and collaboration across industry and education to address ongoing skills shortages. You can access and read the full report below.
Surveying Study Pathways
SCSI Accredited Courses
There are many SCSI accredited programmes for students to choose at undergraduate and postgraduate level, studying on an SCSI accredited programmes offers students free student membership with the SCSI and the opportunity to use their mandatory work placement toward their chartership process, giving them a clear career progression post-graduation.
Whether it is to start the journey with an undergraduate degree or advance your knowledge with a postgraduate or diploma while working in the field, there are many great options to choose from.
As an industry led area there are many part-time opportunities available at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. These part-time courses offer on the job training with part-time learning. Students on these programmes have the chance to earn as they learn and gain insight into the industry.
For more information on part-time earn as you learn and full-time SCSI accredited programmes you can visit our Where you can study page.
Apprenticeships in Surveying
Apprenticeships are programmes of structured education and training combining workplace learning.
The apprenticeships are industry led by consortium and education partners. Apprenticeships offer flexible delivery with a blend of on the job and of the job learning. This model allows students to ‘earn while they learn.’ Once completed, graduates will have gained valuable experience
There are currently two apprenticeships available in Surveying:
- Level 8 Quantity Surveying Practitioner with Atlantic Technological University Sligo (ATU). This is a 4 year programme with 4 day on the job learning and 1 day of online learning with ATU. Apprentices will not need to travel to Sligo for the learning.
- Level 9 Advanced Quantity Surveying with Technological University Shannon (TUS) Limerick . This is a two year programme for those who wish to advance their skills in the built environment. Apprentices will be required to travel to the Moylish campus for the off the job learning.
With the high demand for Quantity Surveyors in Ireland, Graduates can look forward to excellent job opportunities.
SCSI alongside an industry led consortia and education partners are continuing to develop apprenticeships across the surveying profession. We look forward to the addition of these programmes in the coming year. This page will be updated with apprenticeship information as is becomes available.
For more information on the apprenticeship model you can visit Generation Apprenticeship or click the link below to learn more about SCSI apprenticeships.
Explore the range of surveying apprenticeships
Programmes for TY Students, and 5th year Students.
5*S: Space, Surveyors & Students provides fun, interactive and engaging educational content to teachers and students who are interested in learning more about Space, Satellites, Survey Data and SDGs. With our augmented reality app (SatelliteSkill5) students must harness the power of satellites and satellite data to solve a set of challenges set around Ireland. Students can present their school projects using inspiring, immersive stories by combining text, interactive maps, and other multimedia content through ArcGISs powerful storymap tools.
We offer school workshops and teacher training opportunities in these areas so if you would like us to visit your school, please get in touch!
5*S: Space, Surveyors & Students is a joint project between Maynooth University, Tailte Éireann, TU Dublin, Esri Ireland and the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland and is funded by Research Ireland and ESERO Ireland. The project is split into two parts:
Student and teacher ‘Storymap’ workshops designed to introduce participants to space based data using unique online mapping and presentation tools.
An augmented reality app designed to visualise complex space based data in new and engaging ways.
Bring Surveying into the Classroom with SCSI
Guidance Counsellor Resources
Many students miss out on the chance for great surveying careers simply because they haven’t learned about them. The SCSI education team works with guidance counsellors across the country to help students find successful surveying career paths. We have put together a series of helpful resources to help your second level students find out about surveying careers.
Classroom Visits
SCSI will send our Student and Education Engagement Co-ordinator or a young chartered surveyors to school classrooms to engage with young people, share about surveying professions and help them find out more about what a career in surveying could be like!
Why book a class visit?
Booking a class visit is one of the best ways to help young people explore careers in construction, land & property surveying. Help connect your students with great opportunities in these dynamic fields by having a young chartered surveyor in to present.
Having a Chartered Surveyor come speak provides students with the opportunity to:
Understand what a career in surveying is like
Speak with a Chartered Surveyor and hear about their daily duties, responsibilities and exciting projects they are working on including buildings and projects students see on the way to school or even on tv.
Identify the essential skills a surveyor needs and what leaving certificate subjects are useful to becoming a Chartered Surveyor
Learn about college courses available and CAO points
Find out about the SCSI and the benefits of becoming a student member in college.
Complete the form below to access the supports you need to bring a career in surveying to your students.