Quantity Surveying is a built-environment programme that focuses on the financial, contractual and measurement aspects of construction projects.
The course is closely connected with areas such as construction cost planning, quantity measurement, procurement, contract administration and project cost control.
Candidates applying for Quantity Surveying need to pay close attention to their JAMB subject combination because the fourth UTME subject can vary between universities.
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JAMB Subject Combination for Quantity Surveying
The general JAMB subject combination for Quantity Surveying is:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Compulsory Subject | English Language |
| First Relevant Subject | Mathematics |
| Second Relevant Subject | Physics |
| Third Relevant Subject | One of Chemistry, Geography, Art, Biology or Economics |
Therefore, candidates may generally use:
English Language, Mathematics, Physics and one of Chemistry, Geography, Art, Biology or Economics.
English Language is compulsory in JAMB, while Mathematics and Physics are central subjects for Quantity Surveying.
The fourth subject may generally be selected from:
- Chemistry
- Geography
- Art
- Biology
- Economics
This means Chemistry is not the only possible fourth JAMB subject for Quantity Surveying under the general requirement.
However, individual universities may narrow the available options.
For example:
- FUTO requires Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.
- FUTA requires Mathematics and Physics plus one of Chemistry, Building Construction, Technical Drawing, Geography, Economics or Government.
- LAGOS requires Mathematics, Physics and one of Chemistry, Economics or Geography.
- IMSU requires Mathematics, Physics and Geography.
- ILORIN requires Mathematics, Physics and one of Geography, Technical Drawing, Economics or Chemistry.
Candidates should therefore choose their fourth JAMB subject based on the specific requirement of the university they intend to apply to.
The detailed differences between universities will be explained later under Special Consideration and University-Specific Requirements.
O’Level Requirements for Quantity Surveying
Candidates applying for Quantity Surveying generally need five O’Level credit passes in relevant subjects.
The general requirement is:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| English Language | Credit required |
| Mathematics | Credit required |
| Physics | Credit required |
| Chemistry | Credit required under the general requirement |
| Additional Subject | One approved subject such as Fine Art, Geography, Woodwork, Biology, Economics, Technical Drawing or another accepted subject |
The general O’Level pattern therefore includes:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- One other approved subject
The additional subject may come from areas such as:
- Fine Art
- Geography
- Woodwork
- Biology
- Economics
- Technical Drawing
- Further Mathematics
- Building Construction
However, the exact combination is not identical at every university.
Some institutions allow candidates to use two approved subjects alongside English Language, Mathematics and Physics instead of following the exact general Chemistry-based pattern.
For example, universities may accept combinations involving:
- Chemistry
- Geography
- Economics
- Technical Drawing
- Building Construction
- Biology
- Further Mathematics
Some universities also limit the number of O’Level sittings accepted or add an extra pass condition in a particular subject.
Candidates should therefore check the exact O’Level requirement of their preferred university before applying.
The detailed differences will be covered under Special Consideration and University-Specific Requirements.
Direct Entry Requirements for Quantity Surveying
Candidates seeking Direct Entry admission into Quantity Surveying may qualify through relevant Advanced Level, diploma or equivalent qualifications.
The general Direct Entry requirement is:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| A’Level | Two relevant passes chosen from Mathematics or Physics and Chemistry, Geography or Fine Arts |
| ND/HND | Upper Credit in a relevant field |
| Other Routes | IJMB, JUPEB or equivalent qualifications may be accepted by some universities |
The exact Direct Entry route depends on the university.
Applicants may be considered with qualifications in areas such as:
- Quantity Surveying
- Building
- Architecture
- Civil Engineering
- Surveying and Geoinformatics
- Environmental Design
- Other related built-environment programmes
Some universities also specify the minimum grade and the level of admission.
For example:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| ND Upper Credit | Accepted by several universities for relevant programmes |
| HND Lower Credit | Accepted by some universities under specific conditions |
| HND Upper Credit | May qualify candidates for higher entry levels at selected institutions |
| IJMB | Accepted by some universities with specified subject combinations |
| JUPEB | Accepted by selected institutions with relevant subjects |
| First Degree | Accepted by some universities in relevant Science, Environmental or Engineering fields |
The accepted qualification, minimum grade and admission level can therefore vary significantly.
For instance, some universities admit qualified ND holders into 200 Level, while certain HND routes may lead to 300 Level depending on the institution and the qualification presented.
Applicants should confirm both the accepted qualification and the minimum grade required by their preferred university before applying.
Quantity Surveying Admission Requirements at a Glance
The main admission requirements for Quantity Surveying are summarised below.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | Quantity Surveying |
| Compulsory JAMB Subject | English Language |
| JAMB Subjects | Mathematics, Physics and one approved subject such as Chemistry, Geography, Art, Biology or Economics |
| O’Level | Five relevant credit passes |
| Core O’Level Subjects | English Language, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry under the general requirement |
| Additional O’Level Subject | One approved subject |
| General Direct Entry | Two relevant A’Level passes or ND/HND Upper Credit in a relevant field |
| Other Possible Direct Entry Routes | IJMB, JUPEB, relevant diploma or degree qualifications where accepted |
Special Consideration and University-Specific Requirements
Quantity Surveying admission requirements differ significantly between universities, especially in the fourth JAMB subject, accepted O’Level subjects, Direct Entry qualifications and minimum diploma grades.
| University | Important Difference |
|---|---|
| ABU | Accepts A’Level/IJMB Mathematics and Physics or ND Upper Credit in Quantity Surveying; offers flexible O’Level and UTME subject choices. |
| BAUCHI | Accepts broad A’Level/IJMB subject combinations and several related diploma disciplines. |
| BELLS | Accepts Economics in its Quantity Surveying UTME combination and specifies Quantity Surveying ND/HND routes. |
| FUTA | Allows several fourth JAMB subjects, limits O’Level results to two sittings and accepts A’Level, IJMB, JUPEB and ND routes. |
| FUTO | Requires Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry in JAMB and applies specific O’Level and Direct Entry conditions. |
| ILORIN | Accepts several Advanced Level and diploma routes and distinguishes between 200 Level and 300 Level admission. |
| LAGOS | Restricts the fourth JAMB subject to Chemistry, Economics or Geography and specifies ND/HND Upper Credit routes. |
| MINNA | Accepts relevant ND and HND qualifications at stated grades. |
| OAU | Uses specific Mathematics-based Advanced Level requirements and accepts some relevant HND qualifications. |
| RSU | Accepts ND Upper Credit for 200 Level and HND Lower Credit for 300 Level in relevant programmes. |
Universities With Flexible Fourth JAMB Subjects
The general Quantity Surveying requirement provides several possible fourth JAMB subjects, but individual universities define their own acceptable options.
ABU requires Mathematics and Physics plus one of:
- Chemistry
- Economics
- Geography
BAUCHI allows Mathematics and Physics plus one of:
- Chemistry
- Technical Drawing
- Geography
- Biology
- Information Technology
- Land Surveying
FUTA requires Mathematics and Physics plus one of:
- Chemistry
- Building Construction
- Technical Drawing
- Geography
- Economics
- Government
MAUTY allows Physics and Mathematics plus one of Chemistry, Geography, Biology/Agricultural Science or Economics.
ILORIN requires Mathematics and Physics plus one of Geography, Technical Drawing, Economics or Chemistry.
Universities Requiring Chemistry in JAMB
Some universities narrow the general flexibility by specifically requiring Chemistry.
FUTO requires:
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
Other universities may permit Chemistry but also allow alternatives.
This distinction matters because a candidate using Economics or Geography as the fourth JAMB subject may meet the general requirement but not FUTO’s specific requirement.
Universities With Flexible O’Level Subject Choices
Several universities allow candidates to combine Mathematics and Physics with different built-environment, Science or commercial subjects.
ABU requires English Language, Mathematics and Physics plus two subjects chosen from options including:
- Chemistry
- Economics
- Geography
- Technical Drawing
- Biology
- Commerce
- Woodwork
- Building Construction
BAUCHI accepts English Language, Mathematics and Physics plus two subjects from:
- Chemistry
- Technical Drawing
- Geography
- Biology
- Information Technology
- Land Surveying
JOS accepts additional subjects including Technical Drawing, Economics, Geography, Chemistry, Biology, Commerce, Building Construction, Land Surveying and Fine Arts.
UYO requires English Language, Mathematics and Physics plus any two of:
- Chemistry
- Economics
- Geography
- Technical Drawing
Universities With Limits on O’Level Sittings
FUTA requires its five relevant SSC credits at a maximum of two sittings.
FUTO also limits its Quantity Surveying O’Level requirements to not more than two sittings.
FUTO additionally requires at least a pass in Biology.
Candidates combining WAEC and NECO results should pay particular attention to these conditions.
Universities With Broader Direct Entry Routes
FUTA accepts:
- relevant A’Level qualifications;
- IJMB;
- JUPEB;
- equivalent Advanced Level qualifications; and
- ND Upper Credit in Quantity Surveying, Building Technology or other relevant Environmental Design and Management fields.
BAUCHI accepts routes including:
- A’Level or IJMB;
- NCE Merit/Credit;
- ND/HND Lower Credit in specified related disciplines.
Relevant programmes may include areas such as:
- Surveying and Geoinformatics
- Photogrammetry
- Cartography
- Civil Engineering
- Building Construction
- Architecture
FUTO accepts:
- A’Level passes in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry at the stated grade;
- ND/HND Upper Credit in specified relevant disciplines;
- relevant first degrees; and
- JUPEB in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.
FUTO does not accept NCE under this route.
Universities With Specific ND/HND Grades
Diploma requirements are not the same across institutions.
Examples include:
ABU
- ND Upper Credit in Quantity Surveying.
- HND Lower Credit in Quantity Surveying from an accredited institution.
BELLS
- ND/HND Upper Credit in Quantity Surveying.
FUTA
- ND Upper Credit in Quantity Surveying, Building Technology or another relevant Environmental Design and Management field.
MINNA
- ND Upper Credit or HND Lower Credit, subject to its other admission conditions.
RSU
- ND Upper Credit in a relevant programme for one Direct Entry level.
- HND Lower Credit in a relevant programme for a higher entry level.
Universities Offering Different Direct Entry Levels
Some universities determine the entry level according to the qualification presented.
ILORIN may consider:
- relevant Advanced Level qualifications for 200 Level;
- OND Upper Credit in Quantity Surveying, Building, Architecture or allied professions for 200 Level;
- HND in Quantity Surveying, with the stated Upper Credit conditions, for 300 Level.
RSU similarly distinguishes between:
- ND Upper Credit for admission into Year II; and
- HND Lower Credit in a relevant programme for admission into Year III.
Applicants should therefore not assume that every ND or HND qualification leads to the same entry level.
Universities Accepting IJMB or JUPEB
Several institutions specifically recognise these pathways.
ABU accepts IJMB passes in Mathematics and Physics.
BAUCHI accepts relevant A’Level/IJMB qualifications.
FUTA accepts IJMB, JUPEB and equivalent Advanced Level qualifications in relevant subjects.
FUTO accepts very good JUPEB passes in:
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
KASU also recognises IJMB/GCE A’Level under its stated requirements.
Key Point for Applicants
Before applying for Quantity Surveying, candidates should confirm:
- the exact fourth JAMB subject accepted by the university;
- whether Chemistry is compulsory;
- which O’Level subjects can be used alongside Mathematics and Physics;
- whether the university limits the number of O’Level sittings;
- whether IJMB or JUPEB is accepted;
- whether an ND or HND must specifically be in Quantity Surveying;
- whether related courses such as Building or Architecture are accepted;
- the minimum ND/HND grade required; and
- whether the qualification leads to 200 Level or 300 Level admission.
The general JAMB requirements provide a useful starting point, but the final combination should always match the specific requirements of the university being selected.
Courses Related to Quantity Surveying
Quantity Surveying is closely connected with several built-environment, construction and property-related programmes.
Related courses include:
- Building
- Architecture
- Estate Management
- Civil Engineering
- Surveying and Geoinformatics
- Urban and Regional Planning
- Building Technology
- Construction Management
- Land Surveying
- Project Management
These courses overlap with Quantity Surveying in areas such as construction, property development, measurement, cost control, project delivery and the management of the built environment.
Read also:
- JAMB Subject Combination for Architecture 2027/2028
- JAMB Subject Combination for Structural Engineering 2027/2028
- JAMB Subject Combination for Civil Engineering 2027/2028
- JAMB Subject Combination for Estate Management 2027/2028
Core Focus Areas in Quantity Surveying
The JAMB brochure does not provide an official Quantity Surveying curriculum. The areas below are therefore broad academic fields commonly associated with the programme rather than compulsory courses offered by every university.
- Construction Cost Estimating: Focuses on calculating the expected cost of labour, materials, equipment and other resources required for construction projects.
- Quantity Measurement: Covers the measurement of building and construction work for costing and payment purposes.
- Bills of Quantities: Involves preparing detailed documents that describe and quantify the work required for a construction project.
- Cost Planning: Focuses on controlling expected project costs from the early design stage through construction.
- Construction Economics: Examines the financial and economic factors that affect building and infrastructure projects.
- Contract Administration: Covers the management of contractual obligations between clients, contractors, consultants and other parties.
- Procurement: Focuses on selecting suitable methods for obtaining construction works, materials and professional services.
- Construction Technology: Provides knowledge of building methods, materials and construction processes.
- Project Management: Covers planning, coordination, scheduling and monitoring of construction projects.
- Construction Law: Introduces legal principles, contracts and disputes that may arise in construction projects.
- Cost Control: Focuses on monitoring project expenditure and keeping construction costs within the approved budget.
- Building Materials: Examines materials used in construction and how their characteristics can affect cost and performance.
Quantity Surveying vs Surveying and Geoinformatics
Quantity Surveying and Surveying and Geoinformatics are different programmes, even though their names both contain the word “Surveying.”
Quantity Surveying focuses mainly on the financial and contractual management of construction projects.
Its areas commonly include:
- Construction cost estimation
- Measurement of building work
- Bills of quantities
- Procurement
- Cost planning
- Contract administration
- Construction economics
Surveying and Geoinformatics, on the other hand, focuses more on the measurement and representation of land and physical locations.
Its work may involve:
- Land measurement
- Mapping
- Positioning
- Geospatial data
- Boundary surveys
- Geographic information systems
- Surveying technology
In simple terms:
Quantity Surveying deals mainly with the cost and commercial management of construction, while Surveying and Geoinformatics deals mainly with land measurement, mapping and spatial information.
Candidates should therefore not treat the two programmes as interchangeable when completing their JAMB application.
Typical Career Paths for Quantity Surveying Graduates
The JAMB brochure does not provide official career outcomes for Quantity Surveying. The roles below are therefore general career possibilities associated with the field rather than source-derived admission information.
Graduates may work in areas such as:
- Quantity Surveying: Measuring construction work, preparing cost estimates and managing project expenditure.
- Cost Consultancy: Advising clients on construction budgets, cost planning and financial decisions.
- Construction Estimating: Preparing estimates for labour, materials, equipment and other project costs.
- Cost Engineering: Monitoring and controlling project costs throughout planning and construction.
- Contract Administration: Managing contract documents, valuations, variations, payments and related project obligations.
- Procurement: Supporting the selection of contractors, suppliers and appropriate procurement methods for construction projects.
- Project Management: Coordinating cost, time, resources and other aspects of construction projects.
- Construction Commercial Management: Managing the commercial and financial aspects of building and infrastructure projects.
- Property and Development Consultancy: Providing cost and project advice for property development and construction investments.
- Built-Environment Consultancy: Working in professional practices that provide construction cost, contract and project advisory services.
Career opportunities can vary depending on professional registration, practical experience, specialisation and additional qualifications.
Important Things to Know Before Studying Quantity Surveying
Quantity Surveying combines construction knowledge with Mathematics, measurement, economics and financial management.
- Mathematics and Physics are important subjects for admission into the programme.
- The fourth JAMB subject is flexible under the general requirement and may include Chemistry, Geography, Art, Biology or Economics.
- Individual universities may restrict the fourth JAMB subject, so candidates should choose their combination based on the university they intend to apply to.
- Chemistry is specifically required by some institutions, while others allow alternatives such as Geography or Economics.
- Technical Drawing and Building Construction can be useful admission subjects at universities that recognise them.
- The general O’Level requirement includes Chemistry, but some universities use different combinations involving English Language, Mathematics, Physics and other approved subjects.
- Some institutions limit O’Level results to a maximum number of sittings.
- Direct Entry requirements vary widely between universities.
- Applicants using ND or HND should check both the accepted discipline and the minimum grade required.
- Some universities accept qualifications in related areas such as Building, Architecture, Civil Engineering or other built-environment programmes.
- IJMB and JUPEB are accepted by some institutions, but the required subject combinations differ.
- Certain universities use the qualification presented to determine whether a Direct Entry applicant enters 200 Level or 300 Level.
- Quantity Surveying is not the same as Surveying and Geoinformatics. Quantity Surveying focuses mainly on construction cost and commercial management, while Surveying and Geoinformatics focuses on land measurement and spatial information.
- The programme involves more than preparing estimates. Students may also study contracts, procurement, construction economics, project management and cost control.
- Practical construction knowledge is important because cost decisions are closely connected to materials, building methods and project processes.
Candidates should therefore compare the exact JAMB, O’Level and Direct Entry requirements of their preferred university before applying.
FAQ About JAMB Subject Combination for Quantity Surveying 2027/2028
What is the JAMB subject combination for Quantity Surveying?
The general JAMB subject combination for Quantity Surveying is:
English Language, Mathematics, Physics and one of Chemistry, Geography, Art, Biology or Economics.
English Language is compulsory in JAMB, while Mathematics and Physics are central subjects for the programme.
Is Chemistry compulsory for Quantity Surveying?
Not under every university’s UTME requirement.
The general JAMB requirement allows Chemistry as one of several possible fourth subjects. Other options may include Geography, Art, Biology or Economics.
However, some universities specifically require Chemistry. For example, FUTO requires Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.
Can I use Economics for Quantity Surveying in JAMB?
Yes, Economics is accepted under the general Quantity Surveying requirement.
Some universities also specifically accept it. For example, LAGOS allows Mathematics, Physics and one of Chemistry, Economics or Geography.
Candidates should still confirm the requirement of their preferred institution before choosing Economics.
Can I use Geography for Quantity Surveying in JAMB?
Yes.
Geography is one of the acceptable subjects under the general Quantity Surveying UTME requirement and is also specifically accepted by several universities.
However, the accepted fourth subject differs between institutions, so candidates should verify their chosen university’s combination.
What are the O’Level requirements for Quantity Surveying?
The general requirement is five relevant O’Level credit passes including:
English Language
Mathematics
Physics
Chemistry
One other approved subject
The additional subject may include Geography, Fine Art, Biology, Economics, Technical Drawing, Further Mathematics, Building Construction or another approved subject depending on the university.
Some institutions use different combinations or impose additional conditions such as limits on the number of sittings.
What are the Direct Entry requirements for Quantity Surveying?
The general Direct Entry route includes:
two relevant A’Level passes; or
ND/HND Upper Credit in a relevant field.
Depending on the university, applicants may also qualify through IJMB, JUPEB or related built-environment qualifications.
Some institutions accept diplomas in Quantity Surveying, Building, Architecture or other relevant programmes, while the minimum grade and entry level may vary.
Conclusion
Quantity Surveying is a built-environment programme that focuses on construction cost, measurement, procurement, contracts and the financial management of building projects.
For the 2027/2028 admission session, the general JAMB subject combination is:
English Language, Mathematics, Physics and one of Chemistry, Geography, Art, Biology or Economics.
Candidates also need relevant O’Level credit passes, while Direct Entry applicants may qualify through A’Level, IJMB, JUPEB, ND, HND or other approved qualifications depending on the university.
The most important point is that university requirements are not identical. Some institutions specifically require Chemistry, while others allow subjects such as Geography, Economics, Technical Drawing or Building Construction. Direct Entry grades and admission levels also vary.
Candidates should therefore check the exact JAMB, O’Level and Direct Entry requirements of their preferred university before completing their application.