TSA Surveying Course – introducing a new cohort and new course elements
Why enrol on our course?
Our course has an excellent reputation, with many former graduates excelling in their field. It provides a thorough grounding in theory and foundational surveying principles up to the latest advanced techniques.
Investing in effective staff training bridges skills gaps and ensures a motivated workforce. Our comprehensive modules will help your team members work more confidently and efficiently.
Delegates attend 6 x 2-week blocks spread over 18 months, receiving expert tuition from seasoned professional surveyors and plenty of hands-on experience. The course is also a great opportunity for delegates to connect with fellow junior surveyors and build a supportive professional network.
Forward-Looking and Future-Proof
To ensure the course keeps pace with advancing technology, new modules on terrestrial laser scanning have been introduced. This segment is delivered by our Senior Tutor, Adam Ball, who specialises in the Leica practical workflow, alongside Melvin Penwill from KOREC, who provides the Trimble practical workflow element.
Although Leica and Trimble workflows and software are used within the training, the laser scanning content is delivered using a manufacturer-neutral approach wherever possible. This ensures that the fundamental principles of laser scanning are taught in a way that is relevant regardless of the specific technology or brand being used.
In addition, updated Underground Utility Mapping material aligned with the PAS 128:2022 specification has been incorporated. These enhancements ensure the TSA Surveying Course continues to evolve, reflecting the latest surveying technologies, industry standards, and best-practice guidance.
ProQual Level 3 Diploma in Engineering Surveying
The TSA Surveying Course is run alongside the Proqual Level 3 Diploma, providing successful candidates with a qualification and standard recognised by Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS).
Successfully completing all 6 TSA Surveying Course blocks fulfils the requirement for those wishing to upgrade from Student to Technical membership of CICES. It also meets the RICS eligibility requirements to apply for Associate Membership assessment – alongside evidence of 2 years’ experience.
How can I get on the next course?
Course 71 commences this July and bookings are now being taken. Most delegates who come to us are sponsored by their employers, but we do accept self-funders. If you, or someone you know, are curious about pursuing a career in land surveying and are unsure of next steps, then do get in touch with our friendly team.
Email us at office@surveyschool.org.uk or call on 01905 26329.
At The Survey School, we are very lucky to have passionate, dedicated tutors like Dave Bennett to mentor our course students. Dave is an Assoc RICS Land Surveyor with over 30 years’ practical experience. From 1980 – 2019 he worked as a Cartographic Surveyor for the Ordnance Survey. He has taught with us since 2019 and in his spare time is a keen canoeist.
I enjoy watching students develop as they progress through a course, both their technical skills and acquired knowledge. The surveying profession can be very focused at times, but in our courses students can discover all aspects of surveying – topo, measured buildings, utilities, GIS and setting-out.
It started with a love of maps, leading me to apply for my first post of cartographic draftsman with the Ordnance Survey in Southampton.
A pleasant surprise has been how technology has enhanced the role of a surveyor, with GNSS, reflectorless distance measurement and data loggers. It’s a far cry from a copy of the map stuck onto a board, using a scale and pencil to update the mapping!
A total station and a tape measure. I don’t need to rely on a phone signal and in reflectorless mode I can measure onto points I cannot get to.
My work as a cartographic surveyor was very much a niche occupation. Be more of a generalist, it gives you the opportunity to swap jobs and careers if you need to.
An important part of the job is problem solving and land registration jobs can be challenging, but rewarding. I was proud to complete mapping the Wyre Piddle bypass, before OS 1:2500 was readjusted to match GNSS, where I needed to modify it to align with the as-built construction plan.
A week spent using a total station set up on the central tower of a sewage works! It was high summer… there were many flies… Hooray for GNSS!
When I was 16, I spent a month in Uganda working in an orphanage, during my time there I was asked if I wanted to help carry out some setting out of new roads and building plots using a theodolite and tape measure. I really enjoyed the experience but didn’t think much about it for a while. A few years later, I saw an ad for a trainee surveyor role, offering the chance to travel and do fieldwork. My current employer was going through a round of redundancies, so the timing was spot on – fate even! I’ve always been into Geography and the outdoor life, so it felt like a natural fit and that’s where it all began.
Finally understanding the “why” behind what I was doing every day in the field. I was keen to get that deeper knowledge, not just how to take measurements, but how to process and check the data properly. Anyone can collect points, but the course really taught me how to spot when something’s not quite right and how to fix it. It was also a brilliant chance to meet people from other companies and share experiences, but it was the tutors who really made an impression – they were knowledgeable, approachable and genuinely passionate about the subject. I still keep in touch with some of them now.
If you treat surveying as just following a process, you can easily get stuck doing things one way without considering different methodologies. This isn’t an industry where one size fits all. The school helped broaden my knowledge and understand that there are many ways to create the required deliverable within your client’s time and cost constraints.
What I really enjoy about being a Regional Sales Director is the variety. I get to work across the whole company and meet an incredible mix of businesses, from police forces and construction firms to local authorities. Every day is different. I love helping make things happen and solving problems for colleagues and customers and really appreciate those moments when it all comes together. There’s nothing better than seeing a colleague succeed or a customer genuinely happy. I also really value the flexibility the role gives me to balance work and family life.
Challenging, ever-changing, rewarding.
I tell people that surveying is one of the most varied and interesting careers you can have. You’re constantly meeting new people and seeing new places, so no two days are the same and it’s a world away from being stuck behind a desk. Just in the past couple of months, I’ve been at black-tie events, laser-scanned the roof of a church and inside an HS2 tunnel, helped get a GNSS system running on a dredger and supported customers both onsite and over the phone.
Firstly, to get involved with personal development so you can meet more people and become more knowledgeable. If someone asks you if you can do something, or want to learn to do something, say “yes” and broaden your horizons. Secondly, don’t be afraid to ask – we’re a profession that can learn from those with long years of experience and from those relatively new to it who bring different skill sets.
Exciting things happen all the time at KOREC, whether that’s because we are among the first in the world to try out new technology, or because we work with customers on some of the most high-profile projects in the country, visiting the sites and talking to those involved.
I was involved in many projects that required return visits, the most memorable of which were the beach surveys. Often working in teams of up-to fifteen people, staying away for a week, solving problems on the fly in some of the most remote coastal areas of the UK, is a great way to understand teamwork! These projects delivered glorious scenery all around the UK coastline from the far depths of Cornwall up to the Scottish boarders and often included quad bike surveys, great team spirit and, best of all, a visit from my family.
Every KOREC promotion I’ve earned has been a proud moment, especially when I became a Regional Sales Director. This role means I’m responsible for my own team and it’s been extremely rewarding.
It’s hard to narrow it down to just three, but I’d say: First, I really enjoy giving talks and spending time with students, whether that’s at The Survey School or other educational settings. It’s great to see their curiosity and help spark an interest in the profession. Second, I love that moment when a potential customer is genuinely won over and can see how our team can make a real difference to their work. It’s incredibly satisfying. Third, I really appreciate when customers come back to ask for advice, saying things like “this is working so well, we need more.” It’s a great feeling to know you’ve helped them succeed and that they trust you to keep supporting them.
I’ve always had a strong interest in geography and a love for the outdoors. At the time, my only exposure to surveying was through roles like quantity surveying and condition surveys, which I knew of through my brother, who was an architect. It wasn’t until I began working at IETG, now part of SOCOTEC UK, as a Workshop Technician that I discovered land and utility surveying thanks to 40SEVEN, a sister company. When a Trainee Surveyor position became available, I saw the perfect opportunity to combine my passion for hands-on work, being outdoors and learning new skills. I applied and from that moment on, I was hooked! Land and utility surveying has become a true career path for me, and I’ve never looked back.
I really valued learning the theory behind the practical work I was doing day-to-day. Gaining a deeper understanding of the “how” and “why” behind surveying significantly improved my skills and made me a more effective surveyor. As a kinesthetic learner, hands on experiences are how I learn best, and school played a crucial role in supporting that. It not only strengthened my knowledge but deepened my passion for the profession. I’m genuinely grateful to The Survey School, Andrew Crumpler, and everyone else who supported me throughout my journey
Check, Check and check again! It’s always better to do more and have the choice to use and or delete what you don’t need.
I currently work as a Survey Instructor for Mid-Kent College at 1 RSME, and I feel privileged to be in a role where I can help shape the next generation of surveyors and soldiers. It’s incredibly rewarding to pass on knowledge and experience and to see trainees develop into capable surveyors. I deliver training that equips them with the skills to operate in both civilian and military environments, using a range of equipment from levels to S5 Total Stations and the X9 Scanner. We focus not only on technical proficiency but also the importance of accuracy, data processing, and producing clear, reliable drawings that meet operational demands anywhere in the world.
Technically 4 words (3 is so hard!) : Blessed, Life Changing, Team, Learning
I’m genuinely passionate about it, it’s given me the opportunity to explore a wide range of experiences and roles. In previous and current roles, I actively supported and help train trainees and staff, sharing both technical knowledge and on the job insight. Whenever someone asks about my work, I’m always eager to talk about surveying and highlight how it’s connected to so many aspects of everyday life. I try to relate it to familiar objects or tasks to help people see just how relevant and impactful the profession is.
I particularly want younger people to have access to the same opportunities I’ve had. The Survey Association course played a huge role in shaping my understanding of how and why surveying works. I believe it’s a vital foundation for anyone entering the field combining solid theoretical knowledge with practical experience to develop well-rounded, capable surveyors.
Be open to every opportunity. Too often, we say “no” out of hesitation or fear and miss out on experiences that could lead to growth. It’s far better to try and stumble than to never try at all. You learn more from taking a chance than from standing still.
I am currently involved in updating and enhancing the Hydrographic phase of the course. As part of this effort, we are collaborating with the Royal Navy. Recently, RN personnel joined us on the Tactical Support Boat (CSB) on the River Medway, where they observed our training exercises using the Total Station, GNSS, and the SonarMite system. In Trimble Business Center (TBC), we demonstrated how the hydrographic data could be integrated into a topographical model to create a more comprehensive survey output. Looking ahead, we are planning further engagement with other branches and specialisations, including a visit to Devonport to connect with the Hydrographic Exploitation Group (HXG).
I worked on the Manchester Airport expansion project, which required a comprehensive topographical and utility survey covering both landside and airside areas including the taxiways. Working airside brought a unique sense of privilege and responsibility. The project demanded close coordination and planning between our survey team, the main contractor, ground control, and various subcontractors. It was a complex and fast-paced environment that constantly challenged me to adapt and find solutions under pressure. Now that the project is complete, I feel a strong sense of pride every time I visit the airport. I often find myself thinking, “I surveyed that.” Revisiting past project sites always brings back valuable memories and reinforces the professional growth I’ve gained through those experiences.
I can’t pick just one! Being part of The Survey Department Team at 1 RSME. Picking up the Institution Medal by the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (CICES) – and passing the TSA Course!
TSA Conference and Awards Day is the cornerstone of our annual events calendar. Far from being just a formality, it is a significant occasion where successful TSA Surveying Course students, member companies and surveying professionals come together to honour hard work, dedication and excellence in the field.
However, TSA Conference is not just about accolades, it’s also about inspiration. Our special keynote speaker was Mandy Hickson, the trailblazing former Royal Air Force fast-jet pilot and motivational speaker. Drawing on her risk-taking, team and leadership skills Mandy inspired attendees to embrace challenges and think big. In Top Gun, Maverick says “It’s not the plane, it’s the pilot” and the same holds true for surveying. Skill, training and experience matter – people matter.
Completing the surveying course is also no mean feat! We were thrilled that nearly all 29 qualifying students could join us for the day. This included delegates from Sint Maarten in the Caribbean, who regularly travelled to the UK specifically for the excellent training The Survey School provides.
Five students achieved a Distinction this year, with an average 85% or higher in all of their classwork, assignments and exams. The 2025 Best Student Award, jointly sponsored by TSA and Leica Geosystems, was presented to Max Heaton of Centara, both for his exemplary work, attitude and team playing. TSA Vice-President’s Special Recognition Award went to Theodor Suhan, a self-funded student commended for his high standards and unwavering perseverance. Luke Appleton of Archidata received the CICES prize for Best Assignment, achieving a remarkable 100% for his work, commended for its meticulous attention to detail.
The skills and knowledge acquired studying at The Survey School undoubtedly helps equip its students for a bright future career. Many also tell us they have forged friendships that will last a lifetime. The conference day too, provides a platform for survey professionals to come together, share insights and make valuable connections.
“It’s 100% going to improve the quality of my work going forward. It’s a great foundation for any new surveyor – it makes you think about what you do every day from a different angle”
“It’s been great – meeting new surveyors, improving my knowledge and progressing”
“I’d like to keep in touch with The Survey School tutors as they have been a great support network”
TSA Conference and Awards Day is more than a celebration, it’s a pivotal moment for students to reflect on their journey, to network and look forward to a promising future in land surveying.
We are dedicated to continually reviewing and modernising our course offerings to ensure Survey School students are not only well-prepared, but excel in the ever-evolving landscape of surveying.
The Survey School is proud to announce the re-approval of our TSA Surveying Course by the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (CICES) for a further five years.
This endorsement, achieved following a comprehensive audit, emphasises our dedication to excellence in geospatial training, equipping students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in the surveying profession.
Survey School Manager, Alan Mansell, expressed his delight:
“We’re thrilled to receive this ongoing approval from CICES. It’s a fantastic recognition of the quality of the training we deliver”
The audit scrutinised all aspects of the TSA Surveying Course, including its curriculum and how it measures its impact in preparing students for career challenges and opportunities. Past graduates, many now experts in their field, have recognised their time at The Survey School as a crucial starting point for their successful careers.
The surveying course delivers a comprehensive syllabus that covers all the varied subjects of surveying – topographical, measured buildings, utilities and GIS. It balances practical fieldwork with theoretical knowledge, so that graduates are equipped with the understanding and versatility needed across multiple sectors. Alan adds:
“We are committed to evolving the Surveying Course to include emerging technologies and methodologies. We’ll adapt so that our students continue to receive the very best foundational geospatial surveying course available in the UK”
The next TSA Surveying Course with space available begins 2nd March 2026.
Contact us now for an online application form or more information.
The Survey School recently partnered with the Ordnance Survey Northern Ireland (OSNI) to deliver a tailored training programme at their Craigavon facility.
A 5-day course, blending theory with practical exercises, was led by seasoned tutor David Bennett, himself a former Ordnance Survey Cartographic Surveyor of some 40 years’ experience.
The week aimed to refresh and enhance the skills of OSNI’s surveying professionals and share best practice.
Participants’ positive feedback reported a significant improvement in their confidence and technical competencies, their teamwork and problem-solving.
“It was beneficial completing exercises with OSNI Surveyors with a mix of experience, as we benefited from shared ideas and there were some techniques that weren’t already known to me.”
“It was a good building block for someone like me, reasonably new to surveying. Dave was a gentleman! He picked up on all levels of understanding within the room and provided support around individual needs… I enjoyed it and I genuinely felt it helped my understanding.”
OSNI Topographical Field Surveyor, Philip Bell: “The balance of theory in the classroom and practical exercises outdoors allowed for constructive debate and learning between the students at various levels of experience. Also, the topics covered are enabling our staff to fulfil the specialist land surveying competencies of the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (CICES) for working towards their professional membership.”
The Survey School is working to foster further collaborations between the school and government agencies, with 2 training courses being delivered for Natural Resources Wales this autumn.
Survey School Manager, Alan Mansell: “Initiatives like this not only bolster individual’s expertise but strengthen the surveying sector as a whole. The Survey School’s training offer includes everything from foundational courses for trainees to more advanced teaching for experienced professionals – and we are always happy to talk about delivering bespoke programmes”.
At The Survey School we receive email and phone enquiries from across the globe from those eager to get into surveying. We are always happy to advise on surveying careers. The people who contact us range in age, from school leavers to those who have been working for several decades in a related field and are keen to make a sideways move.
Land surveying is a profession that can be overlooked and often operates “behind the scenes”, yet its impact is felt in every new building, road and public project, and the demand for qualified professionals continues to grow.
Many people start their surveying journey with a passion for the outdoors and a keen interest in maths and geography or technology. Some may have found inspiration from friends or family who already work in the industry – or simply by accident!
We’ve started to ask our course attendees how they discovered their current jobs in and what led them to surveying as a career. Here are just a few of their responses:
“I enjoy the outdoors and wanted a job that was a mixture of site work and office based”
“I got into it by pure chance. I saw an advert in the local newspaper for a Trainee Land Surveyor. The idea of working outdoors was what appealed to me initially.”
“It was a happy accident. My mum spotted a job advert in the local paper for something called an Assistant Land Surveyor.”
“I just spotted something on LinkedIn.”
Many surveyors can recount memorable moments in the field—the thrill of hiking to a remote location and setting up equipment under a clear blue sky – or in the pouring rain! The variety is the thing that appeals.
“As my tolerance to the wind and rain developed, so did my interest in surveying!”
“It’s fun, it’s complex, it gets my brain going. I enjoy being outside and in new places every day.”
“I needed a challenge as I was working inside a lab prior to this and that was very monotonous.”
While the technical aspects of surveying are significant, so too is the camaraderie developed among professionals. Many surveyors also recount experiences of teamwork, that cement a love for a profession that’s not desk-bound.
For those that stay with it, there’s also the potential for career progression – moving into managerial positions, specialising in niche areas or setting up your own business.
With the support of The Survey School, aspiring surveyors can find a pathway that suits them, whether starting from scratch or advancing their careers. Our short courses are designed to lay a solid foundation for those new to surveying. We recommend starting with five essential courses—Levelling, Total Stations, 5-Day Surveying, 2-Day GNSS, and 2-Day AutoCAD.
For those who have gained several months of experience, there is the more in-depth TSA Surveying Course, which also leads to a ProQual Level 3 Diploma in Engineering Surveying. Successful graduates not only receive a diploma, but also become eligible for various professional memberships, enhancing their career prospects significantly.
You might take a look at The Survey Association’s jobs page for any trainee surveying jobs in your area. There are also apprentice opportunities available. Apprenticeships are for people of all ages – not just for school or college leavers. There are opportunities for those looking to change careers or progress, such as this one, https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeship/reference/1000323052
To find out more about our TSA Surveying Course, go to https://www.surveyschool.org.uk/the-course/#book-now
It was an exciting day for The Survey School last week when we had two brand new interactive smart screens installed and officially opened our newly upgraded training room.
We are delighted to share our appreciation for KOREC Group and Trimble Geospatial for their generous sponsorship of a new interactive smart screen and training room and we are grateful to Leica Geosystems for their generous sponsorship of another smart screen.
We were pleased to welcome representatives from each organisation to The Survey School for our official installation ceremony so they could see the technology and training room in use by some of our students. This cutting edge technology marks a significant step forward in enhancing our students’ learning experience—bringing lessons to life, boosting interactivity, and supporting our continued drive to improve both our hardware and teaching environment.
Alan Mansell, Survey School Manager, says,
“These exciting additions enhance the student learning experience, offering a more dynamic and engaging way to deliver course content. It also reflects our ongoing commitment to upgrading the school’s hardware and continually improving our teaching environment. Thank you to all these companies for their support and commitment to the future of surveying education.”
I had an interest in maps and mapping after completing a geological mapping project as part of my university degree. I wanted a career that was both outdoors but also technical and, after some research, I discovered surveying, which seemed like an obvious choice. Although, I didn’t know a huge amount about the profession until I began working at Kemp.
My key memory from The Survey School was the time spent coding Excel spreadsheets to help me solve the maths problems quickly for the assignments and classwork. They were so helpful throughout the course to identify calculation errors and therefore speed up my results.
The most valuable lesson I learned was understanding the calculations that the total station and surveying software use on a day-to-day basis. Understanding how problems can arise in the data collection process and the impact it has on accuracy computations has allowed me to become a more accurate surveyor in the field by minimising errors as much as possible.
My current role is a land surveyor, which covers the role of topographical surveying, measured building surveying, deformation monitoring and aerial surveys. I enjoy working with friendly and supportive colleagues, who have all played a part in developing my career. I enjoy visiting areas of the South-West I wouldn’t normally go to, or going behind the scenes of places the public would not get the opportunity to see. The expectation of working on large scale infrastructure projects and the prospect of making a positive impact on the local community has great appeal to me.
Technical, challenging, rewarding.
I have visited local schools in the county to discuss surveying as a career and my own journey into the profession. This has included giving practical demonstrations of the equipment involved as well as offering work experience to some students. This has encouraged students to apply and join Kemp.
When I was younger, I struggled to decide what career I wanted to do, simply because most of my experience came from a classroom environment. I think it’s important to apply for work experience in different fields, because even finding out what you don’t enjoy is an important step to finding a rewarding career. I didn’t know that much about surveying until I started working in the profession, but knowing what I did and didn’t enjoy from other jobs, helped me make an informed decision – and I haven’t looked back!
We have recently undertaken a large scale topographical and measured building survey in South Devon for the redevelopment of a shopping centre. We are currently processing the data to produce floor plans and elevations alongside our 3D modelling within Revit.
One of them was the St Austell to A30 link road when I had not long joined Kemp. I had just completed the surveying of borehole locations on site when the area was hit by a snowstorm. Within an hour there were at least four to five inches of snow on the ground and my vehicle was stranded. Fortunately, I was working with the client who had a 4×4 and generously drove me most of the way home. I still had to walk the last mile to my house carrying the GPS though! It just shows how quickly the weather can change in Cornwall and being prepared for whatever it throws at you.
My proudest career moment would be achieving my full membership with CICES in 2024. After all the years of work and experience, to go beyond the technical membership and to keep pushing myself to achieve member status was very satisfying.