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

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

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.

You'll need:

• knowledge of geography
• maths knowledge
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• analytical thinking skills
• customer service skills
• legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
• excellent verbal communication skills
• excellent written communication skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

You're likely to need a driving licence to visit clients around the country.

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.