Writing Your Case Study

Section 1

Purpose

The case study is a critical component of the APC submission. It is a written report of up to 3,000 words based on a project or projects in which you have been directly involved, demonstrating your ability to apply knowledge and provide reasoned advice at Level 3. At the final assessment interview, you will deliver a 10-minute presentation based on your case study before facing approximately 50 minutes of questioning.

This guidance note provides a structured approach to selecting your case study topic, writing the report, and preparing the accompanying presentation. It draws on the requirements set out in the APC Candidate Guide (June 2025, amended March 2026) and practical insights from the QS and Construction Pathway Guide.

A well-prepared case study is the foundation of a successful interview — it sets the agenda for your presentation and gives you control over the initial direction of questioning.

Section 2

Key Principles

• The case study must be a maximum of 3,000 words (excluding any appendices such as photographs, plans or drawings). It should be based on a project or projects in which you have been personally involved (APC Candidate Guide, June 2025).

• The case study must demonstrate competence at Level 3 — providing reasoned professional advice with financial or strategic implications for the client.

• You should select a project that covers as many of your chosen competencies as possible, particularly your core Level 3 competency (Commercial Management or Design Economics and Cost Planning).

• The case study is not a project report — it is a vehicle for demonstrating your professional competence. Focus on your role, your decisions and your advice, not on describing the project in excessive detail.

• You will deliver a 10-minute presentation based on the case study at the start of the final assessment interview. The presentation should summarise key points and highlight your personal contribution.

• Assessors will use your case study and presentation as the starting point for questioning. They will probe the depth of your knowledge, your decision-making rationale and your ability to give professional advice.

Section 3

Practical Application

Step 1

Select your project — Choose a project where you have had significant personal involvement at a senior or advisory level. Ideally, the project should be substantially complete so you can discuss outcomes. It should be complex enough to demonstrate Level 3 competence.

Step 2

Define your scope — Decide which aspects of the project to focus on. You cannot cover everything in 3,000 words. Select the elements that best demonstrate your core competencies and advisory role.

Step 3

Structure your case study — A logical structure typically includes: introduction and project overview (10%), your role and responsibilities (10%), key issues and challenges (30%), your advice and decision-making (30%), outcomes and lessons learned (15%), and conclusions (5%).

Step 4

Write with specificity — Include financial values, programme durations, contract types, procurement routes, and specific technical details. Avoid vague statements. Use data to support your narrative.

Step 5

Demonstrate Level 3 — Show that you provided reasoned advice with options analysis. Describe the alternatives considered, the pros and cons of each, your recommendation, the rationale, and the client's response.

Step 6

Review and refine — Have your counsellor review the case study critically. Ask: does it clearly show my personal contribution? Does it demonstrate Level 3 competence? Is every paragraph adding value?

Step 7

Prepare your presentation — Create a concise 10-minute presentation (typically 6–8 slides). Focus on the key decision points and your advisory role. Practise the timing rigorously.

Step 8

Anticipate questions — Identify the areas assessors are likely to probe. Prepare supporting evidence and examples beyond what is in the case study.

Section 4

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Writing a project report rather than a case study — the focus must be on your role, your decisions and your advice, not on describing the project history chronologically.

• Exceeding the 3,000-word limit — submissions over the word count may be rejected or reflect poorly on your ability to communicate concisely.

• Choosing a project that is too simple — a straightforward project with no significant challenges or advisory opportunities will not provide sufficient material for Level 3 evidence.

• Choosing a project that is not yet complete — you need to be able to discuss outcomes, lessons learned and the effectiveness of your advice. Ongoing projects lack this retrospective dimension.

• Describing team decisions as personal advice — assessors will ask 'what was your specific role?' and 'whose decision was it?' Be clear about the boundary between your contribution and others'.

• Overloading the presentation with text — slides should be visual and concise. The presentation is your opportunity to speak, not to read from the screen.

Section 5

APC Competency & Quick Reference

• The case study should demonstrate your core Level 3 competency: Commercial Management or Design Economics and Cost Planning

• Aim to cover as many of your selected competencies as possible within the case study narrative

• Ethics, Rules of Conduct and professionalism (Level 3) should be evidenced through the case study where possible

• The presentation and Q&A cover all declared competencies — not just those in the case study

What makes a good case study topic?

A good case study topic is a project where you had significant personal involvement at an advisory level, the project is substantially complete, it was complex enough to require Level 3 reasoned advice, and it covers multiple competencies (especially your core Level 3 competency). Avoid very simple projects or projects where your role was limited to routine tasks.

How should the 10-minute presentation be structured?

A typical structure is: project overview (1–2 slides), your role and key challenges (1–2 slides), key issues and your advisory contribution (2–3 slides), outcomes and lessons learned (1 slide). Keep text minimal — use diagrams, timelines or financial summaries to illustrate points. Practise to ensure you finish within 10 minutes.

What types of questions will assessors ask after the presentation?

Assessors will first probe the case study — asking about your specific role, the rationale for your advice, alternatives considered, and outcomes achieved. They will then move to other competencies in your summary of experience. Expect technical questions, ethical scenario questions, and questions testing your knowledge of relevant RICS standards.

Section 6

APC Preparation Checklist

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Select a project that demonstrates Level 3 competence and covers multiple chosen competencies

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Outline the case study structure before writing (introduction, role, issues, advice, outcomes, conclusions)

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Draft the case study within the 3,000-word limit with specific financial and technical detail

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Ensure the case study clearly distinguishes your personal contribution from team activities

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Have your counsellor review and provide feedback on the draft

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Prepare a 10-minute presentation (6–8 slides, visual and concise)

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Practise the presentation to time — repeatedly — and refine

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Prepare for follow-up questions on all declared competencies, not just the case study topic

Section 7

CPD Learning Outcomes

• Select and scope an appropriate case study project that demonstrates Level 3 competence across multiple QS competencies.

• Structure a case study report that clearly evidences personal advisory contribution with specific technical and financial detail.

• Prepare and deliver a focused 10-minute presentation that highlights key decision points and professional advice.

Section 8