Read honest reviews from real students at this uni
3.03.53.3
University of the Built Environment is a specialised higher education institution located in Reading, England. With a history dating back more than a century, today it exists as a leading provider of fully online university courses across construction, planning, architecture, and real estate.
The University puts learners first, offering flexible, modular programmes which are designed to enable students to tailor their education towards their interests and long-term career aspirations. Courses are suited to all levels, including those just beginning their professional journey and those upskilling within their career. At any one time there are around 4,000 students studying a University of the Built Environment qualification across the globe.
All courses feature a career-focused curriculum and are taught entirely online. Programmes are accredited or recognised by a range of professional bodies including: the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE), the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (ICES), and the Hong Kong Institute of Construction Managers (HKICM).
All students have access to a raft of accessible resources which they can take advantage of, anytime, anywhere in the world. University of the Built Environment supports learners every step of the way, offering a supportive student advice team as well as tutors with industry expertise and knowledge surrounding current built environment issues.
3.2University of the Built Environment is committed to reviewing and improving its high-quality online facilities, teaching resources, tools, and techniques. Students learn through the University's highly interactive virtual learning environment (VLE), providing a flexible weekly learning plan.
The VLE contains a range of learning resources, including e-books, videos, infographics, and interactive learning modules, all in one place. Students are given access to the VLE four weeks before they begin their programme, where they can access the induction module and learn how to use the VLE effectively.
The University boasts a vast e-library, containing e-books, journals, articles, and other helpful online resources. The library is completely online, so students can access resources 24/7, in a way that fits around their lifestyle and existing commitments.
Tutor support and a professional services team can also be reached through the VLE.
3.5University of the Built Environment is a fully online university, so students can study and live wherever they choose. Having this flexibility and freedom whilst getting an accredited undergraduate degree means students can create a healthy balance between their studies and personal lives, as well as save money on accommodation.
As University of the Built Environment is an online institution, students can study its programmes from anywhere in the world. This means students can continue their studies even if they choose to relocate or travel with work.
University of the Built Environment doesn't run any clubs or societies, as it is a fully online university.
However, students are encouraged to join the networking scheme to meet like-minded students and make social connections and create professional development opportunities. Through the scheme, students can make friends by sharing experiences, hobbies, passions with people who are on the same journey. The student community team also host quiz evenings, social activities and competitions.
3.0As University of the Built Environment is an online institution, there isn't a traditional students' union. However, there are opportunities to get involved by becoming a student representative, ambassador or trustee, providing a connection between the University and students, and helping to improve the student experience by communicating with university peers.
Graduates can also join the alumni association which has its very own platform. Alumni can connect with each other, set up and attend events, access and offer mentoring support, view the jobs board and share industry news.
3.3Professionally accredited degree programmes mean that graduates of the University of the Built Environment are highly desirable across industry. As a result, 80 percent of students are in full-time employment within 15 months of graduation.
Students and recent graduates have access to its valuable careers service and Careers Connect platform, which are both available for up to three years after graduation.
Students are encouraged to boost their employability with free advice and services including:
Alongside the careers service, the University provides exclusive resources on the virtual learning environment (VLE), with guidance on topics such as networking, preparing a CV, and understanding career motivations.
The University boasts an extensive network of professional alumni employed across diverse sectors within the built environment globally. Students can tap into this network both during their studies and after graduation, reaching out to alumni for invaluable industry insights and professional connections.
Undergraduate entry requirements at the University of the Built Environment vary from course to course. Applicants are encouraged to visit the course pages on the University's website for programme-specific entry requirements.
At undergraduate level, a standard entry requirement is a minimum of 96 UCAS tariff points, in addition to a minimum of Grade C (4) in both English and Maths at GCSE. Equivalent qualifications are accepted.
For students who do not meet the standard academic requirements, relevant employment and related professional qualifications may be taken into consideration. An access module is also available.
Depending on the programme of study, students may be expected to have access to specific technology. Where applicable, this is made clear on the course page.
International
All study programmes are taught in English, and applicants must demonstrate a minimum level of English language proficiency to study at the University. At undergraduate level, the standard requirement is an
IELTS Academic overall score of 5.5, with at least 5.5 in both the reading and writing bands. Equivalent English language qualifications are also accepted.
University of the Built Environment offers several scholarships and bursaries to financially support students. Options for undergraduate students include:
University of the Built Environment tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year are as follows:
BSc (Hons) degree fees:
Cert HE fees:
BSc Access Module:
The University of the Built Environment's career-oriented programmes enable students to develop specialist skills, gain in-depth industry knowledge, and result in a qualification accredited by professional bodies such as RICS, CIOB, CABE, Chartered ICES, and HKICM.
Online undergraduate programmes include:
All programmes are taught via supported online learning with committed tutors who are practitioners in their fields, alongside expert support staff. Teaching is delivered through a mix of webinars, drop-in surgeries, online discussion forums, videos, quizzes and more.
Students benefit from strong links with employers, and programmes which are highly relevant to real estate, construction, and architecture industries. Students can communicate with their colleagues, peers, and tutors through the University's virtual learning environment (VLE), sharing ideas, building a community, and gaining valuable professional insights.
In addition to undergraduate programmes, University of the Built Environment also offers postgraduate programmes, apprenticeships, access programmes, and an online academy. This variety of educational levels provides students with the flexibility to study at the right level for them, at their own pace.
All courses at the University of the Built Environment have been mindfully crafted to align with the latest industry needs and meet regulatory standards. As a responsive industry partner, curricula are designed to bridge sector skill-gaps and secure graduates meaningful and desirable roles in industry.
Working with leading professional bodies, the University's specialist undergraduate programmes across construction, planning, architecture, and real estate are all formally accredited. Professional accreditation accelerates students' pathways to full chartered status and boosts graduate career prospects.
Programmes are accredited by the following bodies:
These institutions set professional standards within the UK and around the world. They operate with integrity and vision, and ensure that crucial standards of practice, safety and rigour are met. Gaining an accredited degree from University of the Built Environment signals to employers the quality of knowledge and skills held by a graduate, and alumni are highly desirable across a wide range of competitive professional roles.
3.0University of the Built Environment offers a range of high-quality support services for current students and alumni. Students can seek support from the academic team, programme leaders, module leaders and tutors for help with issues around module content, delivery, and assessment preparation.
The University's dedicated student advice team is the first point of contact for any concerns or questions. This knowledgeable team strives to ensure that every student experiences all the wide benefits of online study and feels like an integral part of the global community.
Support is offered across all areas, including:
The virtual learning environment provides a variety of essential services, including a student hub for academic support and resources, study skills advice, and contact details for the student advice team.
University of the Built Environment is committed to making its programmes as accessible as possible and creating a more diverse built environment workforce. As such, tailored and flexible support is available for students with physical and sensory impairments, specific learning difficulties, autism spectrum disorders, mental health conditions, and long-term health conditions.
Students are encouraged to contact the university directly to discuss individual needs and requirements.
3.0
