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. At any one time there are around 4,000 students from all over the world benefiting from studying their qualifications, taught by tutors with extensive industry experience.
University of the Built Environment provides a flexible, accessible and sustainable built environment education that fits around students’ life and career goals. All programmes are taught completely online and are accredited or recognised by a range of professional bodies including: The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, The Chartered Institute of Building, The Chartered Association of Building Engineers and The Hong Kong Institute of Construction Managers.
They puts people first, offering flexible, modular programmes which are designed to enable students to tailor their education towards their interests and long-term career aspirations. Whether a student is just starting out or upskilling in their career, they are there every step of the way, from the student advice team to programme tutors with industry expertise and knowledge on current built environment issues. When students embark on their journey, they will have access to a raft of accessible resources which students can take advantage of, anytime, anywhere in the world.
Courses and lecturers
3.0Lecturers and Teaching quality rating
All programmes are taught via supported online learning with professional support staff, and committed tutors who are practitioners in their fields. Teaching is delivered through a mix of webinars, online discussion forums, videos, quizzes and more. The specialist programmes enable students to develop specialist skills, gain in-depth industry knowledge and a CABE, RICS and/or CIOB accredited degree.
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.
Students benefit from professionally accredited programmes, strong links with employers, and programmes which are highly relevant to real estate and 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.
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Undergraduate entry requirements at the University of the Built Environment differ, based on the specific details of the programme being applied for. Applicants are encouraged to visit the programme-specific pages on the university’s website for full details.
Programmes are taught in English, and applicants much show a minimum level of English language ability to be accepted onto a programme. For undergraduate study, applicants should be able to demonstrate one of the following:
GCSE Grade 4 (or C) or above in English Language or English Literature, or an equivalent qualification
Grade 5.5 or above, with at least 5.5 in the reading and writing modules, in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) academic test administered by the British Council
79 or above in the internet option, 213 or above in the computer-based option or 550 or above in the paper-based option, of the Teaching of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) test
Grade C or above in English (Language or Literature) at A/S Level
A cognate sub-degree (Level 5) qualification taught and assessed in English from the University of Hong Kong or City University of Hong Kong
Entry requirements for individual programmes can be found on the website.
University 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.
Facilities
University 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 also 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.
They also has a vast e-library, containing e-books, journals, articles, and other helpful online resources. The library is completely online, students can access resources at any time of day, any day of the year, in a way that fits around their individual study time.
Tutor support and their professional services team can also be reached through the VLE.
SRStudent ReviewerReviewed 18 Mar 19
Real Estate Management
Excellent. It was the best decision I took over the last decade. I am so proud of the Uni. The learning outcome put me at the front of my career. UCEM is widely respected as they offer majorly RICS accredited programs which are directly relevant to the industry need. Therefore, if you desire to...
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SRStudent ReviewerReviewed 18 Mar 19
I just loved the course and most importantly its flexibility with the online platform. As a working mother it was like the golden opportunity to develop my career at the right place with the right people and the perfect time. The result was just amazing, I graduated with the classification of...
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Student support
3.0Student support rating
University of the Built Environment offers a range of high-quality support for both current students and alumni.
Students can seek support from academic team, programme leaders, module leaders and tutors who help with issues around module content, delivery, and assessment preparation.
They have a dedicated and knowledgeable student advice team, who are the first point of contact for any concerns or questions, including administrative, academic and pastoral issues. With the student advice team on hand, students can experience the wide benefits of supported online study and feel like part of the global community.
The virtual learning environment also provides a variety of essential services, including a student hub for academic support, study advice, and contact details for academic support services.
They recognise how important it is to make its programmes as accessible as possible, as part of its wider commitment to creating a more diverse built environment workforce. In practice, this means that they offers tailored and flexible support for students with physical and sensory impairments, specific learning difficulties, autism spectrum disorders, mental health conditions, and long-term health conditions. Applicants and current students are encouraged to contact the university directly to discuss individual needs and requirements.
Visit website
Find out more about the student support offered on the university’s website.
Working with leading professional bodies, University of the Built Environment's specialist built environment programmes are accredited, and therefore designed to guarantee that all students are equipped with the knowledge and understanding required to achieve Chartered status. The programmes are accredited by the following bodies:
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
Chartered Institute of Building
Chartered Association of Building Engineers
Hong Kong Institute of Construction Managers
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 the University signals to employers the quality of knowledge and skills held by a graduate, making the alumni highly desirable in a wide range of competitive professional roles. It gives confidence to future employers, of the calibre of education the graduates have received.
Incorporating professional accreditation within the degree programme accelerates students’ pathway to full chartered status, saving time and adding value to an individual’s long-term career prospects.
As the University of the Built Environment is an online institution, there isn’t a traditional students’ union available. 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.
Clubs and Societies
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 Buddy Scheme. This scheme is a great chance to network with peers, make social connections and create professional development opportunities. Through the Buddy scheme, students can make friends by sharing experiences, hobbies, passions with people who are on the same journey.
City life
As University of the Built Environment is an online institution, students can study its programmes from anywhere in the world. This gives students the opportunity to choose the best location for them, based on their personal preferences and budget.
Job prospects
3.3Career prospects rating
Students at the University of the Built Environment have access to their valuable careers service and Careers Connect platform, which continues to be available up to three years after graduation. Students are encouraged to boost their employability with free advice and services including:
CV reviews
1:1 career guidance with a careers advisor
Access to the Job Shop
Tailored careers resources
Alongside the careers service, they provide 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.
University of the Built Environment offers several scholarships and bursaries to help financially support students. This includes:
Financial Support Fund
Available for students facing financial hardship which impacts ability to study.
New Student Bursary Scheme
Awarded to new students who can demonstrate financial need, this bursary provides a tuition fee discount for the duration of their studies.
Vice Chancellor’s Discretionary Fund
Awarded to the students in financial difficulties due to sudden and unexpected circumstances, but who don’t meet the requirements of other bursary schemes awarded by the institution.
Redundancy Support
Awards a 75% discount on fees for students facing temporary financial difficulty, who are unemployed at the time of re-registration due to redundancy.
#BEReady Bursary
Through a partnership with the Chartered Surveyors Training Trust (CSTT), University of the Built Environment funds 50% of the BSc Access Module fee.
As well as a wide range of courses, studying at University of the Built Environment offers you loads of opportunities to boost your CV thanks to the careers department. You might even have the chance to do a work placement or sandwich year during your degree.
As well as providing you with opportunities to develop academically and professionally, you'll have a wide range of clubs and societies to join. You'll be able to pick up a new hobby and make loads of new friends by joining some of the clubs and societies on offer at University of the Built Environment.
Many courses at University of the Built Environment offer an opportunity to do a work placement or sandwich year. These opportunities will help you develop your employability skills, and the careers department is also on hand to offer personal support.
As well as a wide range of courses on offer, University of the Built Environment also has loads of clubs and societies you can join during your studies. Joining societies is just one of the many ways you can tailor your experience at University of the Built Environment to suit you.
You'll be shocked by the number of clubs and societies on offer at University of the Built Environment. There's something for everyone! As well as being able to pick different clubs and societies, most courses let you choose modules at different points through your degree.
As well as personalising your course through optional modules, you may have the chance to do a work placement during your studies. Developing your professional skills through work placements is a great way to add to your CV and boost your employability.
What can you do with a degree from University of the Built Environment?
The world is your oyster! Of course, the exact options open to you will depend on which subject you choose to study. Employers often look to hire graduates, so you can be sure that your degree will give you a wider range of employment opportunities.
No matter what degree you choose, however, you'll have option of going on to further study. If you want to keep studying, your undergraduate degree will enable you to go on to a master's degree or even a PhD.
With a degree in a subject you love, you'll find more doors opening to jobs you'll love. Studies have also shown that graduates earn more on average compared to non-graduates.
If you want to continue to pursue education, you'll be able to progress to postgraduate study once you've got your undergraduate degree. You could opt to study a master's, or even get a PhD.
If you want a job you love (and who doesn't?), getting a job in a field you're passionate about is a great place to start. By studying a subject you really enjoy, you'll be qualified for a range of jobs relating to that subject, which you'll hopefully love.
For those who aren't ready to give up on education after an undergraduate degree, you'll have the opportunity to progress to postgraduate study such as a master's or even a PhD.
What accommodation does University of the Built Environment offer?
If you opt to live in uni halls, you'll benefit from free WiFi and all-inclusive rent. Rent for uni halls also includes security and maintenance, so you can be sure you'll be well-looked after. There are several accessible rooms available, which are adapted for disabled students.
Halls also have communal areas such as kitchen facilities where you can meet your flatmates over a cup of tea. You'll also have access to dining facilities where you can share a meal with other students in your accommodation.
Living in uni halls means you'll have access to communal areas including kitchen and dining facilities. These facilities offer you plenty of opportunity to socialise with the students you're living with.
You'll also find all bills are included in your rent, and yes, that includes WiFi. Rent also covers security and maintenance. There are accessible rooms available in halls that have been adapted for disabled students.
University of the Built Environment's accommodation is designed to be as straightforward and stress-free as possible. All your bills are included in your rent, you'll have free WiFi and your rent also includes security and maintenance.
You'll have access to communal areas like kitchen and dining facilities, where you can socialise with other students you're living with. Disabled students will find several rooms adapted in accessible halls to suit a range of access requirements.
