The University College of Estate Management (UCEM), based in Reading, Berkshire, UK, is a provider of supported online education for the Built Environment. It offers distance learning courses for people in the real estate development and construction industries throughout the world.
The college was founded in 1919 in London by the Chartered Auctioneers' and Estate Agent's Institute which later became part of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). In 1938 the college gained recognition from the University of London to provide tuition for its internal degree. It relocated from London to Reading in 1972.
UCEM was granted Taught Degree Awarding Powers in 2013 and awarded university college status in 2015. It now operates as an independent self-funded charity and is one of eight original members of the Independent Universities Group, made up of universities not funded by the HEFCE. It has between 3,500 and 4,000 students from over 100 different countries following its courses.
Courses offered at undergraduate level are the BSc (Hons) building surveying; BSc (Hons) construction management; BSc (Hons) quantity surveying and BSc (Hons) real estate management.
At postgraduate level course options offered are: building surveying; construction management; quantity surveying; real estate; construction and real estate. Many of UCEM's courses are accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). They focus on business and management principles within the international construction and real estate sectors.
The Postgraduate Certificate Built Environment Studies is designed for experienced graduates wishing to achieve chartered status and to extend their theoretical knowledge.
Notable alumni include: Alison Nimmo, chief executive of the Crown Estate; Angus MacDonald, Scottish SNP MSP; Dr Ann Heywood, Alumnus and former Principle of CEM 2007 to 2013; Baron Mais, Former Lord Mayor of London 1972–1973 and Peter Rainbird CBE, DL, FRICS, FCIOB – Chairman of Rainbird Group and former Deputy Chairman of the CITB.
