Announcement of new name
Posted on: 29 April, 2025
In July 2024 University College of Estate Management (UCEM) applied to the Office for Students (OfS) to change its name to ‘University of the Built Environment’.
We are delighted to announce that, after a targeted consultation, the OfS has approved the new title, signalling a significant milestone in our history.
Why are we changing our name?
Our vision is to be ‘the centre of excellence for built environment education’ and with the expansion of our portfolio to encompass a wider offering to professions in the sector, our new name University of the Built Environment better reflects our broadened scope and ambition.
For over a hundred years, in line with its Royal Charter, the institution has provided education and training related to building, property, construction and land. Founded in 1919 as the College of Estate Management, we were granted our University College title in 2016. In more recent years, it has become apparent that our name, UCEM or University College of Estate Management, no longer accurately reflects the size and breadth of our offer to students and the ways we work to develop skills for the built environment sector.
Ashley Wheaton, Vice Chancellor, said:
“This is a very exciting time in our institution’s history. The decision to change our name comes after lengthy research with students, staff, employers and alumni. We are the only specialist university focused entirely on the built environment. This name change will build on our legacy and heritage, and align our name with the work we do and the value we bring to the sector.
‘University of the Built Environment’ will make clear to everyone—including students, alumni, employers and staff – our offer of built environment higher education.
Over the years, we’ve grown and adapted to meet the changing needs of this fast-evolving sector. Our new name reflects that evolution, supports our continued growth, and fulfils the Royal Charter.”
Chair of the UCEM Board, Peter McCrea, OBE FRICS said, “It is a privilege to be Chair of the Board at such a significant time in the institution’s history. The Board are delighted that after many years of planning and deliberation, UCEM has been granted full university title and that we can share the new name; a name that truly reflects our position as a leading specialist provider for built environment education. On behalf of the Board, I would like to acknowledge the huge effort over many years that our staff have invested in this project, culminating in today’s exciting news.”
Becoming University of the Built Environment
Changing our name will be a pivotal event for the institution and will require a staggered approach. Our new name, University of the Built Environment, will be launched in June 2025.
The introduction of a new name and identity is a significant piece of work and we want to ensure our stakeholders, staff, and most importantly our students, are informed and supported as we make changes.
We are privileged to have a diverse and vibrant student community around the world, including a centre of operations in Hong Kong. We anticipate that we will be able to roll out our new identity in Hong Kong at the same time as in the UK, however this will be subject to an assessment by the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications’ (HKCAAVQ).
UCEM has produced an FAQ guide to explain more about the name change.
If you have any queries regarding the name change, please contact the relevant team:
- Students – raise an enquiry Student Central or call +44 (0)118 921 4696
- Hong Kong queries – lee@ucem.ac.uk
- Employers – businessdevelopment@ucem.ac.uk
- Alumni – alumni@ucem.ac.uk
- Press – press@ucem.ac.uk
