The College of Estate Management Granted University College Status
Posted: 19th November 2015
The College of Estate Management (CEM) – a leading provider of supported online learning for the Built Environment - today announced it has achieved university college title and has become University College of Estate Management (UCEM).
UCEM provides Real Estate, Property and Construction students and professionals with the highest quality supported online learning; enhancing their employability, academic standing and career development prospects. The achievement of university college title acknowledges the college’s status in its provision of offering online vocational education for the Built Environment industry, and the upholding of the quality standard.
The Privy Council (formal body of advisers to the Sovereign of the UK) approved the university college title and name change on the 11 November, following a period of scrutiny by the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS). The award of this title is the next step in the development of the college - recognising its work within the Higher Education sector and its continued growth as an independent institution - following the achievement of Taught Degree Awarding Powers in October 2012. The college also had to demonstrate that its governance structures, both corporate and academic, are sound and that it’s financially sustainable.
Universities and Science Minister, Jo Johnson, said, “By opening up Higher Education to new universities we are ensuring students can choose from a wider range of high quality institutions. Becoming a university college is recognition of the progress University College of Estate Management has made - and I look forward to more institutions having the opportunity to become universities as the result of the reforms we are proposing in the Higher Education Green Paper.”
Ashley Wheaton, Principal at UCEM, commented, "We are both honoured and delighted to be receiving confirmation that the Privy Council and BIS recognise our academic standards; financial status; and effective governance. Gaining a university college title further confirms UCEM's status as a leading provider of supported online learning for the Built Environment worldwide. And, this award further reinforces our dedication to ensuring that our students benefit from high quality and prestigious qualifications; directly supporting their career ambitions.”
John Gellatly, FRICS, Chairman of the UCEM Board of Trustees, said, “It is fantastic to be part of an institution that is making such a massive difference to education and business, by providing skills and knowledge that are relevant to the Built Environment industry. And, with this university college title I’m confident UCEM will only increase its already large, diverse and highly talented student base.”
The college’s name has therefore been changed to University College of Estate Management (UCEM), from the 11th November 2015, and it will be transitioning its brand in early 2016.