Established in 1919 by Royal Charter as College of Estate Management, University of the Built Environment is a specialist provider of supported online education for the built environment industry, with nearly 4,000 students located in over 100 countries. The University provides a flexible study model centred on a virtual learning environment that can be accessed from anywhere in the world without the need to attend a physical campus.

University of the Built Environment is at the forefront of the vocational skills agenda with its core purpose to provide accessible, relevant and cost-effective education, enabling students to enhance careers, increase professionalism and contribute to a sustainable built environment. Lifelong education is central to its activities as the majority of the University's students are mature learners who are studying for professional qualifications while working. The University has fully embraced degree apprenticeships, with over half of its student body now comprising apprentices. In addition to working closely with over 500 employers of all sizes to meet their skills needs, they provide individual students with the opportunity to enter the built environment professions in areas of skills shortage, including those changing careers. Its work also includes enabling access to built environment careers for groups that are currently under-represented in the industry, such as those who are from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic groups, have disabilities or come from disadvantaged areas.