The University of Reading and the College of estate Management agree independent futures

Friday, 17 September 2010

URS Building, Whiteknights

The College of Estate Management (CEM) is an independent educational charity founded in 1919 offering a range of courses relating to construction, property and estate management.

CEM's relationship with the University of Reading stems from an association that began in 1967 when the University became a validating body for the college. Since 1973, the College has been based in the URS building on the Whiteknights campus.

The College of Estate Management and the University have now agreed a plan which will see CEM pursue the awarding of its own degrees. This will involve the withdrawal of the University's validation for the College's undergraduate and postgraduate programmes over time.

The two institutions have enjoyed a strong and productive relationship since the 1960s and have, as part of recent discussions, explored the potential for a merger of the two organisations. However, both institutions now believe the time has come for each to build on its own strengths. This will be best achieved as strong and autonomous institutions and will ensure there is clarity relating to the respective brands, markets and programme provision in those markets.

For existing students whose courses are currently validated by the University of Reading, there will be no change in validation arrangements. Meanwhile, the College will continue to work closely with the University to ensure that new validation arrangements are fully in place as the University progressively withdraws from its validation role on behalf of the College.

Dr Ann Heywood, Principal of the College of Estate Management, said: "The College is a mature and established institution with a worldwide reputation and a distinctive model of delivering courses by distance learning that has proved its success for 150,000 people at all levels of their careers. We would like to thank the University for its support over many years. However, it is right the College should take this step to full independence, retaining valued existing relationships and building new ones, and above all preserving the value of the degrees and diplomas awarded to CEM students."

Professor Tony Downes, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, University of Reading, said: "As a world-renowned provider of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in property and real estate, surveying and construction, the University of Reading remains committed to providing quality programmes that attract the brightest students and provide the sectors with a highly-skilled workforce. We wish the College every success in the future and we will, of course, ensure the validation of the qualifications of their students within the timeframe agreed."

A joint working party is being set up to oversee the transition.