The college was formed specifically to serve the property-related estate management and construction industry sectors.

The scale of British lives lost in the First World War had led to a shortage of trained staff to manage the country's estates.

[7] In September 2013, the college appointed Ashley Wheaton as its ninth Principal, taking over the role from Ann Heywood, who retired.

[9] In March 2019, to celebrate the University's centenary year of existence, Prince Charles visited the UCEM building in Reading, to meet students and staff.

(See Talk) A large variety of courses are offered, including programmes accredited by professional bodies such as the RICS and the Chartered Institute of Building.