University of the Built Environment

Bex Gibson,
MSc Construction Management,
Project Officer,
FX Plus, Cornwall, UK

“University of the Built Environment offered a flexible learning approach I could fit in with my full-time job and came highly recommended by colleagues.

Supported online learning works very well for me. All webinars and learning materials can be accessed at any time so I am able to fit my studies around my life. I use the VLE daily and find it a very useful tool for discussion and clarification. The module and programme discussion forums are a good substitute for face-to-face support and the Tutors have always been quick to respond to any queries.

I chose to study the MSc Construction Management programme as the areas covered within the programme are relevant to all aspects of construction management. I already feel more confident and knowledgeable in my current working role, and will have a solid foundation to progress professionally.

Having been out of education for almost 10 years, the thought of writing essays initially terrified me. However, I was given support and encouragement by the Tutors and Module Leaders, and it made me feel a lot more comfortable submitting that first assignment!

The best thing about University of the Built Environment is the flexibility and support. Even though I live in Cornwall, I feel connected and involved in the University's student community.”

“The career I am in at the moment won’t last forever. I wanted something challenging and different to get my teeth into, and I had an opportunity to do a bit of work experience in the real estate industry.

I enjoyed it so I spoke to people who had careers in the industry and they suggested I look at University of the Built Environment to do a course there.

It’s been great. It has fitted around my work commitments and lifestyle very well.

When I first started studying at the University, I was playing for Wasps and then part-way through the season, moved to Connacht.

If I was at a traditional institution, there would have been no way I would have been able to continue with my studies. The flexibility you get with the University has been invaluable.

The MSc Real Estate programme gives me the opportunity to experience what a surveyor does in their day-to-day role. I’m learning more about the sector.

When I first started the course, one of the big draws was that it was RICS-accredited. It’s only a good thing if you are doing a course like this. We want it to be accredited by potential employers.

The Tutors have been very, very good. If I have any questions, they have been very promptly answered. They are very helpful. They have helped me a lot, particularly not having a real estate background to fall back on, the tutors’ help has been invaluable.”

I decided to enroll on an MSc in Quantity Surveying because I would like to change the course of my career and get the chance to work abroad.

I was a bit concerned my lack of experience in Quantity Surveying would make it challenging to find a job after graduating so I find the future more reassuring having armed with this degree.

Quantity surveyors are sought after across the world too so I decided to study on this programme and I do not regret it because, among other things, I enjoyed learning about the project and cost management side of the profession and I believe these are excellent transferable skills.

I found the support great. The support from the tutors was excellent, and even though I didn’t need wellbeing support, it was good to know that it was there and very clearly advertised to the student population.

I quite liked the independent aspect of online learning. I have always been a bit more comfortable with learning at my own pace so it was perfect for me. The tutors are monitoring the forum just as it needs to be in order for students to get fast answers to our questions.