BSc Honours Housing Studies Degree with Professional Qualification

Overview & facilities

The BSc Housing Studies Degree with Honours (Professional Qualification) in London is run jointly by Middlesex University and the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London and you will be enrolled as a student both of the University and of the College.

BSc Housing Studies with Honours (Prof Q) is fully recognised by the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH), and students who successfully complete the university course (three years full-time, or four years part-time), will also have met both the academic and professional requirements for membership of CIH, the professional body for social housing practitioners.

The course aims

• To develop a critical, deep and broad understanding of housing and regeneration issuesthat will equip you to adapt and meet the challenges of the rapidly changing role ofhousing professionals
• To assist you to develop the professional qualities and skills that are necessary forthe exercise of responsibility in housing organisations
• To enable you to contribute to the formulation of policy and its implementation
• To meet the learning skills and work experience requirements for the ProfessionalQualification of the Chartered Institute of Housing
• To explore the breadth of housing issues in contemporary societies and to criticallyevaluate and apply housing theories.

Content & modules

In addition to modules covered in the Foundation Degree, students study housing in other countries, contemporary issues, regeneration, and have a chance to carry out their own piece of research. Students with the CIH Professional Qualification-Diploma are exempt from the first three and a half years part time-two years full time of the BSc (Hons) Housing Studies.

The final year of the BSc (Hons) Housing Studies (PQ) will be taught at our flagship Hendon campus from September 2008. The Cert HE, the Foundation Degree (PQ) and the first two years (full time) or three years (part time) of the BSc will be taught at CONEL's campus in Tottenham.

Part-time students generally attend classes one day a week and full-time students two or three days a week.

Modules

• Year 1

  Housing Development (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to develop students understanding of housing development and housing markets. It considers construction and the development process; design issues including sustainability; how development is financed, in all tenures; and the workings of the housing markets including how and why government intervenes.

  Housing in Society (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to enable students to develop their understanding of the social context of social housing and the key social processes that underpin contemporary public policy. It explores current issues in social policy and the relevance of these to housing.

  Housing Management (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to develop students understanding of the key aspects of contemporary housing management. It includes an introduction to the legal framework within which housing organisations manage their tenancies, and quality monitoring; and explores the developing role of the housing service in inter agency working, tackling social exclusion and providing housing with care and support.

  Housing Studies in Context (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to introduce students to the context of housing studies. It considers the historical context, tracing how social housing has evolved side by side with the development of the welfare state. It also considers present-day decision making, legal and judicial processes, and current housing problems. Finally, it explores the nature of social housing organisations and their relationship with residents.

• Year 2

  Approaches to Health and Social Care Research (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  To introduce students of housing related subjects to the process of housing research. It is a professional requirement for those working in health related disciplines to underpin their knowledge with research and evidence-based practice. Professionals need to be able to access research findings, and through an understanding of the research process and methodology, be able to critique research and apply this knowledge to practice. The aim of this module is to develop the students awareness of the research process and to equip them with the skills required in the subject area appropriate to their target award and to offer some preparation for their final year project/dissertation.

  Housing Organisations (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to examine organisational and management theory and practice as they relate to housing organisations, including management tools such as budgeting, performance measurement and business planning. It considers the pressures for change in organisations and how the process can be managed, and ways of maintaining good employment practice and employer/employee relations. It also explores the scope for, and barriers to, collaborative working with other agencies.

  Housing Policy and Finance (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to critically examine theories of policy making, and the factors in the failure and success of specific housing policies. It evaluates the relationship between policy making at local, national and international levels, within the wider context of the management of the economy. Finally, it equips students with a critical understanding of how social housing is financed, and the effects of financial considerations on housing organisations own policy decisions.

  Placement Learning (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  Placement learning aims to link academic learning to a placement organisation providing an opportunity to apply, consolidate and develop skills and knowledge from University to the placement and future employment. This practical experience module provides the means for students to link academic work with the real world situation in order to conceptualise the meaning of theory in the wider world context. This module facilitates the embedding of transferable and graduate skills necessary for future career paths and employment. It is envisaged the student will reflect upon areas of knowledge relevant to the placement learning experience and develop personal knowledge through a review of their learning. The placement learning experience provides students with the opportunity to enhance their skills of self expression, communication, self reliance and co-operation. Students will also engage in risk assessment.

• Year 3

  Context of Contemporary Housing (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to develop students ability to critically evaluate a broad range of contemporary housing issues and theories, related to their social and economic context; and to apply comparative housing theory to policy and development in an international context.

  Dissertation (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module aims to synthesise learning from the students undergraduate programme providing an opportunity for students to study independently and investigate a topic in depth. It fosters academic curiosity, an inquiry based approach, the employment and application of research skills thus facilitating the development of a higher level of theorising. Students will select a topic of personal interest they wish to study further and will manage their own learning during this module, with the support of an allocated supervisor for this period of independent study.

  Dissertation (60 Credits) - Optional

  This module aims to synthesise learning from the stdeunts undergraduate programme providing an opportunity for stduents to study independentlyt and investigate a topic in depth. It fosters academic curiosity, an inquiry based approach, the employment and application of research skills thus facilitating the development of a higher level of theorising. Stuents will select a topic of personal interest on which they wish to undertake a substantial in-depth study. They will manage their own learning during this module, with the support of an allocated supervisor for this period if independent stuy.

  Regeneration and Community Participation (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to: - Identify the key phases and events of regeneration in Post-war and Contemporary UK - Identify and apply theoretical and ideological frameworks for interpreting regeneration policy and trends in community participation - evaluate the main concepts and processes of community and community participation in regeneration settings - examine the aims, types and levels of community participation in regeneration through critical reading and case studies - identify and examine good practice in community involvement strategies, paying particular attention to developing inclusion in relation to race and gender issues

  Workbased Learning (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module aims to develop students ability to critically evaluate the policies and practice of the housing organisation in which they work in comparison with those of other organisations, and in so doing to contribute to students own development as reflective practitioners, and their time management and organisation skills.

Download the course specification

Entry & applying

We normally make offers on a minimum of 240 UCAS tariff points, plus GCSE English Language at grade C. BTEC National Diploma/International Baccalaureate/Advanced Progression Diplomas at equivalent tariff. Access to HE - Pass. Applications from candidates without formal qualifications are welcomed. Additionally overseas students whose first language is not English will need a qualification that demonstrates competence in English, eg IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 550 paper-based or 213 computer based.

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Qualifications accepted

For a comprehensive list of qualifications accepted by Middlesex, see further information under entry requirements

English language requirements

You must have competence in English language and we normally require Grade C GCSE or an equivalent qualification. The most common English Language requirements for international students are IELTS 6.0 (with minimum 5.5 in all four components) or TOEFL internet based 72 (with at least 17 in listening & writing, 20 in speaking and 18 in reading).

Middlesex also offers an Intensive Academic English course (Pre-Sessional) that ranges from 5-17 weeks depending on your level of English. Successful completion of this course would meet English language entry requirements. For more information on applying for the pre-sessional please email english@mdx.ac.uk. 

Entry into year two or three (transfer students)

If you have achieved a qualification such as a foundation degree or HND, or have gained credit at another university, you may be able to enter a Middlesex course in year two or three. For full details of how this works see transfer students

UK/EU applicants with existing higher education qualifications

If you have already been awarded a qualification at the same level as the course you are applying for, you may not be eligible for a tuition fee loan, see fees and funding for more information.

Applying

Applications for UK and EU students should be made to UCAS – the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. The institution code for Middlesex is M80, and the code name is MIDDX. You also need the code for the course you wish to apply for – this is found in the 'at a glance' box above.

International students from outside the EU can make a direct application.  We have a network of regional offices across the world to assist you with your application.  They have worked with people from your region coming to Middlesex before and can help. Read more on international applications

Fees & funding

The tuition fee for the 2012/2013 academic year for UK/EU students is £9,000.
The tuition fee for the 2012/2013 academic year for International students is £10,400.

Click here to find out more about fees, funding and our scholarships in 2012.