About this course
- Entry year: 2012/13
- Course code: K20C67
- Award type: Certificate
- Applications: University
- Level: Professional/Short Course
- Department: Construction and Property
- Campus: N/A
- Delivery: Distance learning
- Study Abroad: No
- Programme leader: Ceri Victory
- Key fact: The programme runs throughout the year, so you can join at anytime.
Introduction
We have run undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Housing for nearly 30 years. During the last few years we have invested in the development of new methods of course delivery. For many practitioners, frequent attendance at University is not always a practical option and we have therefore designed flexible and innovative housing courses which deliver professional qualifications.
Following a number of enquiries from Registered Social Landlords we are offering a new course which concentrates on four main areas:
- The evolution, principles and practice of house construction (20 credit module)
- Building defects, diagnosis and inspection (20 credit module)
- Energy efficiency in existing housing - option appraisal and decision making (10 credit module)
- Planning long term repairs and maintenance programmes (10 credit module)
A 20 credit module represents about 175 - 200 hours of study (including assessment).
This course entitles students to Practitioner Membership of the Chartered Institute of Housing upon completion and is aimed at:
- Repairs officers
- Development officers
- Non-qualified or less experienced maintenance inspectors
- Housing managers
- Tenants
or any other person who has a professional interest in the maintenance and repair of housing.
On successful completion of the Certificate you should be able to:
- Identify, describe and compare the various materials and methods used in the construction of new and existing housing
- Explain the factors which have influenced the development of good building practice
- Identify common building defects and recognise how poor construction techniques, materials and workmanship can lead to premature building failure
- Demonstrate an understanding of some of the specific problems of non traditional construction
- Assess and record house condition
- Evaluate options for improving the energy efficiency of existing housing
- Establish, prioritise and plan repair and improvement programmes
- Ensure value for money in repair and improvement work
- Discuss those factors which influence decisions regarding the need for refurbishment, redevelopment or disposal
Careers / Further study
On successful completion of all the assessment UWE will award a Certificate of Credit (60 credits). This can be put towards any further studies you may wish to undertake in this field.
In particular, UWE offers a FdA (foundation degree) in Housing. Students completing the Certificate in Building Defects and Maintenance would only need to take one further 20 credit module (at the same academic level) to complete the first year of the foundation degree. With only a further two years of part-time study, you could complete the foundation degree, and consequently meet the academic requirements to achieve Corporate Membership of the Chartered Institute of Housing (MCIH).
If you wish, you can 'top-up' the foundation degree to a full BA Honours degree in Housing Development and Management with a further two years of study.
A formal qualification in Housing shows employers that you are capable of advanced study, and have gained skills and knowledge that will directly benefit their organisation. Together with your work experience, these qualifications should enable you to develop your career and move to higher levels of responsibility.
Entry Requirements
Each application is considered on its individual merits, but as a guide, we normally require at least 100 UCAS tariff points, including at least one full A-level. In addition you will need GCSE Maths and English at grade C or above.
Course content
The modules are delivered through distance learning (on a DVD) and include films, reading, self-tests and workbooks. There is also a supporting website which includes illustrated articles, photos, video clips, PowerPoint presentations, virtual surveys and several computer based self-assessment tests. In addition, during your study, you will have access to our online library resources.
Principles and Practice - House Construction
This module examines the evolution and current practice of domestic building construction. At the end of the module you should be able to:
- Identify, describe and compare the various materials and methods used in the construction of new and existing housing
- Explain the factors which have influenced the development of good building practice
- Identify potential problems caused by poor design or specification
- Interpret and produce sketches, sections and plans
- Apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations
Topics covered include site investigation, foundations, floors, external and internal walls, roof structure and coverings, finishes, system building, and building services.
Defects and Diagnosis - House Construction
This module examines the nature, causes and diagnosis of domestic building defects. At the end of the module you should be able to:
- Identify and diagnose common building defects
- Show how poor construction techniques, materials or workmanship can lead to premature building failure
- Understand those defects common to older forms of construction
- Understand some of the specific problems of non traditional construction
- Understand the key areas to investigate in building inspections; end-of-tenancy, void, cyclical etc
- Suggest repair options for a number of common defects
Topics covered include failure of foundations, floors, external and internal walls, roof structure and coverings, finishes, specific defects in system building, problems of dampness, rot and insect attack, services, property inspection.
Part of both these modules can be seen by following the link at the end of this page.
Energy Efficiency in Existing Housing
This module considers the options for measuring and improving the energy efficiency of existing housing. At the end of the module you should:
- Understand the principles and practical implications of the Reduced Data Standard Assessment Procedure
- Understand and be able to explain best practice in modern heating installations
- Be able to describe, evaluate and compare the options for improving energy efficiency in existing properties
- Be able to discuss energy-related technical issues in a competent and coherent manner
- Be able to apply their theoretical knowledge to practical situations and carry out simple energy efficiency option appraisals
- Be able to recommend appropriate and optimum energy efficiency improvements for existing houses
The module considers a number of theoretical and practical aspects of energy efficiency including:
- Modern heating systems and controls
- RDSAP data collection and reports
- K values, U values, and heat loss calculations
- Options for improving insulation
- Financial implications of insulation systems
- Risks and defects associated with insulation systems
- Air leakage and ventilation
- Option appraisal
Maintenance Planning
By the end of this module you should be able to:
- Understand the broader context within which the asset management/repairs service operates
- Devise and implement effective short and long-term programmes for elemental repair and renewal
- Recognise the sometimes complex relationship between initial, recurring and renewal costs
- Advise development teams on the long-term implications of design and specification details
- Adapt and, to some extent, plan for future uncertainty
- Reconcile the needs of users and providers and understand that value for money is more than a simple cost equation
The syllabus content will include the following topics:
- The Decent Homes Standard
- Advanced spreadsheet work
- Predicting component life
- Cost-in-use modelling - theory and practice
- Option appraisal of repairs and improvements
- Desk based property profiling
- Designing and commissioning condition surveys
- Common pitfalls in condition surveys
- Theory and practice of sampling
- Prioritising repairs and improvements
- Property disposal criteria
Teaching and learning
View some samples of our teaching materials.
Note: this website shows a range of our teaching materials - not just those specific to this course.
Assessment
The assessment will take the form of coursework. This will include a variety of tasks to test your ability to assimilate the learning materials and to apply theoretical knowledge to practical problems.
Prices and dates
Fees
There will be a basic fee of £3150 for the Certificate. If you wish to progress on the Foundation Degree or BA Honours Degree you will need to pay an additional fee.
How to apply
Applications for all part-time undergraduate programmes are made direct to the University. Application forms are available from Admissions and International Development.
For further information
Page last updated 14 December 2011