About this course
- Entry year: 2012/13
- Course code: K472
- Applications: University
- Level: Undergraduate
- Tariff points: 260
- Department: Construction and Property
- Campus: Frenchay
- Duration: Five years
- Delivery: Part-time
- Programme leader: Ceri Victory
- Key fact: Our range of Housing courses are delivered flexibly to allow you to fit your studies in with your other life commitments.
Introduction
This course is designed to provide you with the skills and knowledge required to work successfully in housing development or management, within the wider context of sustainable communities and urban policy. You will study a comprehensive range of topics, enabling you to become a corporate member of the Chartered Institute of Housing (MCIH) and progress your career.
We have run undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Housing for over 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 a range of flexible and innovative housing courses which deliver professional qualifications.
There are three possible entry routes:
Each of these Certificate courses can be completed in one year of part-time study. If you wish to progress from a Certificate to the BA(Hons) Housing Development and Management, you would study an additional module alongside the Certificate.
Structure
Content
The modules studied in each year will vary depending upon the entry route chosen. In particular, your first year of study will be chosen from the following list:
- Certificate in Housing and Neighbourhoods
- Certificate in Housing Defects and Maintenance Planning
- Certificate in Housing Options and Advice
Students will then study topics including:
- Housing Law
- Housing Economics and Finance
- Reflective Study for Housing Practitioners
- Building Construction
- Housing Development
- Housing Management
- Organisational Management Theory
In years four and five you will, as well as completing a dissertation, study topics such as:
- Running a Social Business
- Creating Safer Communities
- Housing Markets and Policy
- Transforming Cities
You should note that the above are indicative topics, and that the details of modules can change, as the programme team work hard to ensure that the degree continues to be relevant to the needs of students and employers.
Successfully completion entitles you to Corporate Membership of the Chartered Institute of Housing (MCIH).
Teaching and learning
In response to feedback from employers and students, we have developed courses which involve a blend of web-based learning, guided study and attendance at UWE Bristol. During the first year of study, the specialism you have chosen will dictate the balance between distance learning and attendance at UWE Bristol. If you choose Housing and Neighbourhoods, you will combine distance learning with monthly workshops at the University, whereas if you choose Housing Options and Advice or Housing Defects and Maintenance Planning you will study primarily through web-based distance learning with tutor support.
During your second year, you will study through a combination of distance learning and attendance at UWE Bristol, coming to monthly workshops at the University. From your third year of study onwards you will attend weekly lectures in order to receive the level of academic support which you will require as you move on to study at a higher level.
When you attend UWE Bristol you have access to a range of facilities. A suite of computer rooms supports software for word processing and data analysis, as well as providing access to e-mail and the internet. From home, Blackboard, our virtual learning environment, and the UWE website enables you to access a range of electronic journals, publications and other resources provided by lecturers to support your learning.
Support for students
Staff are very conscious that part-time students, particularly those who have not recently participated in any formal education, need support from staff outside of normal days of attendance at UWE Bristol. As a result, we are always prepared to spend time with students who have concerns, and are committed to ensuring that all students, whatever difficulties they may have to overcome, are able to benefit from the course.
Even though you will be learning from home much of the time, at least in the early years of the course, you will not be without support. You can contact staff with questions that you have as you work through the web-based topics. You will not have to wait until the next attendance day to resolve any queries. There is a tutor who is dedicated to this course, and a student adviser who can be contacted at any time during the day by phone or e-mail.
How the course is taught
Years 1 and 2
In response to feedback from employers and students, we have addressed concerns about the difficulties of obtaining day release from work, and at the same time have acknowledged student concerns about coping with pure distance learning. The result is a blend of web-based learning, guided study and attendance once a month.
Web-based learning
Students study at home, using web-based materials developed by us. The learning is divided into 'topics' and each topic involves about one day of study. The web based materials include everything you need for each topic, including tasks, questions and feedback. This means that you do not need to access any other books or materials - everything is provided. If you do not have easy access to the internet you can obtain the same materials on CD. Each month, you will have up to three topics to cover, which are also discussed at the tutorial you will attend each month.
Attendance at UWE
Following an initial introductory session which will ensure you understand how to access and use the web-based material, you will attend the University roughly once a month, six times in total. On these days, you will take part in practical workshops to build essential skills and also tutorial sessions to reinforce information covered in the web-based learning. This ensures that you have understood all information covered and also enables you to explore issues more deeply with fellow students and lecturers.
Year 3
In the third year you study three modules by day release (which means coming to University one day each week in term time) and a fourth work-based module. At this point in the course you feel the benefit of more frequent contact with lecturers and fellow students.
Year 4 and 5
The fourth and final years (for those progressing to the BA(Hons) Housing Development and Management) are delivered through a mixture of weekly attendance and distance learning.
Assessment
You will be assessed through a range of means which include essays and exams, although you will not sit any exams during your first year of study.
Special Features
Professional accreditation
Successful completion entitles you to Corporate membership of the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH).
Careers/further study
This course is designed to provide you with the skills and knowledge required to work successfully in housing development or management, within the wider context of sustainable communities and urban policy. You will study a comprehensive range of topics, enabling you to become a corporate member of the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) and progress your career.
Graduate destinations
Find out what our graduates are doing six months after graduating- includes examples of careers, employers and further study. Download a PDF from graduate destinations.
Key employer partnerships
The course is supported by a group of employers who contribute towards resources used in teaching, offer sponsorship and placements to students, and who are keen to employ our graduates. Find out more about our real estate consortium.
Creating employable students
UWE places strong emphasis on employability and skills development at every level. Through work placements, volunteering, study abroad and UWE initiatives which nurture talent and encourage innovation, students gain valuable real world experience and graduate with diverse career opportunities and a competitive place in the job market.
See great graduate prospects for further information.
Be inspired
Read about some of the key jobs in construction and property.
Useful links
UWE - careers in housing
Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH)
The UWE careers service provides guidance and support throughout your studies in addition to useful resources, CV checks, career coaching and details of current job vacancies.
Entry
Typical offers
Fees
The fees for 2012 entry will be £4200.
How to apply
Please see the general information about applications.
We welcome applications from students without the conventional entrance requirements but who do have substantial relevant work or other experience and whose motivation and skills would enable them to succeed on the course.
We also welcome applications from people with disabilities, and we are happy to arrange visits for disabled applicants to find out whether the course is suitable, and discuss what support is appropriate.
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For further information
Page last updated 14 December 2011