Housing Studies - BSc (Hons) Degree

Year Three/Level 6 (BSc)

(Normally completed in 2 academic years part-time)

All students undertake a piece of research (Applied Work Based Learning Project) on an area of your choice, supported by tutorials. This module is designed around negotiated work-based learning.

Core Modules

Year 1

Comparative Practice study (20 credits)
Students will undertake a comparison between their workplace and that of another similar organisation, focusing on an area of policy and/or practice that both agencies are engaged with. The intention is that the student will produce an evidence-based piece of research that has academic and practical value.

Policy and Participation (20 credits)
This module looks at how housing is created, understood, and addressed as a ‘policy problem’ and how engagement with residents and communities can inform this. Students are required to engage in a ‘hackathon’ as part of their assessment.

Social Entrepreneurship (20 credits)
This module requires students to create a business plan for a social enterprise. Focussing on how economics relates to social issues, students will present this to a board of specialists for feedback.

Year 2

Applied Work Based Learning Project (40 credits)
Students are required to undertake a piece of primary research into a chosen housing topic. The assessment asks them to present this in a variety of formats and to reflect of their development as a researcher.

Homelessness (20 credits)
This module requires students to engage with the theoretical underpinnings of understanding homelessness in an international context. Students will analyse how practice responses can be designed to most effectively address this issue.

The programmes place great emphasis on the quality of teaching and the importance of a student-centred learning experience. Over the period of their course students are encouraged to develop the confidence and skills to be increasingly independent learners. The course is delivered by a core team, which consists of academics who all come from practice backgrounds who ensure that the teaching is relevant to current and future practice needs.

Practitioners contribute as guest lecturers to many of the modules and ensure that the teaching reflects contemporary housing practice. Opportunities are also given to students to attend study visits and access international mobilities, as well as professional conferences and seminars.

Lectures and tutorials are modular in structure with an emphasis on the application of theory to practice. Although students undertake self-study there is also an emphasis on group work throughout the course. Learner guidance is available from Professional (personal) and Module Tutors.

All students have access to a Personal Tutor throughout the course. The Personal Tutor provides support to students and is available for individual tutorials.

Moodle is used to support learning at all levels of study. In addition, students have access to a vast library of books and journals (including e-copies), available from Library Services.

Assessment is interesting and varied. The assessments include written assignments, group presentations and academic posters. A number of these assessment methods have been chosen to mirror processes and demands that occur within housing work.

Students have many opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills to case studies that are based upon current practice issues. Other assessments include traditional essays as well as reports, research, projects and portfolio development.

The course is recognised across the housing sector for being comprehensive and highly relevant.

This flexible part-time programme of study is offered to current housing practitioners, or those employed or volunteering within a housing or related field, to enable them to further develop their knowledge and skills.

The part time programme is delivered on one day a week with a small number of blocks of learning and is designed to be combined with employment within the housing field, or with other commitments.

Graduates from the programme can progress to study at Masters and PhD levels at Cardiff Metropolitan University.

Candidates should possess either a Higher National Diploma (or equivalent) in a relevant subject, a Foundation degree or an equivalent qualification equalling 240 credits.

Selection Procedure: The major criteria for selection of candidates are that they must demonstrate they are capable of succeeding on a degree programme.

Students wishing to enter the course must apply on the basis of RPL. RPEL is considered, evidenced by a portfolio and short interview.

How to Apply: Applications for this course should be made direct to the University via our self-service facility. For further information please visit our How to Apply pages at www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/howtoapply.

For general enquiries please contact the Admissions Team on 029 2041 6044 or email askadmissions@cardiffmet.ac.uk.

For course specific enquiries, please contact Senior Lecturer Helen Taylor: Email: HTaylor@cardiffmet.ac.uk