Programme Specification and Curriculum Map for BSc (Hons) Housing Studies (PQ), FDsC Housing Studies (PQ) and CertHE Housing Studies

1. Programme title BSc (Hons) Housing Studies (PQ) FDSc Housing Studies (PQ) CertHE Housing Studies

2. Awarding institution Middlesex University

3. Teaching institution College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London / Middlesex University

4. Programme accredited by Chartered Institute of Housing

5. Final qualification BSc (Hons) Housing Studies (PQ)

6. Academic year 2009/10

7. Language of study English

8. Mode of study

9. Criteria for admission to the programme Standard entry

Candidates will hold the following minimum qualifications: a GCSE (grade C or above) or GCSE in five subjects, which should include Mathematics and English Language, with not less than two subjects at Advanced Level, or four at 'AS' Level, or any equivalent combinations or a BTECH National Certificate/Diploma or Advanced GNVQ equivalent, which normally includes at least seven level III passes at merit standard or a relevant access programme

Non standard entry The Admissions Tutor may admit a Candidate to the programme if there are strong indications from interview and other evidence, of ability and potential to benefit. Students must demonstrate that they have the necessary background, knowledge and motivation to complete the programme successfully. All such students will be subject to a diagnostic interview and written assessment and will be required to provide a reference, which will include a past or present employer‟s assessment of the candidate and support for the application, and/or an academic reference from the educational institution at which the student gained their qualification.

Students who are not considered suitable for admission to the programmes will be counselled as to the availability of suitable alternative programmes. Transfer between programmes A student enrolled on the Cert HE (Housing Studies) programme may be admitted to the FdSc Housing Studies programme if their module grade average is 2.2 or above; or direct to the BSc (Hons) Housing Studies programme if their module grade average is 2.1 or above. A student enrolled on the FdSc Housing Studies programme may be admitted to the BSc (Hons) Housing Studies programme if their module grade average is 2.2 or above.

10a. Aims of the programme – BSC (Hons) Housing Studies (PQ)

The programme aims:

To develop a critical, deep and broad understanding of housing and regeneration issues that will equip students to adapt and meet the challenges of the rapidly changing role of housing professionals

To assist students to develop the professional qualities and skills that are necessary for the exercise of responsibility in housing organisations

To enable students to contribute to the formulation of policy and its implementation

To develop a critical and deep understanding of residents‟ perspectives on housing and community issues

To meet the learning skills and work experience requirements for the Professional Qualification of the Chartered Institute of Housing

To explore the breadth of housing issues in contemporary societies and to critically evaluate and apply housing theories

To further develop skills in self management and research

10b. Aims of the programme – FDSc Housing Studies (PQ)

The programme aims:

To develop skills and knowledge in the key areas of housing in society, housing management and law, housing development, housing policy and finance and organisational management

To evaluate the issues involved in delivering quality services, including the contribution of tenants and residents in policy formulation and quality monitoring and the impact on a diverse population

To develop research skills, such as accessing and evaluating different types of information, and applying these to different forms of assessment

To meet the learning skills and work experience requirements for the Professional Qualification of the Chartered Institute of Housing

To develop the student as a reflective housing practitioner through work based learning or a work placement

10. Aims of the programme – CertHE (Housing Studies)

The programme aims:

To develop skills and knowledge in the key areas of housing in society, housing management (including the legal framework and inter-agency working) and housing development

To introduce students to a range of concepts underpinning the housing environment within which housing professionals work

To introduce students to the role of tenants and residents in housing management and development

To develop a range of transferable and academic skills that can be used both in an academic framework and in the work environment

To develop skills in accessing different types of information, and applying these to different forms of assessment

11. Programme outcomes

A. Knowledge and understanding

On completion of this programme the successful student will have knowledge and understanding of :

CertHE Housing Studies 1. The history and development of housing policy within the UK

2. A range of housing activities: management, development, building, and law

3. Housing organisations and their relationship with tenants and residents and other agencies 4. Key housing theories and the place of housing within society

FDSc Housing Studies (PQ}

All of the above plus: 5. The theories of and implementation of housing policy within the UK. 6. Housing finance and organisational management

7. The national, regional and local context of housing practice including resident involvement and working with other agencies 8. The development, performance management and measurement of housing services

Teaching/learning methods Students gain knowledge and understanding through lectures, and by self directed learning. This is reinforced through interactive seminars and tutorials, e-learning activities and practical experience including visits to housing schemes and work-based learning or student placement in a housing organisation. Use of information sources are encouraged through guided reading lists and e-learning exercises. A themed approach will be taken, linking different subject areas, such as management and development. This revolves around case studies of specific housing schemes and neighbourhoods. Organisational management will be taught, and students will gain practical knowledge through placements/ work based learning. Dissertations are supervised by an assigned tutor Assessment Students' knowledge and understanding is assessed by a variety of assessment forms. Knowledge is tested through essays, reports and presentations. Seminars and e-learning activities provide formative feedback and understanding of key concepts through interaction. Work based learning will be assessed through reflective accounts of practical experience and a Reflective Practice Portfolio.

9. The impact of housing policy on a diverse population BSc (Hons) Housing Studies (PQ) All of the above plus: 10. The international and contemporary context of housing policy and practice

11. The complex and changing environment within which housing organisations work and their role in community participation and regeneration

12. A particular area of housing chosen for research by the student

Summative assessment will be graded and there will be no examinations at level 1. Feedback will be given on mediated e-learning activities. Knowledge of research methods and methodology is assessed through the Housing Research Module HOU 2202, which is further developed through a dissertation.

B. Cognitive (thinking) skills

On completion of this programme the successful student will be able to:

CertHE Housing Studies 1. Describe the links between different housing activities e.g. development and finance.

2. Access different sources of information and apply them to housing issues

3. Undertake on their own or with others investigations of social questions, issues and problems

4. Produce reasoned arguments, justifying conclusions and recommendations with reference to supporting evidence.

FDSc Housing Studies (PQ)

All of the above plus:

5. Identify and evaluate the links between different housing activities e.g. development and finance. 6. Use established theories and concepts to identify key needs, problems and solutions.

BSc (Hons) Housing Studies (PQ)

All of the above plus:

7. Identify and critically evaluate the links between different housing activities e.g. development and finance.

8. Synthesise information from a range of

Teaching/learning methods Students learn cognitive skills through lectures and through student directed learning. Descriptive and evaluative skills are encouraged by seminars. The research process is developed through a taught Module and a supervised dissertation. Assessment Students' cognitive skills are assessed by a variety of assessment forms. Knowledge is tested through essays, reports and presentations. Seminars and e-learning activities provide valuable feedback and interaction. Work based learning will be assessed through reports and a Reflective Practice Portfolio. Successful completion of work based learning provides evidence of significant problem solving skills. Research is developed and assessed through the Housing Research Module HOU 2202 and a dissertation.

sources, both primary and secondary 9. Apply critical thinking and research skills to deliver a research project.

C. Practical skills

On completion of the programme the successful student will be able to:

demonstrate the following skills as specified for the professional qualification by the Chartered Institute of Housing 1. Personal and Professional skills 2. People skills 3. Strategic skills 4. Practical skills

Teaching/learning methods Students learn practical skills progressively throughout the programme. IT and research methods are covered by Level 1 - Housing in Society Module HOU 1003. Further development of skills is evidenced through the production of coursework and practical exercises for other Modules. Group skills and presentation skills are developed in many modules - for example through seminars and tutorials. Time management is developed through work based and placement elements. Research skills are developed through Housing Research Module HOU 2202 and a supervised dissertation. Assessment Writing, IT and research skills are specifically tested through Level 1 - Housing in Society Module HOU 1003. People skills such as negotiation, team working, conflict resolution and project management skills are taught through practical and interactive exercises in Housing Management HOU1002 and Housing Organisations HOU2102. Other assessments include group and individual presentations, reports and budgeting exercises. Work based elements are assessed through reflective accounts of practical experience. Research skills are assessed through Housing Research Module HOU 2202 and a dissertation (HOU3360 or DEV3330).

D. Graduate Skills

On completion of this programme the successful student will be able to demonstrate skills in 1. Personal and career development 2. Effective Learning 3. Communication 4. Teamwork

Teaching/learning methods Students acquire graduate skills through tutorials, seminars, workshops and practical exercises. The foundation for the development of transferable skills is provided in the Level 1 – Modules HOU 1001 - HOU 1004. Work based skills are fostered through a supervisory system, which supports the student throughout. Assessment Threshold attainment of transferable skills is

5. Information Technology 6. Numeracy

measured in the Level 1 - Housing in Society Module HOU 1003 and Housing studies in Context HOU 1001. Modules HOU 1002 and HOU1004 assess transferable skills formatively specifically in the context of housing practice. Further development of skills is evidenced through the production of coursework and practical exercises for other modules. Transfer of skills to the workplace is evidenced by successful completion of work based learning assessment including a Reflective Practice Portfolio.

12. Programme structures and requirements, levels, modules, credits and qualifications (please note that programme and module structure, and the content, size and availability of modules will change from 2007-2008).

12. 1 Overall structure of the programme

The BSc in Housing Studies comprises 360 Credits, with each Module worth 30 Credits. The programme is taken over three years by full-time students. Part-time students take the course over four years and in the final year may do an additional Work Based Learning Module or an Optional Module in Summer School (from any programme). The FDSc in Housing Studies comprises 240 credits, with each module worth 30 credits. The programme is taken over two years by full-time students. Part-time students take the course over three years. The CertHE Housing Studies consists of 4 x 30 credits. All four modules are taken over one year by full-time students and two years by part-time students. FULL-TIME MODE

Exit with FDSc

Enter with FDSc

OR…………………………

Ye

ar

1

Housing in Society HOU 1003

Housing Management HOU 1002

Housing Studies in Context HOU 1001

Housing Development HOU 1004

Ye

ar

2

Housing Policy and Finance HOU 2101

Housing Organisations HOU 2102

Housing Research HOU 2202

Work Placement HSS 3001

Ye

ar

3

Context of Contemporary Housing HOU 3101

Regeneration and Community Participation HOU 3102

Dissertation HOU 3360 60 Credits

Optional Module 30 Credits

PLUS…………

PART-TIME MODE Exit with CertHE Enter with CertHE

Exit with FDSc

Enter with FDSC

OR

Ye

ar

1

Housing in Society HOU 1003

Housing Studies in Context

HOU 1001

Housing Development HOU 1004

Housing Management HOU 1002

Ye

ar

2

Work Based Learning HOU 2103

Housing Policy and Finance HOU 2101

Housing Organisations HOU 2102

Housing Research HOU 2202

Ye

ar

3

Dissertation DEV 3330 30 Credits

Su

mm

er

Sc

ho

ol

Work Based Learning HOU 3103

Optional Module

Context of Contemporary Housing HOU 3101

Regeneration and Community Participation HOU 3102

Dissertation DEV 3330 30 Credits

Ye

ar

4

12.2 Levels and modules

Level 1

COMPULSORY OPTIONAL PROGRESSION

REQUIREMENTS

Students must take all of the following: HOU 1001 Housing Studies in Context 30 credits HOU 1002 Housing Management 30 credits HOU 1003 Housing in Society 30 credits HOU 1004 Housing Development 30 credits

None

As per University Guide and Regulations

The award of Certificate of Higher Education (Cert HE) is available for students completing 2 years part time or one year full time, if they are not continuing with the housing degree. For part-time students, the award is available for students not proceeding to the Work Based Learning module HOU 2103.

Level 2

COMPULSORY OPTIONAL PROGRESSION

REQUIREMENTS

Students must take all of the following: HOU 2101 Housing Policy and Finance 30 Credits HOU 2102 Housing Organisations 30 Credits HOU 2202 Approaches to Research 30 credits and HSS 3001 Work Placement Level 3 (full-time students) or HOU 2103 Work Based Learning Level 3 (part time) 30 credits

None:

Progression as per University Guide and Regulations. On successful completion of 2 years full time or 3 years part time, students will have met all the requirements for the Chartered Institute of Housing Professional Qualification (PQ) and can apply for membership of the Chartered Institute of Housing.

HSS 3001 (Work placement) or HOU 2103 (Work Based Learning) are taken in Year 2, Autumn and winter or Spring terms.

Level 3

COMPULSORY OPTIONAL PROGRESSION REQUIREMENTS

Students must take all of the following:

HOU 3101 Context of Contemporary Housing 30 Credits HOU 3102 Regeneration and Community Participation 30 Credits

Full-time students choose a level 3, 30 credit option from the University Catalogue in Year 3 plus a 30 credit dissertation (DEV 3330) OR opt for as 60 credit dissertation (HSS 3360). In addition to a Dissertation, part-time students may opt for a 2

nd

Work Based Learning module (HOU 3103) or an Optional Module taken in Summer School.

12.3 Non-compensatable modules

Module level Module code Level 1 HOU 1001; HOU 1002

Level 2 HOU 2101; HOU 2102; HOU 2202; HOU 2103

Level 3 HOU 3360; DEV 3330

13. A curriculum map relating learning outcomes to modules

See Curriculum Map attached at Annexe 1

14. Information about assessment regulations

Assessment regulations are largely as contained in the University Regulations – Academic year 2007/08 (to

be amended). Modules will be taught in the Autumn and Winter terms, and there will be formative assessments during the Modules, with final summative assessments at the end of the Winter term. There will be an opportunity to re-sit any referred coursework or examinations in the Spring term.

15. Placement opportunities, requirements and support (if applicable)

Placements are compulsory in year 2 of the full time programme; support is provided by the Placements Office at Enfield and by staff at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London. Part time students complete 1 work based module at their workplace (and may opt for a 2

nd module), supported by a supervisory

system. You will be given help and advice to find placements and approach potential employers and will enter into a Learning Agreement so that you and your employer are clear on what is required. Ongoing support will be available from your tutors.

16. Future careers (if applicable)

The programme is designed for students looking for a career in housing, or who wish to gain a professional qualification to advance their housing careers.

17. Particular support for learning (if applicable)

The University takes a learner-centred approach to learning and teaching, starting from learner‟s needs and experience, and building up the confidence and skills of learners. The University‟s Information and Learning Resource Service (ILRS) includes libraries, academic computing support, audio-visual support, language services, dyslexia support and English language and learning support (ELLS). “Oasisplus” provides the online learning component of courses.

Support for work-based learning is available from the university‟s Placements office as well as course tutors and their established links with a number of housing employers throughout London and the home counties.

18. JACS code (or other relevant coding system)

19. Relevant QAA subject benchmark group(s)

Chartered Institute of Housing outcomes document, Housing Studies benchmark

20. Reference points

Middlesex University mission statement „Putting Students At The Centre of Learning’.

Middlesex University “The Learning framework” , revised November 2006

School of Health and Social Sciences Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy

Middlesex University Guide and Regulations

Chartered Institute of Housing ”Expectations for Corporate Membership – Guidance for Universities and Colleges, 2006”

Housing Studies Benchmark

QAAS Procedures Handbook

21. Other information

None

Please note programme specifications provide a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve if s/he takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information about the programme can be found in the student programme handbook and the University Regulations.