COURSE CURRICULUM

The Housing Studies course offers a comprehensive understanding of the social, political, legal and economic dimensions of housing, supported by academic development and practical application. In Year 1, students start by building foundational academic competencies through the Study Skills module, where they reflect on their existing knowledge, develop learning strategies and improve core skills like referencing and academic writing. City & Society explores how urban environments are shaped by policy at different levels, helping students understand the social and spatial development of cities. Context for Housing Organisations provides insight into the origins and impacts of welfare policy, linking housing outcomes to broader government aims and welfare structures. The Reflective Practitioner module supports the development of reflective learning, encouraging students to consider how academic content connects with professional roles. Leadership in Practice examines key concepts in leadership and management and encourages students to evaluate their own leadership potential within the housing sector, underpinned by ethical frameworks. Legal Frameworks & Regulation introduces students to essential legal knowledge for built environment professionals and sets a basis for more specialised modules in later years. In Year 2, the Housing Markets module provides a critical understanding of housing delivery systems, their relationship with economic policy and their impact on wellbeing. Housing Needs expands this focus to include social issues like homelessness, supported housing and lettings policy, equipping students to assess and propose strategic solutions to these challenges. Urban Design addresses the physical structure of housing and communities, while the Research Methods module prepares students to carry out independent research using both qualitative and quantitative techniques. In the final year, Housing Policy takes a deeper look into public and private sector interventions and how housing issues are framed and responded to. Geographical Imaginations encourages critical thinking about space, place and representation through a social and cultural lens. Finally, students complete a Dissertation, where they conduct independent research on a topic of their choice, demonstrating their analytical ability, research competence and understanding of housing-related issues in a real-world context.