FdA Housing and Communities

You will hold a minimum of grade C in GCSE maths and English or equivalent. You will have experience of working in the housing sector for a minimum of 18 months.

There are no additional course fees as registration with CIH for the duration of the programme is included.

You will attend a group interview and information event. You will be provided with information, advice and guidance as to whether the programme is suitable for your ability and career goals. On arrival please report to the NCD University Centre reception.

Please ensure that you understand the process of securing funding through student finance. Details can be found at https://www.gov.uk/student-finance/loans-and-grants or through your employer.

Please note that your employer/line manager is welcome to attend the session with you.

This programme aims to provide challenging, stimulating and vocationally relevant content which meets the development needs of housing organisations and professionals. It will help you develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to satisfy housing employers and the standards of the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH).

Level 4:

• Personal and Professional Development - develop reflective writing skills to evaluate your current housing practice, knowledge and skills; customer service, communication and supervisory skills and knowledge.
• Work Related Learning (Housing Research) - develop housing related research and project management knowledge, techniques and skills; production of a research proposal.
• Housing, Society and Policy - develop knowledge and understanding of historical and current context in which housing operates including social, demographic, market and policy changes.
• Collaborative Working to Meet Diverse Need - research the principles, relevant legislation and best practice of collaborative working including a number of scenarios for safeguarding.
• Legal Framework for Housing - be introduced to the legal system and institutions and the formal and informal methods of dispute resolution; develop knowledge and understanding of liability and contract law.
• Housing and Neighbourhood Services - develop knowledge and understanding of a range of housing management policies, practice and legal responsibilities for the generic housing management functions. There is a strong focus on social exclusion and ASB.]]]Level 5:[[[Personal and Professional Development - build on the evaluation of your skills and knowledge from Level 4.
• Work Related Learning - conduct research and complete your work related research project.
• Economic and Regulatory Framework for Housing - learn about the macro-economic framework as well as capital and revenue expenditure.
• Managing Staff in Housing Organisations - consider the key principles of effective people management.
• Housing Policy, Strategy and Business - discover the role of effective governance, business planning and performance; policy and strategy development; social enterprise.
• Planning and Developing Healthy and Sustainable Communities - planning and regeneration; sustainability; housing and health integration.

• Friday - 9am - 4.30pm

Any times indicated are based on current courses and may be subject to change in future years. Full timetables will be confirmed at the start of each course.

A variety of engaging learning and teaching methods are employed throughout the programme, including:

• Lectures
• Academic tutorials
• Group work
• Individual guided learning
• Project supervision
• Case studies
• Role plays
• Workshops
• Presentations.

Assessments are designed to enable you to demonstrate your knowledge, understanding and skills throughout the duration of the programme. You will be encouraged to meet your full potential. Assessment methods include; interview; an area profile presentation; a case study analysis; a work related research project; written business reports. There are no examinations.

We have links with local housing organisations, such as County Durham Housing Group, Bernicia and Gentoo.Our links provide industry based guest speakers and educational visits to give you a valuable insight into housing management in a wide range of business sectors.

There is no formal work placement requirement, however, you will be encouraged to search for opportunities if you are not working within the industry.

You will be registered as a member of CIH for the duration of this course (included in fee) and on completion can become a full chartered member of CIH.

You could progress to BA (Hons) Management (Housing) at New College Durham to top-up this qualification to a degree.