MSc Housing Studies. Enquiry Pack Information (For March 2012 Applicants)

Transcription

1 MSc Housing Studies Enquiry Pack Information (For March 2012 Applicants)

2 Contents Page Section 1 Introduction What is Distance Learning? What is in this pack? Applying for this course... 3 Section 2 Eligibility Criteria What is the MSc Housing Studies? What are the entry requirements for this course?... 4 Section 3 About this Course... 6 Overview What do I have to do to complete this course? What does this course cost? How long will it take me to complete this course? How much time will I need to spend on the course?... 8 Section 4 - Application Form Guidance Notes Introduction Employment details CIH Equality and Diversity Monitoring Financial Help Refunds Policy Your completed application form Section 5 Syllabus and Course Structure

3 Section 1 Introduction 1. What is Distance Learning? With the advancement of technology and availability of online learning tools and facilities, CIH has introduced blended and e-learning to its long-established distance learning course provisions which means that, as a student, you will benefit from frequently updated course materials, assignments, information on study skills, topical news feeds, other links as well as a whole range of online resources all made easily accessible via your student Moodle site. Through Moodle, you will be linked to your course tutor who will provide academic support using online media as well as by telephone, post and . We also expect you to enjoy and benefit from an enhanced learning experience through regular interactions with your tutor(s), your fellow cohort of students as well as the wider learning communities. 2. What is in this pack? Included in this pack are: an overview of this course questions and answers guidance notes on completing the application form a copy of the syllabus for the course Please ensure you have read this pack fully before completing your application form, making sure you are registered for the correct course, and including either authority to invoice from your employers or, if you are paying for the course yourself, your first instalment. 3. Applying for this course Applications for this course should be sent to the address below by 9 th March 2012 at the latest. You can either complete a printed application form or you can download an application form from our website at Full details of your on-line induction and Study Day will be sent to you nearer the time. You will be asked to confirm your attendance at a Study Day. If you require further details regarding this course, please contact us at: Distance Learning Centre Chartered Institute of Housing Octavia House Westwood Way Coventry CV4 8JP Telephone: Fax: dlc@cih.org Website: 3

4 Section 2 Eligibility Criteria 1. What is the MSc Housing Studies? This course is the second stage of the CIH s Professional Qualification which leads to Chartered membership of the CIH, when you can use the letters CIHCM after your name. You can achieve the Postgraduate Diploma in Housing Studies and CIHCM if you finish the first 2 years. Year 3 (Dissertation) will then give you the MSc Housing Studies qualification. 2. What are the entry requirements for this course? Applicants will normally have a housing related (or cognate*) first degree. Non-cognate degree holders are required to undertake the one year Level 4 Certificate in Access to Housing prior to enrolment on this course. Applicants with other relevant experience and/or qualifications may be admitted to the course at the discretion of the De Montfort University (DMU) admissions panel. 1 * Please ensure that you fully complete sections entitled Qualifications and Career History of your application form. This will help us to assess your eligibility for the course and to give you appropriate help and advice. You must provide copies of ALL certificates with your application form before we are able to process your application. Credit Transfer The Credit Transfer office at DMU will arrange the transfer of credits from those students who have already gained credits towards their courses from another University. You will be expected to provide evidence of these credits, usually through an official transcript. DMU will then identify the modules still required for completion of the Course. If you have any questions about your eligibility for this course, please call the Distance Learning Centre for an informal chat on You must provide copies of all certificates with your application form. 1 Certain degrees and HNCs provide an obvious link to housing qualifications such as Social Policy, Social Sciences, Politics, Human Geography, Law, Estate Management, and Building etc. Others are clearly not relevant such as science and mathematics. However there are a large number which fall within these two extremes and may be cognate but require more in depth evaluation to determine their cognate status, such as English Literature, Languages, Accountancy, and Humanities. Those with substantial housing experience will also be considered on an individual basis. Students who have successfully completed the Level 4 Certificate in Access to Housing and hold a degree will complete this course, and those without a degree, will complete the Professional Diploma in Housing and Sustainable Communities (there is a separate information pack for this course). The CIH will liaise with the admissions office at DMU for clarification of students presenting non-traditional entrance qualifications such as overseas qualifications, potential cognate degrees, etc. 4

5 Useful contacts: OCR can provide a statement of your results Edexcel can provide a duplicate certificate Please note there is a fee attached to the service for any of the above. Admissions Process Flowchart Applications will be received by the Distance Learning Centre where they will be checked for eligibility and payment details, and will be acknowledged by e mail The application forms are then copied and sent to DMU to be verified for eligibility DMU will then notify DLC office if you are eligible At this stage, if there is any further information required to check eligibility, DLC will contact you. If you are not eligible, DLC will explain why this is so. It may be that you have not got the required qualifications or sufficient housing experience, or you don t have the correct visa to qualify as a home student. You may be advised that although you are not eligible for this course, you are eligible for a lower level course (i.e. Level 4 Certificate in Access to Housing). DLC will then process the application form and you will receive an acceptance letter from DLC. Important Note: Once you have enrolled and commenced your studies, if there is evidence that the course you have enrolled is not the right level for you based on the study skills and aptitude you have demonstrated, it is possible that you will be advised to withdraw from this programme of studies and to consider transfer to another programme matching your specific skills and aptitude. If this is the case, the Chairman of DMU Assessment Board will contact and advise you accordingly. 5

6 Section 3 About this Course Overview This course is offered through e-learning supported by a number of face to face course events you will be required to participate including, student Induction and Residential. E-learning is when internet based text and multi-media resources are used to deliver and support your learning. This approach to learning provides greater flexibility and variety in delivery of the course materials as well as access to up-to-date resources. It also ensures that your course materials can be regulated updated, remain current and fresh to reflect the many changes in the sector. Some of the e-tivities incorporated into the course will also help students assess and consolidate their learning as they progress through the course. E-learning also offers opportunities for students and tutors to communicate, collaborate and exchange information more freely which helps to further enhance the course as well as reduce the isolation students sometimes experience. To complete this course you will need a computer with broadband internet access. Once your enrolment is finalised with CIH, you will be allocated with a course tutor, assigned with login details to your Moodle site for access to course materials, assignments as well as other course information. You will also have the support of your CIH personal tutor. Questions and answers 1. What do I have to do to complete this course? To complete this course, the Postgraduate Diploma in Housing Studies, you will have to produce 16 assignments in the first 2 years of this course. For those progressing to the 3 rd year leading to the MSc Housing Studies award, you will also be required to complete a 12,000 15,000 word dissertation. These assignments will relate to what you have studied in your e-modules or online. Assignments are a way of testing whether you have achieved the learning outcomes of a particular module. You will need access to and the internet in order to fulfil the requirements of the course. This is a very intensive course and you will be required to submit assignments every 6 weeks during the first 2 years of the course. There are no summer or Christmas breaks in this course, nor is there a break between years 1 and 2. 6

7 2. What support will I get to complete this course? The Distance Learning Centre has a number of support mechanisms in place to assist you through your course. You will be allocated a course tutor who will offer you academic support throughout your course via , telephone or correspondence Your course tutor will mark your assignments and give feedback You will also be allocated a personal tutor who will offer guidance if personal/workrelated problems arise which may affect your work on the course At the start of the course there will be an online induction process and 4 weeks into the course you will attend a Study day at DMU where you will be able to meet your tutor, DMU and CIH staff and your fellow students. There will also be a 2 day residential in the first year of study. You will also be able to call staff at the Distance Learning Centre who will be happy to help with any queries you may have. De Montfort University (DMU) will also play a major part in your period of study. You will be enrolled as a student of DMU. This will give you access to DMU libraries, and the libraries of other institutions in England, Scotland and Wales. The card also entitles you to obtain a password for access to the University s Intranet and journal databases - accessible from all DMU campuses and the Internet. DMU will double mark your assignments to ensure consistency. On successful completion of the course, you will be invited to the Award ceremony at DMU. 3. What does this course cost? In 2012, the course costs 2,200 for year 1. This price includes the cost of the Study Day and the Residential Event. You will also get free student membership of the CIH for the duration of the course. You will need to pay for Year 2 once you have completed Year 1 and, Year 3 once you have completed Year 2. The fee for Year s 2 and 3 will be at a similar price. If you are self-financing, you do have the option of paying for this course by instalments. Year 1: 1 st instalment (with application) 1,400 Important: Please send either a cheque or ring and give us your credit/debit card details for the first instalment with your application form. Please send the correct amount (failure to send the correct amount could result in a delay in processing your application form). The 2 nd instalment of 800 should be paid following completion of the 1 st module. Year 2 and 3 instalments will follow a similar pattern. 7

8 4. How long will it take me to complete this course? When you successfully complete the first 2 years of the course, you will be awarded a Postgraduate Professional Diploma in Housing Studies and be eligible to be a CIH Chartered Member CIHCM. If you aim for the full MSc Housing Studies award, you will need to continue into Year 3 to submit a dissertation. 5. How much time will I need to spend on the course? You would need to spend about ten hours per week studying for this course. You must be aware that studying by distance learning requires a good deal of organisation and determination but feedback from our students they find their studies a rewarding experience. Whilst your tutor and the Teams at CIH and DMU will be on hand to assist and support you throughout your studies, it is also your responsibility to take charge of your studies in order to succeed. 8

9 Section 4 - Application Form Guidance Notes 1. Introduction Before you complete your application form, please read these additional notes. These notes will help guide you through the application process. 2. Employment details Please provide the address of your employer. It will also be useful if you include a contact telephone number, fax number and address so we can contact you during the working day if necessary. It is useful for us to know what type of organisation you work for. This information may help us when we provide support for you on this course. Please identify with a 'tick' the appropriate category your organisation falls into. We strongly recommend that you have a work-based mentor whom you can turn to as a sounding board for advice, guidance and support throughout your studies. It could be for example, you Line Manager, supervisor or a senior colleague at work. 3. CIH Equality and Diversity Monitoring CIH is committed to ensuring that its services are accessible to everyone regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation or age. So we collect information about our students so that we can highlight any improvements needed in our service. 4. Financial Help If course fees present you with an obstacle, there are a number of different sources of financial support for people who wish to undertake courses of education. CIH Butler Bursary Details will be available on our website Positive Action Training in Housing (PATH) PATH National Ltd was set up in March 2000 following the merger of PATH London and PATH Local Authorities. PATH schemes are run by many organisations providing education and training for Black and Minority Ethnic people who wish to work in housing. For example, Sandwell MBC has run a PATH scheme for more than ten years. If you want to find out more about PATH schemes in an area near you, please contact PATH National Ltd, Cotswold House, Meridian Gate, 219 Marsh Wall, London E14 9PD, telephone or generalinfo@path.co.uk Family Welfare Association (FWA) The Family Welfare Association is another source of funding. It will consider applications from single parents, the disabled, and others. They award grants of up to 200. For further information call after 10 am and ask for the Educational grant Advisory Service, or fwa.headoffice@fwa.org.uk 9

10 Prospect Training Services This organisation is funded by the DFEE. Funding is provided for those wishing to embark upon adult work based learning. Applications are considered on an individual basis. For more information call / or Learndirect Learndirect was launched in February It is a telephone help-line which helps callers with learning and career enquiries. The telephone number for Learndirect is or visit their website at 8. Refunds Policy If you decide to withdraw from your course, please put this in writing to the CIH Distance Learning Centre. We will process any refund due in accordance with the policy below. This policy will be strictly adhered to. Stage Student has not enrolled with DMU Student has attended Study day/enrolled with DMU and it is within 2 months of the closing date of 9 th March 2012 Student has attended Study day and it is more than 2 months from the closing date of 9 th March 2012 Policy Full refund Full refund minus an admin fee 100 No refund 9. Your completed application form Once you have completed your application form, please forward it to us in time for the next enrolment. NB: The closing date for applications for this course is 9 th March Please return your application form to: The Distance Learning Centre Chartered Institute of Housing Octavia House Westwood Way Coventry CV4 8JP Telephone: Fax: dlc@cih.org 10

11 Section 5 Syllabus and Course Structure Postgraduate Diploma in Housing Studies Year 1 You will need to complete 3 modules in year 1 and 3 modules in Year 2 plus the dissertation in Year 3 to obtain the MSc Housing Studies. If you complete years 1 and 2 only and do not continue on to Year 3 you will be awarded the Postgraduate Professional Diploma in Housing. You are also required to attend a 2-day Residential Event in year 1 which will link into the Research Module. Module 1 Context of Housing (double module) Analyse the role of housing organisations within a wider explanation of changing demographics, diverse societal needs, social exclusion and the government s agenda for neighbourhood renewal and community cohesion. Facilitate the examination of the policy context for housing, through studying key issues, future trends and national and regional variations. Examine the economic framework for housing, such as public funding, expenditure and revenue, private finance and consumer subsidy. Identify and explain the legal framework and facilitate an understanding of the judicial process and specific housing law. Housing Research (single module) Introduce students to the key methods and approaches necessary to conduct housing research Ensure students are aware of research process Develop skills in research design, the key tasks involves in independent research Plus 1 option from the list below: Housing with care and support Take a person-centred approach (or social model), challenge the causes of dependence and promote diversity. Examine what housing providers can do to assess and meet needs through planning, risk analysis, financial arrangements and providing aids and adaptations. Appreciate the variety of practical initiatives involved in this area such as protecting elders from abuse, dealing with bereavement, and understanding the welfare benefits available. Planning and Development To investigate the theory and practice of housing development in the context of changing policy and legislation; To examine models and methods of planning and design for new housing and towards the renaissance of older urban and rural environments; To assess the impact of innovative design and facilitate the development of students own ideas; 11

12 To consider the relationship between the built environment and individuals and communities, in relation to the changing policy and trends in society, the economy and the environment; To analyse the theories and practice of community empowerment in housing, planning and community development. Customer and Neighbourhood Services Explore the context for customer and neighbourhood services, such as government initiatives on the promotion of choice, tackling social exclusion and anti-social behaviour, and delivering housing services through a neighbourhood management approach. Define customer services and examine the importance of involving users in the delivery of services; and critically evaluate ideas and methods of tenant and resident participation and community development in housing and regeneration. Examine methods used in housing management, such as welfare and benefits advice, housing advice and preventing and dealing with homelessness. The traditional housing management approach will be contrasted with the delivery of new neighbourhood management. Students will explore the principles and problems of partnership and collaborative working with other agencies. Postgraduate Diploma in Housing Studies Year 2 Housing Organisations (double module) Analyse the concept of customer services including related concepts of quality. Examine the issues of managing staff. Apply relevant business management concepts including corporate strategy, budget setting, change management and performance monitoring. Analyse the opportunities and challenges of collaborative working and partnerships. Analyse the related issues of business ethics and professionalism in relation to housing organisations. Plus 2 options from the list below: Regeneration and Sustainable Neighbourhoods Explore the development of area planning and regeneration policies and discuss government approaches and strategies as they impact at a local level on urban and rural regeneration activity Examine in depth the role of organisations and agencies in the regeneration process and the methods and techniques used. Discuss ideas and methods of tenant and resident engagement and community capacity building in housing and regeneration; Investigate how innovations in area and housing design and management relate to the sustainable communities policy context. 12

13 Asset Management Understand and apply the principles of asset management strategies as part of business planning Utilise the appropriate techniques and methods in asset management Understand the relevance of capital investment, modernisation and repairs for asset management Analyse the relationship between housing management and asset management Housing Finance Explore the political and economic context within which housing organisations operate Investigate and examine contrasting systems of housing finance in a range of organisations across the UK Appreciate internal and external financial constraints on housing organisations and assess the impact on housing provision and service delivery Offer an integrated approach to housing finance with analyses connections, similarities and differences between tenures MSc Housing Studies - Year 3 Dissertation The dissertation is an opportunity for students to carry out an in depth investigation of a housing related topic of their choice. This extended, self-directed study will also enable students to develop their academic and research skills. Students will base their independent research on a project brief devised as part of the Housing Research module. Each student will be allocated a supervisor to advise and guide the student through the process. Students will be expected to initiate and maintain contact with their supervisor. All information in this pack is correct at the time of producing. Both CIH and DMU reserve the right to change any information in this pack. 13