UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORD

School of Lifelong Learning and Development

Course title:FdA Housing Services Management

Awarding and teaching institution: / University of Bradford
Final award: / FdA
[Framework for Higher Education Qualifications level 5]
Programme title: / Housing Services Management
Programme accredited by: / Institute of Leadership and Management
Duration: / 3 years Part Time
UCAS code:
Subject benchmark statement: / N/A
Date produced: / September 2010
Last updated :

Introduction

The Foundation Degree has been developed in partnership with Dutton Fisher Associates (DFA) has been designed to create a programme of learning for housing practitioners who are either working at, or aspiring and middle management positions in the social housing organisations. The Foundation Degree will also have relevance to more senior operational managers seeking to develop and improve upon their management skills.

The level 5 Diploma in Management of the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) is incorporated in the award. If you are fully successful you will graduate with both a Foundation Degree and the level 5 qualification that allows you to become a Member of the Institute of Leadership and Management.

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Programme Aims

The programme is intended to:

  • To provide a high-quality programme of learning which meets the professional developmentneeds of housing practitioners who are either working at, or aspiring and middle management positions in the social housing organisations.

Programme Learning Outcomes

When you have completed the programme you will be able to:

1. Knowledge & Understanding

  • Describe the policy, social, demographic and environmental context of housing production and consumption.
  • Identify the main sources of housing finance and differing systems and tools for intervention (housing subsidies) in the UK.
  • Define the concepts of housing demand and housing need and the role of housing organisations in the production and allocation of housing.
  • Define housing tenures, and the role of differing tenures in meeting housing needs and demand.
  • Identify the British legislative framework and judicial process and the legal responsibilities of housing organisations.
  • Describe fully the policy and strategic framework governing regeneration
  • Define the terms ‘effectiveness and efficiency’ in the workplace and distinguish between them
  • Analyse the concepts and purpose of quality, quality assurance, quality control and quality audit and describe the benefits of quality improvement
  • Evaluate the importance of meeting customer requirements in terms of planning, delivery and specifications
  • Analyse different leadership styles and the importance of power and influence

2. Subject-Specific Skills

  • Apply housing policy of the context of housing to practical settings.
  • Apply regeneration policy in the context of housing services
  • Identify and appropriately apply legislation in relation to specific areas of housing service delivery and reflect upon legal issues and legal remedies in housing practice

3. Personal Transferable Skills

  • Identify personal learning needs and areas for further development
  • Develop self-management and study skills appropriate to your own needs and the requirements of your course of study
  • Manage your career development
  • Apply acquired skills to determine future learning needs
  • Work within a group
  • Think Critically
  • Communicate effectively

Curriculum

Stage 1

Module Code / Module Title / Type / Credits / Level / Study period
LEDF100D / Personal and Professional Development 1 / C / 20 / 4 / 1/2
Housing Organisations in Context / C / 20 / 4 / 1/2
Managing Housing Services in a Legal Context / C / 20 / 4 / 1/2
LEDF113D / Effectiveness in the Workplace / C / 20 / 4 / 1/2
An Introduction to Housing Economics, Housing Finance, and Financial Planning / C / 20 / 4 / 1/2
LEDF101D / Learning from Experience in the Workplace / C / 20 / 4 / 1/2

Stage 2

Module Code / Module Title / Type / Credits / Level / Study period
LEDF202D / Personal and Professional Development 2 / C / 20 / 5 / 1/2
LEDF213D / Organisational Improvement / C / 20 / 5 / 1/2
Housing, Communities and Regeneration / C / 20 / 5 / 1/2
LEDF201D / People and Organisations / C / 20 / 5 / 1/2
LEDF203Q / Competence in the Workplace / C / 40 / 5 / 1/2

The curriculum may change, subject to the University's course approval, monitoring and review procedures.

Teaching and Assessment Strategies

The programme utilises a blended learning approach involving interactive e-learning models (recognised by the ILM), e-tutoring and e-discussions together with ‘in house’ ‘face to face’ workshops delivered on the premises of participating organisations (or consortia).

Assessment Regulations

This Programme conforms to the standard University Assessment Regulations which are available at the following link:

This Programme conforms to the general principles set out in the standard University Assessment Regulations which are available at the following link:

Admission Requirements

Dutton Fisher initiates the admission process under the direction and authority of the University. An employer will recommend to Dutton Fisher a candidate for the foundation degree and they will verify that the candidate has the appropriate qualifications and experience for entrance to enter onto the course. Dutton Fisher then submits all candidates to the University for final approval onto the course. The admission policy of the university is stated below.

If you are not sponsored by your employer you may also apply directly to Dutton Fisher as above. Candidates who are not employed in a housing organisation will be required to arrange to complete the work-based elements of the programme by alternative arrangements such as volunteering or on one or more placements with suitable host organisations.

The University welcomes applications from all potential students regardless of their previous academic experience; offers are made following detailed consideration of each individual application. Most important in the decision to offer a place is our assessment of a candidate’s potential to benefit from their studies and of their ability to succeed on this particular programme. Entrance requirements for each programme will vary but consideration of your application will be based on a combination of your formal academic qualifications and other relevant experience.

If you have prior certificated learning or professional experience which may be equivalent to parts of this programme, the University has procedures to evaluate this learning in order to provide you with exemptions from specified modules contained within the curriculum. Please talk to us if you do not fit the standard pattern of entry qualifications.

The University of Bradford has always welcomed applications from disabled students, and these will be considered on the same academic grounds as are applied to all applicants. If you have some form of disability you may wish to contact the programme leader before you apply.

The Admission regulations of the University can be found by at the following link.

Progression

One of the guiding principles of a foundation degree is that there are articulated routes where you can progress to an honours degree or a higher qualification. On successful completion of the Foundation Degree in Housing Services management you will be able to progress to one of a number of appropriate degrees of the University eg BA in Community Regeneration and Development, BA (Hons) Combined Studies without loss of time.

In some instances for progression purposes you may find that you will have to complete further specific modules in order to ‘bridge’ in to a specific honours degree. Admissions tutors will be able to advise you if this is a particular requirement.

Learning Resources

This programme will be delivered through a combination of e-learning, with resources and support provided through the VLE, work-based workshops and work-based learning. It is anticipated that a majority of students will have access to suitable IT facilities through their employer, although it is possible to access the VLE via the internet, from any off-campus location.

It is expected that your employer will provide or purchase keys texts for participating students on the programme, and this will form part of our negotiations with employers about their contribution and support for the programme.

Also as Dutton Fisher Associates are CIH / ILM accredited they have built up a small library of key and relevant texts which will be made available to self-financing students or where employers are unable to contribute.

As members of the University the online journals will be made available to you where appropriate.

The JB Priestley Library on the city campus of the University is also available to you as students of the University.

Student Support and Guidance

Before you commence the coursea formal learning agreement will be producedwhich will set out theresponsibilities of Dutton Fisher in supporting you through the process and your responsibilities to the learning process. If you are being sponsored by your employer it will also set out their responsibilities in supporting you through the which you are studying for the award..

Course Team

Support for you personally and in your course of study, will be provided both by the Dutton Fisher Course Team and the University. You will be allocated a personal tutor who is someone with whom you will be able to talk about any academic or personal concerns. Dutton Fisher will ensure that there is someone available with whom you feel comfortable to help and support you. You will be provided with a comprehensive series of handbooks that you can consult on a range of learning issues and your course tutors will be available to consult on subject specific queries.

The Hub, Student Support Centre

As member of the University the support services of the University are available to you.

The Hub, Student Support Centre provides a central reception where students can receive information, advice and guidance on a whole range of topics about their life as a student of University. The Hub is located in the Richmond Building adjacent to the Atrium.

The teams located within The Hub:

  • Accommodation
  • Admissions
  • Education Liaison
  • Enquiries
  • Student Administration and Support
  • Bursaries and Financial Support
  • Finance and Credit Control Group
  • Payzone
  • Records and Tuition Fees
  • International Office
  • Customer Service Team


+44 1274 232233

Students’ Union

We value the feedback provided by students and collaborate with the Students’ Union, through a system of course representatives and formal staff student liaison committees, so that any issues you wish to raise are addressed rapidly.

The Students’ Union and the University of Bradford work in partnership to provide confidential counselling and welfare services where you can get help with any aspect of your personal or academic life. Student Financial and Information Services (based in the Hub) will provide you with information about a diverse range of issues such as council tax, personal safety and tourist information. International Students can access a range of additional advice and support services through the Student’s Union.

Careers and Employability

Although you will be in employment when you enrol on the programme the Careers development Services are available to you if needed. The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability and this is an integral part of many programmes. Specialist support is available throughout the course from Career Development Services. Students are encouraged to access this support at an early stage and to use the extensive resources on the web site

The foundation degree has been developed to enhance your career development.

Learner Development Unit (LDU)

The Learner Development Unit provides support in all aspects of academic, maths, numeracy and interpersonal skills. A programme of interactive workshops is delivered during both semesters which complements individual support available from Advisers and the wide range of interactive online materials available from the LDU website.

Disability

Disabled students will find a supportive environment at Bradford where we are committed to ensuring that all aspects of student life are accessible to everyone. The Disability Service can help by providing equipment and advice to help you get the most out of your time at Bradford and is a place where you can discuss any concerns you may have about adjustments that you may need, whether these relate to study, personal care or other issues. For more information contact the Disability Service by phoning: 01274 233739 or via email:

University policies and initiatives

Ecoversity:

Ecoversity is a strategic project of the University which aims to embed the principles of sustainable development into our decision-making, learning and teaching, research activities campus operations and lives of our staff and students. We do not claim to be a beacon for sustainable development but we aspire to become a leading University in this area. The facilities we create for teaching and learning, including teaching spaces, laboratories, IT labs and social spaces, will increasingly reflect our commitments to sustainable development. Staff and student participation in this initiative is crucial to its success and its inclusion in the programme specification is a clear signal that it is at the forefront of our thinking in programme development, delivery, monitoring and review. For more details see

The production and consumption of housing is inextricably linked with issues of sustainable development including those relating to the national economy, to debates and regulations about the environment, and to social and community cohesion. This programme seeks to encourage students to view their role within this wider context and to develop their professional practice in a way that has regard to the social, economic and environmental dimensions of sustainable development as they interface with housing.

Specifically students will be encouraged to:

  • Develop a critical understanding of the role of housing organisations in the regeneration of places with particular reference to the ‘sustainability’ agenda.
  • Understand the policy, social, demographic and environmental context of housing production and consumption and the sustainability issues that arise from this, including the impact upon housing services
  • Understand how the global and national economies create economic and financial framework for housing development and consumption and influence the sustainability or otherwise of housing marketsand sectors.

These elements are particularly evident in the modules Housing, Communities and Regeneration; Housing Organisations in Context and An Introduction to Housing Economics, Housing Finance, and Financial Planning.

Further Information:

For further information, please check the University prospectus or contact Admissions.

The Admissions Office
The University of Bradford
Richmond Road
Bradford, BD7 1DP
UK / The Admissions Office
School of Lifelong Education and Development
The University of Bradford
Richmond Building
Richmond Road
Bradford, BD7 1DP
UK
+44 (0)1274 233054
/ +44 (0)1274 233210

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The contents of this programme specification may change, subject to the University's regulations and course approval, monitoring and review procedures.

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