The MSc and PgDip in Housing Studies allows you to examine the national and international contexts for the development of housing systems, policies and practices, and provides a framework for discussing the development, financing, and management of housing with an emphasis on social rented housing in the United Kingdom. This emphasis supports the provision of skills and knowledge needed by housing professionals in direct service delivery, management, and policy work. These professionals form the core intake of this established programme and who benefit from its external validation by the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH).

Programme overview

• MSc: 12 months full-time; 24 months part-time
• PgDip 9 months full-time; 21 months part-time

The course is structured around core and optional courses, many of which are shared with other postgraduate programmes within Urban Studies, facilitating interaction with professionals seeking qualifications in related fields.

The programme is very flexible and you can complete the courses through full-time, part-time study.  Most courses use weekly lectures and seminars to introduce students to the topic, the key concepts, debates and theories. Students carry out their guided readings on the topic. Attendance will be followed by substantial work on the course assignment, which will normally include an additional half-day attendance for a tutorial or student presentation. Teaching and learning methods are intended to exploit the rich potential this offers to learn together in a participative environment.

By linking systematic academic thinking and cutting edge international research to professional practice and experience, the programme employs a range of relevant teaching and learning approaches including discussions, field trips, and film, as well as traditional lectures and tutorials.

Core courses:

• Foundations of housing management
• Housing contexts
• Scottish housing law
• Professional practice ethics and management
• Governance and markets for housing
• Development process
• Understanding housing markets
• Graduate school dissertation methods course  (for MSc students only)

Optional courses:

• Housing inequality and society
• Sustainable housing development
• Designing places
• International urban challenges
• Evaluating evidence and policy
• Regenerating cities and neighbourhoods
• Other courses may be available

Career prospects

Career opportunities exist within local government, housing associations and charities engaged in housing management practice. There are additional opportunities in the voluntary sector such as housing law, advice, and campaigning. The statutory sector also has a range of housing policy roles (central and local government). The qualification is recognised throughout the UK.

Academic entry requirements

A first degree in a relevant subject. Applicants with relevant professional experience may be accepted with fewer qualifications. Please contact the programme director to discuss.

International students with academic qualifications below those required should contact our partner institution, Glasgow International College, who offer a range of foundation courses.

International students with academic qualifications below those required should contact our partner institution, Glasgow International College, who offer a range of foundation courses.

English language requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training):

• overall score 6.5
• no sub-test less than 6.0
• or equivalent scores in another recognised qualification (see below)
   

Common equivalent English language qualifications:

• ibTOEFL: 92; no sub-test less than 20
• CAE (Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English): B minimum
• CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English): C minimum
• PTE Academic (Person Test of English, Academic test): 60; no sub-test less than 59

Pre-sessional courses
The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the Language Centre Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:

• Language Centre, University of Glasgow
• BALEAP guide to accredited courses 

FAQs

Visa requirements and proof of English language level

It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old. A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website. If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.

If you require a Tier 4 student visa, your qualification must be one of the secure English language tests accepted by UK Border Agency:

• UK Border Agency Tier 4 English Language requirements
• UKBA list of approved English language tests [pdf]

For further information about English language requirements, please contact the Recruitment and International Office: pgadmissions@glasgow.ac.uk

Apply now

For 2013-14

MSc

PgDip