Postgraduate taught 

Housing Studies MSc/PgDip

High rise residential accommodation

The Housing Studies programme at the University of Glasgow provides students with a critical insight into the development of housing systems, policies and practices, and a framework for discussing the development, financing and management of housing. The programme is professionally accredited by the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) so upon completion, students become Chartered members of the CIH. The programme welcomes applications from international as well as home students and can be studied on a full-time or part-time basis.

  • MSc: 12 months full-time
  • PgDip: 24 months part‑time

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Why this programme

Aerial view of University main buildinghttps://youtu.be/iSF4PW9u5MY
  • The Housing Studies programme was established more than 40 years ago and has recently been redesigned to reflect the rapidly changing nature of the field and the changing demands faced by housing professionals in a post-pandemic policy landscape.
  • The programme delivers a highly regarded professional education in housing and has been developed in conjunction with the Chartered Institute of Housing to deliver their professionally accredited postgraduate qualification.
  • The programme is suitable for people working in housing who wish to develop their career; people who are new to the sector and wish to enhance their skill set; and those interested in developing their knowledge of applied public policy and who are interested in further study by research (a PhD).
  • In addition to a set of core housing studies courses, students have the opportunity to select from a range of additional specialist courses in: International housing policy; comparative UK housing policy, housing and sociology; the private rented sector; urban design policy and urban conservation.
  • The programme is intended to help you develop your career as a housing professional, providing an accredited education that is endorsed by the Chartered Institute of Housing.
  • Students on the programme will benefit from being part of a world-class, research driven community of scholars who are passionate and enthusiastic about housing.
  • The vastly experienced staff who deliver the programme are innovative in their award-winning approach to teaching and learning. In addition to being taught by members of the Urban Studies team in the School of Social and Political Science, students can expect to learn from experienced housing professionals in the private and public sectors who also teach on the programme.
  • A unique feature of the programme is the connection with the internationally acclaimed UK Centre for Collaborative Housing Evidence (CaCHE). CaCHE researchers who also teach on the programme are at the cutting edge of research into post-pandemic housing policies, housing markets and governance, affordability, housing finance and homelessness. This ability to learn, first-hand about ongoing cutting-edge research will benefit students on the programme.
  • The programme is delivered face-to-face on campus but makes use of blended learning technologies to support learners not able to make it on to campus every week due to professional or caring responsibilities. Learning takes place in lectures, workshops, seminars and on field trips.
  • The programme will provide you with a theoretical and practical appreciation of housing and will develop your learning and critical thinking skills vital to becoming an innovative and world changing housing practitioner.
  • On completion of the programme, you will join our widely respected community of University of Glasgow world-changing alumni. Graduates from the programme have gone on to win awards and develop successful housing careers in Scotland and throughout the world with many former students now occupying senior roles.

Programme structure

The Postgraduate Diploma can be studied part-time over 19 months. On successful completion of the Diploma and a research methods course, students can transfer to the MSc and complete a dissertation over a further 5 months.

The MSc can be studied on a full-time basis over 12 months or a part-time basis over 24 months.

Core courses

Year 1 (40 credits)

Semester 1

Semester 2

Optional courses

The remaining 40 credits needed to achieve the PG Diploma must be selected from the list of courses below. Optional courses are taken in year 1 or year 2 up to a maximum of 30 credits per year.

Note that the Urban Studies Research and Dissertation course is compulsory for students intending to proceed to the MSc and is taught over semester 1 and 2. The availability of options is dependent upon timetable design. The programme director will counsel each student individually on their elective choices.

Semester 1

Semester 2

Programme alteration or discontinuation
The University of Glasgow endeavours to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional circumstances, however, the University may withdraw or alter a programme. For more information, please see: Student contract.

Career prospects

On successful completion of the programme, graduates will be in possession of a qualification recognised by Chartered Institute of Housing which will enable you to develop your career as a housing professional.

Working in housing is not just about bricks and mortar. The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated that a career working in housing is about providing decent homes and a decent environment for people to live in. 

Exciting opportunities exist to work in housing management, property development, resident engagement, community regeneration, housing and health promotion and policy analysis and development. There are opportunities to work in the private and the public sector.   

Fees & funding

Tuition fees for 2023-24

MSc

UK

  • Full-time fee: £10560

International & EU

  • Full-time fee: £22140

PgDip

UK

  • Full-time fee: £7040
  • Part-time fee: £1174 per 20 credits

International & EU

  • Full-time fee: £14760

Additional fees

  • Fee for re-assessment of a dissertation (PGT programme): £370
  • Submission of thesis after deadline lapsed: £350
  • Registration/exam only fee: £170

Funding opportunities

Nankai University

The University of Glasgow offer a 22% tuition fee discount for Nankai Urban Management undergraduate exchange students coming back to study a PGT degree in Urban Studies.

GREAT Scholarships 2023 - China

The University of Glasgow, in partnership with the British Council and the GREAT Britain Campaign, is offering seven scholarships to students in China, Egypt, Kenya, Mexico, Thailand and Turkey who are applying for one-year master’s programmes and will enrol in the 2023/24 academic year.

The GREAT Scholarships 2023 programme, launched by the British Council and 49 UK universities, supports postgraduate students accessing world-class UK higher education opportunities.

The programme offers a minimum of £10,000 to students pursuing a one-year postgraduate programme in the UK. Students can apply for courses in a range of subjects at the 49 institutions across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The University of Glasgow GREAT Scholarships are open to applications for most postgraduate taught courses for China, Egypt, Mexico and Turkey. Applicants from Kenya and Thailand are only eligible if applying for the postgraduate Law programmes. Please see the eligibility section for a full list of courses and exclusions.

For more information on the GREAT Scholarships 2023, please visit Study UK.

GREAT Scholarships 2023 - Turkey, Mexico and Egypt

The University of Glasgow, in partnership with the British Council and the GREAT Britain Campaign, is offering seven scholarships to students in China, Egypt, Kenya, Mexico, Thailand and Turkey who are applying for one-year master’s programmes and will enrol in the 2023/24 academic year.

The GREAT Scholarships 2023 programme, launched by the British Council and 49 UK universities, supports postgraduate students accessing world-class UK higher education opportunities.

The programme offers a minimum of £10,000 to students pursuing a one-year postgraduate programme in the UK. Students can apply for courses in a range of subjects at the 49 institutions across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The University of Glasgow GREAT Scholarships are open to applications for most postgraduate taught courses for China, Egypt, Mexico and Turkey. Applicants from Kenya and Thailand are only eligible if applying for the postgraduate Law programmes. Please see the eligibility section for a full list of courses and exclusions.

For more information on the GREAT Scholarships 2023, please visit Study UK.

DAAD-University of Glasgow 1-year Master’s grant

The University of Glasgow will offer a full tuition waiver to those students that successfully apply and are nominated by DAAD to the University. DAAD offers a monthly stipend of EUR 1,100 (for the academic year 2024/2025) and travel bursary of EUR 250.00 as well as health, accident, and personal liability insurance coverage in addition to the full tuition fee waiver from the University of Glasgow.

Wichtige Hinweise zu DAAD-Stipendien - DAAD (general info on DAAD tution fee reimbursement)

Current list of tuition reduction / waiving offers (not including U Glasgow yet) : Stipendien für ein Masterstudium im Ausland - DAAD - Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst

University of Glasgow African Partners Award

The University of Glasgow is offering up to 15 scholarships for International students, alumni or staff at one of the University partners in Africa, starting a 1 year postgraduate taught Masters programme, in any discipline for academic session 2023/24.  The scholarship is a full tuition fee waiver.

Please see the University of Glasgow Africa Partners List 2023.

University of Glasgow African Excellence Award

The University of Glasgow is offering up to 15 scholarships for International students from Africa, starting a 1 year postgraduate taught Masters programme, in any discipline for academic session 2023/24.  The scholarship is a full tuition fee waiver.

University of Glasgow Caribbean Partners Award

The University of Glasgow is offering up to 5 scholarships for students, alumni or staff from our partner The University of the West Indies in the Caribbean.  The scholarship is available to International students, starting a 1 year postgraduate taught Masters programme, in any discipline for academic session 2023/24. The scholarship is a full tuition fee waiver.

University of Glasgow Caribbean Excellence Award

The University of Glasgow is offering 5 scholarships for International students from the Caribbean, starting a 1 year postgraduate taught Masters programme, in any discipline for academic session 2023/24.  The scholarship is a full tuition fee waiver.

University of Glasgow Chancellor's Award (Nigeria)

The University of Glasgow has 10 Chancellors Award Scholarships available to Nigerian students starting a postgraduate taught Masters programme in any discipline in academic session 2023-24. The scholarship is awarded as a tuition fee discount.

University of Glasgow Chancellor's Award

The University of Glasgow has 40 Chancellors Award Scholarships available to students from low and middle income countries, starting a 1 year postgraduate taught Masters programme in any discipline, in academic session 2023-24. The scholarship is awarded as a tuition fee discount.

Postgraduate Student Loan (Scotland and EU)

Eligible full-time and part-time students, undertaking an eligible postgraduate course, can apply for a tuition fee loan up to a maximum of £5,500 towards their course. Eligible full-time postgraduate students can apply for a living-cost loan of up to £4,500.  

This support extends to online Masters or Postgraduate Diplomas, and not to the online Postgraduate Certificate courses.

For more information visit the SAAS website.

Postgraduate Tuition Fee Loans England only (PTFL)

If you’re an English student looking to study a taught Masters programme in Glasgow then you can apply for a student loan. Students from England are able to apply for a non-means tested Postgraduate Master’s Loan of up to £11,570 to help with course fees and living costs. You have to repay your Postgraduate Master’s Loan at the same time as any other student loans you have. You’ll be charged interest from the day you get the first payment.

If you’re studying by distance learning, you can also apply.

Postgraduate Loans for Welsh Students

If you are a Welsh student looking to study a postgraduate programme* in Glasgow then you can apply for a student loan in exactly the same way as you would for a Welsh University.

* does not apply to Erasmus Mundus programmes

Postgraduate Master's Finance

If you’re starting a full-time or part-time Postgraduate Master’s course (taught or research based) from 1 August 2019, you can apply for Postgraduate Master's Finance and receive up to £17,000 as a combination of grant and loan:

  • a maximum grant of £6,885 and loan of £10,115 if your household income is £18,370 and below
  • a grant of £1,000 and loan of £16,000 if your household income is not taken into account or is above £59,200.

For more information visit Student Finance Wales

Postgraduate Doctoral Loan

If you’re starting a full-time or part-time postgraduate Doctoral course (such as a PhD) from 1 August 2019 you can apply for a Postgraduate Doctoral Loan of up to £25,700.

For more information visit Student Finance Wales

Postgraduate Access Scholarship

The University of Glasgow is pleased to be offering Postgraduate Access Scholarships to support Home students who could face financial difficulties in taking up their place to study at the University. Applications are particularly welcomed from applicants who met any of our widening participation criteria, or equivalent, at undergraduate level. The value of each scholarship is £4,000 and they are for students undertaking a one or two year Taught Masters programme. For two year Taught Masters programmes, the scholarship is available in year one only.

Postgraduate Student Loan (NI)

If you are a Northern Irish student looking to study a taught Masters programme* in Glasgow then you can apply for a student loan in exactly the same way as you would for a University in Northern Ireland.

Northern Irish students are able to apply for non-means-tested tuition fee loans of up to £5,500, to help with the costs of funding.

For more information visit www.studentfinanceni.co.uk/types-of-finance/postgraduate .

* does not apply to Erasmus Mundus programmes

University of Glasgow Scholarships for Turkey and Syria

Following the devastating earthquake which struck Turkey and Syria, the University of Glasgow is offering 6 exclusive full tuition fee waivers to students from this region, who are facing challenges in progressing on to Higher Education. The scholarship is available to students entering any of the University’s Colleges to undertake an Undergraduate or Postgraduate Taught (one-year Masters) programme in 2023-2024.

The scholarships above are specific to this programme. For more funding opportunities search the scholarships database

Entry requirements

2.1 Honours degree or non-UK equivalent or relevant experience. Applications are considered on an individual basis, with particular consideration given to the applicant's practical experience.

Additional documents required for application

You are required to complete and submit a question-based personal statement explaining why you want to undertake this programme at Glasgow.

Applicants are invited to discuss their application and their qualifications and experience with the course director, Craig Gurney: Craig.Gurney@Glasgow.ac.uk. Meetings can be arranged in person or online.

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

International students who are applying for bursaries or scholarships are welcome to discuss their funding applications with Craig Gurney.

International students with academic qualifications below those required should contact our partner institution, Glasgow International College, who offer a range of pre-Masters 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)

  • 6.5 with no subtests under 6.0. 
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Common equivalent English language qualifications

All stated English tests are acceptable for admission to this programme:

TOEFL (ibt, mybest or athome)

  • 90 with minimum R 20, L 19, S 19, W 23. 
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test, this includes TOEFL mybest.

PTE (Academic or Academic Online)

  • 60 with minimum 59 in all sub-tests.
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) 

  • 176 overall, no subtest less than 169
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Glasgow International College English Language (and other foundation providers)

  • 65%.
  • Tests are accepted for academic year following sitting.

University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses

  • Tests are accepted for 2 years following date of successful completion.

Alternatives to English Language qualification

  • Degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
    • students must have studied for a minimum of 2 years at Undergraduate level, or 9 months at Master's level, and must have complete their degree in that majority-English speaking country and within the last 6 years
  • Undergraduate 2+2 degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
    • students must have completed their final two years study in that majority-English speaking country and within the last 6 years

For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept UKVI approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT) but we do not require a specific UKVI SELT for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.

Pre-sessional courses

The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the English for Academic Study Unit Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:

 

For further information about English language requirements, please contact the Recruitment and International Office using our enquiry form

International students

We are proud of our diverse University community which attracts students and staff from over 140 different countries.

How to apply

To apply for a postgraduate taught degree you must apply online. We cannot accept applications any other way.

Please check you meet the Entry requirements for this programme before you begin your application.

Documents

As part of your online application, you also need to submit the following supporting documents:

  • A copy (or copies) of your official degree certificate(s) (if you have already completed your degree)
  • A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained
  • Official English translations of the certificate(s) and transcript(s)
  • One reference letter on headed paper
  • Evidence of your English language ability (if your first language is not English)
  • Any additional documents required for this programme (see Entry requirements for this programme)
  • A copy of the photo page of your passport (Non-EU students only)

You have 42 days to submit your application once you begin the process.

You may save and return to your application as many times as you wish to update information, complete sections or upload supporting documents such as your final transcript or your language test.

For more information about submitting documents or other topics related to applying to a postgraduate taught programme, check Frequently Asked Questions

Guidance notes for using the online application

These notes are intended to help you complete the online application form accurately; they are also available within the help section of the online application form. 

If you experience any difficulties accessing the online application then you should visit the Application Troubleshooting/FAQs page.

  • Name and Date of birth: must appear exactly as they do on your passport. Please take time to check the spelling and lay-out.
  • Contact Details: Correspondence address. All contact relevant to your application will be sent to this address including the offer letter(s). If your address changes, please contact us as soon as possible.
  • Choice of course: Please select carefully the course you want to study. As your application will be sent to the admissions committee for each course you select it is important to consider at this stage why you are interested in the course and that it is reflected in your application.
  • Proposed date of entry: Please state your preferred start date including the month and the year. Taught masters degrees tend to begin in September. Research degrees may start in any month.
  • Education and Qualifications: Please complete this section as fully as possible indicating any relevant Higher Education qualifications starting with the most recent. Complete the name of the Institution (s) as it appears on the degree certificate or transcript.
  • English Language Proficiency: Please state the date of any English language test taken (or to be taken) and the award date (or expected award date if known).
  • Employment and Experience: Please complete this section as fully as possible with all employments relevant to your course. Additional details may be attached in your personal statement/proposal where appropriate.

Reference: Please provide one reference. This should typically be an academic reference but in cases where this is not possible then a reference from a current employer may be accepted instead. Certain programmes, such as the MBA programme, may also accept an employer reference. If you already have a copy of a reference on letter headed paper then please upload this to your application. If you do not already have a reference to upload then please enter your referee’s name and contact details on the online application and we will contact your referee directly.

Additionally, applicants to this programme should note the following:

  • If you do not have a first degree, you should upload a blank document when asked for academic qualifications/certificates
  • One reference letter will be sufficient. This can be from an employer.
  • If uploading a sponsor letter from your employer, this should mention the following: ‘will pay all tuition fees charged in [academic year].’

Application deadlines

September 2023

  • International & EU applicants: 26 July 2023
  • UK applicants: 17 August 2023
Apply now

Related programmes

Urban Studies

more related Urban Studies programmes

Related links

Postgraduate Taught Online Event

3 May, 9am-7pm (UK time)
Chat to staff, students and academics to find out all about life as a taught postgraduate student at UofG

Download

Postgraduate prospectus