Housing Studies BTEC HNC

Modules

• Housing in context
  This module provides an introduction to housing, how it interacts with a range of other services and professions. It introduces contemporary housing policy and examines issues of housing tenure. The module emphasises the link between housing and planning policies and the environment and sustainability. It examines the policy and operation of housing and welfare issues and how they are linked. The module includes a field trip which illustrates the class based lectures and demonstrates the links between this and other Level 4 modules.
• Explanations in housing histories
  This module deals with the evolution of housing and the role that housing plays in contemporary society, and in shaping our towns and cities. In particular, it considers how local housing histories can offer explanations for the social and physical development of an area. Through researching the housing history of your street or house, students can develop a better understanding of these changes. Additionally, by looking at a series of contemporary social issues, consideration is given to the significance that housing has in inequalities of various kinds that exist in society today.
• Society and welfare
  This module provides students with a broad introduction to the variety of social science perspectives on contemporary society, governance and welfare in the UK and how these impact upon the development of policy and practice. Students develop an understanding of the social and economic processes which are at the foundation of public policymaking in Housing and Planning.
• Funding social housing
  This module offers students an introduction to the policy framework of the UK housing finance system, including issues and problems that arise from this(such as affordability). WE also consider the funding mechanisms for social housing, regeneration and private house building, budget setting and personal finance issues such as housing benefit, poverty and problems with debt.

• Producing the built environment
  This module provides an introduction to the process of the development of residential housing, including the role of the developer and the speculative house builder as well as the various roles of local authorities (as enabler, planner and commissioner), housing associations and other key professionals. The role of town planning in the development process and the broader context within which housing development occurs are also considered.
• Law for housing professionals
  This module is an introduction to all aspects of housing law and the legal environment in which it operates. It will incorporate the introduction of how housing law is created through legislation and case law, provide introduction to homelessness law and landlord and tenant obligations in regard to tenancies and disrepair. Here we also explore possession proceedings and dealing with anti-social behaviour matters.
• Organisations
  This module focuses is on housing organisations and will therefore emphasise voluntary and not for profit organisations. It introduces a range of academic analysis of the nature of organisations and the role of individuals within them. It explores how they are operated and managed particularly when they are subject to rapid change. The exploration of organisational culture and the factors which drive change are examined.
• Housing management and maintenance
  In this module you will critically examine current housing management and maintenance issues. It seeks to enable students to understand how policies and performance targets are set out for housing management and maintenance in different organisational settings. Consideration is also given to the impact of such targets on organisational behaviour. In considering each of the housing management and maintenance tasks, students are encouraged to identify the relevant landlord and tenant laws in relation to the above. You will also learn the importance of defects associated with houses and the importance of conditions surveys and planned maintenance.