Housing Practice - Foundation Degree

Essentials

Duration: 3 Years Part-time
Start date: 14th September 2026
End date: 4th June 2029
Day: Multiple

Course fee: To be confirmed

The fees for the second and third years of this course are yet to be confirmed.

Course Content

Examples of possible modules:

• Effective Communication in Housing
• Health and Housing
• An Introduction to Sustainable Homes and Communities
• Housing Management
• Research Methods in Housing

In addition, there will be a range of opportunities for students to engage with key stakeholders from the housing sector to enhance and support their learning.

Download and view the full programme specification for further details.

This course is validated by the Open University.   

Northern Regional College is approved by The Open University as an appropriate organisation to offer higher education programmes leading to Open University validated awards.

Information on The Open University is available below:

The Open University Regulations
The Open University Student's Guide

Course Aims

The Foundation degree in Housing Practice will equip students with the appropriate knowledge and professional skills required to work in the housing sector.  It will also support the development of those already working in a housing environment.  The programme will provide students with the opportunity to meet the full professional requirements of the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH), therefore the knowledge and skills gained through successful completion of the programme are relevant for employers in the housing sector.

Special Features

As part of the foundation degree in Housing practice, you will have the opportunity to undertake a work placement in a relevant housing organisation, where knowledge gained in the classroom can be put into practice.  Students will be required to undertake a minimum of 240hrs in work placement.

You will be supported by your lecturers to find a suitable work placement for the duration of the course.

You will be required to satisfy ACCESS NI checks to undertake a work placement.

All applications will be individually considered. Successful applicants must have normally studied at level 3 or above for a minimum of two years.

You should have:

• A minimum of five GCSEs grades A, B, C that should include English and Maths.
• GCSE English and Maths at Grade C or above or other equivalent qualifications such as Essential skills Numeracy and Literacy at Level 2.

In addition, you should possess one of the following: 

• Successful completion of an advanced diploma 
• Successful completion of a BTEC Extended Diploma in a related subject 
• Successful completion of A Level study 
• Equivalent qualifications such as Scottish Certificate of Education or International Baccalaureate, or European Baccalaureate, Irish Leaving Certificate with Grade C or above in four subjects at Higher Level 
• Qualifications deemed equivalent to the above 
• UCAS tariff score of 48 or above is desired for entry to this programme. Entry can also be made from national certificate/diploma, HE Access, NVQs or by the College’s policy relating to APL/APEL. 

Successful students may progress to employment within the housing sector.  This can also lead you to Higher Education options.