Northern Regional College’s Foundation Degree in Housing Practice is continuing to provide a vital pathway for individuals pursuing careers in the housing sector or looking to enhance their professional skills. Validated by The Open University and supported by the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH), the part-time, three-year course is delivered by industry experts and blends academic study with hands-on experience to equip students with the practical tools and knowledge needed to succeed in the housing sector.

The course has been developed in consultation with housing professionals and employers. Its curriculum includes topics such as health and housing, housing management, sustainable communities and effective communication. Students also complete at least 240 hours of work placement with housing organisations, gaining direct experience that helps them apply their learning in real-world settings.

Lynsey Sloan, Head of Department at Northern Regional College, said the course responds to the demand for housing professionals across Northern Ireland and supports the development of those already working in the sector.

Lynsey said: “The Foundation Degree in Housing Practice reflects the College’s commitment to providing employer-driven education and building a skilled workforce for the future. The course continues to equip students with the knowledge and insight needed to make a meaningful impact in the housing sector. The programme meets the full professional requirements of the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH), making it highly relevant to employers. It is validated by The Open University, further reinforcing the quality and credibility of the qualification.”

Students currently studying the programme are already seeing its value, both personally and professionally. Leanne Monaghan had a long-standing interest in housing but only discovered the course recently when browsing the Northern Regional College website with her son.

Leanne said: “The current housing crisis and seeing the homeless problem within Belfast motivated me to learn more about the housing industry. Since starting the course, I have gained the confidence to successfully gain employment with the Simon Community in their Housing First for Youth programme. I have enjoyed the support from staff and the lectures, and I’ve been inspired by class discussions linking homelessness, poverty and mental health. This course has given me the knowledge and belief to pursue a career with the Housing Executive or a housing association.”

Conan Carew, 23, from Belfast, is now in his third year of the course and works as a Housing Property and Services Administrator at St Matthew’s Housing Association. His role involves dealing with repairs, property alterations and other day-to-day property issues.

St Matthew’s Housing Association is an independent, not-for-profit organisation providing affordable housing in Belfast. Its work includes homes for families, single adults and older people, alongside support and advice for tenants.

Conan said: “Working in housing, I deal with repairs, property alterations and a range of other issues, so it is useful to understand the wider sector and how the different roles work together. The course has helped me build that knowledge and relate what I am learning to the work I do every day.

“John Gracey and Karen McCambridge have been very supportive throughout the course. Their guidance has made a real difference, and it is reassuring to know there is help available when you need it. I would highly recommend the course to anyone interested in a career in housing, or to someone already working in the sector who wants to develop their understanding and professional skills.”

The experiences of Leanne and Conan highlight how housing education can support both entry into the sector and the development of people already working within it. By combining academic study with practical experience, the Foundation Degree is helping current students build the skills needed to support housing organisations and the communities they serve.

The College is also expanding its housing provision with the introduction of a Level 3 Apprenticeship in Housing Practice at its Newtownabbey campus from January 2027. The two-year programme will combine structured learning with practical, on-the-job experience, providing a further pathway into the sector and opportunities to progress to higher-level housing qualifications.

Karen McCambridge, Curriculum Area Manager at Northern Regional College, said: “The introduction of our Level 3 Apprenticeship in Housing Practice is an important step in expanding the College’s housing provision. Alongside the Foundation Degree, it will provide another route for people to gain the knowledge, skills and experience needed to build a career in the sector.

“By combining learning with practical experience in the workplace, the apprenticeship will support the development of new housing professionals and help employers build the skills within their teams. We want to offer clear opportunities for learners at different stages of their careers and support a sector that plays such an important role in people’s lives and communities.”

For more information about the Level 3 Apprenticeship in Housing Practice, starting on next year, visit

www.nrc.ac.uk/courses/course-details/further-education/housing-practice-level-3-apprenticeship.