Housing Studies

View the employability skills

A graduate in housing studies will typically have the abilities to:

  • demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, principles and theories relating to housing and the housing market
  • deploy appropriate theory, legal frameworks, policies and practices to analyse, specify, design, implement and evaluate housing research and solutions in a variety of social contexts
  • demonstrate knowledge and understanding of housing finance and economics, contractual requirements and business strategies and services
  • be aware of housing needs of different population groups and the extent and impact of trade-offs within the housing system
  • understand how people can be involved in decisions about their neighbourhoods and how housing organisations deliver and manage their services
  • understand housing design, development, provision and management within an environmentally sustainable context
  • appreciate the diversity and inequalities in the housing system, the relationships between housing markets and policy implementation, and people and their homes
  • interpret legal principles in relation to the provision and consumption of housing
  • interpret, apply and use financial frameworks and accountancy practices including numeracy skills
  • employ effective communication with other subject professionals to resolve housing-related problems
  • be an independent learner practicing self-management and motivation skills
  • demonstrate negotiation, mediation, interpersonal and team-working skills
  • communicate effectively both orally and in writing, in a variety of contexts and modes
  • display information gathering, retrieval and application skills
  • use information and communications technology (ICT)
  • practice self-awareness and critical reflection
  • demonstrate creativity, innovation and deploy problem-solving skills.

Housing studies comprises a unique blend of skills that contribute to the development of independent learners and reflective practitioners. In this context, a reflective practitioner is someone who is able to relate theory and knowledge gained from their academic studies and apply it to housing or other work environments.

Housing studies is a multidisciplinary subject, with broad and flexible boundaries. As an academic subject, it applies theoretical perspectives to practical situations. Students are able to develop a range of subject-specific and transferable skills that have currency in the wider employment market, as well as providing a stepping stone for careers in the field of housing and people and their homes.

Focusing on the production, consumption and experience of housing, it brings together diverse academic perspectives including sociology, economics, politics, law, social policy, management studies, geography, construction, architecture, urban design and planning.

Having developed a blend of academic knowledge and practical skills, graduates have a wide choice of career opportunities in the complex field of housing. Whether they focus on residential buildings and their neighbourhoods; the organisations that provide and manage those buildings; or the social, economic, legal and other processes involved in the production, consumption and exchange of housing or the public policy frameworks, the opportunities are wide ranging.


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