Housing Studies (Taught)

The UK housing sector needs qualified housing professionals to address a range of challenges. They include a significant housing shortage, rising homelessness, and changes in legislation, such as the Social Housing Regulation Act 2023.
This online Masters in Housing Studies is for those already working in the housing sector. It can help you to further your career with a professional qualification. Being a fully-online course gives you more flexibility to combine your studies with your other commitments.
Choose your route
You can apply to study either the Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) or the Master of Science (MSc) in Housing Studies (part-time). Both routes involve completing 120 credits of taught courses over 24 months part-time. After finishing the taught component, you may choose to graduate with the PgDip. You can also continue for a further 12 months part-time to complete a Masters dissertation and graduate with the MSc.
If you already have a PgDip Housing Studies and graduated within the last five years, you can extend it to an MSc. Just apply to do the Masters dissertation over 12 months part-time here at Stirling.
Both qualifications provide eligibility for chartered membership of the Chartered Institute of Housing.
Study a Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) accredited course
The CIH is a professional body in the UK dedicated to promoting excellence in the housing sector. This Housing Studies course is accredited by the CIH. It incorporates all the academic and practice components of the Chartered Institute of Housing qualification for professionals.
Upon successful completion of the postgraduate diploma or the Masters, you’ll be eligible for chartered membership of the CIH. Chartered membership is suitable for those in a range of customer-facing and strategic leadership roles across the housing spectrum. It identifies you as a professional in housing issues.
During your time on this course, you’ll be eligible for student membership of the CIH. You’ll get access to information and news about housing organisations across Scotland and the UK, as well as being able to attend major conferences in the sector (CIH membership fees may apply).
Gain knowledge and skill in all aspects of housing
This Housing Studies postgraduate course covers all aspects of housing, including:

• Providing housing services

• Sustainable communities

• Governance and law

• Organisational behaviour and culture

• Health and wellbeing

• Strategy and finance

The coursework is grounded in real-world practice, to help you build core professional skills. Every aspect of the course is applied, current, and closely aligned with the needs of housing organisations today.
Be taught by housing experts
Our research-led teaching draws on our specialist expertise in housing such as:

• policy analysis and co-production,

• housing inequalities,

• homelessness and housing rights,

• housing and place-based stigma,

• housing, health and wellbeing.

Our teaching staff work with various organisations across the country in their research activities. This means you’ll be introduced to the most up-to-date ideas and debates in housing over the span of this MSc/PgDip in Housing Studies. You’ll be equipped for today’s challenges while contributing to the future of housing.
Develop the skills that housing employers need
A key part of the MSc Housing Studies is to help you develop transferable skills that employers are looking for, including:

• academic skills in analysis and writing,

• reflective and person-centred practice in housing,

• communication skills in report writing and group presentations,

• self-management skills in organising work and meeting deadlines,

• interpersonal skills in group discussion and listening,

• digital online skills for meetings and group engagement,

• leadership and management.

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• Housing, Chartered Institute of