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Course Code
YHPN1212A1
Level
Level 5
Course Type
Higher Education
Study Mode
Part-time
Duration
3 Years
Start & End
14 September 2026 - 4 June 2029
Days
Multiple
Location
Newtownabbey
Interview Required
Yes

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.

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.

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

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

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

Course Fees

Year Fee Reduced Fee*
Year 1 £1343 £799
Year 2 £1089 £545
Year 3 £1343 £799
Total

*For eligibility criteria, visit our fees and funding page.

Payment of fees must be arranged prior to course commencement and at the beginning of each academic year, regardless of whether your programme of study is one, two, or three years in duration. Fees for subsequent years (Year 2 and/or Year 3) may be subject to change due to annual increases in awarding body charges, such as registration or examination fees. 

Please contact any Campus Reception to arrange payment of your course fees or to confirm you have uploaded evidence of your funding application or entitlement to the online admissions portal. Confirmation of your funding entitlement should also be forwarded to studentfinance@nrc.ac.uk.

If your fees are being paid by a sponsor/employer, you must upload an approved Employer Consent Form to the online admissions portal.

Payment Options

You can pay your fees in full by cash, cheque, credit/debit card, direct debit payment or via a Student Loan.  For further details visit our fees and funding page

Contact Details
Student Loan Queries
T: 028 9085 5048
E: studentfinance@nrc.ac.uk

Direct Debit or Payment Queries
E: finance@nrc.ac.uk


Funding Options including Scholarships

There are several funds available to help with costs related to your course such as grants and scholarships.  For further details visit our student finance page


Additional Mandatory Costs

Additional mandatory costs are essential expenses which are required in order to complete your course. These costs are separate from, and in addition to, any course tuition fees. Most courses do not have any additional mandatory costs. Examples of additional mandatory costs includes trips which are included as a component of your course, essential textbooks which are not available from our learning resource centres, essential equipment which is not provided by the College, professional memberships which are linked directly to the course.

These costs do not include stationery materials or items which a student may choose to purchase, personal computer equipment or software or additional textbooks or journals, memberships of professional bodies not essential for your course. Many students will choose to purchase their own equipment and materials during their course, these are not mandatory costs. For most courses, equipment and materials will be provided by the College.

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