Level 4 Diploma in Housing Practice (QCF) Enquiry pack information (For March 2012 applicants)

Transcription

1 Level 4 Diploma in Housing Practice (QCF) Enquiry pack information (For March 2012 applicants)

2 Contents Page Section 1 Introduction 2 1.What is Distance Learning? 2 2. What is in this pack? 2 3. Courses available by day release 2 4. Applying for this course 3 Section 2- Eligibility Criteria What is the Level 4 Diploma in Housing Practice (QCF)? Who is this course aimed at? What are the entry requirements for this course? 5 Section 3 About this Course What will I receive when I register for this course? What do I have to do to complete this course? What support will I get to complete this course? What does this course cost? How long will it take me to complete this course? How much time will I need to spend on the course? What is the next step after this course? What are the other benefits of learning with CIH? 10 Section 4 - Application Form Guidance Notes CIH Equality and Diversity Monitoring Partnership Centres Financial Help 13 Section 5 Syllabus and Course Structure 15 1

3 Section 1 Introduction 1. What is Distance Learning? With the advancement of technology and availability of online learning tools and facilities, CIH has introduced blended and e-learning to its long-established distance learning course provisions. As a student, you will benefit from frequently updated course materials, assignments, information on study skills, topical news feeds, other links as well as a whole range of online resources all made easily accessible via your student Moodle site. Through Moodle, you will be linked to your course tutor who will provide academic support using online media as well as by telephone, post and . We also want you to enjoy and benefit from an enhanced learning experience through regular interactions with your tutor(s), your fellow cohort of students as well as the wider learning communities. You will be invited to attend an Induction Day at the start of your course. It is important that you attend this event which should offer you the opportunity to meet your academic tutors who will guide you through your first assignment, your fellow students as well as members of the CIH Distance Learning Team who will answer your specific queries regarding other aspects of the course. This event also aims to develop your skills in group working, communication and presentation. 2. What is in this pack? Included in this pack are: an overview of this course questions and answers guidance notes on completing the application form a copy of the syllabus for the course Please ensure you have read this pack fully before completing your application form, making sure you are registered for the correct course and that you include either authority to invoice from your employers or, if you are paying for the course yourself, your first instalment. 3. Courses available by day release This course is also available through colleges by Day Release (this means that you would attend a College one day a week). If you would like to know about these please visit the CIH Education part of the website 2

4 4. Applying for this course Applications for this course should be sent to the address below by 9 th March 2012 at the latest. You can either complete a printed application form or you can download an application form from our website at Attendance at the Induction Day is compulsory. Full details of this event will be sent to you nearer the time. You will be asked to confirm your attendance at the Induction Day upon your registration onto the course. If you are unable to attend under exceptional circumstances and for reasons beyond your control, you will then need to inform staff at CIH Distance Learning as soon as possible. If you require further details regarding this course contact us at: Distance Learning Centre Chartered Institute of Housing Octavia House Westwood Way Coventry CV4 8JP Telephone: Fax: dlc@cih.org 3

5 Section 2- Eligibility Criteria 2.1 What is the Level 4 Diploma in Housing Practice (QCF)? Successful completion of the first year entitles you to the CIH Level 4 Certificate in Housing Practice (QCF with an endorsement to reflect the specialist pathway) and makes you eligible for CIH Member under the current CIH membership structure. Under the same structure, the Diploma in Housing Practice forms Stage 1 of the academic part of the CIH Professional Qualification. The CIH Level 4 Diploma in Housing Practice (QCF) is a two year programme designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to all aspects of housing theory and practice. There are 12 modules, consisting of 10 core modules and 2 specialist (pathway) modules. Within the current CIH membership structure, the Level 4 Diploma in Housing Practice forms the FIRST STAGE in the academic part of the CIH Professional Qualification. When the SECOND STAGE, the Professional Diploma in Housing and Sustainable Communities is completed this leads to CIH Chartered Membership when you can use the letters CIHCM after your name. Level 4 Diploma in Housing Practice QCF + Professional Diploma in Housing and Sustainable Communities = CIHCM 2.2 Who is this course aimed at? The Level 4 Diploma is aimed at housing workers who wish to work towards obtaining the CIH Professional Qualification. It would be ideal for people who have already completed a one year Edexcel BTEC National Certificate or a CIH Level 3 4

6 Certificate/Diploma (QCF) or equivalent qualifications. If you have some experience of working in housing but no formal qualifications, then the Level 4 Diploma may also be for you. 2.3 What are the entry requirements for this course? Standard You will need a BTEC National Level qualification or at least 2 A Levels or the standard equivalent and 3 GCSE s at Grade C or above or a relevant access programme or a Level 3 qualification or equivalent and you should be working within housing or a related field. Non standard you may be admitted to the course if you have the ability and potential to succeed providing additional evidence is supplied to this effect e.g. relevant experience and ability to complete written assignments. This will be at the discretion of the CIH Assessment Team. Additional information: If you are not currently working within a housing organisation you can gain entry if you can provide evidence of a placement secured within the housing sector before you start and for the duration of the course. You may be requested to complete a pre-course assessment including, for example, an English proficiency test if your first language is not English and/or if your existing qualifications were achieved through studying with an overseas learning provider before you can be formally accepted onto the course and, in which case, we will notify you if this is required upon submission of your application form. If you have been declined a place on a course you will have the right to appeal to CIH Head of Learning. The CIH Level 4 qualifications are offered by CIH Distance Learning in partnership with Coventry University. As a registered student of Coventry University, you will not only be awarded with the CIH Level 4 Certificate or Diploma upon successful completion of all modules but you will also be entitled to credits awarded by Coventry University which can be transferred to other learning and education providers within the UK. As a registered Coventry University student, you will have, for the duration of your course, full access to a range of facilities and support 5

7 services through the University s Student Centre and online through its web-based services. These include: a) Access to the Lanchester Library a bespoke building providing access to bibliographic databases, electronic and hard format books, 10,000 electronic journals, self renewal and self reservation services, and postal loan service through which hard copies of books and journals can be posted to students; b) Access to advisory services such as careers and student employability support, study support (e.g. Centre for Academic Writing), disability officers, counselling, and chaplaincy; c) Access to gym facilities and sport clubs/facilities; You must provide copies of all certificates with your application form Useful contacts: OCR can provide a statement of your results Edexcel can provide a duplicate certificate Please note there is a fee attached to the service for any of the above If you are a non-uk/eu national but are still interested in applying to do the Level 4 qualifications, you could still be deemed to be eligible subject to your having a valid employment contract with a UK based company or organisation. Please contact CIH Distance Learning for further information, clarification and guidance. 6

8 Admissions process flowchart Applications will be received by the Distance Learning Centre where they will be checked for course, payment details and eligibility and will be acknowledged by e mail We will then notify you if you are eligible. At this stage if there is any further information required to check eligibility we will contact you. If you are not eligible we will explain why this is so. For example, you may not have the required qualifications or the right level of study skills as required. Where possible we will suggest an alternative course that would suit you better. We will then process the application form and you will receive an acceptance letter from us giving you details of when the course materials will be sent out and your induction day dates. 7

9 Section 3 About this Course Overview This course is offered through e-learning supported by an Induction event at the start of the course which you will be required to participate. E-learning is when internet based text and multi-media resources are used to deliver and support your learning. This approach to learning provides greater flexibility and variety in delivery of the course materials as well as access to up-to-date resources. It also ensures that your course materials can be regulated updated, remain current and fresh to reflect the many changes in the sector. Some of the e-tivities incorporated into the course will also help students assess and consolidate their learning as they progress through the course. E-learning also offers opportunities for students and tutors to communicate, collaborate and exchange information more freely which helps to further enhance the course as well as reduce the isolation students sometimes experience. To complete this course you will need a computer with broadband internet access. Once your enrolment is finalised with CIH, you will be allocated with a course tutor, assigned with login details to your Moodle site for access to course materials, assignments as well as other course information. You will also have the support of staff from the CIH Distance Learning Team. You will also attend an Induction Day at the start of your course. It is important that you attend this event which should offer you the opportunity to meet your academic tutors who will guide you through your first assignment, your fellow students as well as members of the CIH Distance Learning Team who will answer your specific queries regarding other aspects of the course. This event also aims to develop your skills in group working, communication and presentation. Questions and Answers 3.1 What will I receive when I register for this course? The Level 4 Diploma in Housing Practice (QCF) is a two year course. You register for years 1 and 2 separately. When you register for the Level 4 Diploma in year 1 you will receive: Login details for your student Moodle site and for access to your e-modules, assignments and other course related information a student handbook an invitation to a 1 day compulsory lnduction event 8

10 3.2 What do I have to do to complete this course? To complete this course you will have to produce a number of assignments of approximately 2,500 words each in length. These assignments will relate to what you have studied in your modules. Assignments are a way of testing whether you have achieved the learning outcomes of a particular module. They will also give you a chance to consider the issues you have been studying in more depth; previous students have told us that this has helped them to get a better understanding of how to use what you have learnt in your current and future role. You will not be required to undertake any to complete this course. Assignments will be completed by you in according to the timetable in the CIH Student Guide. You will be able to talk to your tutor for advice during writing your assignments. You will also have the chance to discuss your assignments and how to approach them at the induction day associated with the course. 3.3 What support will I get to complete this course? The Distance Learning Centre has a number of support mechanisms in place to assist you through your course. At the beginning of the programme the induction day will give you a brief introduction of the course for example, how it is delivered, assessed and the support you will get from the CIH Teams. It also aims to cover those skills or areas which can not be addressed by distance learning e.g. team work and presentation skills. On an ongoing basis, You will be allocated a course tutor who will offer you academic support throughout your course via , telephone or correspondence Your tutor will mark your assignments, give you feedback as well as provide you with advice and support on any academic issues. You will be supported by staff from CIH Distance Learning throughout your course and who will offer guidance when personal/work-related problems arise which may affect your studies You will be invited to attend an Induction day (London, Coventry and Sheffield venues) 3.4 What does this course cost? In 2012, Year 1 of the Level 4 Diploma (Level 4 Certificate) in Housing costs 2,000. This includes free student membership of the CIH for the duration of your course. If you are successful and wish to progress onto the Year 2 (Level Diploma), you will need to enrol for the 2 nd year and pay a course fee which is usually at the same level to that in Year 1. 9

11 3.5 How long will it take me to complete this course? When you register for the Level 4 Diploma, you will be given two years to complete the programme and be required to register for Years 1 and 2 separately. 3.6 How much time will I need to spend on the course? On average, you would need to spend 6 to 10 hours per week studying for this course. You must be aware that studying by distance learning is by no means an easy task, but feedback from our past and existing students also suggest that it is an extremely rewarding one and, certainly a test on your determination, motivation, discipline, organisational and time management skills! Whilst your tutor and the Teams at CIH will be on hand to assist and support you throughout your studies, it is also your responsibility to take charge of your studies in order to succeed. 3.7 What is the next step after this course? Once you have completed the CIH Level 4 Diploma in Housing Practice (QCF) course, you will be able to apply for the CIH Professional Qualification Stage 2 under the current CIH membership structure. You can apply to and enrol at universities which offer the Professional Diploma by day release or part-time. Please contact CIH Education for details of learning providers offering these programmes or visit the website Alternatively, you can apply to and register with CIH Distance Learning Centre which offers the Professional Diploma qualification by distance learning in partnership with De Montfort University (DMU). Please visit for further details. If you do not have a degree already, you may be able to go on and study for an undergraduate award via this route. 3.8 What are the other benefits of learning with CIH? You will be eligible to become a CIH Student member and to join a strong community of over 5,000 student members throughout the UK and overseas. CIH Student membership is provided free of charge to those studying a CIH accredited course and will provide you with access to a range of resources that are invaluable to your academic studies. As a Student member you will receive the Essential and Information packages inclusive as part of your membership. Here are just a couple of benefits you will receive: Inside Housing keep up to date with the news and current issues in the sector with your free copy of the trade press, Inside Housing News and Views receive the weekly e-zine from the CIH which brings together news, links to useful websites and developments both in the sector and at CIH 10

12 Policy and Practice Focus our new quarterly bulletin will keep you about consultations, policy development and provide a way to get involved and be part of the credible voice of CIH Section 4 - Application Form Guidance Notes 4.1 Introduction Before you complete your application form, please read these additional notes which relate to sections of the application form. These notes will help guide you through the application process. 4.2 Employment details Please provide the address of your employer. It will also be useful if you include a contact telephone number, fax number and address (where appropriate) so we can contact you during the working day if necessary. If your employer has a head office and this is different from the address where you work, please provide the head office address. It is useful for us to know what type of organisation you work for even if it is not a housing organisation. This information may help us when we provide support for you on this course. Please identify with a 'tick' the appropriate category your organisation falls into. 4.3 CIH Equality and Diversity Monitoring CIH is committed to ensuring that its services are accessible to everyone regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation or age. To help us to best assist and support you to complete your distance learning course, it is important that you fill in this section in full if you feel you have specific special learning needs and in which case, you will be required to read, understand and sign the CIH Learning Support Arrangement which we will send you as part of your enrolment. The Arrangement document sets out the level of practical support we can offer you throughout your studies with us and most importantly, to ensure the course you are applying for is the right one for you before your registration with us is finalised. 4.4 Partnership Centres All Professional Diploma in Housing and Sustainable Communities students will be automatically registered with De Montfort University. 11

13 4.5 Fees and payment methods The cost of Year 1 of the Level 4 Diploma in 2012 is 2,000. This includes membership of the CIH for one year. If your employer is paying for this course please ensure that the Declaration by employer section is fully completed and return this form to the Distance Learning Centre at the CIH. If you are a non UK/EU national, you will still be able to enrol with CIH Distance Learning. Please contact us for further information and guidance. 4.6 Self-financing students If you are self financing you can either: If you are paying by cheque this needs to be with your application form. If you are paying by credit card, please ring and give us the details after you have had confirmation that we have received your form. Please send the correct amount (failure to send the correct amount could result in a delay in processing your application form). Or Pay by instalments: If you are paying by instalments, you will not be given access to all your course material at once. With the first instalment you will receive access to the first two modules. When you require access to your next module you will need to contact DLC with payment details for your next instalment. We will then authorize you for accessing the module(s) you are paying for. The instalment payments for the Level 4 Certificate/Diploma in Housing Practice are as follows: Payment 1: 1, Payment 2: Payment 3: Payment 4: Payment 5:

14 4.6 Financial Help If course fees present you with an obstacle, there are a number of different sources of financial support for people who wish to undertake courses of education. CIH Butler Bursary Details will be available on our website Positive Action Training in Housing (PATH) PATH National Ltd was set up in March 2000 following the merger of PATH London and PATH Local Authorities. PATH schemes are run by many organisations providing education and training for Black and Minority Ethnic people who wish to work in housing. For example, Sandwell MBC has run a PATH scheme for more than ten years. If you want to find out more about PATH schemes in an area near you, please contact PATH National Ltd, Path National Ltd, Southwark Bridge Road London, SE1 0NQ telephone or generalinfo@path.co.uk Family Welfare Association (FWA) The Family Welfare Association is another source of funding. It will consider applications from single parents, the disabled, and others. They award grants of up to 200. For further information call after 10 am and ask for the Educational grant Advisory Service, or fwa.headoffice@fwa.org.uk Prospect Training Services This organisation is funded by the DFEE. Funding is provided for those wishing to embark upon adult work based learning. Applications are considered on an individual basis. For more information call / or info@prospecttraing.org.uk Learndirect Learndirect was launched in February It is a telephone help-line which helps callers with learning and career enquiries. The telephone number for Learndirect is or visit their website at 13

15 Refunds Policy This policy will be strictly adhered to. Stage Student has not attended Induction/enrolled with a centre. Student has not attended Induction day or filled in Centre enrolment form. Student has attended Induction day/enrolled with centre and it is within 2 months of the closing date of 9 th March 2012 Student has attended Induction day and it is more than 2 months of the closing date of 9 th March Policy Full refund Full refund Full refund minus admin fee of 100 No refund All withdrawals from the course must be made in writing to the Distance Learning Centre. Your completed application form Once you have completed your application form, please forward it to us in time for the next enrolment. NB: The closing date for applications for this course is 9 th March 2012 Please return your application form to: The Distance Learning Centre Chartered Institute of Housing Octavia House Westwood Way Coventry CV4 8JP Telephone: Fax: dlc@cih.org 14

16 Section 5 Syllabus and Course Structure The qualification is structured as follows: 1. Level 4 Year One (Certificate in Housing Practice - QCF) consists of 4 core modules and 2 pathway modules of your chosen pathway Learners do 4 core modules (mandatory) as follows: Module 1 Housing Need, Demand and Supply (Core Module) Module 2 Housing Policy (Core Module) Module 3 The Delivery of Housing Services (Core Module) Module 4 Managing People (Core Module) Learners then choose One specialist pathway which consists of 2 pathway modules. Each pathway is made up of two modules. Level 4 Year One specialist pathways (Certificate in Housing Practice) Supporting Independent Living Planning and Development Managing Neighbourhoods On successful completion of the first year, learners will be awarded the CIH Level 4 Certificate in Housing Practice with an endorsement to reflect the specialist pathway. Once you have completed year one of the course you will need to contact us and to confirm if that you intend to progress to year two of the programme. 2. Level 4 Year Two (Diploma in Housing Practice) consists of 6 core modules Learners who have completed Year One, can then progress to the second year programme to complete the requirements of the CIH Level 4 Diploma in Housing Practice. In Year Two, learners must complete 6 core modules as follows: Module 7 Housing Economics and Housing Finance Module 8 Housing Law Module 9 Partnership Working in Housing Module 10 Professional Practice Skills for Housing Module 11 Equality Diversity in Housing Module 12 Research Skills for Housing On completion of all 12 modules learners will be awarded the CIH Level 4 Diploma in Housing Practice. 15

17 Year 1 Modules Learners must complete 4 core modules and 1 pathway consisting of 2 modules. Modules will be assessed through a variety of assignments. Module 1 Housing Need, Demand and Supply Demand Module Aims: The unit aims to enable learners to explore the demographic profile of the UK and understand the impact this, and socio-economic factors, have on housing need, demand and supply. They will also examine a range of factors influencing local housing market strategies. 1. Understand the demographic profile of the UK and its impact on housing need and housing demand. 2. Understand the relationship between the demand for and the supply of housing in the UK across all tenures. 3. Understand the range of factors that influence local housing market strategy. Module 2 Housing Policy Module Aims: The aim of this unit is to further learners understanding of housing policy in the UK by exploring its historical development and the relationships between different policy making bodies and their policy-making processes. It also enables learners to develop analytical skills; learning how to analyse and evaluate policies, in particular their intended outcomes and impacts. 1. Understand how housing policy is made and implemented. 2. Know the organisations and agencies that influence and shape housing policy. 3. Understand the historical development of national housing policy. 4. Understand how housing policy impacts on practice. Module 3 The Delivery of Housing Services Module Aims: The aim of this unit is for learners to explore the delivery of housing services from a strategic and operational view. Linking policy to delivery. It looks at housing delivery in a national, local, organisational and individual basis. It explores regulation. 1. Understand the key policy drivers under which housing providers are delivering housing services. 2. Understand the importance of partnership working in the delivery of housing services. 3. Understand the type and range of housing providers and the tenancies they can offer. 16

18 4. Understand the drivers for resident involvement and empowerment and the range of opportunities for resident involvement in housing and housing related services. Module 4 Managing People Module Aims: The unit explores how to manage people, through an understanding of human resource policy and practice, managing change and managing risk. 1. Understand a range of human resource practices in housing organisations. 2. Know how to manage a team. 3. Know how to manage change. 4. Understand their responsibilities for safe practice at work. Year 1 Pathway Options 1. Support for Independent Living Pathway Housing Support Services for Independent Living Module Aims: The unit will explore strategies for promoting independent living and for safeguarding individuals. It will also explore the technological and housing design tools available to support these strategies. 1. Understand the context in which support services operate in delivering independent living. 2. Understand the role of service user involvement in the design and delivery of support services for independent living. 3. Understand the legislative, funding and monitoring framework for support services for independent living. Strategies for Promoting Independent Living Module Aims: The unit will explore strategies for promoting independent living and for safeguarding individuals. It will also explore the technological and housing design tools available to support these strategies. 1. Understand strategies for promoting independent living. 2. Understand strategies for safeguarding individuals with support needs. 3. Understand the technological and housing design tools available to assist the enabling of independent living. 17

19 2. Managing Neighbourhoods Pathway Customer Involvement in Local Services Module Aims: The unit will examine approaches to ensuring local services are customer focused. It aims to explore customer focused and partnership approaches to providing local services. It also aims to consider the role of tenant, resident, and service user involvement in the design, delivery and scrutiny of local services. 1. Understand the impact of a customer focused approach to providing local services. 2. Understand the strategic partnership approach to local services. 3. Understand the role of tenant, resident, and service user involvement in the design, delivery and scrutiny of local services and their capacity to deliver. Housing Management Services Module Aims: The purpose of the unit is to explore the key functions involved in housing management. Learners will also consider approaches to the provision of housing. The unit will also enable learners to examine a range of housing and housing related advice services. 1. Understand key housing management functions. 2. Understand approaches to the provision of housing 3. Understand a range of housing and housing related advice services. 3. Planning & Development Pathway The framework for planning and development Module Aims: This unit explores the social, environmental and political context for planning and development. 1. Understand the planning and development process and the key participants developing new homes and major refurbishment. 2. Understand the funding and investment opportunities for the re/development of existing and new homes. 3. Understand the regulatory, health and safety and quality frameworks for the re/development of existing and new homes. Buildings, communities and the environment Module Aims: This unit aims to introduce learners to the principles of building construction and how buildings impact on communities and the wider environment. 18

20 1. Understand the key stages of the construction process for homes. 2. Understand the impact on the environment of existing and new homes and strategies to minimise this impact. 3. Understand the drivers to improve the environmental performance of buildings. 4. Understand the relationship between people and places. Year Two Modules: Learners are required to complete 6 core modules in year two. Modules will be assessed through a variety of assignments. Module 7: Housing Economics and Housing Finance Module Aims: This unit requires learners to understand the processes the external sources of finance which housing organisations access. The unit also explores the wider financial environment of housing organisations and the affect of subsidy. Learning Outcomes assessed: 1. Understand the economic framework in which housing supply, management and maintenance operates. 2. Know what funding and/or investment opportunities are available for housing supply, management and maintenance. 3. Understand approaches to consumer subsidy for housing. Module 8: Housing Law Module Aims: The unit aims to provide learners with an understanding of the legal system in relation to housing, specifically for the country they work in, but in a UK context. It explores the law in relation to landlords and tenants and requires learners to examine the application of the law in housing practice and homelessness. Learning outcomes: 1. Understand the legislative framework for the UK. 2. Understand key legislation in relation to landlords and tenants. 3. Understand the application of the law to homelessness and housing practice. Module 9: Partnership working in Housing Module Aims: The unit aims to explore how partnership working takes place and contributes to the successful delivery of housing and related services. It also explores the skills required for successful partnership working. 1. Understand the range of ways partnership working in housing can take place. 2. Know how to employ the skills necessary for successful partnership working. 3. Understand why partnership working is important. 19

21 Module 10: Professional Practice Skills for Housing Module Aims: This Unit aims to give learners the understanding and skills to progress at management level in housing. It does so by helping them to become more reflective practitioners. It emphasises the importance of relating individual skills and performance to the effectiveness of the organisation as a whole, and being pro active in their own professional development. 1. Understand the skills required for the housing professional. 2. Be able to assess their own professional performance. 3. Be able to manage their own professional development. Module 11: Equality and Diversity in Housing Module Aims: This Unit aims to help learners to be proactive in promoting equality and diversity best practice in their housing context. They will develop a thorough and critical awareness of the concepts, issues and good practice involved. 1. Understand the importance of equality and diversity 2. Understand how housing organisations can support positive approaches to equality and diversity across their staff and customers 3. Understand how to promote equality and diversity in their own context/ organisation. Module 12: Research Skills for Housing Module Aims: The unit aims to introduce learners to the principles of social science research methods for housing. 1. Understand why research is important for planning housing services. 2. Understand different research methodologies. 3. Be able to undertake a research study. All information in this pack is correct at the time of production. The CIH reserves the right to change any information in this pack. 20