BSS in Housing & Community Studies:

BSS in Housing & Community Studies: University College Dublin & Respond! Housing Association

Respond! Voluntary Housing Association is a company limited by guarantee and registered in Dublin, Ireland Reg. No. 90576. Reg. Charity No 6629 Registered Office: Airmount, Dominick Place, Waterford Directors: Michael O Doherty, Brian Hennebry, Tom Dilleen, Patrick Cogan ofm.

The Bachelor of Social Studies in Housing and Community Studies (BSS) is delivered by University College Dublin, in partnership with Respond! Voluntary Housing Association. The BSS degree is a four-year, part-time programme designed for mature students, (23 years and above) who wish to return to education. It contains three stages of study: Year 1 Certificate Year 2 Diploma Years 3 & 4 Honours Degree The principal aim of the BSS is to provide students with an understanding of the issues of: housing, community development, management and social policy. It employs a multi-disciplinary approach to the analysis of these issues, based on participative learning, which promotes both academic and professional / personal skills development. To further the development of a professional pathway, the BSS is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Housing, providing opportunities for work experience and professional development Why choose the BSS? The BSS degree offers you the opportunity to explore and understand the society in which you live. You will examine the complexities of social life and see how individuals and groups live and work together. The course will explore concepts such as inequality, poverty, marginalisation, and the impact they have on Irish society. Examining ways to challenge such concepts is a fundamental part of the four years of the course. The benefit of this part-time programme is that you can study in a supported environment, while also fulfilling your work, family and other commitments. Housing Studies The relationship between housing and other areas of social and economic policy Policy analysis The mixed economy of housing finance International comparisons and developments Issues of sustainability and housing development Demographic and social trends and the changing role of housing tenures Theoretical and conceptual frameworks Community Development Exploring concepts of community, empowerment and participation. Theories of community development. Community development policy and practice. Active citizenship in a changing Ireland Community development, adult education and social change. Family Studies Social Analysis

Year 1 of the degree introduces students to the foundations of social policy, management theories, community development and housing studies. These four themes are further developed through the diploma and degree. Modules of the Course Certificate: Year 1 Introduction to Course & Adult Learning Foundations of Irish Housing Policy & Legislation Housing Management & Estate Management Management Theory Research Methods Community Development & Tenant Participation Professional Practice & Critical Reflection Theories & Concepts of Social Policy Group Work Theory & Practice Regeneration Housing Legislation & Policy Diploma: Year 2 Strategic Planning & Management Design Evaluation Research Community Development Families & Family Policy Professional Practice & Critical Reflection Communication & Management Local Government & Social Citizenship Professional Practice & Critical Reflection Community Development Degree: Year 3 Mixed Economy of Housing Finance Housing Management Economics Planning & land use / Valuation Legal Issues for Public & Voluntary Sector Managers Local Development & Globalisation Community Development Strategic Management Globalisation Impacts and Sustainability Degree: Year 4 Housing Construction Professional Practice & Critical Reflection Housing & Sustainable Development Social Housing & Social Care Housing Management Influencing Public Policy

The BSS is delivered on a modular basis. There are 9 modules each year and each module is worth 5 credits so a completed year of study gains 45 credits per year. Depending on your level of completion you will receive a Certificate (after 1 year) or a Diploma (after 2 years) or an honours Degree. Modules may be subject to slight variation over the course of the degree Course Delivery Delivery is over two consecutive days each month, with tutorials held regionally. Entry Criteria You do not need any formal qualifications to apply for the BSS programme. You do need to be over 23 years of age and interested in housing, community development and social policy. Respond! operates a very open and inclusive application process; applicants complete the application form and attend a short, informal interview. Fees: The fee for the BSS is 2,900 per year. A deposit of 500 must accompany the application form which will be refunded if the application is unsuccessful. Payment plans can be discussed in confidence with a member of our Education Team In the event that course fees are being sponsored on behalf of a student (e.g. by an employer) appropriate payment arrangements will be agreed with the student involved. Under existing legislation, students in employment may be eligible for income tax relief at the standard tax rate. For specific details on this scheme, students are encouraged to contact their local tax office. Closing Date: The closing date for applications is 17th June 2011. For an application form or further information, please contact Declan Markey or Joanne Richards Respond!, High Park, Grace Park Road, Drumcondra, Dublin 9 Email: bsscourse@respond.ie Tel: 0818 357901. Website: www.respond.ie

About Respond! Respond! is Ireland s largest Housing Association. We seek to create a positive future for people by alleviating poverty and creating vibrant, socially integrated communities. We do this through providing access to education, childcare, community development programmes, housing and other supports. Respond! Education is committed to the development of Education and Training that strengthens the housing and community sector About UCD School of Applied Social Science The UCD School of Applied Social Science is a centre of excellence for research, teaching and professional training in the applied social sciences, social policy and social work. The School offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes in areas such as social policy, social work, housing, mediation and conflict resolution. The courses are designed in line with best practice in adult education and community partnership. About the Chartered Institute of Housing The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) is the professional body for people involved in housing and communities. It is a registered charity and not-for-profit organisation with a diverse and growing membership of over 22,000 people - both in the public and private sectors - living and working in over 20 countries on five continents across the world. The CIH exists to maximise the contribution that housing professionals make to the wellbeing of communities.

Any information we receive relating to an application to the degree programme will be used solely by Respond! education staff and by relevant UCD administrative staff. The information will not be passed onto any third party nor used for any other purpose. Unsuccessful applications will be destroyed after 2 years; successful applications will be kept for the duration of the course plus 2 years. Respond! Housing Association is a company limited by guarantee and registered in Dublin, Ireland Reg. No. 90576. Reg. Charity No 6629 Registered Office: Airmount, Dominick Place, Waterford Directors: Michael O Doherty, Brian Hennebry, Tom Dilleen, Patrick Cogan ofm.

Respond! Housing Association Airmount, Dominick Place, Waterford. Tel: 0818 357901 Web: www.respond.ie Twitter: twitter.com/respondhousing Facebook: www.facebook.com/respond-housing-association