The CIH level 5 Diploma in Housing will equip you with strategic skills and knowledge essential for senior management roles in housing, covering key areas such as leadership, management, and ethics.

Successful completion, including the professional practice skills for housing unit, will make you eligible for CIH chartered membership (CIHCM).

This qualification is regulated by: Ofqual, Qualifications Wales, CCEA (Northern Ireland).

What will you learn?

The qualification comprises five mandatory units totaling 32 credits, all of which must be completed to be awarded the qualification.

Additionally, there is one optional unit containing six credits. Completion of this unit is required for eligibility for chartered membership (CIHCM).

Mandatory units
Ethical practice in housing

The unit aims to provide the learner with an understanding of ethical practice and how this applies to housing organisations and housing professionals.

Leadership and management in housing

The unit aims to provide the learner with an understanding of leadership and management styles and their role in creating organisational values and achieving organisational objectives.

Strategic and business planning for housing organisations

The unit aims to provide the learner with an understanding of the role, purpose and complexity of a housing organisation in order to apply strategic thinking to the development, implementation and monitoring of a business plan.

Housing in context

The unit aims to provide the learner with an opportunity to understand the context of housing through a comparative study between the country of operation and another.

For the purpose of this assessment, learners must agree with their tutor the element of housing that they will study (e.g. homelessness, social housing, private rented sector, tenant and resident involvement) and the country which they will be using as a comparative study.

Managing relationships in housing

The unit aims to provide learners with an understanding of the customers and partners involved in delivering a successful housing service.

Optional unit
Professional practice skills for housing

This unit must be completed to be eligible for CIH chartered membership status.

The 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 proactive in their own professional development.

Who is this qualification for?

This qualification is designed for those working in or aspiring to a strategic housing management role in housing.

Further information
What are the entry requirements?

CIH does not set entry requirements. Our CIH approved study centres may establish their own criteria to ensure learners' suitability for the qualification. 

If may be beneficial if learners have:

  • Two years’ experience working in housing or a housing related industry at a supervisory or management level
  • Previously completed the CIH level 4 Certificate in Housing or a comparable qualification.

For further information on entry requirements, please contact your chosen study centre directly.

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How long does it take?
  • The average total qualification time (TQT) is 320 hours, or 380 hours if the optional unit is taken.
  • The average guided learning hours (GLH) are 64 hours, or 79 hours if the optional unit is taken.

Please note that these figures may vary between learners and centres.

How much does it cost?

Qualification fees can vary depending on where, how and with which centre you choose to study.

For further information on fees, please contact your CIH approved study centre directly.

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How will I be assessed?

The qualification is assessed by CIH approved study centres. Centres can use a variety of methods, including tasks, portfolios, assignments, and professional discussions.

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What are the progression opportunities?

After completing this qualification, you may wish to progress onto further learning on a CIH validated undergraduate qualification.

What are the membership opportunities?

On completion of the qualification, including the professional practice unit, you are eligible for chartered membership (CIHCM).

Choose how you study

CIH qualifications are delivered by our approved study centres. Centres will support you on your journey, working to the specification and the learning outcomes for each course.

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Qualification specification
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Undergraduate programmes
CIH have validated undergraduate housing programmes which fully meet the requirements of our specification for Chartered membership.
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