Choose your study method

Studying online gives you total flexibility to study when and where works for you. You'll have access to a set of online learning tools, including study materials written by our team of specialist authors, links to useful websites and resources, and forums where you can share your thoughts and ideas with other learners.

 

Start date Application closing date Duration Price
03 July 2023 26 June 2023 12 months £2,880 Enrol online
06 November 2023 30 October 2023 12 months £2,880 Enrol online

What is the Level 5 Diploma In Housing?

The Level 5 Diploma in Housing is for aspiring professionals, supervisors and managers who wish to achieve CIH Chartered membership (CIHCM).

This qualification explores areas of ethical practice, leadership and management, strategic business planning, housing in context, managing relationships and developing professional practice skills for housing.

Duration: approximately 12 months, with an average of eight hours study a week.

Why study this qualification?

The CIH Level 5 Diploma in Housing provides individuals with knowledge and understanding across key areas of housing policy and practice, at a recognised professional standard. Providing you with the knowledge and skills required to perform in a senior management role.

On completion of this qualification you will be eligible for Chartered Membership status. You must complete all mandatory units, as well as the professional practice skills in housing unit to be eligible for CIH Chartered membership.

Includes Chartered membership for up to one year following your qualification, plus complimentary CIH membership for the duration of your studies.

Who is this qualification for?

To register for this qualification you should be working in either a paid or voluntary capacity in housing and also have completed one of the following:

  • CIH Level 4 Certificate for the Housing Profession
    OR
  • CIH Level 4 Certificate, or Diploma in Housing Practice, or equivalent.

Qualification units

Mandatory

Ethical practice in housing

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Ethical practice in housing

In this unit, you will cover the following:

  • Including theories of ethical practice
  • Ethical dilemmas in housing
  • Current ethical issues affecting housing professionals
Mandatory

Leadership and management in housing

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Leadership and management in housing

In this unit, you will cover the following:

  • Theories of management and leadership
  • The attributes of successful leaders and managers
  • Reflective practice
Mandatory

Strategic and business planning for housing

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Strategic and business planning for housing

In this unit, you will cover the following:

  • Social versus commercial objectives
  • Theory and practice of strategic management
  • Developing business plans
Mandatory

Housing in context

View unit

Housing in context

In this unit, you will cover the following:

  • The historical development of housing policy
  • The influence of political ideology
  • Comparative housing studies
Mandatory

Managing relationships in housing

View unit

Managing relationships in housing

In this unit, you will cover the following:

  • The changing profile of housing customers
  • Understanding housing customers’ needs
  • Effective partnership working
  • Principles of contract management
Optional

Professional practice skills for housing

View unit

Professional practice skills for housing

In this unit, you will cover the following:

  • Being a professional
  • Skills required to be a housing professional
  • Assessing your performance and managing your own professional development

What can I expect as a CIH Housing Academy online learner?

The CIH Housing Academy will support you throughout your qualification, offering guidance when personal or work-related problems arise that may affect your studies.

How we support you:

  • At the beginning of the qualification you will be provided with a brief introduction to the qualification and information on how it is delivered, structured and assessed.
  • You’ll have an academic tutor who offers you support throughout your qualification via email and telephone on request. Your tutor will mark your assignments and give you feedback as well as provide you with advice and support on any academic issues.
  • Get a complete set of online learning materials to work through for each unit. You will submit an assignment at the end of each unit of study (approximately every eight weeks).
  • Each unit contains activities to help support your learning and forums in which you can stay in contact with your fellow learners and share your thoughts on the study topics and assignment tasks.
  • You will be able to communicate and share ideas with other students via our e-learning site, Moodle.
Free student membership

During your studies you have the option to be a student member with CIH. Not only will student membership help you with your qualification but give you access to all the up-to-date information and best practice in the sector, as well as free attendance at our events, training and a wide array of digital resources.

How will student membership benefit me during my qualification?

  • Our Knowledge hub is broken down into specialist areas, where you can access information on the latest housing issues, and in-depth case studies and gain insight into what you need to know. You can use this when studying to help with examples, case studies, and general awareness around certain topics you may be studying
  • Hear about all the latest developments and important topics in housing with our webinars. These can be great if you prefer a listening learning style and want to hear about real-life examples from our expert speakers
  • Our membership helps your employability, progression, and development in your career. We offer resources such as blogs, publications, and guidance around career progression and development
  • Whilst studying your qualification it is still important to keep your knowledge current, with your free member newsletter, latest news, policy briefings, and more, student membership will help you do this
  • Get the opportunity to speak to other professionals that have completed your qualifications with our fantastic member network opportunities

How to apply

You can apply to study this qualification by selecting a start date from the table at the top of this page and completing our online application form.

You will be asked to provide evidence of your qualifications and/or your experience of working in the housing sector as part of the application process, and may be eligible to claim Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) for the professional practice skills in housing unit.

Applicants must be aged 18 or over, should be confident using IT and have access to a computer. 

You will be asked to select a payment option during the application process.

Payment options

Payments for CIH Housing Academy qualifications can be made either by individuals or organisations.

Individuals

Individuals or purchasers (making the booking on an individual’s behalf) booking onto all courses are required to pay their full fees within seven days of receipt of the invoice or prior to the start date of the course.
Failure to complete payment prior to the start date may mean that your course date will need to be changed or services stopped. *The start date is the day of the advertised closing date for applications.

Payment can be made by credit or debit card.

Organisations

If payment for fees is to be made by the individual’s organisation, a purchase order is required. It is the individual’s responsibility to provide this to CIH at the time of booking so please ensure you have this to hand before you begin your application.

Chartered membership
Chartered membership is the hallmark of your success in housing and a demonstration of your housing expertise, find out more about it.
Become a TILM member
We’ve partnered with The Institute of Leadership and Management (TILM) to offer an exclusive joint membership deal to current CIH members, giving access to a wealth of support to grow your leadership potential within the housing sector.

Get in touch. Call us today on 024 7685 1700 or email us.