Master of Housing

Purpose

The intended purpose is to develop critical understanding of the major components of Housing and provide necessary, specialised skills that will enable learners to practice as housing experts and undertake research in Housing that would contribute to knowledge at an advanced level. Learners are made to engage with advanced skills in Housing that can be used in the areas of Housing Policy and Finance, Housing Implementation, Theories which underpin the delivery of Housing, Sustainable Development, Developing research and data analysis.

Rationale

The qualification offers learners an educational discipline and professional training in housing and shelter related issues. The qualification aims to make a contribution in training housing specialists who will be conversant in different topical housing issues, and who appreciate the importance of the skills obtained in addressing the historical imbalances in housing delivery in the South African context, while gaining from experiences within the international context. The qualification has been aligned and contributes to the advancement of African Scholarship in the discipline of Housing by including staff with appropriate expertise and commitment to such scholarship; prioritising literature and policy development documents directly relevant to national and continental contexts; and by sharing knowledge and expertise by means of collaborative research and teaching with scholars in South Africa and other African countries. It reflects the institution's mission and vision, strategic plan, specifically to emphasis already included such as pre-eminence in research, contribution towards it being an institution of choice for learners, and in teaching and learning towards professionalism in Housing.

Recognition of Prior Learning(RPL)

The institution accepts the principle underlying outcomes-based, source-based and life-long learning, in which considerations of articulation and mobility play a significant role, and subscribes to the view that Recognition of Prior Learning, whether acquired by formal education curricula at this or another institution or informally (by experience) is an indispensable element in deciding on admission to and awarding credits in an explicitly selected teaching-learning qualification of the institution.

An applicant who falls outside of the formal qualifications system, but who can demonstrate (through the production of substantial and satisfactory evidence) experiential or work-based learning or a non-formal qualification (or a combination), may be considered for admission and/or for the Recognition of Prior Learning for the achievement of the qualification in part or in full. An applicant who after such assessment, is deemed to have sufficient potential, but is in need of further academic development, must be directed to other suitable learning qualifications prior to admission or to parallel qualifications after admission.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Built Environment (Architecture), National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 8.
• Bachelor of Built Environment in Urban and Regional Planning, National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 8.
• Bachelor of the Built Environment in Construction, National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 8.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 320 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 9 288 Credits

• Layout and Sub-Division, 32 Credits.
• Project Management and Evaluation, 32 Credits.
• Housing Theory and Practice, 32 Credits.
• Advanced Housing Policy and Finance, 32 Credits.
• Local Area Analysis, 16 Credits.
• Short Dissertation: Housing, 96 Credits.
• Housing Implementation, 32 Credits.
• Dissertation Methodology: Housing, 16 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 9, 32 Credits

• Special Housing Studies A, 32 Credits.
• Social Policy, 16 Credits.
• Integrated development, 32 Credits.
• Special Planning Studies B, 32 Credits.
• Special Planning Studies A, 32 Credits.
• Local Economic Development, 16 Credits.
• State, Institutions and Development, 16 Credits.
• Implementation in IDP, 16 Credits.
• Special Housing Studies, 32 Credits.
• Project Packaging, 32 Credits.
• Development Management, 16 Credits.

• Engage with Housing Theories and Concepts and understand their relevance in the formation of Housing policy.
• Articulate research-based and theoretically - informed knowledge in relation to the core components of Housing viz: Theory and Practice, Housing Policy and finance, and project packaging and implementation.
• Critically analyse and evaluate different sources of Housing Finance and their appropriateness in different housing development contexts, conduct research on an issue relevant to Housing and report on their findings in academically appropriate ways.
• Demonstrate competence to package Housing projects, undertake and monitor progress in housing implementation processes.
• Critically reflect on the housing challenges within the national and regional contexts.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be used in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes

• Demonstrate knowledge of the Housing implementation process and competence to monitor progress in Housing development process by preparing a site visit report on a housing development project.
• Carry out independent research on issues relevant to housing as a sector and discipline by preparing a short dissertation.
• Explain the role of Housing in influencing the economic, social, political, technical, cultural and institutional landscapes of the country through seminars and essays.
• Analyse and interpret Housing policies.
• Apply the principles, concepts and hard skills of site analysis and residential layout subdivision.
• Prepare a layout and a layout report wherein principles, concepts and skills are displayed.

Integrated Assessment

The qualification requires learners to form small study groups and to join electronic newsgroups as supplementary ways to facilitate discussions. Take-home writing assignments are featured in most modules rather than in-class examinations so learners have time and opportunity to defend a position through creatively reasoned, carefully supported arguments. In addition, the qualification places emphasis on the development of research capacity in research methodology.