Master of Housing

The objective of the Masters of Housing Programme is to offer students an educational discipline and professional training in housing and shelter related issues. The programme 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

This programme provides both conceptual and applied skills to enable graduates to work in a variety of planning and development oriented organisations, with the public and private sector and within, NGOs. Such academic, vocational and skills based trainings is crucial in South Africa given the stress on reconstruction and development, particularly within the sphere of urban and regional development, and the new emphasis on integrated development planning as a key element of developmental local government. This programme provides learners with the skills to operate in a dynamic and changing field

Completion of any undergraduate degree at a satisfactory pass rate. Previous housing and development experience is a major advantage to post graduate students. Maturity and general life experience is also taken into account for purposes of admission.

For all the programmes students are assessed according to their marks, a motivation, a short essay based on a set reading, and relevant experience. The requirement for selection entry into the programmes will be an upper second pass rate in their preceding degree. Students are expected to demonstrate good writing skills and be able to communicate both orally and written form in English

Recognition of prior learning procedures are also used for access to this programme as follows

Previous development experience is a major advantage to post graduate students. Maturity and general life experience is also taken into account for purposes of admission

Learners with non-university qualifications may enter the MTRP and Housing programmes- with a B.Tech degree as indicated above, or even a diploma and some years experience

Credits for courses which form part of the degrees, but are acquired before the degree are recognised

1. An understanding of substantive housing knowledge, in particular housing theory ad philosophy, as well as the social, economic, developmental, physical, legislative and policy links in housing
2. An understanding of human settlements, and processes affecting them
3. An understanding of political and economic processes and their impact on housing and human settlements
4. An understanding of the fundamental systems that need to be put in place for housing delivery to take place at the rate and scale required
5. An ability to undertake and assess a variety of methods of data collection and surveys
6. An ability to carry out settlement and layout planning and design
7. An ability to communicate clearly at a professional levels through written, oral and graphic means
8. An understanding of various social interests and methodologies for participation
9. A knowledge of current policy concerns and outcomes, and their impact on social and economic development
10. An ability to identify policy related issues

1. Show a firm grasp of substantive housing knowledge, in particular housing theory and philosophy, housing history, comparative housing delivery methods, housing policy and the relationship between housing and other political, social and economic fields and processes
2. Show an understanding of human settlements, and processes affecting them
3. Show an understanding of current housing frameworks, delivery mechanisms, institutional structures and legislation in SA.
4. Communicate clearly at a professional levels through written, oral and graphic means
5. Show an understanding of various social interests and methodologies for participation
6. Show a knowledge of current policy concerns and outcomes, and their impacts on social and economic development
7. Identify policy related issues and evaluate their importance
8. Show an understanding of the social context in which development policies are constructed, and demonstrate a concern with enhancing the life chances of all persons

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT

The programme includes studio based courses, in which students develop plans and policies for real case study areas. These projects develop and test learners ability to integrate knowledge and apply theory to practice. The adequacy of projects developed is assessed in terms of their ability to understand and conceptualise the relevant planning issues, to develop moderately realistic plans, and to understand the exigencies of context as it affects planning processes. These courses include both individual and group work, both of which are assessed through written work, graphic and oral presentation

Many of the courses include assignments, essays and projects where learners are required to apply their knowledge to particular planning problems or questions in contemporary South Africa. Similarly, a research dissertation tests learners ability to structure , conceptualise and conduct a research process, derive relevant concepts from literature and apply them to current problems in contemporary South Africa, to integrate information and to derive appropriate recommendations for policy and planning.

Learners are assessed by class work, dissertation and examination in accordance with the rules pertaining to the modules and the level at which they are studying.