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Master of Social Science (Housing Management and Policy) 

N0903

Campus Availability

Study Mode

Study Level

Duration

Intakes Show intake calendar

Off-Campus

Distance

Postgraduate

4 years part-time (minimum)

Feb, Aug

Discontinued: This course has no new intake. This information is provided for continuing students

Please note that there is no further intake at the Masters level for this postgraduate suite of Housing Management and Policy programs, however, prospective applicants may apply for the Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma programs.
 
The Master of Social Science (Housing Management and Policy) is a postgraduate professional qualification that provides knowledge and skills in research, policy development and systems of housing management. The program builds on the material in the Graduate Certificate of Social Science (Housing Management and Policy) and Graduate Diploma of Social Science (Housing Management and Policy).

Single unit studies are also available.


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The aim of the course is to provide the conceptual and practical skills necessary for management, administration and policy development in housing provision. The content is thus split between knowledge of housing issues and skills in administration, management, research and policy.

The formal objectives of the course are:
  • To provide knowledge of, and experience in, the analysis of the Australian and New Zealand housing systems and the social and economic problems which characterise them
  • To enhance portable research, discovery and information retrieval skills
  • To promote transferable communication skills - analytical, written and technological
  • To promote an array of transferable problem-solving, organisational and management skills in the specialised area of housing assistance
  • To facilitate technical competence in the management of a housing service
  • To develop a client value based management culture in the delivery of housing assistance
  • To link the formal training offered by this course with training in the work setting


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Please note that there is no further intake at the Masters level for this postgraduate suite of Housing Management and Policy programs, however, prospective applicants may apply for the Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma programs.

The master program consists of 150 credit points. This represents eight to ten semesters of part-time study. Students must complete the eight core units, one elective and a minor thesis. Each unit of study is valued at 12.5 credit points with the exception of HAS496 Minor Thesis and HAS484 Housing Policy and Research, which are each valued at 25 credit points. At master level, students are able to undertake more than one unit of study per semester.
 
Prior to 2011, each unit of study is valued at 12.5 credit points with the exception of HAS496 Minor Thesis and HAS497 Research Report, which are each valued at 25 credit points. At master level, students are able to undertake more than one unit of study per semester.


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Recommended part-time sequence of study

Year 1
Semester 1
Semester 2
HAS485 Australasian Housing Systems and
HAS488 Housing Economics and Finance or
HAS499 Project Management (i.e. whichever unit was not taken in the previous semester)
HAS496 Minor Thesis
Semester 2
HAS496 Minor Thesis continued from Semester 1
HAS499 Project Management (i.e. whichever unit was not taken in the previous semesters)
 
Students may elect to undertake take HAS496 Minor Thesis unit over one year after Year 4.


Recommended part-time sequence of study prior to 2011

Semester 1
HAS485 Australasian Housing Systems

Semester 2
HAS487 Housing Practice

Semester 3
HAS494 Housing Organisation and Management, or
HAS495 Transforming Leadership in Housing Enterprise

Semester 4
First elective
HAS489 Managing Diversity, or
HAS493 Asset Management

Semester 5
HAS486 Housing Policy and Research

Semester 6
HAS497 Housing Research Report, plus
Second elective
HAS489 Managing Diversity, or
HAS493 Asset Management
(based on choice made in semester 4)

Semester 7
HAS492 Urban Social Theory

Semester 8
HAS496 Minor Thesis
One elective
HAS488 Housing Economics and Finance, or
HAS491 Comparative Social Policy

* Subject to availability


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Graduates of the program will have enhanced ability to apply for management level positions in the social housing sector, policy formulation and related fields.


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The courses aim to ensure that students:

Are capable in their chosen professional areas:
  • Are able to apply knowledge of contemporary and changing forces which are shaping the social housing environment
  • Are able to undertake an analytical approach to operational performance of housing management, and the various settings in which it occurs
  • Are able to engage in informed critical inquiry

Operate effectively and ethically in work, private and community situations:

  • Are able to function effectively as an individual and in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams, with the capacity to be a leader or manager as well as an effective team member
  • Are sensitive to the needs of, and able to work effectively with, senior management, advisory bodies, boards of management, individuals and families, and understand both the influence and the responsibilities of their own role
  • Are able to communicate effectively, not only with peers, but with clients and the community at large
  • Have an understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities
  • Are aware of, and can balance, their responsibilities to employers, clients and the wider community
  • Have an appreciation of the intellectual, ethical and psychological dimensions of the decision making inherent in housing practice and policy
  • Are able to operate at local, regional, state and, if required, national levels

Are adaptable and manage change:

  • Are self-motivated
  • Have multi-faceted research and problem-solving skills
  • Have a general capacity for flexibility and the ability to deal with a diverse range of stakeholders and clients

Are aware of environments:

  • Have a broad understanding of the social role of technology and how it can be used to promote their work
  • Are culturally sensitive and have respect for multiple points of view in complex social environments
  • Are able to evaluate the economic, social and environmental impact of their decisions
  • Are able to make a balanced decision, taking into account all of these factors
  • Respect a plurality of viewpoints and provide opportunity for expression of views

Are entrepreneurial:

  • Are able to make links and connections between developments and opportunities within and across diverse socioeconomic environments, and their implications for housing management and policy
  • Are able to identify and realise opportunities for socially and financially responsible innovation
  • Are able to deal with success and failure through informed critique and self-reflection


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Applicants for the Master of Social Science in Housing Management and Policy need to have a minimum of five years work experience in the social housing, human services, planning, property management or real estate industries, and a recognised honours degree or equivalent qualification with appropriate research skills.


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Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process where a student may be granted credit or partial credit towards a qualification in
recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training.

Further details for students considering Higher Education courses: http://www.swin.edu.au/corporate/registrar/ppd/files/stuinf.htm


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The total tuition fee is dependent upon the combination of units of study selected by the student. Fees are reviewed each year.

For information about Swinburne's fees visit: www.swinburne.edu.au/fees


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Please note that there is no further intake at the Masters level for this postgraduate suite of Housing Management and Policy  programs, however, prospective applicants may apply for the Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma programs.
 
Application forms can be downloaded from the website at: http://www.swinburne.edu.au/postgrad/apply/
 
Sponsored applicants should provide their details to their funding organisation.


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Web: Enquire online
Tel: 1300 ASK SWIN (1300 275 794)


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