MSc Housing
- Entry year:
- 2026/27
- Start date:
- September
- Study mode:
- Full-time
- Course duration:
- 1 year
- Campus:
- City
Why study this course with LJMU?
The MSc in Housing prepares you for senior leadership roles in housing organisations, local authorities, and regulatory bodies. Developed with input from housing leaders and policymakers, the programme addresses governance, strategy, community development, sustainability, and tenant wellbeing.
You will benefit from real-world learning through industry engagement, case studies, and a collaborative project with sector partners. With a strong emphasis on leadership, innovation, and digital transformation, this MSc offers a sector-specific alternative to a generic MBA and provides a clear pathway for career advancement.
About this course
The MSc Housing (Full-time) is a one-year, practice-informed postgraduate degree that integrates academic theory with professional application.
The programme equips you with the skills to influence policy, shape housing delivery, and lead organisational change. You will study modules in governance and strategic business planning, operational and management delivery, housing, community and the built environment, and research methods, before completing a capstone collaborative project with industry partners and an independent research dissertation.
Teaching is delivered through a combination of workshops, seminars, guest lectures, case studies, simulations, and site visits, supported by online resources and digital toolkits. Assessment is 100% coursework, including professional reports, reflective practice logs, group projects, and a dissertation. Real-world application is embedded throughout, ensuring that you graduate with the confidence and insight to take on senior roles in the housing sector.
Course modules
Discover the building blocks of your programme
- Housing Governance and Strategic Business Planning (30 credits)
- Housing, Community and the Built Environment (20 credits)
- Research Methods (10 credits)
- Operational and Management Delivery (30 credits)
- Collaborative Project: Integrating Governance, Strategy, and Community Development (30 credits)
- Dissertation (60 credits)
Further guidance on modules
Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.
Core modules
Research Methods
10 credits
10 credits
This module focuses on your critical understanding of the research process. In preparation for your research study, it also develops skills in research design, implementation and presentation. You will come to understand the differing techniques, strategies and methods used to undertake research in the built environment.
Dissertation
60 credits
60 credits
This module develops and tests your ability to prepare a dissertation, based on the study of a subject related to your chosen discipline within the built environment. Dissertation preparation normally takes place after completion of the Postgraduate Diploma stage.
Housing, Community and the Built Environment
20 credits
20 credits
This module provides an in-depth exploration of the relationship between housing, community, and the built environment. It examines how housing policies, community development strategies, and urban planning intersect to shape sustainable, inclusive neighbourhoods. Students will engage in critical discussions on social housing’s role in addressing economic and social inequality, as well as the challenges and opportunities in housing governance and design.
The module will also incorporate collaborative projects, enabling students to explore real-world housing issues and develop strategic solutions.
Housing Governance and Strategic Business Planning
30 credits
30 credits
This module explores the fundamental principles of governance and strategic business planning in the housing sector. It critically examines how governance structures, regulatory frameworks, and financial planning shape the strategic direction of housing organisations. Through a combination of theory, case studies, and real-world applications, students will develop the skills needed to navigate governance challenges, influence policy, and contribute to strategic decision-making. The module also emphasises collaboration and innovation, preparing students for leadership roles in the housing sector.
Operational and Management Delivery
30 credits
30 credits
This module provides students with a deep understanding of the operational and management aspects of housing organisations. It critically examines business planning, risk management, financial oversight, and performance management in housing operations. The module integrates theoretical concepts with practical applications, including case studies, digital tools, and collaborative projects.
Students will gain hands-on experience in addressing operational challenges, understanding leadership dynamics, and making data-driven strategic decisions. The module also explores how housing organisations can optimise performance while maintaining tenant-focused service delivery.
Collaborative Project: Integrating Governance, Strategy, and Community Development
30 credits
30 credits
This module serves as the capstone experience for the MSc in Housing, integrating knowledge from all other modules into a collaborative, industry-relevant project. Students will work in teams to develop and present a strategic housing initiative, engaging with stakeholders, regulators, and industry professionals throughout the process. The module emphasises applied learning, strategic thinking, and interdisciplinary collaboration, preparing students for leadership roles in housing and community development.
Professional body recognition
This programme has been designed with reference to sector standards and professional frameworks. While it is not currently accredited by a professional body, it complements existing development pathways in the housing sector and supports progression into senior roles.
Your Learning Experience
An insight into teaching on your course
Teaching is delivered through a blended model that combines face-to-face workshops and seminars with digital resources. Students engage in real-world case studies, scenario-based learning, site visits, and guest lectures from housing leaders and policymakers. The Collaborative Project provides an applied consultancy-style experience with sector partners.
The MSc Housing aligns with LJMU’s Active Blended Learning approach. Resources are provided through the university’s Virtual Learning Environment, including recorded lectures, discussion forums, and digital toolkits. This ensures flexible access for full-time students balancing study with professional responsibilities.
How learning is monitored on your programme
To cater for the wide-ranging content of our courses and the varied learning preferences of our students, we offer a range of assessment methods on each programme.
Assessment is 100% coursework-based, including case study reports, strategic business plans, reflective practice logs, presentations, group projects, and a dissertation. Formative feedback is embedded across modules to support student development.
Where you will study
Students benefit from access to LJMU’s dedicated learning spaces, digital resources, and the Virtual Learning Environment. Site visits and guest lectures provide exposure to real-world housing environments and sector professionals.
Course tutors
The MSc Housing is led by a team of academics and practitioners with expertise in governance, strategy, housing operations, and community development. Programme Leader: Mohammed Qabshoqa, Principal Lecturer in Property and Programme Leader for MSc Housing, brings sector experience and a strong research focus on digital innovation, governance, and housing policy.
Postgraduate research opportunities
At LJMU, you can take the next step in your academic journey with a PhD or MPhil, available on a full-time or part-time basis. International students also have the option to study remotely.
- PhD duration: Up to 4 years full-time, or up to 7 years part-time
- Funding options: Choose between funded projects (with supervisors already in place) or self-funded study
Our Doctoral Academy is here to support you every step of the way—from your first enquiry through to successful completion—working closely with Schools, Faculties, and Professional Services.
For more details on postgraduate research and full details on how to apply, visit the Doctoral Academy website.
Career paths
Further your career prospects
LJMU has an excellent employability record with 97% of our postgraduates in work or further study fifteen months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2025). Our applied learning techniques and strong industry connections ensure our students are fully prepared for the workplace on graduation and understand how to apply their knowledge in a real world context.
The MSc Housing is designed to support career progression into senior roles such as Housing Director, Head of Operations, or Chief Executive within housing associations, local authorities, and regulatory bodies. The programme embeds leadership, digital innovation, and strategic planning skills that are directly aligned with employer needs.
Graduates are well-placed to influence policy, shape organisational culture, and deliver sustainable housing solutions. The Collaborative Project and dissertation also provide a professional portfolio of work to showcase to employers.
Tuition fees and funding
- Full-time per year:
- £9,850
Fees
The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as library membership and student IT support with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources including programme-appropriate software and on campus wifi.
Financial Support
There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you’ll find all of the information you need on our specialist postgraduate funding pages. The University offers a range of financial support for students. You'll find all the information you need on our specialist financial support pages including details of the Student Support Fund and other activities to support with the cost of living.
Additional Costs
In addition to fees, students should also keep in mind the cost of:
- Accommodation
- Travel costs and field trips unless paid for by LJMU
- Stationery, IT equipment, professional body membership and graduation gown hire
- Full-time per year:
- £18,250
International Scholarships and payment plans
Liverpool John Moores University is committed to supporting international students by providing a range of scholarships and flexible payment plans to help students manage their tuition fees.
Scholarships
LJMU provides a variety of postgraduate scholarships to support international students. Scholarships are available to self-funded students who have accepted their offer and met all the conditions outlined in their offer letter. Students must also demonstrate that they can cover living costs, travel, and other expenses associated to studying at the university. Postgraduate scholarships include tuition fee reductions and are often offered in partnership with external funding organisations such as the British Council and Chevening.
All self-funded international students are eligible for an automatic scholarship worth up to £4,000. For more details and to view our full list of scholarships, visit the international scholarship webpages.
Deposit
All students must pay a £5,000 deposit before they can receive their CAS letter.
For more information view our deposit page.
Tuition Fee Payment Plan
After paying their £5,000 deposit, students have the option to pay their fees in full or in three equal instalments minus any internal scholarships and discounts. There are two payment options available for international students. You can either pay your tuition fees in full before enrolment or opt for a payment plan. With the payment plan, you can pay your fees in three instalments after making your £5,000 deposit. The first instalment is due before enrolment.
All payments should be made through Flywire. Full details can be found in the How to Pay Guide.
Entry requirements
You will need:
Qualification requirements
Undergraduate degree
Applicants will normally be expected to have
A minimum 2:2 honours degree in a related discipline (e.g. Housing, Urban Studies, Architecture, Planning, Sociology, or Construction Management).
OR
A non-cognate degree plus relevant professional experience in the housing or built environment sector.
OR
Substantial relevant work experience (typically 3+ years in a housing, planning, or community development role) in lieu of a formal undergraduate qualification. Admission in these cases will be subject to an interview and/or submission of a portfolio or written statement demonstrating suitability for postgraduate study.
All applicants should provide a clear personal or professional interest in housing, regeneration, or community development.
Further information
-
RPL
The following LJMU CPDs are eligible for consideration as Advanced Standing (Succession Arrangement) onto the full Masters programme.
- 38019 CPD Housing Governance and Strategic Business Planning (7471BEPG, 30 credits)
- 38020 CPD Operational and Management Delivery (7472BEPG, 30 credits)
- 38021 CPD Housing, Community and the Built Environment (7473BEPG, 20 credits)
- 38022 CPD Collaborative Project: Integrating Governance, Strategy, and Community Development (7474BEPG, 30 credits)
Approved by URG on 17 June 2025
- Advanced Standing may be granted for up to 120 credits, subject to standard LJMU policies. However, students who are granted substantial RPL credits and do not undertake enough taught modules at LJMU may not be eligible for a Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma exit award, as these require the accumulation of credit specifically from taught modules (excluding the dissertation) within the programme.
- Professional qualifications from bodies such as CIH (Chartered Institute of Housing) or RTPI (Royal Town Planning Institute) may be considered where relevant
- Applicants with appropriate level 7 modules or CPD credits from other HEIs may be eligible for advanced standing via LJMU’s RPL procedures, subject to approval.
International requirements
IELTS
IELTS score of 6.5 with no component less than 5.5 or equivalentView country specific entry requirements
Other international requirements
Please note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check via ECCTIS.
View country specific entry requirements
Contact LJMU's International Admissions Team for guidance on visa information. Further information is also available from our international web pages.
Further information
-
RPL
The following LJMU CPDs are eligible for consideration as Advanced Standing (Succession Arrangement) onto the full Masters programme.
- 38019 CPD Housing Governance and Strategic Business Planning (7471BEPG, 30 credits)
- 38020 CPD Operational and Management Delivery (7472BEPG, 30 credits)
- 38021 CPD Housing, Community and the Built Environment (7473BEPG, 20 credits)
- 38022 CPD Collaborative Project: Integrating Governance, Strategy, and Community Development (7474BEPG, 30 credits)
Approved by URG on 17 June 2025
- Advanced Standing may be granted for up to 120 credits, subject to standard LJMU policies. However, students who are granted substantial RPL credits and do not undertake enough taught modules at LJMU may not be eligible for a Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma exit award, as these require the accumulation of credit specifically from taught modules (excluding the dissertation) within the programme.
- Professional qualifications from bodies such as CIH (Chartered Institute of Housing) or RTPI (Royal Town Planning Institute) may be considered where relevant
- Applicants with appropriate level 7 modules or CPD credits from other HEIs may be eligible for advanced standing via LJMU’s RPL procedures, subject to approval.
Please Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check.
How to apply
Securing your place at LJMU
To apply for this programme, you are required to complete an LJMU online application form. You will need to provide details of previous qualifications and a personal statement outlining why you wish to study this programme.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be considered for applicants with relevant postgraduate modules, CPD credits, or professional qualifications (such as CIH or RTPI). Applicants without a degree but with substantial housing or community development experience may be admitted subject to interview and assessment of professional suitability.
Please apply using the online application form selecting Postgraduate Taught from the Level of Entry drop down.
Your university life
From accommodation and academic support to clubs and societies. Find out what LJMU has to offer.
Related Links
Talk to our students
Connect with a current LJMU student for advice and guidance on university life, courses and more.
See what our students are saying
At LJMU we want you to know you’re making the right choice by studying with us. You can see what our students are saying about their experience with us through their reviews on the following websites:
News and views
Browse through the latest news and stories from the university
The University reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the University. Where this does happen, the University operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.