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Housing Leadership MSc (Distance Learning)

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    This course is eligible for Master's loan funding. Find out more.
    This course is eligible for Master's loan funding. Find out more.
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    Overview

    Ready to make a difference in the field of Housing? You could graduate as a professionally qualified, ethically-aware, strategic leader in just 12 or 24 months.

    Designed for those new to the field and for practitioners at any career stage, this course aims to equip you with the skills and knowledge the sector needs to lead transformational change and shape the future of housing.

    Why study Housing Leadership MSc (Distance Learning) at Huddersfield?

    • Our broad curriculum covers contemporary issues in housing and housing practice such as global public health, decarbonisation, inequalities, policy, governance, management, strategy and the future of housing. You’ll also conduct in-depth research into a housing topic of your choice.

    • You'll learn how to embed evidence-based policy making to tackle real-world challenges and feel equipped to improve community outcomes with healthier housing environments.

    • Benefit from the expertise of our highly qualified, research-active academic staff who are pioneering change with their work on Healthy Housing Initiative 

    • Hear from industry experts from across the housing landscape about the key issues driving and impacting the sector.

    • This course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH). You’ll study at a CIH approved study centre and build your professional network, studying alongside a community of housing practitioners.

    Why choose Distance Learning at Huddersfield?

    • Study 100% online, from anywhere, at any time. Balance your career with your studies and learn at your own pace.
    • Learn from the same highly qualified academics as our on-campus students
    • The opportunity to engage with live online learning sessions
    • Contact time with your Module Tutor, Personal Academic Tutor, Academic Skills Tutor and/or Project Supervisor

    Discover more about Distance Learning

    Key Information

    Entry requirements

    Entry requirements for this course are normally:

    • An honours degree (2:1 or above) or equivalent in a subject relevant to housing studies, such as social science subjects, applied sciences, business, leadership, management or administration.
    • Applicants with an honours degree at 2:2 may be considered where the applicant has at least 1 year public health working experience, such as health education, health promotion and improvement, clinical health experience, government or non-governmental organisations, policy development and other health-related fields.

    You must have access to a computer with a reliable internet connection and the ability to access and use online study guidance and support as this course is delivered through distance learning.

    You may also be eligible to gain Recognition for your Prior Learning (RPL).

    If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum of IELTS 6.0 overall with no element lower than 5.5, or equivalent or Duolingo English certificate, score 105 or above. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our International Entry Requirements page.

    Start dates

    19 January 2026

    11 May 2026

    Duration

    2 years part-time

    Course Detail

    Housing Context and Policy

    Housing is a physical structure that provides shelter for citizens. In the broadest sense, housing can be perceived as a house or an apartment that a person or family can feel safe and secure in. This module focuses on the historical and contemporary contexts of housing with policy dimensions. The module starts off by outlining a range of factors, such as economic, social, political and cultural indicators. From this, you will explore a number of case study examples in the housing setting, such as climate change, homelessness, planetary health, and equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI). Now more than ever before, housing policy in society continues to be an area of significant focus for public, private and third-sector organisations, as there are a number of challenges facing the sector as a whole.

    Housing Governance and Strategy

    This module provides an in-depth examination of housing governance primarily, but not exclusively, in the UK. This will focus on the structures, strategies, and regulatory frameworks that underpin the operations of housing organisations. It equips you with the knowledge and skills to critically evaluate how governance practices and organisational strategies align with wider social, economic, and environmental objectives. You will explore governance and accountability mechanisms within housing organisations, considering how these influence decision-making, transparency, and ethical practice. The module covers the development and implementation of corporate strategies and business plans, with an emphasis on financial management, risk assessment, and organisational structures. Particular attention is paid to the relationships between housing providers and regulators, exploring the impact of regulation on performance, innovation, and compliance. Contemporary challenges, such as balancing regulation, legislation and governance alongside net zero targets and addressing housing needs through development and regeneration, are addressed in detail. The module also examines the role of housing organisations in meeting social objectives, such as improving affordability, accessibility, and sustainability. Where possible we draw on international parallels in order to understand new ideas and opportunities to shape future approaches to housing.

    Housing, Health and the Life Course

    In this module, you will consider the intersection between housing and public health. You will explore the relationship between home, housing needs and health disparities. This module will enable you to develop knowledge and understanding of key principles in public health, the extent to which experiences of housing and housing policy directly impact public health and health inequalities locally, globally and during the life course. This module provides a comprehensive understanding of how housing conditions directly impact public health, including physical, mental, and social wellbeing. You will develop an awareness of the changing and transitional housing needs of groups across the life course and will be encouraged to consider the importance of integrated strategies to challenge housing and health inequality. It will equip you with knowledge and awareness to advocate for and contribute to healthier housing environments, ultimately enhancing the wellbeing of the communities you are working with.

    Leadership, People and Organisational Development in Housing

    This module focuses on the core principles of leadership, management and organisational development within the housing sector. The module is divided into three parts. In the first part, you will explore leadership and management theories, focusing on their role in fostering effective teamwork and driving organisational learning. In the second part, you will examine strategies for managing people, including approaches to building high-performing teams, coaching and learning and development, addressing and overcoming conflict, and supporting cultural change within housing organisations. In the final part, you will also examine the complexities of change management, equipping you with the tools to lead organisational transformation while addressing structural and social challenges. Assessment of this module will be through coursework designed to integrate theoretical understanding with practical application.

    The Role Housing in the Future

    As the housing sector navigates a period of significant transition, this module critically examines the tools, ideas, and innovations shaping the future of housing. Homes of the future will need to be adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and deliverable in the context of dynamic social, economic, environmental, and technological change. You will explore housing not only as a place of shelter, but as a critical component of infrastructure, wellbeing, and social equity. Drawing on national and global perspectives, the module addresses key themes such as climate adaptation, demographic shifts, digitalisation, and social justice. Through scenario-building, policy critique, and innovation-led thinking, you will be encouraged to challenge prevailing housing paradigms and develop alternative futures. Emphasising the application of strategic, entrepreneurial, and innovative approaches, the module will support you to integrate future-focused housing tools and ideas into professional practice. By the end, you will be equipped to think critically and act creatively in shaping housing systems that are resilient, inclusive, and fit for the challenges ahead.

    Research Methods and Professional Practice

    This module provides the theoretical and conceptual foundation for master’s-level research study within housing studies. The module supports the opportunity for you to develop key skills to understand and critically evaluate quantitative and qualitative research, including data collection and analysis methods.

    Dissertation

    This module provides the opportunity to develop theoretical knowledge of systematic searching, critical appraisal and synthesis of published research, which you will apply to the final project on a housing topic of your choice. You will study topics in relation to search strategies, online sources of knowledge, critical analysis and appraisal, policy evaluation, and publication planning, as well as quantitative and qualitative data collection and synthesis methods. Your project will be either a literature review using a systematic approach, an empirical study or practice/service audit or service evaluation. You will also critically review the literature and synthesise the work of different authors in order to draw new conclusions, taking into account your judgement of the strength of the evidence they produce. You will develop the ability to construct a draft article suitable for peer review and publication.

    This 180 credit course is taught over 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time. For Distance Learning courses, we recommend dedicating approximately 10-16 hours study, per 20 credit module, per week. This may include guided independent study such as discussion boards, group discussions and live sessions, as well as independent study including asynchronous learning activities and recorded videos. Contact time with tutors is typically in small groups with peers and/or on a 1:1 basis. You’ll be supported throughout your studies by your module tutors and personal academic tutors. 

    Teaching 

    Our Distance Learning courses have a range of start dates throughout the academic year, with assessments and examinations (if applicable) based on these. Start dates can be found on each course page.Information about University term dates including vacation dates are available here. Our Distance Learning courses are taught online so you have the flexibility to choose when and how you study. Unless it says otherwise in a module description, teaching on this course will be 100% online.

    Feedback 

    Feedback (usually written) is normally provided on all coursework submissions within three term time weeks – unless the submission was made towards the end of the session in which case feedback would be available on request after the formal publication of results. Feedback on final results is available on request after the publication of results.

    Progression 

    You may progress to the next stage of your course or research degree, subject to meeting University assessment criteria and professional, statutory or regulatory body guidelines.

    1. Our teaching staff rank first in England for the proportion with higher degrees and teaching qualifications, as well as being top five for those holding doctorates (HESA 2025). So you’ll learn from some of the best, helping you to be the best.

    2. We are joint first in the country for National Teaching Fellowships, which mark the UK’s best lecturers in Higher Education, winning a total of 23 since 2008 (2024 data).

    3. We won the first Global Teaching Excellence Award, recognising the University’s commitment to world-class teaching and its success in developing students as independent learners and critical thinkers (Higher Education Academy, 2017).

    Discover more about the course

    Professional links and accreditation

    Recognised connections to give you an extra edge when you graduate.

    Student Support

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    Further Study

    Learn about pursuing a Master’s or PhD at Huddersfield.

    Research Excellence

    See how our innovative research shapes what you'll learn.

    Important information

    We will always try to deliver your course as described on this web page. However, sometimes we may have to make changes as set out below.

    Changes to a course you have applied for

    If we propose to make a major change to a course that you are holding an offer for, then we will tell you as soon as possible so that you can decide whether to withdraw your application prior to enrolment.

    Cancellation of a course you have applied for

    Although we always try and run all of the course we offer, we may occasionally have to withdraw a course you have applied for or combine your programme with another programme if we consider this reasonably necessary to ensure a good student experience, for example if there are not enough applicants to ensure you have a good learning experience. Where this is the case we will notify you as soon as reasonably possible and we will contact you to discuss other suitable courses with us we can transfer your application to. If we notify you that the course you have applied to has been withdrawn or combined, and you do not wish to transfer to another course with us, you may cancel your application and we will refund you any deposits or fees you have paid to us.

    Changes to your course after you enrol as a student

    We will always try to deliver your course and other services as described. However, sometimes we may have to make changes as set out below:

    Changes to option modules

    Where your course allows you to choose modules from a range of options, we will review these each year and change them to reflect the expertise of our staff, current trends in research and as a result of student feedback or demand for certain modules. We will always ensure that you have a range of options to choose from and we will let you know in good time the options available for you to choose for the following year.

    Major changes

    We will only make major changes to the core curriculum of a course or to our services if it is necessary for us to do so and provided such changes are reasonable. A major change in this context is a change that materially changes the services available to you; or the outcomes, or a significant part, of your course, such as the nature of the award or a substantial change to module content, teaching days (part time provision), classes, type of delivery or assessment of the core curriculum.

    For example, it may be necessary to make a major change to reflect changes in the law or the requirements of the University’s regulators; to meet the latest requirements of a commissioning or accrediting body; to improve the quality of educational provision; in response to student, examiners’ or other course evaluators’ feedback; and/or to reflect academic or professional changes within subject areas. Major changes may also be necessary because of circumstances outside our reasonable control, such as a key member of staff leaving the University or being unable to teach, where they have a particular specialism that can’t be adequately covered by other members of staff; or due to damage or interruption to buildings, facilities or equipment.

    Major changes would usually be made with effect from the next academic year, but this may not always be the case. We will notify you as soon as possible should we need to make a major change and will carry out suitable consultation with affected students. If you reasonably believe that the proposed change will cause you detriment or hardship we will, if appropriate, work with you to try to reduce the adverse effect on you or find an appropriate solution. Where an appropriate solution cannot be found and you contact us in writing before the change takes effect you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the University without liability to the University for future tuition fees. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so.

    Termination of course

    In exceptional circumstances, we may, for reasons outside of our control, be forced to discontinue or suspend your course. Where this is the case, a formal exit strategy will be followed and we will notify you as soon as possible about what your options are, which may include transferring to a suitable replacement course for which you are qualified, being provided with individual teaching to complete the award for which you were registered, or claiming an interim award and exiting the University. If you do not wish to take up any of the options that are made available to you, then you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the course without liability to the University for future tuition fees and you will be entitled to a refund of all course fees paid to date. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so.

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    The Office for Students (OfS) is the principal regulator for the University.