BA (Hons) Community Studies and Housing

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.

English language proficiency:

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
• TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 72, with at least 17 in Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing.
• PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 72 with no individual score below 59.
• Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

The University of Bedfordshire offers various scholarships and financial aid options to support students in their academic journey. These scholarships are designed to recognize excellence, support underrepresented groups, and provide financial assistance to deserving students.  

Vice Chancellor's Scholarships: These scholarships are available to both undergraduate and postgraduate students and offer a reduction in tuition fees. The scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, leadership potential, and contribution to the community.

Bedfordshire Education Excellence Scholarship: This scholarship is aimed at supporting high-achieving students from the local region. It provides a fee reduction for eligible undergraduate students who have achieved outstanding academic results.

Sports Scholarships: The university offers sports scholarships to talented athletes who have demonstrated exceptional performance in their respective sports. These scholarships provide financial support, coaching, access to sports facilities, and other benefits to help athletes balance their studies and sports commitments.

International Scholarships: The university provides scholarships specifically for international students. These scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and can help offset tuition fees for eligible international students.

External Scholarships: In addition to the university-specific scholarships, students can also explore external scholarship opportunities offered by government organizations, charities, and other funding bodies. The university's scholarship office can provide guidance and support in finding external scholarship opportunities.

The University of Bedfordshire provide a range of scholarships to help students achieve their academic goals and make their university experience more accessible and affordable.

Graduates of the BA (Hons) Community Studies and Housing program at the University of Bedfordshire possess a unique skill set that prepares them for a variety of rewarding careers in social welfare, community development, and housing-related fields.

Community Development Officer: Graduates may pursue careers as community development officers, working for local government agencies, non-profit organizations, or community groups to facilitate community engagement, organize events, and develop programs that address local needs. Community development officers work closely with residents, stakeholders, and partner organizations to improve community well-being, social cohesion, and quality of life.

Housing Officer: Graduates may work as housing officers for housing associations, local councils, or private property management companies, helping individuals and families access affordable housing, navigate tenancy issues, and access housing-related support services. Housing officers may be responsible for managing housing waiting lists, conducting housing assessments, and providing advice on housing options and rights.

Community Organizer: Graduates may pursue careers as community organizers, mobilizing residents and stakeholders to address social issues, advocate for change, and empower communities to take collective action. Community organizers facilitate meetings, coordinate campaigns, and build networks to promote community participation, social justice, and community-led initiatives on housing, environmental, or social justice issues.

Social Housing Manager: Graduates may work as social housing managers, overseeing social housing properties, services, and tenancies for housing associations, local authorities, or charitable organizations. Social housing managers develop housing policies, allocate properties, manage rent arrears, and ensure the maintenance and upkeep of social housing stock to meet the needs of vulnerable individuals and families.

Homelessness Prevention Officer: Graduates may pursue careers as homelessness prevention officers, working for local councils, charities, or housing organizations to prevent homelessness and support individuals and families at risk of homelessness. Homelessness prevention officers provide advice, assistance, and advocacy to help people access housing, financial support, and other essential services to stabilize their housing situations and prevent homelessness.

Policy Analyst: Graduates may work as policy analysts for government agencies, think tanks, or advocacy organizations, researching housing policies, analyzing social trends, and developing policy recommendations to address housing inequalities, homelessness, and housing affordability issues. Policy analysts may contribute to the development and evaluation of housing strategies, legislation, and programs at local, national, or international levels.

Social Worker: Graduates may pursue careers as social workers specializing in housing and homelessness support, working with vulnerable individuals and families to address complex social issues, trauma, and housing instability. Social workers provide counseling, advocacy, and practical support to help clients access housing, social services, and community resources to achieve housing stability and improve their well-being.

Researcher/Analyst: Graduates may work as researchers or analysts for research institutes, policy organizations, or consulting firms, conducting research on housing-related topics, analyzing data, and producing reports to inform policy-making, program development, and advocacy efforts. Researchers may investigate housing trends, evaluate housing interventions, or conduct impact assessments to support evidence-based decision-making in the housing sector.

Community Engagement Coordinator: Graduates may work as community engagement coordinators for non-profit organizations, universities, or local government agencies, developing and implementing strategies to engage diverse communities in decision-making processes, consultation activities, and community development initiatives. Community engagement coordinators facilitate dialogue, build partnerships, and empower marginalized groups to participate in shaping policies and programs that affect their communities.

Project Manager in Social Services: Graduates may pursue careers as project managers in social services organizations, overseeing projects and initiatives aimed at addressing housing needs, supporting vulnerable populations, and promoting social inclusion. Project managers plan, implement, and evaluate social service projects, coordinate multidisciplinary teams, and ensure project deliverables are met within budget and timelines.