A new Competency and Conduct Standard is coming into force October 2026, requiring housing professionals to have the knowledge, skills, experience and behaviours needed to deliver safe, respectful and high-quality services to tenants.
DMU has designed the Senior Housing and Property Management Level 4 Apprenticeship in collaboration with housing providers to help organisations prepare for these changes while supporting workforce development and professional growth across the housing sector.
Designed in response to employer feedback and sector requirements, the programme develops expertise across housing legislation, tenancy management, regulation, organisational performance, finance and asset management alongside the professional behaviours needed to deliver fair, respectful and tenant-focused housing services.
The course is designed to enable the practical application of theory in the workplace while supporting organisations to strengthen service quality, professionalism and organisational performance.
After completion, staff will be able to
- Be proactive in finding solutions to problems and identifying areas for improvement
- Take individual responsibility for the overall quality and cost effectiveness of their business and service areas and the needs of stakeholders
- Manage a specific function and associated teams while working with the wider organisations, team (s), communities and external partners
- Manage resources with delegated authority to deliver the business objectives
- Comply with the requirements of the Competence and Conduct Standard
The apprenticeship comprises of four modules. Each module includes two days face-to-face teaching on campus, followed by four half days of synchronous online delivery in addition to directed study and one-to-one support from module leaders and skills coaches.
The duration of the apprenticeship is 24 months (18 months teaching, followed by up to six months to complete the End Point Assessment). Apprentices will gain a Level 4 Certificate in Higher Education (CertHE) as well as their apprenticeship.
This apprenticeship is designed for Senior Housing Managers (Level 4).
Why choose De Montfort University?
De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) works closely with employers to develop workforce capability through professional education, apprenticeships and employer partnerships.
Our apprenticeship provision combines academic expertise with practical workplace application, helping organisations build capability, strengthen workforce development and respond to changing sector requirements.
We understand that the future of housing relies on skilled professionals who can deliver safe, respectful and high-quality services to tenants while navigating an increasingly complex regulatory environment.
This programme has been developed to help organisations build that future.
The programme has been developed in line with the Senior Housing and Property Management Apprenticeship Standard and combines professional knowledge with practical workplace application.
Delivery
The programme has been designed around employer feedback and sector requirements.
Delivery will be a blend of face to face teaching on campus, online learning and self study, applying what you learn in the workplace. Employer feedback has informed delivery design, including blended learning approaches and delivery patterns that support working professionals.
The typical duration is 24 months total, including 18 months taught learning and up to 6 months End Point Assessment preparation and completion
Legislation and Regulation of Housing
Develop understanding of housing legislation, tenancy types, regulation and governance across social and private rented sectors. Explore housing law, contracts, safeguarding, data protection, organisational responsibilities and professional standards relevant to housing practice.
Organisational Policies and People Management
Develop understanding of organisational culture, workforce development, professional conduct, policy implementation and effective people management.
Business Planning and Organisational Performance
Build knowledge of organisational performance, planning and decision-making to support sustainable and effective housing services.
Finance and Asset Management
Develop understanding of financial management, asset planning and operational decision-making within housing organisations.
Throughout the programme apprentices will develop professional behaviours aligned to modern housing practice, supporting organisations to deliver services that are safe, effective, respectful and responsive to tenant needs.
Assessment is designed to support practical workplace application and enable you to demonstrate knowledge, understanding and professional capability within your organisation.
Assessment methods may include:
- Written coursework
- Work-based assessment activities
- Problem-based scenarios
- End Point Assessment
Assessment activity is rooted in workplace practice to ensure learning translates into meaningful professional development and operational capability.