Choose your study method
Studying online gives you total flexibility to study when and where works for you. You'll have access to a set of online learning tools, including study materials written by our team of specialist authors, links to useful websites and resources, and forums where you can share your thoughts and ideas with other learners.
Exclusive RICS Member Offer
This page contains qualification information and pricing available exclusively to current RICS members.
As part of the application process, you will be asked to confirm your RICS membership and provide your membership number. All applications will be reviewed, and eligibility will be verified before a place can be confirmed.
- Not a RICS member? Please visit our main Housing Academy qualifications page to view our standard qualification options and pricing.
- Important: Discounted places are only available to current RICS members. Applications from non-members will not be eligible for the RICS discounted rate.
| Start date | Application closing date | Duration | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 January 2027 | 04 January 2027 | 12 months | £2990 | Apply online |
| 12 April 2027 | 29 March 2027 | 12 months | £2990 | Apply online |
| 05 July 2027 | 21 June 2027 | 12 months | £2990 | Apply online |
| 11 October 2027 | 27 September 2027 | 12 months | £2990 | Apply online |
| 17 January 2028 | 03 January 2028 | 12 months | £2990 | Apply online |
| 10 April 2028 | 27 March 2028 | 12 months | £2990 | Apply online |
Please see the full feature list for each study method for the CIH Level 5 Diploma below:
| Online | Online plus | Fast track | |
| Tutor (academic) support | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Learner support | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Taught sessions for all seven units | ✘ | ✓ | ✘ |
| 1-to-1 support sessions | ✘ | ✘ | ✓ |
| Live induction | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Live tutor-led workshops | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Access to extensive content and learning materials on our learning platform | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
What is the Level 5 Diploma in Housing?
This qualification explores areas of ethical practice, leadership and management, strategic business planning, housing in context, managing partner relationships, customer focused housing services and professionalism in housing.
On completion of this qualification you will be eligible for chartered membership CIHCM status. You must complete all mandatory units, as well as the professionalism in housing unit to be eligible.
This qualification meets the requirements for the Competence and Conduct Standard for social housing.
Who is this qualification for?
The Level 5 Diploma in Housing is for aspiring professionals, supervisors and managers who wish to achieve CIH chartered membership (CIHCM) and have two years experience of working in a housing or housing related sector at a management or supervisory level.
This application route is intended for current RICS members only. If you are not a RICS member, please visit our main qualifications pages. Eligibility will be checked as part of the application process.
Experience requirements
- You have two years’ experience working in housing or a housing related sector at a supervisory or management level and are aspiring to or working in a strategic role.
- You have completed the CIH Level 4 Certificate or equivalent qualification.
Learners must also meet the following criteria:
- 18+
- Are confident in using IT and have access to a computer
- Have the potential and opportunity to gain the qualification
- Are aware that this qualification will be assignment based as the Housing Academy’s chosen method of assessment and that other centres may be approved for other assessment methodologies
- Are aware that they must demonstrate an understanding of all the learning outcomes to achieve each unit of study within the qualification.
Level five descriptors
Please read the following level five descriptors that indicate the level that a learner must be working at to achieve the qualification and are confident that they are able to meet these requirements.
Knowledge descriptors
- You have practical, theoretical, or technological knowledge and understanding of a subject or field of work and find ways forward in broadly defined, complex contexts
- You can analyse, interpret, and evaluate relevant information, concepts and ideas
- You are aware of the nature and scope of the areas of study or work
- You can understand different perspectives, approaches or schools of thought and the reasoning behind them.
Skills descriptor
- You can determine, adapt, and use appropriate methods, cognitive and practical skills to address broadly defined, complex problems
- You can use relevant research or development to inform actions
- You can evaluate actions, methods and results.
How long does it take?
- For learners who choose the online or online plus study methods, this qualification will take approximately 13 months, with an average of eight hours study a week.
- For learners who choose the fast track method, this qualification can take as little as eight months, with continued access to support and learning materials for up to 12 months—giving you the flexibility to plan your studies around your schedule.
What will you learn?
The CIH Level 5 Diploma in Housing provides you with knowledge and understanding across key areas of housing policy and practice, at a recognised professional standard. The qualification aims to give you the knowledge and skills required to perform in a senior management role.
How to apply
You can apply for this qualification in a few simple steps:
- Choose your study method and start date from the table at the top of this page.
- Complete the online application form, including:
- Entering your RICS membership number
- Uploading evidence of your qualifications and/or housing sector experience. You may be eligible to claim Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) for the professionalism in housing unit.
- Selecting your payment option
- Submit your application – it will be reviewed by the Housing Academy team to confirm your eligibility.
- Provide proof of ID before starting your course (required because our qualifications are regulated by the CIH Awarding Organisation).
Individuals (or purchasers booking on behalf of someone else) must pay full fees within seven days of receiving the invoice or before the course start date.*
- Payment can be made by credit or debit card.
- Failure to pay on time may result in your course date being changed or services stopped.
*The course start date is the advertised closing date for applications.
If your organisation is paying:
- You must provide a purchase order at the time of booking.
- It is your responsibility to have this ready before starting the application.
Multiple learner bookings
We welcome organisations who want to work with the CIH Housing Academy to provide learning to their workforce. If you'd like to know more about possible discounts for multiple learners, please contact us on 024 7685 1700 or email partnerships@cih.org.
What can I expect as a CIH Housing Academy learner?
We will support you throughout your qualification, offering guidance when personal or work-related problems arise that may affect your studies.
- At the beginning of the qualification you will be provided with a brief introduction to the qualification and information on how it is delivered, structured and assessed.
- You will be allocated an academic tutor who will offer you support throughout your qualification.
- You can contact your tutor through ‘messenger’ when logged in to our online learning platform, My Housing Academy.
- Your tutor will mark your assignments and give you feedback as well as providing you with advice and support on any academic issues.
- You will be able to communicate and share ideas with other students via My Housing Academy.
CIH membership included for eligible Housing Academy learners
CIH offer a concessionary learner membership that can be purchased by learners undertaking a CIH qualification*. This discounted rate provides access to all standard member benefits.
If you choose to study with the CIH Housing Academy eligible learners will receive a year’s learner membership worth £82 when studying a full qualification at level two.
When you register with the Housing Academy, we will automatically transfer your details to the CIH membership team who will confirm if you are eligible to receive this special offer and will be in touch with how to access the membership package.
Although not an essential requirement to complete your qualification, CIH membership provides a wealth of resources, services and networking opportunities that will enhance your learning experience and benefit your professional development long into the future.
*Eligibility criteria apply.
Get in touch
If you have any questions about this qualification or want to speak with a member of our team, we’re here to help. We can guide you through the next steps and provide any additional information you need.
Contact us
Online plus combines all the benefits of online study with the addition of six face-to-face learning days or several virtual tutor-led sessions. These virtual sessions offer the opportunity to interact and share knowledge with other learners and tutors but still benefit from studying around work and life commitments.
Exclusive RICS Member Offer
This page contains qualification information and pricing available exclusively to current RICS members.
As part of the application process, you will be asked to confirm your RICS membership and provide your membership number. All applications will be reviewed, and eligibility will be verified before a place can be confirmed.
- Not a RICS member? Please visit our main Housing Academy qualifications page to view our standard qualification options and pricing.
- Important: Discounted places are only available to current RICS members. Applications from non-members will not be eligible for the RICS discounted rate.
| Start date | Application closing date | Duration | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23 November 2026 | 09 November 2026 | 12 months | £3390 | Apply online |
| 01 March 2027 | 02 February 2027 | 12 months | £3390 | Apply online |
Please see the full feature list for each study method for the CIH Level 5 Diploma below:
| Online | Online plus | Fast track | |
| Tutor (academic) support | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Learner support | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Taught sessions for all seven units | ✘ | ✓ | ✘ |
| 1-to-1 support sessions | ✘ | ✘ | ✓ |
| Live induction | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Live tutor-led workshops | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Access to extensive content and learning materials on our learning platform | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
What is the Level 5 Diploma in Housing?
This qualification explores areas of ethical practice, leadership and management, strategic business planning, housing in context, managing partner relationships, customer focused housing services and professionalism in housing.
On completion of this qualification you will be eligible for chartered membership CIHCM status. You must complete all mandatory units, as well as the professionalism in housing unit to be eligible.
This qualification meets the requirements for the Competence and Conduct Standard for social housing.
Who is this qualification for?
The Level 5 Diploma in Housing is for aspiring professionals, supervisors and managers who wish to achieve CIH chartered membership (CIHCM) and have two years experience of working in a housing or housing related sector at a management or supervisory level.
This application route is intended for current RICS members only. If you are not a RICS member, please visit our main qualifications pages. Eligibility will be checked as part of the application process.
Experience requirements
- You have two years’ experience working in housing or a housing related sector at a supervisory or management level and are aspiring to or working in a strategic role.
- You have completed the CIH Level 4 Certificate or equivalent qualification.
Learners must also meet the following criteria:
- 18+
- Are confident in using IT and have access to a computer
- Have the potential and opportunity to gain the qualification
- Are aware that this qualification will be assignment based as the Housing Academy’s chosen method of assessment and that other centres may be approved for other assessment methodologies
- Are aware that they must demonstrate an understanding of all the learning outcomes to achieve each unit of study within the qualification.
Level five descriptors
Please read the following level five descriptors that indicate the level that a learner must be working at to achieve the qualification and are confident that they are able to meet these requirements.
Knowledge descriptors
- You have practical, theoretical, or technological knowledge and understanding of a subject or field of work and find ways forward in broadly defined, complex contexts
- You can analyse, interpret, and evaluate relevant information, concepts and ideas
- You are aware of the nature and scope of the areas of study or work
- You can understand different perspectives, approaches or schools of thought and the reasoning behind them.
Skills descriptor
- You can determine, adapt, and use appropriate methods, cognitive and practical skills to address broadly defined, complex problems
- You can use relevant research or development to inform actions
- You can evaluate actions, methods and results.
How long does it take?
- For learners who choose the online or online plus study methods, this qualification will take approximately 13 months, with an average of eight hours study a week.
- For learners who choose the fast track method, this qualification can take as little as eight months, with continued access to support and learning materials for up to 12 months—giving you the flexibility to plan your studies around your schedule.
What will you learn?
The CIH Level 5 Diploma in Housing provides you with knowledge and understanding across key areas of housing policy and practice, at a recognised professional standard. The qualification aims to give you the knowledge and skills required to perform in a senior management role.
How to apply
You can apply for this qualification in a few simple steps:
- Choose your study method and start date from the table at the top of this page.
- Complete the online application form, including:
- Entering your RICS membership number
- Uploading evidence of your qualifications and/or housing sector experience. You may be eligible to claim Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) for the professionalism in housing unit.
- Selecting your payment option
- Submit your application – it will be reviewed by the Housing Academy team to confirm your eligibility.
- Provide proof of ID before starting your course (required because our qualifications are regulated by the CIH Awarding Organisation).
Individuals (or purchasers booking on behalf of someone else) must pay full fees within seven days of receiving the invoice or before the course start date.*
- Payment can be made by credit or debit card.
- Failure to pay on time may result in your course date being changed or services stopped.
*The course start date is the advertised closing date for applications.
If your organisation is paying:
- You must provide a purchase order at the time of booking.
- It is your responsibility to have this ready before starting the application.
Multiple learner bookings
We welcome organisations who want to work with the CIH Housing Academy to provide learning to their workforce. If you'd like to know more about possible discounts for multiple learners, please contact us on 024 7685 1700 or email partnerships@cih.org.
What can I expect as a CIH Housing Academy learner?
We will support you throughout your qualification, offering guidance when personal or work-related problems arise that may affect your studies.
- At the beginning of the qualification you will be provided with a brief introduction to the qualification and information on how it is delivered, structured and assessed.
- You will be allocated an academic tutor who will offer you support throughout your qualification.
- You can contact your tutor through ‘messenger’ when logged in to our online learning platform, My Housing Academy.
- Your tutor will mark your assignments and give you feedback as well as providing you with advice and support on any academic issues.
- You will be able to communicate and share ideas with other students via My Housing Academy.
CIH membership included for eligible Housing Academy learners
CIH offer a concessionary learner membership that can be purchased by learners undertaking a CIH qualification*. This discounted rate provides access to all standard member benefits.
If you choose to study with the CIH Housing Academy eligible learners will receive a year’s learner membership worth £82 when studying a full qualification at level two.
When you register with the Housing Academy, we will automatically transfer your details to the CIH membership team who will confirm if you are eligible to receive this special offer and will be in touch with how to access the membership package.
Although not an essential requirement to complete your qualification, CIH membership provides a wealth of resources, services and networking opportunities that will enhance your learning experience and benefit your professional development long into the future.
*Eligibility criteria apply.
Get in touch
If you have any questions about this qualification or want to speak with a member of our team, we’re here to help. We can guide you through the next steps and provide any additional information you need.
Contact us
