Government

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• applying directly

University

You could complete a foundation degree or degree in:

• housing studies
• social policy
• building surveying

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

College

You can do a college course like the Level 2 or 3 Certificate in Housing Practice.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
• search for courses|/find-a-course

Apprenticeship

You can take a housing property assistant intermediate apprenticeship and then a housing and property management advanced apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

Work

You may be able to start as a housing or admin assistant and work your way up. You could do this through on-the-job training leading to a qualification like the Level 2 or 3 Certificate in Housing Practice, offered by the Chartered Institute of Housing.

Volunteering and work experience

You may find it helpful to get some experience with a housing charity or local tenants' association.

See Do-it and NCVO for information on voluntary opportunities in your area.

Direct application

You may be able to apply to a local authority or housing association for a place on a graduate training scheme, if you have a degree.

Requirements and restrictions

You'll need to:

• pass background checks

More information

Career tips

You could work for a local authority, a housing association or a charity like Shelter. You could also work for a university or property company.

Further information

You can get more advice about careers and training in housing from the Chartered Institute of Housing.

View all vacancies in this region

With experience you could specialise in an area of housing like homelessness or anti-social behaviour.

You could also move into management and become a senior housing officer, regional manager, head of service or director.