Master of Philosophy (MPhil)

Master of Philosophy (MPhil) Housing Policy and Finance

Built Environment Research Degree

Never Stand Still

Built Environment

The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Housing Policy and Finance at UNSW Built Environment is an innovative new post-professional masters degree. It is a research degree that includes a coursework component designed to help you develop research techniques in your chosen area. This Mphil stream is designed to create leaders in Housing Policy and Finance.

The MPhil in Housing Policy and Finance provides a comprehensive introduction to housing policy in Australia, within an international comparative context. Informed by the leading edge housing research undertaken within UNSW Built Environment’s City Futures Research Centre, the degree features guest contributions from an array of senior housing professionals, as well as leading UNSW experts.

Master of Philosophy in Housing Policy and Finance UNSW’s MPhil in Housing Policy and Finance is part of UNSW Built Environment’s newly launched Australian Graduate School of Urbanism (AGSU).

This MPhil stream analyses the operation of Australia’s contemporary housing system; the key agencies and their roles; how housing markets function; and the main subsidy, tax policy and regulatory measures that impact on the housing system.

As a student you will build your understanding of the theory and practice of policymaking in the housing area and evaluate the various ways in which housing policy is enacted and delivered. Students will also learn to critically appraise the key agencies and financial mechanisms by which housing policy is delivered and explain the key policy drivers underlying housing policy.

Under the supervision of some of Australia’s leading built environment academics, the MPhil provides you with the opportunity to undertake research in this area either through the completion of a written thesis or as a research by design thesis.

Program Structure Master of Philosophy (2222) Housing Policy and Finance 3 semesters, 1.5 years full time A total of 72 units of credit (UOC) is required.

The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is a research degree that has a coursework component and a major research project.

Coursework component (18 UOC) Research seminar (6 UOC) Specified MPhil course: Housing Policy and Finance (6 UOC) Elective from Built Environment postgraduate coursework program (6 UOC) Major Research Project (54 UOC) The thesis is a written dissertation typically 40,000 words maximum or a combined submission, comprising a design component and a written dissertation.

Core Courses

How to Apply

Research Seminar This course provides a basic understanding of designing a research project, with a focus on research design and an introduction to a range of research methods used in built environment disciplines.

The course is taught in intense-block mode with concentrated periods of instruction.

The minimum requirement for the Master of Philosophy is an appropriate undergraduate degree, usually at honours level, in a field represented within UNSW Built Environment, or another appropriate discipline.

Housing Policy and Finance This course will enable students to gain a broad understanding of the operation of Australia’s contemporary housing system; the key agencies and their roles; how housing markets function; and the main subsidy, tax policy and regulatory measures that impact on the housing system. Students will become familiar with the key demographic, political, cultural and economic factors shaping housing policy, and with broader perspectives on the policy making process. Framing themes running through the course include system governance and the distributional consequences of housing systems. With the exception of Indigenous housing, the course remit is limited to metropolitan Australia. Throughout the course, however, Australian policy frameworks and mechanisms will be considered within an International comparative context. The course is offered in an intensive mode.

To apply for the MPhil visit be.unsw.edu.au and complete the research degree expression of interest form. Completed forms should be sent to Christine Steinmetz, Director of Postgraduate Reseach, at c.steinmetz@unsw.edu.au or call +61 2 9385-7417.

Application close dates: Semester 1, 2014: 28 November 2013 Semester 2, 2014: 30 May 2014 Late applications may be accepted.

Scholarships AGSU Scholarships, valued at $20,000 each, have been established to encourage high achieving domestic applicants to undertake studies in the new Master of Urban Policy and Strategy program and the new Master of Philosophy steams of Housing Policy and Finance, Writing the City, Infrastructure Planning, Procurement and Finance, and Design Research.

Visit be.unsw.edu.au for more information on the MPhil including eligibility, how to apply, and AGSU scholarships.

Housing Policy and Finance is led

by Prof Hal Pawson MPhil course leader, Professor Hal Pawson, is a housing and urban policy expert with extensive experience of policy-focused research in the UK and (since 2011) Australia. Building on an initial spell in housing practice, Hal’s previous academic career at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh included contributions to taught courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

As well as publishing extensively in academic journals and the professional press he has coauthored three books. Hal is Associate Director of UNSW’s City Futures Research Centre and Australasian Editor of the internationally reputed journal Housing Studies.

AGSU As cities grow more complex there is a gap in the number of leading thinkers on urban issues. With the establishment of AGSU, the Australian Graduate School of Urbanism, this gap is closing. With more research capacity in urban issues than anyone else, AGSU is an Australian leader in this area.

Professor Alan Peters AGSU Director, Deputy Dean UNSW Built Environment

Our research degrees offer specialised streams including Housing Policy and Finance, Writing the City, Infrastructure Planning, Procurement and Finance, and Design Research. We also offer a range of specialised post-professional degrees in Sustainable Development, Urban Development and Design, and Urban Policy and Strategy.

Our interdisciplinary research ensures that our graduates will have the intellectual capacity to see the whole picture, drawing from multiple points of view to make confident and informed decisions. It is this broad knowledge base that means our students are unafraid of risk taking, because they know that this is where creative solutions thrive. The end result is a new era of graduates who are drivers of change, analytical thinkers and future leaders.

As we evolve, AGSU will continue to be flexible, practical and adaptable, offering educational and research solutions that speak to the major issues facing cities and development, both in Australia and the world.

AGSU is the research engine of the Faculty of Built Environment at UNSW, engaging in rigorous research that is connected in every way, from public conversation and links with industry and community, to the way we conduct our research.

CRICOS: 00098G