Organisational Behaviour
Develop your understanding of organisational and management theory and how it applies to housing practice and service delivery.
Key facts
Overview
This module explores how housing organisations function, how teams and leaders operate, and how organisational cultures, power and change shape service outcomes. Through interactive online learning, peer review activities and applied exercises, students will build knowledge of management practice, alongside developing qualitative research and analytical skills. This module is particularly valuable for those working in or progressing into leadership, management or strategic roles.
Housing organisations operate within complex and changing environments that require effective leadership, management and organisational understanding. Professionals working across the housing sector need to understand how organisations function, how services are delivered, and how staff and organisational cultures influence performance and outcomes.
Module HOUP300: Organisational Behaviour introduces students to key organisation and management theories and discusses their application within housing contexts. The module draws strong connections between theory and practice through structured learning activities, peer review exercises and applied examples from housing organisations. Students are also introduced to qualitative research methods and analysis, enabling them to critically examine organisational processes and workplace dynamics.
This module is relevant to professionals seeking to develop management and leadership skills.
Entrance requirements
A minimum of a second class honours degree (2.1 preferred) or equivalent. Applicants without these formal qualifications but with significant appropriate/relevant work/life experience are encouraged to apply.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:
- IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each sub-skill.
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) 62 overall with 60 in each sub-skill.
- TOEFL exams taken before 21 January 2026: 88 overall with 20 in reading, 19 in writing, 19 in listening and 22 in speaking.
- TOEFL exams taken from 21 January 2026: 4.5 overall with no less than 4 in any band.
See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements.
Objectives
This 20-credit module provides a starting point for understanding the range of factors, influences and activities associated with the delivery of sustainable housing practice.
On completion of this module, you will be able to:
- Relate and apply management theory to housing organisations and service delivery.
- Understand the role of managers and management within housing organisations.
- Analyse organisational structures, cultures, budgets and strategies.
- Evaluate staff development and workforce practice in housing organisations.
- Critically assess internal and external organisational change.
- Understand qualitative research methods and apply qualitative data analysis.
Structure and content
Over seven sessions this online module explores key themes relating to organisational behaviour within housing organisations. The module introduces students to organisation and management theory and discusses its application to housing services and workplace environments. It examines control, learning and motivation, alongside approaches to researching organisational behaviour using qualitative methods and analysis. Students will explore teamwork and conflict management, leadership and delegation, and the role of power, bureaucracy and cultural change within organisations. The module concludes by linking organisational theory to professional housing practice through applied learning and reflective activities.
Delivery and assessment
The module is delivered through weekly live online lectures supported by guided discussion boards and learning materials. Students engage in peer review ‘links’ exercises that connect theoretical concepts to professional practice. The core assessment will see you complete a report to a fictionalised Housing Association as a case study to analyse organisational challenges and how to address these. Students are expected to actively participate in discussions and complete independent learning activities. Assessment includes written coursework and applied analytical work, supported by formative feedback opportunities.
Module coordinator
Employability
This module enhances employability by strengthening knowledge of leadership, management and organisational performance within a housing context. Students develop analytical, research and communication skills that support progression into supervisory, management and strategic roles. The module also supports Continuing Professional Development for those already working within housing or related sectors.
What next?
Contact us
If you have any questions about entry requirements for our continuing professional development and short courses, contact our Admissions team.
For all other questions, please use our enquiry form.