University News Last updated 08 December 2009
A record number of housing professionals graduated from Birmingham City University to join the ranks of qualified members of the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) earlier this month.
Of the 50 students graduating, two students were awarded the CIH West Midlands prize for outstanding achievement. Leanne James, currently seconded as part of her course as Housing Strategy Officer at Kettering Borough Council, has completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Housing with distinction and is due to complete her Masters Degree in Housing next year. Leanne was awarded the prize for best student on the postgraduate programme.
Ramesh Malhan, Head of Housing Management at Black Country Housing Group, was awarded the prize for best student on the Undergraduate Diploma in Housing which he completed with distinction.
Leanne said: "My managers and colleagues in housing have been very supportive throughout my studies, which helped me to stay motivated. The course is very interactive so you get to work with people from different organisations and the assessments involve both individual and group work so you are able to develop a wide range of skills that are a benefit to your day-to-day work."
On receiving the award, Leanne added: "I'm really pleased to have been given this award. I would like to thank the CIH and Birmingham City University for giving me the award and Kettering Borough Council for enabling me to take the course. I would not have been able to complete my studies without the support of my family, friends and colleagues over the past two years."
Veronica Coatham, Head of Division of Housing and Community Studies, and Programme Director, MA Housing, at Birmingham City University, said: "The awards ceremony has become one of the highlights on the Division of Housing's calendar - it is great to see the students with their families and friends receive their CIH corporate membership certificate and to have their hard work and achievements recognised by the University, senior housing professionals and the professional body itself."
CIH Chief Executive Sarah Webb said: "It was wonderful to see so many students being recognised for achieving their professional qualifications, many of whom have combined study with full-time work and demonstrated terrific dedication. The support of employers and of the university is also crucial to students' success, and I would like to thank them and offer my congratulations to all this year's graduates."