Field Trips (Module: Housing Policy) - What makes a successful housing estate?
High-rises, Newcastle

About this activity 

Housing policy is an aspect of social policy that is directly visible in our community. One of the best ways to understand the impact of housing policy is to go out there and look at housing within its context.

As part of the module 'Housing Policy', we visit three estates. The first is New Earswick in York, which is a typical garden suburb built in the early part of the 20th century. We then visit two estates in Newcastle: a housing development in the West End of Newcastle, and Byker, which continues to be a successful housing estate. Through these field trips we look at the relationship of housing policy with social change, for example the economic decline in the 1980s and a change from industrial infrastructure to services.

In Newcastle, students have the added benefit of the experience of a former housing needs officer to explain the context and challenges of social housing policy and management.

Byker Estate, Newcastle

Find out more

Read a summary of the interview with Dr Stuart Lowe, Senior Lecturer and module leader for 'Housing Policy'.

Google Map indicating Housing Policy field trip route

Take a look at the locations of our field trip to Newcastle we've highlighted on Google Maps. Google Streetview allows you to 'walk' around the old estate in the West End, prior to its recent demolition. You can get to Streetview by zooming all the way into the map.

Careers

Students who study Housing Policy have an insight into the reality of the policy process. After studying this module, students are better prepared for jobs in the housing sector, working with local authorities, or going on through further study to undertake housing research.

Find out more about the degree programmes that offer this module: