Diploma in Asphalt Technology

Fees | Course length | Entry requirements

Why choose this course?

• This is the only university level academic Diploma for the asphalt industry.
• It's been developed by the Institute of Asphalt Technology so you can be sure it reflects latest techniques and best practice.
• It's a flexible and cost effective way to study. You'll study online and at tutorials at Derby, so you can fit studying round your work commitments.
• You can join the five day study tour on which you'll widen your knowledge and understanding of the asphalt industry.
• On completion you'll have the academic qualifications you'll need to convert to full membership of the Institute of Asphalt Technology.
• You will have a qualification recognised by the Engineering Council as meeting some of the academic requirements required to become a Professional Engineer.
  

About the course

If you're already working in the asphalt industry, or have an interest in it, this course will give you a nationally recognised qualification that will help your career progression.

Covering subjects directly related to your role working in the supply, delivery and placement of road pavement materials, you'll develop your technical skills and knowledge of asphalt related industries and their impact on the environment.

You'll gain the skills you'll need to communicate effectively and operate successfully within the industry, including problem solving, working on your own initiative and business and management practices within the industry.

You can choose to join a five day study tour of sites relevant to the asphalt industry so you can widen your knowledge and experience.

The course is studied part time over three academic years. You will need to fit it around your work commitments, so you'll need to be self motivated and be able to set aside around 12 hours per week for study. If you already have relevant qualifications you may be exempted from specific modules, or even years, of the course.

You'll study these modules:

Year one - Foundation stage

• Mathematics
• Foundation Engineering
• Industry Technology

Year two - Certificate stage

• Engineering Theory
• Asphalt Technology 1
• Geology, Surveying and Earthworks
• Construction Materials

Year three - Diploma stage

• Applied Engineering
• Asphalt Technology 2
• Pavement Design
• Business Management
• Contracts Management

Module descriptions

Mathematics (15 credits)
You'll understand mathematical principles and techniques and learn how to apply them to applications in the fields of engineering and quarry technology. You'll apply your own experience and observation to develop a wider understanding of the use of mathematics.

Foundation Engineering (15 credits)
You'll develop your understanding of the principles and concepts of basic mechanics and look at the basic theories and concepts of electricity, electrical circuits, electrical measurement, magnetism and electromagnetic induction. You'll apply your own experience and observation to develop a wider understanding of the use of engineering principles.

Industry Technology (15 credits)
You'll be introduced to geological processes and phenomena and the fundamental principles and concepts surrounding the role of earth sciences in a modern technological society. You'll study the concept of resources, methods of exploration and exploitation, the importance of geological resources to the construction industry, geotechnical aspects of civil engineering and the identification of geological hazards.

Engineering Theory (15 credits)
This module builds on what you've already learned on the Foundation Engineering module to further develop your understanding of the principles of mechanics and their application. In particular, you'll look at the principles and concepts associated with the use of AC electricity. In conjunction, you'll develop the understanding you'll need to properly assess the risk associated with the technology of the asphalt industry.

Asphalt Technology 1 (15 credits)
The module provides an understanding of technology and specifications related to the production and use of bituminous mixtures, including the characteristics of the aggregates and bitumen.  The module also explains how bituminous mixtures are used in road pavements and introduces the concept of the road pavement. The place of road pavements in history is also explained.

Geology, Surveying and Earthworks (15 credits)
This module establishes the baseline for the development of earthwork design as associated with the laying of the pavement. You'll consider the range of natural materials that may be used and how the geology of sites influences the highway. You'll develop your understanding of the reasons for, and consequences of, the distribution of the aggregate mineral resources of the British Isles, the design principles and mechanical basis of earthworks and the underlying principles of surveying used in the asphalt industry, particularly levelling and curve ranging.

Construction Materials (15 credits)
This module will develop your knowledge of construction materials made from aggregates and the standards, specifications and other requirements that apply to them. You'll look at aspects such as the methods used to safely sample and test aggregates, bituminous mixtures and ready mixed concrete.

You'll also develop your knowledge of the principles of mixture design, the methods of making and using bituminous mixtures and ready mixed concrete and the techniques used to manage product quality to satisfy the needs of suppliers of construction materials and their customers.

Applied Engineering (15 credits)
This module builds on what you've already learned during the more theoretical modules to extend your understanding of mechanical power transmission systems, electrical power transmission system, usage costs and savings as they are applied to plant and instrumentation in the quarrying and asphalt industries.

You'll develop your understanding of:

• the principles and concepts associated with heat and fuels and their application
• hydraulic systems, their application and associated dangers
• the principles of physics relating to the behaviour of gases and their application
• the construction and operation of compressors, pumps and internal combustion engines.

Finally, you'll develop your awareness of the fundamental principles of corrosion and the need for lubrication and bearings, and look at a range of plant operating and maintenance schemes.

Asphalt Technology 2 (15 credits)
You'll build on the knowledge learnt in Asphalt Technology 1 to develop a deeper and more critical understanding of the manufacture, placement and compaction of asphalt as well as associated compliance test requirements. Sustainability will also be considered through recycling and consideration of "alternate aggregates". Principles of quality and environmental management will be described and the very important issue of safe working on highway construction and maintenance sites will be reviewed.

Pavement Design (15 credits)
You'll develop an understanding of the way in which pavements work to protect the underlying soil, by working through the fundamental principles of pavement design leading up to the current HA design method. The module also covers pavement assessment, as required to ensure that the road surface is safe and strong enough to carrying the ever increasing traffic loading, through to the design of treatments to maintain the structure, such as overlay design, and to restore skid resistance by surface dressing. This will entail learning about the principles of skid resistance, as well as the principles of road drainage. 

Business Management (15 credits)
You'll develop the business skills and knowledge you need to effectively manage in the asphalt industry. You'll look at the human and financial implications of running a successful business, and the importance of effective management in achieving the highest standards of performance in health, safety and the environment.

Contracts Management (15 credits)
Contracts are fundamental to the operation of the asphalt industry, especially when problems arise. During this module you'll develop your knowledge and understanding of the nature of contracts in the asphalt industry and the use and consequences of contracts.

Your career

On completion you'll achieve a recognised qualification that will set you apart from your colleagues, and help you to progress your career in the asphalt industry.

It provides the knowledge that the Institute of Asphalt Technology require for full professional status in the organisation.

You can choose to broaden your knowledge by progressing on to the University Certificate in Quarry Technology.

 

What our students say

"I'd highly recommend the Diploma to anyone involved in any form of the construction trade. I'm studying the Diploma and have recently been promoted to Technical Supervisor."

Manual Casaneuva

How you'll learn

You'll study online, and you'll have the opportunity to come to Derby for tutorials where you'll work face to face with our specialist academic staff, all of whom have extensive experience within the industry. It's also an opportunity to meet colleagues in your sector - swapping ideas and sharing best practice.

Your course materials are in an interactive electronic format and are released to you throughout the year. You'll have full online access to our library and other learning.

How you're assessed

You'll be assessed through a combination of exams and assignments.

Fieldtrips

You can choose to join a five day study tour of sites relevant to the asphalt industry so you can widen your knowledge and experience.

Anything else?

Apply for this course

• Download the application form
• Email udc@derby.ac.uk
• Telephone 0800 678 3311

About the Institute of Asphalt Technology

The Institute is the professional body for persons working in the field of asphalt technology and related disciplines. Membership of the Institute includes personnel from the road contracting and supply industries, local authorities, universities, research organisations and consultants.

• Find out more about membership of the Institute and how it will benefit you