Foundation Degree - Mineral Extraction Technology*

Fees | Course length | Entry requirements

Why choose this course?

• Developed in partnership with the Institute of Quarrying and industry experts, it is the standard knowledge based competence qualification for the sector.
  
• It's ideal for aspiring managers, giving you the knowledge you need to move forward in your career.
  
• It meets the academic requirements for membership of the Institute of Quarrying and provides the fundamental knowledge for Safety, Health and Environment management in the extractives and mineral processing industry - QCF at Level 6.
  
• It's a flexible and cost effective way to study which fits around your work commitments.
  
• On successful completion you can choose to continue studying and top up to a full Honours degree in Mineral Extractives Management.

About the course

The minerals sector, which includes quarrying, surface mining, cement and related manufacturing industries, is vital to the world economy. In the UK it's worth over £4 billion each year and employs some 40,000 people in a variety of roles. Jobs exist at many extractions sites across the country, as well as marine wharves, concrete plants and aggregate recycling operations.

If you're already employed in the minerals extractive industry, or have an interest in it, this programme will enable you to gain an internationally recognised academic qualification. It reflects UK standards and best practice, and will help you if you're aiming to become an operational manager and wish to acquire professional status.

You'll study these modules:

University Certificate stage

• Introduction to the Industry
• Engineering 1
• Mathematics

Certificate of Higher Education stage

• Mineral Extraction Technology 1
• Industry Technology
• Materials Technology
• Engineering 2

Foundation degree stage

• Mineral Extraction Technology 2
• Business Management
• Engineering 3
• Blasting

All modules are worth 20 credits, except Mineral Extraction Technology 2 which is worth 40 credits.

*This programme is subject to approval

Your career

This programme is ideal for potential operational managers, giving you the knowledge you will need to progress your career in the industry. It also helps you if you're destined for a career in the various specialist fields including health, safety and the environment, blasting and minerals planning.

On successful completion you can apply for membership of the Institute of Quarrying and can also choose to top up your Foundation Degree to a full Honours Degree in Mineral Extractives Management.

Find out more about the roles and qualifications that are typically needed by the industry at www.careersinquarrying.co.uk

What our students say

 "The programme has been extremely beneficial in providing me with the key practical and professional skills that are required in my work. This has accelerated my knowledge and experience within the industry and resulted in a recent promotion."

Jennifer Thomson, Area Quality Manager, Leiths (Scotland) Ltd

How you'll learn

The programme is studied part time over two to three 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.

You'll study online and can choose to join a number of weekend tutorials each year 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 and learn from colleagues in your sector. Tutorials take place at the Enterprise Centre in Derby.

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

How you're assessed

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

Fieldtrips

You can choose to join our annual five day study tour of a number of extractives sites, manufacturers and suppliers to the sector to enhance your knowledge and experience, and to see how the subjects you're learning are applied in practice.

Anything else?

To find out more or apply

Please contact us:

• Email - udc@derby.ac.uk
• Telephone - 0800 678 3311

About the Institute of Quarrying

The Institute of Quarrying is the international professional body for quarrying, construction materials and the related extractive and processing industries, with 6,000 members in some 50 countries worldwide. Membership is open to individuals, rather than companies, and the Institute's long-term objective is to promote progressive improvements in all aspects of operational performance through the medium of education and training at supervisory and management level.

The Institute, like the University, believes education and training is a life-long opportunity, which should be viewed, in the broadest terms, starting with initial qualifications gained at college, university or through distance-learning programmes followed by continuing professional development through attendance at conferences, seminars, training courses, competence assessment schemes, workshops, technical meetings, and site visits.

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