Diploma in Quarry Technology
Fees |
Course length |
Entry requirements
Why choose this course?
- This is the first university level academic diploma for the quarrying industry.
- It's been developed in conjunction with the Institute of Quarrying and industry experts to ensure 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 around your work commitments.
- It meets the academic requirements for membership of the Institute of Quarrying and provides the fundamental knowledge for the Safety, Health and Environmental QCF.
About the course
If you're already employed in the minerals extractive industry or have an interest in it, this course will help you to gain a nationally recognised academic qualification. It will help you if you're aiming to become a quarry manager and wish to acquire professional status.
You'll study these modules:
Year one - Foundation stage
- Mathematics
- Foundation Engineering
- Industry Technology
Year two - Certificate stage
- Engineering Theory
- Quarry Technology 1
- Construction Materials
Year three - Diploma stage
- Applied Engineering
- Quarry Technology 2
- Quarry Blasting
- Business Management
You'll have the opportunity to join our annual five day study tour of a number of quarries, manufacturers and suppliers to the quarrying industry to enhance your knowledge and experience.
The course is studied part time over two or 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.
On successful completion you'll be able to apply for membership of the Institute of Quarrying
Find out more about what subjects and modules you'll be studying...
Module descriptions
Quarry Technology 1 (30 credits)
During this module you will develop your understanding of the issues associated with the exploration, exploitation and development of a quarry. The areas you'll cover include the different methods of winning, loading and transporting quarried materials and the associated health, safety and environmental issues. There is a focus on enhancing your knowledge of the geology that is beneficial to the safe and effective operation of a quarry and the identification of geological hazards. You'll also develop the practical surveying techniques that are used in the development of quarrying operations.
Quarry Technology 2 (30 credits)
You'll develop your knowledge and understanding of quarry technology covering mineral processing techniques such as sand and gravel separation, and classification techniques and their applications within the quarrying industry. You'll also explore a range of health, safety and environmental issues that are relevant to quarrying operations, particularly in respect of risk control and the preventation of health and safety incidents, the issues associated with sustainable development and environmental legislation and its implication for the minerals extractive industry.
Quarry Blasting (15 credits)
This module is aimed at supervisory personnel in the field of blasting. You'll enhance your understanding of the requirements of blasting so you can carry out your responsibilities safely and efficiently in ways that maximise blasting performance while also optimising overall costs to the operator.
Business Management (15 credits)
You'll develop the business skills and knowledge you need to effectively manage in the quarry 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.
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.
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 quarry industry.
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.
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.
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.
Your career
The quarrying industry is vital to the UK economy as it's worth over £4 billion each year and employs some 40,000 people in a variety of roles. Jobs exist at many quarries across the country, as well as marine wharves, concrete plants and aggregate recycling operations.
This course is ideal for potential quarry managers, giving you the knowledge you will need to progress your career in this 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.
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 Diploma 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 results in a recent promotion."
Jennifer Thomson
Area Quality Manager, Leiths (Scotland) Ltd
How you'll learn
You'll study online, supported by up to five weekend tutorials which are held at the Enterprise Centre, Derby. At the weekend sessions you will mix with fellow Diploma students and you'll receive dedicated face to face teaching and personal support.
Your course materials are 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 exams and assignments.
Fieldtrips
Each year a five-day study tour is organised to a number of quarries, manufacturers and suppliers to the quarrying industry in the UK.
Anything else?
Apply for this course
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.
Start dates
September
Fees
Please contact us for details of the fees for this course.
Course length
This part time course will take you two to three years to complete.
Entry requirements
These courses are open to all. If you have experience in the quarrying/asphalt industries plus ...
These courses are open to all. If you have experience in the quarrying/asphalt industries plus positive support from your employer, we will welcome your application.
You should ideally contact the University from July to start the course in September with a closing date of the end of October.
