Diploma in Road Surfaces Technology

Fees | Course length | Entry requirements

Why choose this course?

• This is the first university level academic diploma for the surface treatments industry, so you'll be part of an innovative initiative that will set you apart within the industry.
• The Road Surface Treatments Association and the Institute of Asphalt Technology support the course so you can be sure that it reflects best industry practice.
• The course is flexible, so you can fit it around your work and home commitments.
• You will gain the academic qualification to convert your Technician/Affiliate membership to full membership of the
  Institute of Asphalt Technology.

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
University qualification that will help you to gain professional credibility.

During the course you'll develop your technical skills and knowledge of asphalt and road surfacing related industries
and their impact upon the environment. You'll gain the skills you need to communicate effectively and operate successfully within the industry, including problem solving, working on your own initiative, and we'll encourage you to become a lifelong learner.

This course usually takes three years to complete, but you may already have qualifications that mean you can be exempt from certain parts of the Diploma and you could start at the Certificate stage (second stage), or undertake a one-year course.

It will make a demand on your time of up to 12 hours per week, which you will have to fit around your work and home commitments.

Subject to exemption, which will be decided on an individual basis, you'll study the following:

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
• Road Surface Treatments
• 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 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. 

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.

Road Surface Treatments (15 credits)
This module will provide information on the selection, installation, and where appropriate design of the following specialist surface treatments: high friction surfacing, re-texturing, slurry surfacing and microsurfacing, treatment of potholes, surface preservation and the use of geosynthetics and steel meshes. This information will be placed in a context of relative costs and life expectation and guidance on which one to use when there are choices to be made. 

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.

How you'll learn

You'll study by distance learning, and you'll have the opportunity to come to Derby for four weekends each year for tutorials, where you'll receive teaching and personal development.

The course materials are available in electronic form and you'll have electronic access to our library and other learning resources.

How you're assessed

You'll be assessed through a mixture of coursework and exams. Your final grade is made up of 30% coursework and 70% of exams.

Fieldtrips

You'll also have the option to go on a five day study tour each year where you'll visit a number of manufacturers and suppliers and even quarries to widen your knowledge of the industry.

Anything else?

This course can also be delivered internationally. Contact us for further information.

Apply for this course

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