University Certificate in Road Surfaces Technology

Fees | Course length | Entry requirements

Why choose this course?

• This is the first university level academic certificate 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

Roads departments today are expected to deliver better pavements, minimum disruption and better journey time reliability. However they are faced with delivering this in challenging times with reduced funding, extreme weather changes, an ageing infrastructure and increasing regulations and bureaucracy. This course will give you the tools to deliver on these issues by developing your technical skills.

You'll gain a nationally recognised University qualification that will help you to gain professional credibility whilst developing 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.

The course 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.

The full course takes one year to complete.

You will study these modules:

• Road Surfaces Treatment (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. 
• Asphalt Technology (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.
• 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. 
• 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 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 currently made up of 30% coursework and 70% of exams.

Fieldtrips

You'll have the option to join our five day study tour 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