Professional Course

University Certificate in Concrete Technology

Course details

Course code

CAAFH

Course level

Level 4

Course credits

60 credits

Next course date

January, September

Duration

1 year part time

Course description

The distinctive nature of this programme is represented by the flexibility of its design and delivery.  Its construction and innovative modes of delivery recognise the diverse and dispersed nature of not only the industry itself, but the potential student body it will serve.  Due to the geographical spread of the industry,  manufacturing sites and offices are often remote and isolated. Technical and operational staff very often spend a significant proportion of their time working outdoors, can be transient (with seasonal working activities sometimes playing a part) and they may also find that they are suddenly re-located, in some cases abroad.  The provision offered within this programme of study, has had to evolve to meet the needs of such learners: taking advantage not only of traditional teaching and learning techniques, but utilising the most advanced learning technology for teaching, learning, supervision and assessment.

Key Characteristics

The programme enables the following opportunities:

  1. Equips learners for shortfall in international, national and local development needs
  2. Develops the learner’s knowledge and understanding of the Concrete sector and the context in which it operates, including global and environmental influences
  3. Enables a learner to develop their intellectual breadth and be able to make integrative links across the various areas of their organisations
  4. Increases capacity to learn, both on the programme and as independent lifelong learners following completion of the programme
  5. Provides an academically rigorous and challenging programme of study aligned with the QAA Qualification Framework enhancing critical and reflective practice
  6. Provides flexible learning opportunities in a diverse environment that widens participation.

Structure, certificates and assessment

Concrete is an important construction material. This module develops knowledge about aggregates, cement and concrete; and the standards, specifications and other requirements that apply to them.

It includes aspects such as the methods used to sample and test aggregates and ready mixed concrete in a safe way. In addition, the module will develop knowledge of the principles of concrete mix design; the methods of making and using ready mixed concrete; and knowledge of the techniques used to manage product quality so as to satisfy the needs of producers and their customers.

This module develops detailed knowledge about concrete technology by detailed study of the standards, specifications and other requirements that apply to concrete and its constituents.

It will include the specifications and constituents used to ensure durable concrete in difficult environmental conditions. In addition, the module will develop knowledge of a range of other test methods that can be used to assess fresh and hardened concrete. 

Health, safety and environmental aspects will be developed by a study of the management of these aspects during the design and management of construction.

This module develops knowledge about the use of and control of concrete used as a construction material.  It also includes a study of the particular requirements of concrete used in particular end-uses, including precast concrete products and pre-stressed concrete units.

In addition, the module will develop knowledge of the principles of assessing and repairing concrete structures; and an introduction to the concepts of sustainable and environmental impact of construction using concrete.

How you will learn

The programme is influenced by the principles of work-based learning. As such a flexible range of teaching and learning methodologies are used relevant to particular groups or practices. For example:

At undergraduate level, the emphasis is on fostering independent learning, whilst providing a supporting environment in which to study at higher level. One of the key aims of any undergraduate programme is to produce an independent learner capable of properly managing their time and resources to identify issues, decide how to collect and analyse evidence and reach reasoned evidence based conclusions, and to subsequently present this information via various methods of communication (written and oral).

Entry requirements

The programme has been designed to appeal to a wide audience. Candidates applying for the programme are likely to fall into the following groups:

Certain learners may be permitted direct entry at Module 2 i.e. given exemption from Module 1 if their qualifications reflect recent best practice.  Examples include:

Programme staff will be happy to discuss and review this on an individual basis. Experience with current standards and specifications will be an important factor in that review. You will be expected to provide copies of your certificates.

The following broad criteria applying for entry:

While the ultimate responsibility for ensuring that learners meet entry requirements and acceptance on to programmes rests with the University of Derby, employers typically nominate the majority of learners expected onto this programme.  The prior experience of learners is a key factor in programme design and development as such employers, potential learners, professional bodies, and key stakeholders have been consulted during the programme development stage.

Fees and funding

UK and EU students

International students

*These fees apply if you’re starting this course between September 2023 and August 2024. We recommend you check fee details with us though, as they can change.

How to apply

To apply please contact Ian Heritage at i.heritage@concrete.org.uk

Contact us

     
EnquiryEmailPhone
Application Contact: Ian Heritage i.heritage@concrete.org.uk +44 (0)1276 607140
Programme Leader: Dr. Nizar Ghazireh                      N.Ghazireh@derby.ac.uk    

If you want to find out more about studying a short course, please contact us and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

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