Certificate of Credit in Clay Drying and Firing

Program Overview

The Certificate of Credit in Clay, Drying and Firing is a part-time, one-year program designed for individuals in the clay drying and firing industry. The program provides comprehensive knowledge of the clay drying and firing process, including scientific principles, techniques, and industry standards. Delivered through a blended distance learning model, the program combines online learning materials with face-to-face sessions, ensuring flexibility and accessibility for learners. It emphasizes the development of independent learners and aims to enhance the skills and knowledge of professionals in the clay technology industry.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This program, a Certificate of Credit in Clay, Drying and Firing, is a Level 5, 20-credit program offered part-time over one year. It is designed for individuals working in clay drying and firing applications, associated professionals, and employees from related supply and equipment manufacturing industries. The program aims to equip learners with knowledge and understanding of the clay drying and firing process, including global and environmental influences. It also aims to develop learners' intellectual breadth, increase their capacity for learning, and provide a challenging program of study aligned with the QAA Qualification Framework.

Outline:

The program consists of one module: It covers practical and scientific knowledge required to perform at the appropriate level within the clay technology industry. Topics include:

• Preparation of dried and formed clay products
• Methods of removing moisture, including the rate of drying and process controls
• Techniques and equipment used to fire clay products
• Chemistry and economics of firing
• Economic operation of kilns
• Statistical process control techniques
• Safe operation in compliance with pollution controls
• Published product Standards
• Control of product conformity
• Methods used to stack and pack finished clay products
• Management of customer requirements, including quality management systems
• Awareness of environmental aspects

Assessment:

Assessment methods include:

• Practical projects focused on particular workplaces
• Technical reports
• Annotated presentations
• Reflective portfolios or collections of work completed throughout the module/programme
• E-assessments via the Virtual Learning Environment
• Problem-solving tasks
• Varied writing tasks and oral assessment
• Practical assessment of professional competence
These methods are used to test attainment of knowledge and understanding as well as skills and capabilities, promoting "deep learning."

Teaching:

The program utilizes a blended distance learning model, combining online learning materials with face-to-face sessions. Face-to-face teaching is conducted at the Enterprise Centre, providing a more corporate environment. The program is influenced by the principles of work-based learning, employing a flexible range of teaching and learning methodologies, including:

• Learning opportunities identified and taken directly from the learner’s workplace situation
• Action learning sets and other facilitated group activities
• Individual reflection on learning
However, it is designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of individuals working in the clay drying and firing industry, potentially leading to career advancement within their current roles or related fields.

Other:

The program emphasizes the flexibility of its design and delivery, recognizing the diverse and dispersed nature of the clay technology industry. It caters to the needs of learners who may be geographically remote, transient, or working in seasonal or international settings. The program also highlights the importance of developing independent learners capable of managing their time and resources, identifying issues, collecting and analyzing evidence, and presenting information effectively.

• UK and EU students: £910
• International students: £1,130