FdSc Concrete Technology

Program Overview

Course Description

The FdSc Concrete Technology programme is designed to enable agile delivery of teaching and learning activities, utilizing a blended distance learning model that combines online learning material with face-to-face sessions. The programme develops a strategic, holistic, and integrated perspective of operations, finance, and commercial management of the Mineral Products sector.

Key Characteristics

• The programme is designed to enable agile delivery of the teaching and learning activities.
• Delivery of face-to-face teaching is undertaken at the Enterprise Centre, which provides a more corporate environment.
• The programme develops a strategic, holistic, and integrated perspective of operations, finance, and commercial management of the Mineral Products sector.
• Assessment strategies allow direct application of knowledge learned, which is directly related to the workplace.

Programme Opportunities

• Equips learners for shortfall in international, national, and local development needs.
• Develops the learner's knowledge and understanding of the Mineral Products sector and the context in which they operate, including global and environmental influences.
• Prepares individuals to be operationally effective in management positions in the Mineral Products industry.
• Enables a learner to develop their intellectual breadth and be able to make integrative links across the various areas of their organisations.
• Develops knowledge and skills to enable a leader/manager to be responsive to change.
• Increases capacity to learn, both on the programme and as independent lifelong learners following completion of the programme.
• To act as a role model, with responsibility for those in senior positions.
• Provides an academically rigorous and challenging programme of study aligned with the QAA Qualification Framework enhancing critical and reflective practice.
• Provides flexible learning opportunities in a diverse environment that widens participation.

Structure, Certificates, and Assessment

Year One

• Engineering & Mathematics: Develops an understanding of the principles and concepts of basic mechanics and introduces the basic theories and concepts of electricity, electrical circuits, electrical measurement, magnetism, and electromagnetic induction.
• Industry Introduction: Provides the learner with an underpinning knowledge and understanding of the Mineral Products Industry.
• Industry & the Environment: Develops knowledge in the field of geology that is beneficial to the safe and effective operation of mineral extraction and construction sites.
• Learning, Thinking & Study Skills in Higher Education: Gives learners the opportunity to identify and reflect on their own strengths and weaknesses.

Year Two

• Engineering Principles & Theory: Develops an understanding of the theory and principles of mechanics and their application within the sector.
• Construction Products Technology: Develops knowledge of the technology, EN standards, specifications, and other requirements that apply to construction products.
• Business & Operational Management: Develops the operational, business, and financial knowledge and skills necessary to achieve the effective management of a mineral products facility.
• Concrete Constituents & Types: Develops an ability to evaluate the influence of different aggregates, cementitious materials, and admixtures on the characteristics of fresh and hardened concrete.

Year Three

• Production Facility Engineering: Develops an awareness of the need for lubrication, bearings, and an understanding of the principles and concepts associated with hydraulic systems.
• Concrete in Construction: Develops an understanding of reinforced and prestressed concrete, including its use in concrete slabs, floors, and external paving.
• Durable Concrete Structures: Provides an understanding of the factors that influence the long-term durability of concrete used in structures.
• Mineral Products Workbased Project: Brings together the learner's knowledge of the industry gained from the programme and asks them to offer a detailed discussion of a problematic area.

How You Will Learn

The programme is influenced by the principles of work-based learning, using a flexible range of teaching and learning methodologies relevant to particular groups or practices.

Entry Requirements

• Learners are employed or have affiliation with an employer.
• Learners will have been nominated to attend following a review/discussion with their line manager and/or recruitment manager.
• Learners will have been identified by the organisation as being able to succeed on the programme.
• Learners can demonstrate English language capability to that of GCSE English Language, IELTS 6.0 or its equivalent as a prerequisite of enrolment on the programme.

Fees and Funding

UK and EU Students

• Year 1: £2,575
• Year 2: £3,165
• Year 3: £3,910

International Students

• Year 1: £3,165
• Year 2: £4,025
• Year 3: £4,880

How to Apply

Students should apply directly to the University.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The FdSc Concrete Technology program is a flexible and innovative distance learning program designed to meet the needs of individuals working in the Mineral Products sector. It recognizes the diverse and dispersed nature of the industry, with many employees working in remote locations and often facing transient work schedules. The program utilizes a blended distance learning model, combining online learning materials with face-to-face sessions held at the University of Derby's Enterprise Centre.

Objectives:

The program aims to:

• Equip learners to address shortfalls in international, national, and local development needs within the Mineral Products sector.
• Develop learners' knowledge and understanding of the Mineral Products sector, including its global and environmental influences.
• Prepare individuals for management positions in the industry by providing them with the necessary tools, theoretical foundation, and relevant skills.
• Enable learners to develop their intellectual breadth and make integrative links across various areas of their organizations.
• Develop knowledge and skills to enable leaders/managers to be responsive to change.
• Increase learners' capacity for lifelong learning, both during the program and after completion.
• Foster role models with responsibility for those in senior positions.
• Provide a rigorous and challenging program of study aligned with the QAA Qualification Framework, enhancing critical and reflective practice.
• Offer flexible learning opportunities in a diverse environment that widens participation.
It also covers health, safety, and environmental awareness, emergency planning procedures, and the safe use of machinery and equipment.
• Industry & the Environment: This module focuses on geology, workplace health and safety, sustainability, corporate social responsibility, and environmental issues related to the Mineral Products industry.
Topics include climate change, net zero, performance reporting, biodiversity, geodiversity, and natural capital.
• Learning, Thinking & Study Skills in Higher Education: This module helps learners identify their strengths and weaknesses, develop personal development plans, and acquire the skills needed for academic study, writing, and progression.
It also covers sampling, testing, and quality management techniques.
• Business & Operational Management: This module develops operational, business, and financial knowledge and skills necessary for managing a Mineral Products facility.
It covers human resource management, communication, asset management, performance measurement, sustainability, and cyber security.
• Concrete Constituents & Types: This module examines the influence of different aggregates, cementitious materials, and admixtures on the characteristics of fresh and hardened concrete.
• Concrete in Construction: This module explores reinforced and prestressed concrete, including its use in slabs, floors, and paving.
It also covers specialist concrete applications, such as pumped, sprayed, foamed, and underwater concrete, and the influence of formwork on surface finish.
• Durable Concrete Structures: This module examines factors influencing the long-term durability of concrete structures, including the role of cracks, methods for investigating and analyzing deterioration, and techniques for repairing and protecting concrete.
• Mineral Products Workbased Project: This module requires learners to apply their knowledge and experience to a real-world problem within the Mineral Products industry.
They must diagnose an organizational issue, present it coherently, and draw conclusions based on research, analysis, and workplace experience.

Assessment:

The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Practical projects focused on specific workplaces
• Management and technical reports
• Annotated presentations
• Reflective portfolios or collections of work
• E-assessments via the Virtual Learning Environment
• Problem-solving tasks
• Varied writing tasks and oral assessments
• Practical assessment of professional competence
These methods are designed to test learners' knowledge, understanding, skills, and capabilities, promoting "deep learning."

Teaching:

The program employs a range of teaching and learning methodologies, influenced by the principles of work-based learning. These include:

• Learning opportunities identified and taken directly from the learner's workplace situation.
• Action learning sets and other facilitated group activities.
• Individual reflection on learning.
• Technology-enhanced learning using a sophisticated virtual learning environment (VLE).
The program emphasizes fostering independent learning while providing a supportive environment for higher-level study.

Careers:

The FdSc Concrete Technology program prepares graduates for a variety of roles within the Mineral Products sector, including:

• Concrete technologist
• Construction materials engineer
• Quality control inspector
• Site manager
• Project manager
• Operations manager
Graduates may also pursue further education, such as a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a related field.

Other:

The program is designed for individuals already employed within the Mineral Products sector or those new to the sector who wish to develop their skills and knowledge. Employers typically nominate learners for the program, and prior experience is a key factor in program design and development. Learners must demonstrate English language capability equivalent to GCSE English Language, IELTS 6.0, or its equivalent.

UK and EU students Year 1 £2,575 Year 2 £3,165 Year 3 £3,910 International students Year 1 £3,165 Year 2 £4,025 Year 3 £4,880