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 is designed to enable agile delivery of the teaching and learning activities. The programme delivery model comprises a blended distance learning model, which allows on-line learning material to be supported by face-to-face sessions
- Delivery of face-to-face teaching is undertaken at the Enterprise Centre which provides a more corporate environment
- Assessment strategies allow direct application of knowledge learned which is directly related to the workplace.
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:
- Face to face taught modules combining tutor input with structured opportunities for discussion, reflection and planning for workplace application
- 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).
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).
The programme has been designed to appeal to a wide audience. Candidates applying for the programme are likely to fall into the following groups:
- Employees in the cement, ready-mixed concrete and concrete products industries with significant experience but limited qualifications, wishing to improve their level of competence within the industry
- Employees working in construction who already possess a higher education qualification in a related subject - civil or construction engineering, for example - but who need broader and deeper technical knowledge of concrete
- Employees working in testing laboratories and associated professionals who wish to gain knowledge in concrete technology so as to strengthen the service that they provide to their internal or external clients
- Employees from related supply and equipment manufacturing industries who wish to gain knowledge of concrete technology to better serve their customers.
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:
- The University of Derby Diploma in Quarry or Asphalt Technology
- University of Derby ‘Mineral Products’ Foundation Degree (any one of five)
- University of Derby Certificate of Credit in Construction Materials Technology
- University of Derby Certificate of Credit in Ready Mixed Concrete Technology
- One (or both) of the City and Guilds Parts 2/3 qualifications in Concrete Technology
- Higher qualifications in civil engineering and associated subjects that include concrete technology as part of the syllabus
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:
- Learners are employed or have an 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.
- The selection of participants is consistent with the University’s equal opportunities policies and sensitive to legal obligations to avoid discrimination on the basis of gender, race or disability.
- 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.
- Learners will complete an application form as provided by the University of Derby and meet the above requirements.
- Learners must be at, or over the age of 18 upon the commencement date of their programme.
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.
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.
To apply please contact Ian Heritage at i.heritage@concrete.org.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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