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.
The programme enables the following opportunities:
Equips learners for shortfall in international, national and local development needs
- Develops the learner’s knowledge and understanding of the Construction Materials sector and the context in which it operates, including global and environmental influences
- Enables a learner to develop their intellectual breadth and be able to make integrative links across the various areas of their organisations
- Increases capacity to learn, both on the programme and as independent lifelong learners following completion of the programme
- 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.
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).
Indicative methods of assessment include activities such as:
- 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 indicative approaches will be used to test attainment of knowledge and understanding as well as skills and capabilities thereby promoting ‘deep learning’.
This programme, (one module) is less intensive than the University Certificate in Concrete Technology (three modules). More details about the three module programme are available on request. Successful completion of this programme, (one module) will exempt the leaner from Module 1 of the University Certificate in Concrete Technology and from the Construction Products Technology module within all of the Centres Foundation Degree programmes. Experience has shown that this single module programme may be more suitable for learners with limited experience, or who have not studied for some time.
The programme has been designed to appeal to a wide audience, such as:
- Employees working in testing laboratories and associated professionals who wish to gain knowledge in construction materials 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 construction materials technology to better serve their customers.
The following broad criteria applying for entry:
- 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.
- 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.
Students should apply directly to the University.
Apply directly to the University
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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