Advanced Concrete Technology PGDip

This 2-year, part-time, distance learning Postgraduate Diploma course is recognised by the Institute of Concrete Technology as meeting the requirements for Associated Membership of the ICT (AMICT).

The part-time, distance learning Diploma has been designed to develop the next generation of senior construction professionals working in design of concrete mixes, concrete production and construction. It will provide you with advanced, in-depth knowledge of both the theory and practical application of concrete technology to prepare you for a variety of senior roles.

You’ll gain academic and industrial expertise using a range of online resources that give you the flexibility to study around your work and personal lives.

Towards the end of the Diploma, you can decide if you wish to undertake a 12-month individual research project for the award of an MSc qualification.

Course highlights

• Our courses are shaped by our world-leading research in the field of cement and concrete engineering.

• You’ll be taught by internationally renowned academics working at the forefront of their fields, who are passionate about the subjects they teach with strong industrial links.

• The course has been developed in association with the Institute of Concrete Technology.

• The course has been designed to fit around your working life. There are no exams. Instead you are assessed by a combination of group and individual assignments, plus short online multiple choice quizzes.

• Throughout your studies you’ll benefit from a structured support system, with module tutors who will offer help and advice about your approach to studying and how to become adept at independent learning.

Active research environment

You will be taught by a team of academics and researchers who are actively engaged in cutting-edge research and part of the Materials and Structures research group. The tutors are also active members of the Neville Centre of Excellence in Cement and Concrete Engineering.

Accreditation

The course is recognised by the Institute of Concrete Technology as meeting the requirements for Associate Membership of the ICT, earning the designation AMICT.

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At the start of the course, in the September of your first year, there is a one-day online induction event. Since students on the course are spread across the globe, attendance in the live sessions is not compulsory, but it is highly recommended. Recordings of the sessions are made available for those who are unable to attend live. This event gives you the chance to meet fellow students on your course and talk to tutors about course content, learning and assessment methods and what’s expected of you as a part-time student.

You’ll also have the chance to meet students who have completed the taught component of the MSc, and you’ll gain an insight into the experiences of those who have graduated from this course. There is also the opportunity to meet representatives from the Institute of Concrete Technology and learn how the course matches on to their professional requirements.

From there you’ll study four modules spread over the next two years covering different aspects of concrete technology such as the constituent materials of concrete, thermal movements, strength development, fire resistance, life cycle costing, formwork and sustainability. You’ll work on a series of group and individual projects online to apply your knowledge and develop your skills.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Advanced Concrete Technology PGDip in the course catalogue

Modules

Year 1

Year 2

Learning and teaching

The four taught modules each run over a semester period and are taught using a range of online distance learning methods. Short pre-recorded lectures will introduce each topic, and you’ll then learn through group assignments conducted online. There are also regular online Q&A sessions with course tutors to guide you through the background material and the assignments.

You’ll also have access to the reference books and other consultation documents you need through the programme portal and our library’s online resources.

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, all professors in their field. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience.

Our Virtual Learning Environment will help to support your studies: it’s a central place where you can find all the information and resources for the School, your programme and modules.

You can also benefit from support to develop your academic skills, within the curriculum and through online resources, workshops, one-to-one appointments and drop-in sessions.

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

Each module contains a mixture of group and individual assessment; with in-depth problem-based assessment complemented by questions probing your understanding of concrete technology, and by online assessment. These will evaluate your problem-solving skills as well as the breadth and depth of your understanding of the topics covered.

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree with a 2:2 (hons) in civil engineering or a related discipline.

We may also consider applications from candidates without a degree but with at least 5 years’ experience at senior managerial level in concrete plant and concrete constructions. This will need to be independently verifiable.

If you have passed the Institute of Concrete Technology exam stages 1-3, you’ll be eligible for approved prior learning which would allow you to be admitted to the PGDip or MSc (Eng).

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information please contact the Admissions Team.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Civil Engineering (6 weeks) and Language for Science: Civil Engineering  (10 weeks).

We are now offering online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals.  To find out more, read Online Academic English pre-sessional (10 weeks) and Online Academic English pre-sessional (6 weeks).

Read about differences between our online and on-campus summer pre-sessionals.

If you need to study for longer than 10 weeks, read more about our postgraduate pre-sessional English course.

How to apply

Application deadlines

9 September 2022

Apply

This link takes you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.

If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2022

Fees

• UK: £7,500 (total)
• International: £7,500 (total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

Part-time fees
Fees for part-time courses are normally calculated based on the number of credits you study in a year compared to the equivalent full-time course. For example, if you study half the course credits in a year, you will pay half the full-time course fees for that year.

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.

A degree from Leeds and the experience you'll gain here will give you the edge to find the career you want. Your course will give you the experience and knowledge that employers are looking for to help you secure a job.

The University of Leeds is in the top five most targeted universities in the UK by graduate recruiters, according to High Fliers’ The Graduate Market in 2022 report.

It is expected that the majority of students on the course will already be working within the concrete industry and looking to progress their career within their chosen field.

If you have no industrial experience, this course will provide an excellent route to a career within the concrete industry as you learn industrial practices through group projects involving participants from industry.

During your course you will have the opportunity to get to know people from the concrete industry through their association with tutors from the industry who will be part of the course delivery team.

Alumni from the course are currently working across the industry, including; LafargeHolcim, Arup, QSRMC, Grace Construction Products, plus others.

Read profiles of our alumni to find out more about where some of our graduates are working.

Careers support

At Leeds we help you to prepare for your future from day one. Our Leeds for Life initiative is designed to help you develop and demonstrate the skills and experience you need for when you graduate. We will help you to access opportunities across the University and record your key achievements so you are able to articulate them clearly and confidently.

You’ll have access to the wide range of careers resources and support from your Careers Service. You’ll have the chance to attend industry presentations, book appointments with qualified careers consultants and take part in employability workshops and webinars. Our careers fairs provide further opportunities to explore your career options with some of the UKs leading employers.

You will also have full access to the University’s Careers Centre, which is one of the largest in the country.

There are also plenty of exciting ways you can volunteer during your time at Leeds. Find out more at the Leeds University Union website.