University of Leeds signs new concrete technology partnership

The University of Leeds has signed a partnership agreement with The Institute of Concrete Technology to enhance educational activities in concrete technology.

The University of Leeds has signed a partnership agreement with The Institute of Concrete Technology to enhance educational activities in concrete technology.

The partnership agrees to jointly promote postgraduate programmes (MSc and PG Diploma) in Advanced Concrete Technology as well as recognising graduating concrete technology experts as professional members of the Institute.

The Institute of Concrete Technology is the international body that recognises professionals in the field of concrete technology by sector-specific qualification and grades of membership.

Similarly, the School of Civil Engineering at the University has a long tradition of world leadership in concrete research. Therefore, it had an aspiration to partner with the Institute in promoting educational activities in concrete technology.

Professor Basheer, who developed the academic programmes, said “This is a historic moment for the University because the partnership will make a unique impact to the concrete industry through graduates from the University with academic and professional recognition in the field of concrete technology.”

Professor Mike Grantham, President of the Institute of Concrete Technology, after signing the agreement said “The Institute is looking forward to working closely with the University so that the very need of the concrete industry to have a well-educated work force could be met through graduates from the University.”

Admissions to the programmes are through both academic and approved prior learning routes. Therefore, the University's policy on widening access has also been fulfilled. As the mode of delivery of the programmes is distance learning, a global intake of the programme is expected.

The University has admitted 15 students from Australia, South Africa, Oman, Europe and UK admitted to the programmes in 2015-16. Applications for the next academic year are already open.

The signing ceremony of the partnership took place earlier this month.