Masters degrees in Quality Assurance Engineering equip postgraduates with the skills to devise engineering models which characterise a set of principles for professional practise.
Taught MSc degrees are typical for the field, though research oriented MRes and MPhil programmes may be available at some institutions. Entry requirements normally include an undergraduate degree in a relevant Engineering subject.
This part-time, distance learning Masters course aims to develop the next generation of senior construction professionals working in concrete production, construction and design. It’s designed to 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. From health and safety and quality control to mixture proportioning, repair and maintenance and life cycle analysis, you’ll develop an understanding of a wide range of issues that affect professionals in the concrete industry today.
If you complete the MSc, you’ll also have the chance to conduct your own research project – a chance to focus on a single topic and demonstrate valuable skills when you present your findings in a comprehensive technical report.
Approved prior learning
Students who have approved prior learning meeting our requirements may complete just the research project over 12 months part-time to graduate with an MSc at a cost of £5,000.
This programme is also available to study part-time over 36 months. You can also study for a PGDip qualification over 24 months, which means you’ll study the same content without completing a research project.
Institute for Resilient Infrastructure
The programme also has close links with our interdisciplinary Institute for Resilient Infrastructure, which collaborates with industry to focus on key challenges facing the construction sector. It broad scope incorporates the impacts of the engineering, environmental, economic, social and political domains on the whole life performance of infrastructure
The course is accredited by the Institute of Concrete Technology.
At the start of the programme you’ll attend an induction event over two or three days at the University of Leeds, giving you the chance to meet fellow students and talk to tutors about course content, learning and assessment methods and what’s expected of you as a part-time student.
From there you’ll study four modules spread over the next two years covering different aspects of concrete technology such 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.
If you undertake the MSc, you will have an opportunity to carry out independent research on a contemporary topic that is relevant to the construction industry in Year 3. This will enable you to use the scientific knowledge gained during the taught modules, apply it to a more contextual situation and present the outcome of the research in a comprehensive technical report.
Want to find out more about your modules?
Take a look at our Advanced Concrete Technology module descriptions for more detail on what you will study.
Year 1 Compulsory modules
Year 2 Compulsory modules
Year 3 Compulsory modules
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. 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.
Each module contains a mixture of group and individual assessment; with two compulsory, formative pieces of coursework and two summative, individual assignments completed at different stages of the module. These will evaluate your problem-solving skills as well as the breadth and depth of your understanding of the topics covered.
You’ll undertake a research project in Year 3, or Year 1 if you are studying based on approved prior learning.
This is an excellent opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills you’ve gained to explore a topic that interests you, or relates to your own career plans or professional context, and present your findings in a comprehensive technical report.
You’ll have an external supervisor close to your place of work, where you can complete your research, as well as an internal University of Leeds supervisor appointed by the programme leader. They’ll review the three progress reports you submit during the project and offer feedback to help you shape and refine your work.
A three-day induction event at the University of Leeds will help you to prepare for conducting your own research, with the chance to review the taught modules and study the research methods and statistical tools used in experimental research.
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.
