Advanced Concrete Technology MSc (Eng)

This course is the only MSc focussing specifically on concrete technology. As such, it is recognised by the Institute of Concrete Technology as meeting the requirements for professional membership (MICT).

The part-time, distance learning Masters course 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 expertise using a range of online resources that have been developed to give you the flexibility to study around your work and personal lives.

The final year of the MSc offers you 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.

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.

Programme team

The Programme Leader, Professor Leon Black, is Professor of Infrastructure Materials and his research focuses on investigating the structure and stability of cementitious materials.

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.

This course is studied 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.

Accreditation

The course is recognised by the Institute of Concrete Technology as meeting the the requirements for professional membership of the ICT. Graduates may therefore undergo a brief assessment by the ICT to earn the title MICT.

This degree is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) comprising of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Institution of Structural Engineers, Institute of Highway Engineers, and the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for a Chartered Engineer (CEng) for candidates who have already acquired a partial CEng accredited undergraduate first degree.* See www.jbm.org.uk for further information.

*It should be noted that candidates completing the MSc who hold an underpinning accredited IEng degree or a non-accredited bachelor degree will need to apply for an academic assessment to determine whether they will meet the educational base for CEng registration.

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Year one and two

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.

Year three

In the final year of the course, you will have an opportunity to carry out independent research on a contemporary topic that is relevant to the construction industry. 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.

Project work

You’ll undertake a research project in year three, or year one 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.

Example projects for Advanced Concrete Technology MSc students have included:

• Material and design factors which influence the embodied carbon of industrial concrete floor slabs

• Use of calcined clays as supplementary cementitious material or in blended cements in the Caribbean region to improve durability of concrete structure

• Use of artificial plastic aggregate in concrete

• Advanced nanotechnology for concrete applications: effect of the addition of nanomaterials on concrete properties

• Cement Kiln Dust as part of cementitious material in structural concrete.

You’ll have a University of Leeds supervisor with expertise in your chosen field. They’ll review the three progress reports you submit during the project and offer feedback to help you shape and refine your work.

An online induction event 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.

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.

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 MSc (Eng) in the course catalogue

Modules

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

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 engineering or science based discipline.

We will also consider applications from candidates 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).

If you have passed stage 4, you’ll be eligible for approved prior learning so that if you undertake the 60-credit research project over 12 months part-time, you’ll graduate with an MSc (Eng) from the University of Leeds.

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 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.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2023

Fees

• UK: £11,250 (total)
• International: £11,250 (total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

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

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.