Program Overview
The FdSc Mineral Extractives Technology program is a part-time, blended learning program designed for professionals in the mineral products industry. Through a combination of online and face-to-face sessions, the program develops strategic and practical knowledge in operations, finance, and commercial management. Graduates are equipped for leadership roles as Operations Managers, Production Managers, and other technical specialists in the industry. The program is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators, providing a pathway for professional registration.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The FdSc Mineral Extractives Technology is a flexible, blended distance learning program designed to meet the needs of individuals working in the mineral products industry. It is delivered through a combination of online learning materials and face-to-face sessions held at the University of Derby's Enterprise Centre. The program aims to develop a strategic, holistic, and integrated perspective of operations, finance, and commercial management within the mineral products sector.
Objectives:
The program aims to:
- Equip learners to address shortfalls in international, national, and local development needs.
- Develop learners' knowledge and understanding of the Mineral Products sector and its global and environmental influences.
- Prepare individuals for management positions in the Mineral Products industry by providing them with the tools, theoretical foundation, and skills relevant to modern business practices.
- Enable learners to develop intellectual breadth and make integrative links across various areas of their organizations.
- Develop knowledge and skills to enable leaders/managers to be responsive to change.
- Increase capacity for learning, both within the program and as independent lifelong learners after completion.
- Foster role models with responsibility for those in senior positions.
- Provide an academically rigorous and challenging program of study aligned with the QAA Qualification Framework, enhancing critical and reflective practice.
- Offer flexible learning opportunities in a diverse environment that widens participation.
Outline:
The program is structured over three years of part-time study and is delivered through a blended learning approach.
Year One:
- Engineering & Mathematics: This module introduces the principles of mathematics, mechanical and electrical engineering, and their application in production, processing, and mobile plant. It also covers health, safety, and environmental awareness, emergency planning procedures, and the safe use of machinery and equipment.
- Industry & the Environment: This module focuses on geology, workplace health and safety, sustainability, corporate social responsibility, standards, and governance in the context of the mineral products industry. It also explores topics like climate change, net zero, performance reporting, biodiversity, geodiversity, and natural capital.
- Learning, Thinking & Study Skills in Higher Education: This module helps learners identify and reflect on their strengths and weaknesses, develop personal developmental plans, and acquire the skills needed for academic study, writing, and progression. It covers sampling and testing of aggregates, bituminous mixtures, cement and concrete, and bricks.
- Business & Operational Management: This module develops operational, business, and financial knowledge and skills for managing a mineral products facility. It includes communication, people management, asset management, sustainable business practices, and cyber security.
- Mineral Extraction & Transportation: This module examines the exploration and development of mineral extraction sites, health, safety, and environmental issues related to extraction operations, and techniques and principles employed in mineral extraction and transportation.
Year Three:
- Production Facility Engineering: This module covers lubrication, bearings, hydraulic systems, mechanical power transmission systems, gas behavior, compressors, pumps, internal combustion engines, asset prioritisation, plant maintenance, process control, automation, digitization, 3-phase and circuit control, power factor correction, and electrical safety.
- Minerals Management & Processing: This module focuses on health, safety, and environmental issues related to extractives operations, sustainable development, reclamation of mineral workings, waste management, environmental law and legislation, and minerals processing techniques.
- Blasting Operations: This module enhances skills and knowledge in blasting operations, covering safety, environmental consciousness, and maximizing blasting performance.
- Mineral Products Workbased Project: This module requires learners to analyze a problematic area within the mineral products industry, drawing conclusions from their reading, personal analysis, and workplace experience.
Assessment:
The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods to evaluate learners' knowledge, understanding, skills, and capabilities. These methods include:
- Practical projects focused on particular workplaces
- Management and technical reports
- Annotated presentations
- Reflective portfolios or collections of work completed throughout the module/program
- E-assessments via the Virtual Learning Environment
- Problem-solving tasks
- Varied writing tasks and oral assessment
- Practical assessment of professional competence
Teaching:
The program employs a range of teaching and learning methodologies, including:
- 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).
Careers:
The FdSc Mineral Extractives Technology program prepares graduates for a variety of roles within the mineral products industry, including:
- Operations Manager
- Production Manager
- Quarry Manager
- Health and Safety Manager
- Environmental Manager
- Technical Specialist
- Project Manager
Other:
The program is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM), which comprises the Institution of Civil Engineers, Institution of Structural Engineers, Institute of Highway Engineers, the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation, and the Permanent Way Institution.
| Year |UK and EU students| International students| |---|---|---| |1| £2,575 | £3,165| |2| £3,165 | £4,025| |3| £3,910 | £4,880|
University of Derby Summary
Overview:
The University of Derby is a public university located in Derby, England. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, as well as short courses and research degrees. The university is known for its commitment to teaching excellence and its focus on applied research.
Services Offered:
The University of Derby provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Academic Support:
Student support services, including academic advising, career counseling, and study skills workshops.Campus and Facilities:
Modern facilities, including libraries, computer labs, and sports facilities.Fees and Finance:
Information on tuition fees, scholarships, and financial aid options.International Students:
Dedicated support for international students, including visa guidance and cultural integration programs.Employability:
Career development services, including job search assistance, internship opportunities, and employer networking events.Student Life and Campus Experience:
The University of Derby offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience, with a range of opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities, including:
Accommodation:
On-campus and off-campus housing options for students.Clubs and Societies:
A wide variety of clubs and societies catering to diverse interests.Sport at Derby:
Opportunities to participate in a range of sports, both competitive and recreational.Union of Students:
A student-led organization that represents student interests and provides support services.Key Reasons to Study There:
Teaching Excellence:
The university has been awarded Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), recognizing its commitment to high-quality teaching and learning.Applied Research:
The university is known for its applied research, which has a real-world impact on society and industry.Student Satisfaction:
The university consistently ranks highly in student satisfaction surveys.Vibrant Campus Life:
The university offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience, with a range of opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities.Strong Employability:
The university has a strong track record of helping students find employment after graduation.Academic Programs:
The University of Derby offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate Programs:
BA, BSc, FdA, FdSc degrees in various disciplines.Postgraduate Programs:
MA, MSc, PhD degrees in various disciplines.Short Courses:
A range of short courses for professional development and personal enrichment.Other:
The university is committed to its civic mission and plays an active role in the local community. It has a strong focus on sustainability and social responsibility.
Campus and Facilities:
While the context mentions facilities, it does not provide a detailed description.Fees and Finance:
The context mentions fees and finance but does not provide specific details.Entry Requirements:
- Employment or Affiliation with an Employer: Learners must be employed or have an affiliation with an employer.
- Nomination by Employer: Learners must be nominated to attend the program following a review and discussion with their line manager and/or recruitment manager.
- Employer Identification of Success Potential: Learners must be identified by their organization as being able to succeed in the program.
- English Language Proficiency: Learners must demonstrate English language capability equivalent to GCSE English Language, IELTS 6.0, or its equivalent as a prerequisite for enrollment in the program.
- Application Form Completion: Learners must complete an application form as provided by the University of Derby and meet the above requirements.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
Learners must demonstrate English language capability equivalent to GCSE English Language, IELTS 6.0, or its equivalent.
