FdSc Clay Technology - Mineral courses

Program Overview

The FdSc Clay Technology program is a flexible distance learning program designed for individuals in the Mineral Products sector. It combines online learning with face-to-face sessions and utilizes a work-based learning approach. The program aims to equip learners with the knowledge, skills, and capabilities needed for management positions in the industry, preparing them for careers such as Production Manager, Operations Manager, and Technical Specialist.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The FdSc Clay Technology program is a flexible and innovative distance learning program designed to meet the needs of individuals working in the Mineral Products sector. It recognizes the diverse and dispersed nature of the industry, with manufacturing sites and offices often remote and isolated. The program utilizes a blended distance learning model, combining online learning materials with face-to-face sessions at the Enterprise Centre.

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, including global and environmental influences.
• Prepare individuals for management positions in the Mineral Products industry by providing them with the tools, theoretical base, and skills relevant to modern business practices.
• Enable learners to develop their 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 on the program and as independent lifelong learners following completion.
• Act as a role model 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.
• Provide flexible learning opportunities in a diverse environment that widens participation.

Outline:

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 covers 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 planning needs, and acquire the skills necessary 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.
• Clay Winning, Preparation & Forming: This module covers the methods and techniques used to extract, stockpile, process, and mold clay into a form ready for drying and firing.
It includes crushing and size reduction, clay preparation, molding techniques, and surface treatments.
• Clay Drying & Firing: This module explores the techniques used to dry and fire clay products.
It covers drying methods, moisture removal, firing techniques and equipment, kiln operation, statistical process control, pollution control, product standards, stacking and packing, customer requirements, and quality management systems.
• 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, including:

• 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
These methods are designed to test attainment of knowledge, understanding, skills, and capabilities, promoting "deep learning."

Teaching:

The program is influenced by the principles of work-based learning, utilizing a flexible range of teaching and learning methodologies, such as:

• 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 Clay Technology program prepares graduates for a variety of careers in the Mineral Products sector, including:

• Production Manager
• Operations Manager
• Quality Manager
• Health and Safety Manager
• Environmental Manager
• Technical Specialist
• Research and Development Specialist

Other:

The program emphasizes independent learning and provides a supportive environment for higher-level study. It aims to produce independent learners capable of managing their time and resources, identifying issues, collecting and analyzing evidence, reaching reasoned conclusions, and presenting information through various communication methods. The program is designed for individuals already employed within the Mineral Products sector or those new to the sector who need to further develop their skills and knowledge. Employers typically nominate learners for the program, and prior experience is a key factor in program design and development.

UK and EU students

Year 1 £2,575 Year 2 £3,165 Year 3 £3,910

International students

Year 1 £3,165 Year 2 £4,025 Year 3 £4,880