University Diploma in Clay Studies - Mineral courses

Program Overview

The University Diploma in Clay Studies is a flexible, part-time program designed to enhance knowledge and skills in the Mineral Products industry. Delivered through distance learning and face-to-face sessions, it focuses on clay evaluation, processing, and management practices. Graduates are prepared for careers in operational management, supervision, and consulting, aiming to meet industry needs and promote leadership development.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The University Diploma in Clay Studies is a part-time, one-year program delivered through distance learning and face-to-face sessions at the Enterprise Centre. It is designed to be flexible and adaptable to the needs of learners in the Mineral Products industry, who often work in remote or isolated locations.

Objectives:

The program aims to:

• Equip learners to meet the needs of the international, national, and local Mineral Products industry.
• Develop learners' knowledge and understanding of the Mineral Products sector, including global and environmental influences.
• Prepare individuals for management positions in the 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.
It covers practical and scientific knowledge related to environmental and geological factors impacting clay extraction sites, site survey and investigation methods, clay characteristics and classification, laboratory testing, and terminology used in site investigation reports. It covers issues and constraints associated with crushing and size reduction, various clay preparation processes, methods for adjusting and modifying clay characteristics, and techniques for controlling the forming process. It also includes a study of surface treatments and finishes. It covers practical and scientific knowledge related to drying and firing processes, the influence of these techniques on product characteristics, methods for preparing dried and formed clay products, moisture removal techniques, firing equipment and techniques, the chemistry and economics of firing, kiln operation, statistical process control, safe operation, pollution control, product standards, and customer requirements.
• Business and Operational Management (Optional): This module develops operational, business, and financial knowledge and skills necessary for effective management of a mineral products facility.
It covers human resource management, communication skills, workplace culture, asset management, sustainability, cyber security, and e-portfolio development for End Point Assessment purposes.
• Mineral Products Work-based Project (Optional): This module requires learners to analyze a problematic area within the Mineral Products industry, drawing conclusions from their reading, personal analysis, and workplace experience.
It emphasizes the ability to diagnose organizational issues, present them coherently, and demonstrate critical thinking skills.

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, employing a flexible 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)
At the undergraduate level, the emphasis is on fostering independent learning while providing a supportive environment for higher-level study.

Careers:

The program prepares learners for a variety of career paths within the Mineral Products industry, including:

• Operational managers
• Assistant managers
• Supervisors
• Graduate employees specializing in the sector
• Employees from industry suppliers/manufacturers
• Consultants

Other:

The program is designed to appeal to a wide audience, including those with significant experience but limited qualifications, those with degrees in related subjects, and those seeking to specialize in the sector. Learners must demonstrate English language capability equivalent to GCSE English Language, IELTS 6.0, or its equivalent. Employers typically nominate the majority of learners for the program, and their prior experience is a key factor in program design and development.

UK/EU students £2,575 International students £3,165 Optional modules UK/EU students £910 International students £1,130