MSc Advanced Concrete Technology

Year 1

This taught postgraduate programme in Advanced Concrete Technology comprises 180 credits in total, divided into 2 groups of 3 taught courses (120 credits in total) and an independent research dissertation (60 credits).

Group 1 courses

1. Constituent Materials of Concrete
2. Early-age Properties of Concrete
3. Long-term Performance of Concrete

Group 2 courses

1. Testing and Quality Assurance of Concrete
2. Service life, Repair and Maintenance of Concrete Structures
3. Concrete Production, Processes, Applications and Construction Practice

Students are required to follow the recommended sequence of study, i.e., starting with the Constituent Materials of Concrete course and completing all Group 1 courses before progressing to Group 2. A maximum of 2 courses may be taken per semester, and assessments must be completed within the same semester in which the course is registered.

At the start of the programme, students are invited to attend an induction event, lasting three working days. Whilst in-person attendance is not compulsory due to the international nature of the cohort, it is strongly encouraged. Recordings will be available for those unable to attend. The induction provides an opportunity to meet fellow students and academic staff, gain an overview of the course structure and assessment methods, and understand what is expected of part-time learners. You will also hear from students who have completed the taught component and meet representatives from the Institute of Concrete Technology, who will explain how the programme aligns with the requirements for professional qualifications. The content of each course will be introduced to you through a set of pre-recorded introductory lectures. This will be followed by one group assignment and two individual assignments for you to learn the course content and apply the knowledge thus obtained to develop your practical knowledge related to topics covered in the course.

The dissertation may be undertaken at any Heriot-Watt University campus (Edinburgh, Dubai, or Malaysia) or at an approved independent organisation, with both a local supervisor and an academic supervisor from Heriot-Watt University. To progress to the dissertation, students must achieve an average mark of at least 50% across the taught courses, with no individual course mark below 40%.

The Postgraduate Certificate is awarded to those who successfully complete each of the two groups of courses, the Postgraduate Diploma is awarded after the successful completion of both groups of taught courses, and the MSc is awarded after the successful completion of the two groups of taught courses and an independent research dissertation. Those who complete both the Postgraduate Diploma and Postgraduate Degree (MSc) are eligible to apply for the professional membership of the ICT.