MSc Advanced Concrete Technology

Programme overview

Participants will gain insights into the fundamental principles required to design and construct high-quality, durable, and sustainable concrete structures. It also covers the management of concrete performance in service and introduces the concept of life cycle analysis as a means of reducing carbon footprint and improving whole-life cost efficiency.

The programme is tailored for construction professionals currently involved in the production, application, and quality control of concrete, as well as those engaged in educational activities related to concrete construction. It is also well suited to recent graduates looking to specialise in concrete technology and construction.

Degree duration

The fastest this postgraduate programme can be completed is in 2 years. The maximum completion timeframe is 8 years. On average, most students complete an MSc in 3 years.

Delivery on Online degrees

Our up-to-date and progressive course materials are made available online through the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). The VLE links you with our expert academics and course materials through videos, webinars, articles, journals, assessments and discussion boards. Tutors will provide you guidance by email or live discussion.

To find out more about time requirements, support and exams, view our how online learning works pages to find out more.

Industry links

The courses within this programme are structured around comprehensive learning objectives developed by the Technical and Education Committee of the Institute of Concrete Technology (ICT). These objectives are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect current industry developments and demands. Further, a representative of the ICT Examinations Committee will validate the assessment quality and content on a yearly basis, to validate the programme for the ICT’s professional qualification, enabling UK-based graduates to seek professional qualification (IEng or CEng) of the Engineering Council.

This programme also benefits from the support of the Civil Engineering Strategic Advisory Board, which includes representatives from leading multi-national firms, such as AECOM , Arup, Atkins, Balfour Beatty, Halcrow, Jacobs and WSP Group. This Board convenes regularly to provide general guidance to the academic team on the course content and connecting with relevant industrial partners.

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.

The tuition fees listed are for courses starting between September 2025 and August 2026. Fees normally increase annually.

Tuition fee loans are available to Scottish distance learning students on some taught postgraduate courses. Find out more from the Students Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS).

Funding opportunities

Scholarships and bursaries

We aim to encourage well-qualified, ambitious students to study with us and we offer a wide variety of scholarships and bursaries to achieve this. Each year, hundreds of students enhance their educational experience through a variety of Heriot-Watt and externally funded scholarships, including opportunities funded by the University's generous alumni community, based all over the world.

View our full range of postgraduate scholarships.