Sustainable Construction MSc

This programme is based on the concept of sustainable development as "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs". It is run in association with The Concrete Centre UK.

The construction sector is currently struggling to meet the global needs of the present let alone considering the needs of future generations. This means that sustainability is a key issue for the 21st century.

What will you study?

This hands-on course focuses on the challenges and opportunities for the concrete industry in meeting the demands of sustainability. It combines concrete technology, sustainable construction, earthquake engineering, fire assessment, geo-environmental engineering and construction management.

Further Learning Programme – MSc (technical)

This degree is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators, which includes the Institution of Civil Engineers and the Institution of Structural Engineers, under licence from the Engineering Council, as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for a Chartered Engineer (CEng) for candidates who have already acquired a Accredited CEng (Partial) BEng(Hons) or an Accredited IEng (Full) BEng/BSc(Hons) undergraduate first degree.

See www.jbm.org.uk for further information.

Accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by the Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC). Some employers recruit preferentially from accredited degrees, and an accredited degree is likely to be recognised by other countries that are signatories to international accords.

Please check the Engineering Council course search for more information.

Studying this course means you'll have opportunities to be involved with organisations outside the University. Our excellent industrial links have developed over many years and throughout many countries.
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Many engineering academic staff are engaged in a range of research and consultancy activities funded by the Research Councils, the European Union, the government, trade unions and industry. These activities ensure our staff are in touch with the latest industry thinking and bring best practice to your studies.
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Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list.

Core modules

• Sustainability and Concrete Construction

• Sustainability and Concrete Construction

  In this module you will:

  • examine environmental, social and economic sustainability credentials of concrete construction;
  • demonstrate in-depth knowledge on principles of sustainability relevant to concrete construction; and
  • gain a better understanding of robust sustainable concrete practice, including associated regulatory framework and initiatives.
  
   
• Reinforced and Pre-stressed Concrete Design

• Reinforced and Pre-stressed Concrete Design

  In this module you will:

  • examine and explain the principles and technical requirements set in Eurocode 2 for the design of concrete structures;
  • learn to carry out routine as well as innovative conception, analysis and design of common and specialist structures and structural elements in accordance with standard procedures; and
  • explain the impact of sustainability in designing and detailing concrete structures.
  
   
• Design of Concrete Structures Subjected to Seismic Actions

• Design of Concrete Structures Subjected to Seismic Actions

  In this module you will:

  • study concepts of seismology and structural dynamics, covering holistic design solutions, special considerations in seismic regions etc for concrete structures;
  • explore earthquake and concrete engineering;
  • examine and explain the principles and technical requirements set in Eurocode 8 for the design of concrete structures subjected to seismic actions; and
  • learn to carry out routine as well as innovative repair and long-term assessment of concrete structures subjected to earthquakes.
  
   
• Substructure Design in Reinforced Concrete

• Substructure Design in Reinforced Concrete

  In this module you will:

  • learn how to carry out conceptual and detailed design of shallow and deep foundations;
  • evaluate practical and technical issues in soil/structure interaction investigations;
  • gain detailed understanding of earthquake effects on geotechnical engineering; and
  • gain an appreciation of the impact of sustainability to foundations.
  
   
• Conditions of Contract

• Conditions of Contract

  In this module you will:

  • gain confidence in making judgements on matters concerning the standard forms of contract used in the construction industry;
  • demonstrate a depth of knowledge across the specialised area of construction standard forms; and
  • independently evaluate problems that can arise and deal with the complexity of the conditions of contract.
  
   
• Estimating, Purchasing and Cost Control

• Estimating, Purchasing and Cost Control

  In this module you will:

  • learn how design and construction work is priced;
  • gain in-depth knowledge of how these prices are used to control the costs for the firms involved; and
  • gain an appreciation of the role of the client, the contractor, the quantity surveyor, the estimator, and the techniques used to estimate and price construction works.
  
   
• Quality and Safety Management

• Quality and Safety Management

  In this module you will:

  • gain an appreciation of the advantages and disadvantages of evolving approaches to product quality; and
  • gain in-depth knowledge of all aspects of safety as required in law for both design and construction.
  
   
• Project and Risk Management

• Project and Risk Management

  In this module you will:

  • gain an understanding of management of projects, and then go very deeply into the technical aspects of Project Network Techniques;
  • use modern project management software for various types of analyses such as resource analysis, costing and earned value analysis; and
  • carry out risk analysis and assess effects of risk on a project.
  
   
• Individual Research Dissertation

• Individual Research Dissertation

  In this module you will:

  • formulate a research hypothesis in a construction related subject area;
  • learn how to conduct research;
  • carry out in-depth research in your selected area; and
  • present your research findings in the form of a research paper, an oral presentation and a substantial written dissertation.
  
   

This course runs in association with The Concrete Centre UK.

The Faculty of Science, Engineering and Computing teaches this course.

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Learn more about the facilities available to you as a student of this course.

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