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Advanced Construction Materials

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  • Level of study:
    Professional
  • Entry Requirements:
    More information
  • Start date:
    2 October 2025
  • Duration:
    Thursday afternoons, term-time only
  • Attendance:
    Part-time
  • Course delivery:
    On-campus (City Campus)
Close up shot of a building

About this course

The aim of this course is to enhance your professional knowledge about the behaviour and performance of specialist construction materials (including composites) when applied to structures built from diverse range of materials.

Course dates: 2 October 2025 - 15 January 2026

On this course you'll learn about the characteristics and durability of various advanced construction materials, ranging from fibre-reinforced concrete to reinforced plastics and advanced paving materials.

You'll be able to assess how you can affect strength/weight ratio, durability and the safety of structures by using different materials.

You'll also be able to assess the behaviour and performance of materials, write reports related to lab experiments, and learn how the application of these materials can affect design, durability and safety of structures.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

  • explain and critique engineering principles used in advanced materials behaviour
  • appraise the use of advanced materials as they affect the design process
  • adapt techniques in the use of advanced materials to create novel solutions to a wide range of problems
  • evaluate and improve health and safety issues as they relate to the use of materials
  • explain and debate complex sustainability and environmental issues related to the use of materials
  • identify and assess risks and apply risk assessments and mitigation strategies.

A CPD certificate will be issued upon successful completion of the course.

Successful completion can also contribute 15 credits towards a postgraduate award.

  • Accelerate your career

    Gain new skills and knowledge that are relevant to the industry today.

  • Part-time learning

    Attend one session per week and fit your studies around your busy work schedule.

  • Expert tutors

    Learn from those who have bring industry experience, teaching skills and research to their subject.

  • Study for credit or certificate

    Gain a certificate that confirms your CPD hours, or build credit towards a qualification in the future.

This course will include:

  • the material properties, test methods and durability of materials
  • structural behaviour, design guidelines, de-bonding and reinforcing concrete beams
  • the use of plastics as construction material
  • the different materials for paving
  • relevant case studies.

Module information

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll be studying throughout the course:

We regularly review our course content based on student and employer feedback to ensure they remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or availability in future years. Optional modules will only run where there is sufficient demand. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis to protect the academic and student experience.

How you're taught

Teaching and learning will take place using a flexible programme of lectures, workshops, seminars and tutorials.

Who will teach you?

  • Profile icon

    Hynda Klalib-Aoun

    Senior Lecturer

    Dr Klalib-Aoun is a qualified Engineer with a long career in Academia. She teaches Structural Engineering and Construction Materials.

    Visit Hynda Klalib-Aoun's staff profile

Entry requirements

UK students

You should have a minimum of three years’ professional experience and have the support of your employer to integrate study and projects into your day-to-day work.

You will probably be employed on significant infrastructure or building works, with experience of developing and coordinating projects.

If you wish to receive credit, you should also have a 2:2 honours degree in a construction-related subject.

Applicants with non-standard entry qualifications and/or relevant experience will be considered on an individual basis.

International students

You should have a minimum of three years’ professional experience and have the support of your employer to integrate study and projects into your day-to-day work.

You will probably be employed on significant infrastructure or building works, with experience of developing and coordinating projects.

If you wish to receive credit, you should also have a 2:2 honours degree in a construction-related subject.

Applicants with non-standard entry qualifications and/or relevant experience will be considered on an individual basis.

Fees and funding

UK students

- see the fees for this course, as well as information about funding and support.

The fee for this course is £1,150.

Payment is due before the course starts.

International students

- see the fees for this course, as well as payment advice and scholarships.

The fee for this course is £1,150.

Payment is due before the course starts.

Careers and employability

  • Employability Promise

    Personalised support, one-on-one coaching and industry-specific advice – it’s all part of our Employability Promise. And it doesn’t end when you leave NTU – you’ll have access to all our careers services for three years after you graduate (conditions apply).

  • NTU Enterprise

    If you’re a budding entrepreneur, NTU Student Enterprise can help you to develop your ideas and innovations and turn them into a reality. We also offer training, mentoring, workshops, financial advice and more to develop your business skills.

Campus and facilities

Applying

UK students

Please read the guidance notes and complete the application form.

You should then email your form to be considered by the academic team.

Please read our notes on the University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.

If you have any questions about how to apply, contact the short course team:

Apply now

International students

Please read the guidance notes and complete the application form.

You should then email your form to be considered by the academic team.

Please read our notes on the University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.

If you have any questions about how to apply, contact the short course team:

Application support

If you have any questions, just drop us a line – we’re here to help every step of the way. You can fill in our online form or give us a call on +44 (0)115 848 2999.

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Keeping in touch

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