University aims to educate 'engineers of the future'

While the concrete industry has a reputation as a significant contributor to global carbon dioxide emissions, many experts are working to developer “greener” concrete that could be zero-carbon or even carbon-absorbing. And a new programme at Kingston University aims to help speed such innovation along.

The new MSc in Sustainable Concrete Structures with Construction Management will focus on the concrete industry’s challenges and opportunities in the quest for sustainable development.

“Sustainability expertise is at the top of the qualification requirements for 21st century practicing engineers,” said Costas Georgopoulos, from the faculty of engineering, who is set to run the new course. “We are hoping to train civil and structural engineers of the future — students who can acquire advanced knowledge and understanding of the principles of sustainability applied to concrete specification, design and construction.”

Supported by The Concrete Centre, the course combines concrete technology, sustainable construction, earthquake engineering, fire assessment, geo-environmental engineering and construction management. The programme will be delivered by a mixture of both academic and industry experts. Students will learn about all the sustainability credentials of concrete, including its inherent and enhanced material performance in advanced concrete-framed structures and substructures. They will also examine modern construction management practices and special processes which can be applied in areas prone to natural disasters.

Launched this year, the course is offered as either a one-year full-time or two-years part-time programme, with both September and January intakes. The part-time course is arranged with working hours to suit civil or structural engineers who are already working in the industry.