Masters Degrees (Fire)

The International Master of Science in Fire Safety Engineering (IMFSE) is a two-year educational programme in the Erasmus+ framework.

This masters programme is jointly offered by the following three full partner universities:

• The University of Edinburgh, UK
• Ghent University, Belgium (coordinator)
• Lund University, Sweden

Additionally, there are three associated partners where students can perform thesis research:

• The University of Queensland, Australia
• ETH Zurich, Switzerland
• The University of Maryland, United States of America

Classes in Edinburgh focus on fire dynamics, fire safety engineering and structural design for fire. Classes in Ghent have a more general fire safety engineering focus. Classes in Lund emphasise enclosure fire dynamics, risk analysis and human behaviour.

Our Building Research Establishment (BRE) Centre for Fire Safety Engineering hosts bespoke equipment to support groundbreaking research and teaching, with combined thermal and mechanical loading and use of the latest image analysis techniques.

IMFSE is very pleased to involved seven industrial partners as official sponsors. With their annual financial contributions, it has been made possible to create the IMFSE Sponsorship Consortium, which awards IMFSE students with full or partial scholarships. The current sponsors are:

• Arup
• IFIC Forensics
• UL
• Promat
• FPC
• BRE
• Fire Engineered Solutions Ghent

Programme structure

The programme consists of four semesters each worth 30 ECTS credits. Changing study location after each semester lets you benefit from the expertise of each university.

Semester 1

Students choose to study at either Ghent or Edinburgh.

Ghent University:

• Fire Dynamics
• Basics of Structural Engineering
• Thermodynamics, Heat and Mass Transfer

And 9 ECTS credits from the following elective courses (subject to approval by the faculty):

• FSE Based Firefighting (3 credits)
• Modelling of Turbulence and Combustion (3 credits)
• Turbomachines (6 credits)
• Introduction to Entrepreneurship (3 credits)

The University of Edinburgh:

• Fire Science and Fire Dynamics
• Fire Safety Engineering
• Fire Safety, Engineering and Society (this course replaces Fire Investigation and Failure Analysis, which will move to Semester 3 from 2017/18 onward)
• Engineering Project Management

Semester 2

Lund University:

• Advanced Fire Dynamics
• Human Behaviour in Fire
• Risk Assessment
• Simulation of Fires in Enclosures

Semester 3

Students choose to study at either Ghent or Edinburgh.

Ghent University:

• Active Fire Protection I: Detection and Suppression
• Active Fire Protection II: Smoke and Heat Control
• Explosions and Industrial Fire Safety
• Fire Safety Regulation
• Passive Fire Protection
• Performance-Based Design

The University of Edinburgh:

• Fire Science Laboratory
• Structural Design for Fire
• Fire Safety, Engineering and Society (this course will be replaced by Fire Investigation and Failure Analysis from 2017/18 onwards)
• Finite Element Analysis for Solids

Semester 4

The masters thesis can be completed at one of the three full partners universities, or at one of the three associated partners. The thesis work is supervised by at least one of the full partner universities.

Career opportunities

We aim to train the next generation of leaders in this field; there is currently great demand for fire safety engineering graduates worldwide and graduates have gained relevant employment or enhanced career opportunities.

A fire safety engineer fulfils a broad range of duties, in various ways related to fire. This can range from designing fire protection for a space station, to protecting treasures such as the US Constitution, to safely securing the occupants of a high-rise building from fire hazards.

Fire safety engineers are in great demand by corporations, educational institutions, consulting firms, and government bodies around the world. You may find career opportunities in the following industries:

• consulting engineering firms
• fire departments
• fire equipment and systems manufacturers
• government
• hospitals and health care facilities
• insurance industry
• research and testing laboratories
• educational institutions
• entertainment industry
• forensic investigations

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In just a brief duration of time - in a few minutes or even in a fraction of a second - a fire or an explosion can have catastrophic consequences in residential buildings or in industrial plant. In UK alone, hundreds get killed and tens of thousands are injured every year. Some single incidents cost millions of pounds, the total monetary cost of fire and explosions in the UK is estimated at £12 billion per year or approximately 1% of GDP.This course offers students from diverse academic backgrounds advanced training in the field of Fire and Explosion Engineering for those wishing to embark on a career, or further develop their career, in the industry. Particular emphasis is placed on fire and explosion protection systems within a legislative framework that is complex and fast-changing.Core modules will cover both foundation and advanced aspects of fire and explosion engineering, from the factors that influence flame spread to the latest research in explosion prediction. You’ll also gain a firm grounding in fire safety design and have the chance to design a fire protection system for a complex building.

Specialist facilities

• An Enclosed Fire Rig Test facility
• The Cone Calorimeter (standard and modified with controlled ventilation)
• A 1m³ indicative standard fire furnace (planned for 2017)
• Purser furnace
• The Limiting Oxygen Index apparatus
• The standard ISO vessel for dust explosions (in storage until at least 2017)
• TGA (trace gas analyzer) and GC (gas chromatography) analytical equipment (off-line).
• The on-line FTIR (Fourier transform infrared) toxic product analysis.
• Mass spectrometer (MS).
• Particulate emissions measurements (including particle size)
• Access to the world class Leeds Electron Microscopy and Spectroscopy Centre (LEMAS), within the School, and high speed photography for visualisation of fast processes and optical analysis of particles before and after reaction.

Some of the modules on this programme are offered as short courses by the Faculty of Engineering’s Continuing Professional Development unit.

Find out more about our Fire Engineering short courses

This programme is also available to study part-time over 36 months.

Course content

You’ll study core modules that allow you to understand issues such as flame spread and steady burning, as well as developing your knowledge of fire protection designs for complex buildings. You’ll also review research around explosions, how they can be predicted and mitigated.

A major part of the MSc are two projects that will give you valuable experience and skills.

The first project involves the design of a protection system, so you’ll learn about the application of techniques such as sprinklers, pressurisation, smoke venting, automatic fire detectors, means of escape and emergency lighting systems.

The other is a lab or computational based project taking into account your own preferences. You can choose from the list of topics we offer each year, but most part-time students choose to put forward their own topic which may be related to the interests of the employer or sponsor. If you take this course part-time with the support of your employer, you can undertake your projects in the workplace.

Both projects are assessed on the basis of a written dissertation and an oral presentation.

If you choose to study part-time, you’ll need to visit Leeds six or seven times over three years. You’ll attend two presentation days and either four or five teaching weeks, depending on whether you choose the e-learning module Fire Risk Assessment and Management.

Course features include:

• Extensive participation in course delivery by lecturers from industry brings strong industrial involvement to the course
• Most taught modules are delivered in intensive CPD one week format. Modules are spread evenly throughout the year
• Extensive participation in course delivery by lecturers from industry brings strong industrial involvement to the training package
• Projects can be undertaken in the workplace (part-time) or at the University (full time and part time)
• Block module format allows both full-time and part-time students a choice of modules.

The taught modules are assessed by coursework and 'open book' tests; typically within a period of 6-10 weeks from start to finish.

Want to find out more about your modules?

Take a look at the Fire and Explosion module descriptions for more detail on what you will study.

Course structure

Compulsory modules

• Research Project (MSc) 60 credits
• Fire Safety Design 45 credits
• Fire Risk Assessment and Management 15 credits
• Fire Dynamics and Modelling 15 credits
• Fire and Explosion Investigation 15 credits
• Explosion Prediction and Mitigation 30 credits

For more information on typical modules, read Fire and Explosion Engineering MSc Full Time in the course catalogue

For more information on typical modules, read Fire and Explosion Engineering MSc Part Time in the course catalogue

Learning and teaching

Each taught module is delivered in an intensive one-week block, allowing full and part-time students to study alongside each other. These teaching weeks will allow you to benefit from the expertise of our own academics – informed by their groundbreaking research – as well as a range of visiting lecturers from industry to gain an understanding of fire and explosion engineering in theory and practice.

Assessment

Taught modules are assessed by via coursework and ‘open book’ tests, typically within 6-10 weeks from start to finish.

Career opportunities

Challenging career opportunities for fire and explosion professionals are available in just about every type of business, industry and government operation.

They include fire and explosion consultancies, fire safety planning offices of local authorities, civil engineering and architectural companies, chemical/pharmaceutical companies, the oil and gas industries, fire and explosion protection equipment manufacturers, government bodies and departments, specialist research and testing labs and insurance companies.

Links with industry

Throughout the course you will have the opportunity to meet potential employers at the week-long taught courses.

The Fire programme at Leeds is actively supported and sponsored by, amongst others, the following companies/organisations:

• Arup
• WSP UK
• BRE
• Buro Happold
• DNV GL

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MSc Fire Safety Engineering is concerned with the study of fire development and prevention and the means by which its consequence may be reduced to a minimum in human, environmental and financial terms. This postgraduate degree emphasises Fire Safety Engineering in the context of buildings and infrastructure. This involves skills and knowledge crossing all areas of learning including fire chemistry, physics of heat transfer, biology and toxicity, structures, law and legislation, environmental impact, risk management and design. It is supported by an established research base and builds on the training and educational programmes offered by the Institution of Fire Engineers.

This course is designed for students who will eventually hold senior positions within the fire-related professions. Throughout the programme, emphasis will be placed on self-motivation, critical thinking and analytical depth. The application of Fire Safety Engineering is multi-disciplinary and, as in the professional world, you will carry out project work, which will facilitate dialogue between the Fire Engineer and other members of the design and management teams.

PROFESSIONAL ACCREDITATION

This MSc is accredited by both the Energy Institute (EI) and the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) as fulfilling the further learning requirement for Chartered Engineer status, whilst also being a recognised course by the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE).

LEARNING ENVIRONMENT AND ASSESSMENT

The course will be delivered through lectures, tutorials and practical exercises. Guided teaching and formal assessments will enhance the development of transferable skills such report-writing, maintenance of case notes, formal presentations, participation in discussions, ability to work to deadlines, computing skills, public speaking, scientific analysis, adherence and development of laboratory protocols and research methods.

There are different assessment methods employed across the modules. Some modules are assessed by both examination and coursework while others are assessed by coursework only, which may take the form of group projects, modelling exercises or time-controlled assignments or seminar presentations.

Benefiting from extensive research funding, we hold an enviable reputation for the quality of our teaching and research activities. All Fire courses are underpinned by the Research Centre in Fire and Hazards and benefit from the dedicated fire laboratories including equipment for small and intermediate scale facilities.

Our well-equipped modern fire engineering laboratory facilities comprise of state-of-the-art fire research equipment, used by experienced academics, are available for research and teaching. There are specialist facilities which include analytical and material characterisation equipment. A number of experiments, ranging from the investigation of fire retardants to the combustion properties of materials, and fire toxicity can be undertaken. We also have computational fluid dynamics facilities, that provide the use of CFD based fire modelling for research, teaching and consultancy.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Combined into a single-discipline, our Fire Safety Engineering Master’s degree meets a challenge of modern industrial needs. Graduates have become leaders in a range of backgrounds from fire services to civil engineering to safety management. The course is fully accredited by three professional institutions (CIBSE, EI and IFE) that play an active part in ensuring the course is developed to meet professional needs.

This course is supported by an established research base (Centre for Research in Fire and Hazards Science) which builds on the training and educational programmes offered by the Institution of Fire Engineers. Full-time students can underpin their studies with a range of balancing modules. The remainder of the MSc is a series of options which may involve external speakers as well as expertise from our staff. Students should check availability if they wish to undertake any option in particular.

MSc Fire Safety Engineering commences in Semester 1 with Fires in Buildings which examines: fundamental principles; mechanisms controlling spread of fires and fire development in enclosures; movement and smoke control; fire resistance and fire severity; human behaviour in fires and evacuation; the mechanism of fire suppression agents. Running in parallel, a Research Methods module supports the Dissertation, which is an in-depth study involving theoretical, computational, experimental or investigative analysis. The Dissertation is undertaken in Semester 3 together with the Engineering Design Project, which is an integration of themes of design, ICT and technology within a practical context requiring students to work in teams as well as individuals.

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MSc Fire Investigation develops fire investigation knowledge and practical experience of investigation of actual fire scenes including excavation of fire debris, location of the seat of fire, investigation of the cause of fire, analysis for accelerants.

This course is designed for those who are employed, or who wish to pursue a career, in the area of fire investigation as a fire officer, crime scene investigator, forensic scientist or insurance investigator.

Fire Investigation is the analysis of fire-related incidents and is a highly multi-disciplinary area. Fire investigators need knowledge of fire behaviour, scene management, analytical chemistry and investigative skills. This course covers fire science and fire behaviour, fire investigation, analytical science, and provides students with research skills and knowledge of being an expert witness in the English legal system.

LEARNING ENVIRONMENT AND ASSESSMENT

The Fire Laboratory houses a full suite of fire test equipment where the flammability and fire toxicity of various materials can be investigated. MSc students take practical classes, carry out simulated casework and conduct lab-based dissertation research projects. Students also have access to a wide range of analytical instrumentation in the Faculty of Science and Technology’s Analytical Unit. The Unit has gas chromatographs with pyrolysis injection capability and FID, MS and EC detectors, ion chromatographs and high performance liquid chromatographs with diode array, fluorescence and MS and Differential refractometer detectors. The Unit also has facilities for atomic absorption, UV-visible and infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, NMR spectrometry, inductive coupled plasma mass spectrometry and Scanning Electron Microscopy With Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (SEM/EDAX).

The course will be delivered through lectures, tutorials and practical exercises. Guided teaching and formal assessments will enhance the development of transferable skills such as report-writing, maintenance of case notes, formal presentations, participation in discussions, ability to work to deadlines, computing skills, public speaking, scientific analysis, adherence and development of laboratory protocols and research methods.

Assessment is by exam, practicals and coursework. Assessments include the examination of fire scenes from real fires and producing case notes and reports, essays, moot courts, presentations and a dissertation.

OPPORTUNITIES

Students graduating from this course will be well placed to gain employment in fire investigation teams, forensic science laboratories, and fraud departments in major government or private organisations, or to go on to further research in academia.

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This course aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the scientific and technological principles and techniques associated with fire science and engineering and the skills and expertise to enable them to develop and apply appropriate techniques in building design. Although the focus of the course is on fire safety engineering design, the course may be of interest to those involved in many aspects related to fire safety generally such as fire brigade personnel, architects, regulators, code officials, and managers of complex buildings and facilities.

Visit the website: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/course/msc-fire-safety-engineering-ft-jn

Course detail

- Description -

The programme is offered by the Fire Safety Engineering Research and Technology Centre (FireSERT), a centre which is internationally recognised for its leading edge research in the fields of fire dynamics, structural fire engineering, human behaviour in fire, and fire modelling. The programme draws on the expertise and resources of the Centre in terms of teaching staff (with core teaching staff all actively involved in research) and experimental facilities. Students on the MSc programme have the opportunity to use Fire SERT's state-of-the-art facilities both within the taught programme and to progress experimental research projects which are often designed to complement current research projects being undertaken by staff. Students also have the opportunity to work closely with practitioners in the design module to develop a fire safety strategy for a real complex building.

- Teaching and learning assessment -

Learning and teaching methods include lectures, seminars, tutorials, laboratory work, design project work and computer laboratory work.

Modules are assessed either entirely by coursework or by a combination of coursework and examination. Assessment may include group and individual presentations, laboratory reports, essays, design project work.

Career options

There is strong demand for well educated fire safety engineers, and the majority of students will embark on a career within a fire safety engineering consultancy. Graduates from the Ulster course are also employed in other interesting and diverse careers in fields related to fire safety both in the UK and worldwide e.g. as regulators, fire safety officers in both the public and private sector, researchers in research and testing facilities, and fire brigade officers both in the UK and Europe. Opportunities also exist within the Fire Safety Engineering Research and Technology centre (FireSERT) for PhD studies in a wide range of fire science and engineering related topics.

How to apply: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/apply/how-to-apply#pg

Why Choose Ulster University ?

1. Over 92% of our graduates are in work or further study six months after graduation.
2. We are a top UK university for providing courses with a period of work placement.
3. Our teaching and the learning experience we deliver are rated at the highest level by the Quality Assurance Agency.
4. We recruit international students from more than 100 different countries.
5. More than 4,000 students from over 50 countries have successfully completed eLearning courses at Ulster University.

Flexible payment

To help spread the cost of your studies, tuition fees can be paid back in monthly instalments while you learn. If you study for a one-year, full-time master’s, you can pay your fees up-front, in one lump sum, or in either five* or ten* equal monthly payments. If you study for a master’s on a part-time basis (e.g. over three years), you can pay each year’s fees up-front or in five or ten equal monthly payments each year. This flexibility allows you to spread the payment of your fees over each academic year. Find out more by visiting https://www.ulster.ac.uk/apply/fees-and-finance/postgraduate

Scholarships

A comprehensive range of financial scholarships, awards and prizes are available to undergraduate, postgraduate and research students. Scholarships recognise the many ways in which our students are outstanding in their subject. Individuals may be able to apply directly or may automatically be nominated for awards. Visit the website: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/apply/fees-and-finance/scholarships

English Language Tuition

CELT offers courses and consultations in English language and study skills to Ulster University students of all subjects, levels and nationalities. Students and researchers for whom English is an additional language can access free CELT support throughout the academic year: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/international/english-language-support

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Innovative design allows more interesting and functional architecture but challenges traditional concepts of fire safety. To respond to these demands takes specialist knowledge and advanced skills in engineering analysis.

This programme covers the fundamentals of fire science, including laboratory classes, fire safety engineering and relevant structural engineering topics, such as finite element methods.

You will gain knowledge of the critical issues in structural fire safety engineering, and an understanding of relevant fire and structural behaviours.

You will become familiar with performance-based approaches to design and have an awareness of the capabilities – and limitations – of relevant advanced modelling methods for structures and fire.

This programme is fully accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM)

• Joint Board of Moderators (JBM)

Facilities

Our Building Research Establishment (BRE) Centre for Fire Safety Engineering hosts bespoke equipment to support groundbreaking research and teaching, with combined thermal and mechanical loading and use of the latest image analysis techniques.

Programme structure

This programme is run over 12 months, with two semesters of taught courses followed by a research project leading to a masters thesis.

Semester 1 courses

• Fire Science and Fire Dynamics
• State-of-the-Art Review in Fire Safety Engineering
• Structural Design for Fire
• Finite Element Analysis for Solids
• Thin-Walled Members and Stability

Semester 2 courses

• Pre-Dissertation Project in Fire Safety Engineering
• Fire Science Laboratory
• Fire Safety Engineering Analysis and Design
• The Finite Element Method
• Structural Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering

Career opportunities

Internationally, there is great demand for graduates in this field, with expertise in structural fire safety engineering particularly sought after as performance-based design expands. All of our previous graduates are in relevant employment, with the majority working in fire teams at engineering consultancies.

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MSc Fire Scene Investigation covers fire scene investigation theory and practice. It is the scientific approach to the examination, analysis and interpretation of evidence which can be found at a fire scene.

As a Fire Scene Investigator you will determine the origin and cause of a fire through the application of practical skills and scientific knowledge from a variety of disciplines. You will also require excellent written and verbal communication skills to ensure investigative conclusions are effectively communicated. This is often carried out in a high pressure environment such a criminal or civil court.

INDUSTRY LINKS

Accredited by Institution of Fire Engineers at Member Grade; Accredited by Energy Institute at Member Grade with Chartered status available with additional post qualification development.

LEARNING ENVIRONMENT AND ASSESSMENT

Theoretical is undertaken at the University using state of the art facilities. Practical sessions are carried out at Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service Training Centre using live burn facilities and full scale room investigations.

FURTHER INFORMATION

This postgraduate course covers fire scene investigation theory and practice, the principles of fuels, sources of ignition and fire behaviour in buildings, fire modelling and computational fire dynamics in relation to fire cause and development hypothesis testing, providing evidence as an expert witness in court, the anatomy of large scale accidents and catastrophes, and research skills. The theory and practical sessions will build confidence through the development of practical expertise and specialist knowledge in the field of fire scene investigation and reporting protocols. Postgraduate Fire Scene Investigation at UCLan is accredited by the Institution of Fire Engineers and the Energy Institute.

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This one-year postgraduate course is designed to enable engineers, architects, fire prevention officers and other suitably qualified professionals working in the construction industry acquire a sound knowledge and understanding of fire in buildings, the safety requirements in the design of buildings and the various options available for minimising the risk of fire in buildings. The course also includes the design of fire safety systems and guidance in the preparation of an application for a fire safety certificate. This course has been approved by Engineers Ireland as meeting its requirements for continuing professional development.

Course Organisation:

Lectures are normally held on Friday evening 7 - 10 p.m. and Saturday morning 9.30 a.m. - 12.30 p.m. each week throughout the two semesters (September to April). Coursework, which is an integral part of the course, consists of two assignments that are carried out in the students' own time.

Course Content:

Fundamentals of Fire Science and Fire Engineering
Fire Safety Engineering
Active Fire Protection Systems
Legal Principles; Fire, Safety and Health Legislation, Insurances
The Building Control Act, 1990 and Building Regulations
The Fire Services Acts, 1981 and 2003
Coursework Assignments

Assessment:

The award of a Postgraduate Diploma in Fire Safety Practice is based on a combination of the results of two examination papers and two coursework assignments. Each paper and the coursework constitute one third of the overall assessment. Students must pass each paper and the coursework. There is no system of compensation. The pass mark for the examinations and the coursework is 40%. A Distinction is awarded to those who obtain an overall average mark of 70% or more in both the coursework and two papers combined at the summer examination. The Diploma awarding ceremony takes place in November.

Recommended Texts:

Extensive notes are provided by individual lecturers, who may also recommend texts.

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The purpose of the MSc in Fire and Rescue Service Management is to promote increased understanding of critical management processes and hopefully to enable satisfactory performance in high-consequence, high risk situations.

Strategic managers in the Fire and Rescue Service in risk critical situations face unique challenges in both preparing for and dealing with situations which threaten life and critical infrastructure or reputation.

This postgraduate course brings together insights regarding risk perception and decision making across domains ranging from the operational context, cognitive psychology, economics, and public policy. It suggests strategies to ensure a mature effective response to various managerial situations.

MSc Fire and Rescue Service Management develops the abilities of critical decision makers to grasp a situation, formulate a response assess success and failure and redefine an improved response. The course offers tools and strategies which allow Fire and Rescue Service managers to generate, evaluate, and select among decision options.

PROFESSIONAL ACCREDITATION

There are potential short-term placements within fire and rescue services.

There are exchange visits to Hong Kong Fire Service offered to a limited number of students and also opportunities to work with International partners to develop fire and rescue service infrastructure in those countries where there are limited resources available.

LEARNING ENVIRONMENT AND ASSESSMENT]]
MSc students take practical classes, carry out casework and conduct lab-based dissertation research projects. Students also have access to a wide range of analytical instrumentation in the Faculty of Science and Technology’s Analytical Unit. In collaboration with Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service all students are tested in a simulated command environment.

Assessment is by examinations, practicals and coursework. Practical assessment involves command simulations.

The course focuses on managerial decision making within the fire and rescue service, in both an operational and non-operational context. It includes environmental scanning (both external and internal), strategy formulation (strategic or long range planning), strategy implementation, and evaluation and control. Situational awareness and risk decision making in time pressured and high risk situations. Students will be tested in command simulations representative of those applicable to the emergency incident domain. The theory and practical sessions will build confidence through the development of practical expertise and specialist knowledge in the field of strategic management.

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This course aims to develop your knowledge and understanding of the underlying theories and their practical application in fire investigation.

You will also experience extensive practical experience of the major techniques, methodologies and approaches used in fire investigation.

In addition you will develop your skills in critical thinking using a range of academic paradigms by undertaking an extensive research project in the field of fire investigation.

The delivery of the course would involve a partnership between The West Midlands Fire Service, one of the leading centres of fire investigation in the UK and the University.

Both partners have an established track record in delivering training and education with a vocational aspect in this area.

The Fire Investigation facility situated at the Oldbury Fire Investigation centre will allow the student a unique hands-on practical experience that is not offered by any other MSc course in the Midlands region.

Opportunities for experienced fire investigators and forensic scene investigators to fast-track to the MSc will be part of this proposal.

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MSc Top-up This programme allows forensic practitioners who are holders of the Forensic Science Society Diploma to study for an MSc.

From 2010 the Forensic Science Society Diploma was credit rated at 120 credits at postgraduate level. This has allowed the university to offer a "top-up" of the diploma to masters level on the successful completion of a project in either Crime Scene Investigation, Fire Investigation, Firearm Examination and Questioned Documents.

The MSc course in Fire Investigation requires the student to carry out a major independent research project in fire investigation. The project can be undertaken in the student's own laboratories or at the University. The exact subject of the project is agreed by negotiation with the member of staff who will act as the academic supervisor for the project.

Support for the course is provided by Blackboard which gives details of risk assessments and ethical considerations which have to be in place before the commencement of the project.

Accreditation

This award is accredited by the Forensic Science Society.

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Research profile

The Institute for Infrastructure and Environment (IIE) is among the leading centres of civil and environmental engineering research in the UK. The Institute seeks new technologies to solve real-world problems in order to promote sustainability.

Key research areas include:

• behaviour and design of structures in fire and other extreme events
• fire science and fire safety engineering
• shells and containment structures
• nonlinear finite element modelling of complex structures and structural collapses
• mechanics and transport of granular materials and multiphase media
• computational mechanics and bio-mechanics
• fibre-reinforced polymer composites in structural strengthening and repair
• high-speed rail
• intelligent infrastructure and non-destructive evaluation
• sustainable water and wastewater treatment technologies
• water supply
• waste management and resource recovery

IIE has excellent laboratory and computing facilities, including the latest facilities and instrumentation for experimental and computational research in structures, granular solids, fire safety engineering, non-destructive testing and environmental engineering.

Masters by Research

An MSc by Research is based on a research project tailored to a candidate’s interests. It lasts one year full time or two years part time. The project can be a shorter alternative to an MPhil or PhD, or a precursor to either – including the option of an MSc project expanding into MPhil or doctorate work as it evolves. It can also be a mechanism for industry to collaborate with the School.

Training and support

Students are strongly encouraged and trained to present their research at conferences and in journal papers during the course of their PhD.

Students are also encouraged to attend transferable skills courses provided by the University and to participate in external courses provided by organisations such as the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

PhD candidates pursue their research projects under continuous guidance, resulting in a thesis that makes an original contribution to knowledge. You will be linked to two academic supervisors, and one industrial supervisor if the project is industrially sponsored.

Facilities

The Institute has excellent laboratory and computing facilities, including the latest instruments for experimental and computational research in structures, granular solids, fire safety engineering, non-destructive testing and environmental engineering.

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An oil and gas engineer is involved in nearly all stages of oil and gas field evaluation, development and production. The aim is to maximise hydrocarbon recovery at minimum cost while maintaining a strong emphasis on reducing environmental impact. The range of employment opportunities for students who hold an MSc oil & gas Engineering is very wide. Once you have completed your MSC in Oil & Gas Engineering, you will be equipped with skills and knowledge that enable you to solve future tasks and challenges related to the development and production of oil and gas fields. There are great work opportunities within the traditional as well as the future oil industry. Possible work places include National and international oil companies, consultancy firms and service providers. A completed study also forms a good basis for a future career as a researcher.

You will receive guidance and support from staff that have specialised in the discipline of oil & gas, fire science and energy for many years. All the staff involved in this course are committed to meeting your expectations. However, in turn there are certain expectations of you, as studying at this level requires you to demonstrate that you have the mental capacity, self-motivation and commitment to achieve this award.

Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, workshops, laboratory work, project work, case studies, site visits. The mix of teaching methods is designed to motivate, challenge students considering different learning styles to maximise their potential. Personal study also forms an integral part of the course. The students will learn by a variety of methods including innovative information and communication technologies and practical case studies based on research outcomes achieved by the School staff.

INDUSTRY LINKS

The course is supported by an Industrial Liaison Group which reviews and provide input into the development of the course in order to ensure that it meets the needs of the oil and gas industry. Our Industrial partners also contribute to some teaching through guest lecturers, CPD events, and research projects. Invited lectures were done by representatives from Energy Institute, Institution of Fire Engineers, Shell, BP, GexCon, Fire and Rescue Services, Tyco, BRE, Horea Lea, Carbon Trust, Government Office for the North West and others.

LEARNING ENVIRONMENT AND ASSESSMENT

The course will be delivered through lectures, tutorials and practical exercises. Guided teaching and formal assessments will enhance the development of transferable skills such report-writing, maintenance of case notes, formal presentations, participation in discussions, ability to work to deadlines, computing skills, public speaking, scientific analysis, adherence and development of laboratory protocols and research methods.

There are different assessment methods employed across the modules. Some modules are assessed by both examination and coursework while others are assessed by coursework only, which may take the form of group projects, modelling exercises or time-controlled assignments or seminar presentations.

OPPORTUNITIES

The range of employment opportunities for students who hold MSc Oil & Gas Engineering is very wide.

By completing Masters in Oil & Gas Engineering, you will learn skills and knowledge that enable you to solve upcoming responsibilities and challenges related to the petroleum industry. There are great work opportunities within the oil and gas industry. Possible work places include national and international oil companies, consultancy companies and oil and gas service firms.

Many of our students have progressed into either further higher study at the PhD level, or full-time employment within national and international organisations, consultancy or servicing companies.

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Programme Background

Risk has become a key concept in modern society. Growing concern about the environment and a number of disasters have served to focus attention on the hazards and risks involved in a wide range of activities from offshore oil production to rail and air transport; from the design of football stadia to the operation of chemical plants and environmental protection. Today there is a wide range of techniques available to assess risk and reliability, both in relation to safety and in the wider sense. These techniques now underpin new legislation on safety and have relevance over a broad spectrum of activities, including environmental and other systems, where risk and reliability are key concerns.

The MSc/PG Diploma programme in Safety, Risk and Reliability Engineering is designed to give a thorough understanding of these techniques and experience of their application to a variety of real-world problems. It aims to provide students with an understanding of safety, risk and reliability engineering in both a qualitative and quantitative manner, and to develop the skills to apply this understanding. The programme will also introduce students to recent developments in analytical techniques, e.g. computer modelling of risk, reliability and safety problems.

Professional Recognition

This MSc degree is accredited as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for a Chartered Engineer (CEng) for candidates who have already acquired an Accredited CEng (Partial) BEng (Hons) undergraduate first degree. See http://www.jbm.org.ukfor further information.

The MSc and PgDip degrees have also been accredited by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH). Graduates are eligible to join IOSH as Graduate members and then undertake an initial professional development process that leads to Chartered membership. http://www.iosh.co.uk for further information.

Programme Content

The MSc/Postgraduate Diploma in Safety, Risk and Reliability Engineering is only available by attendance-free distance learning. The programme comprises eight courses. All courses have written examinations and some have compulsory coursework elements. MSc students are also required to complete an individual project (dissertation). This programme has a stronger engineering bias and you should only attempt this if you have done some University level mathematics or equivalent. Otherwise the Safety and Risk Management course might be more appropriate.

For the project component of the programme distance learners are likely to develop something based in their country of residence with advice and supervision from staff in the School. This may well include work with a local company or may involve independent study. Individual arrangements will be set up with each student.

For more detailed information on this programme please contact the Programme Leader before applying (see above).

Courses

• Risk Assessment and Safety Management
This course aims to give students an appreciation of risk from individual and societal perspectives as well as understanding the basic principles of risk assessment and modelling and how safety management works in practice.

• Systems Reliability
Gives an understanding of the qualitative and quantitative techniques that are used in the reliability, availability and maintainability analysis of all types of engineering systems.

• Learning from Disasters
Provides students with an in depth understanding of some of the classic disasters and their consequences by using a range of practical accident investigation techniques. Students will learn to analyse complex histories in order to find the underlying root cause.

• Safety, Risk and Reliability
Leads to an understanding of the principles of structural reliability theory and its application to risk and reliability engineering.

• Fire Safety, Explosions and Process Safety
Introduces students to the basic principles of fire safety science and engineering, and develops skills in associated modelling leading to an understanding of principal fire/explosion related issues in process safety.

• Data Analysis and Simulation
Develops knowledge of statistical data analysis and its application in engineering and science and introduces the concepts of using simulation techniques for analysis of complex systems. It also teaches linear optimisation techniques and the ability to apply them to solve simple problems.

• Human Factors Methods
This course will equip students from academic and/or industrial backgrounds with knowledge on, and the means to deploy, a wide range of specialist human factors techniques. The emphasis is on method selection, application, combination and integration within existing business practices. Students will develop a critical awareness of what methods exist, how to apply them in practice and their principle benefits and limitations.

•Environmental Impact Assessment
Provides the candidate with the knowledge and understanding of the principles and processes of the Environmental Impact Assessment. By the end of the course, the student should be familiar with the European EIA legislation and its translation into the Scottish planning system, and be able to demonstrate an understanding of the EIA process, the tools and the agents involved in an EIA and the possible problems with using EIA as a decision making tool. It is also intended that the student will be able to appreciate the purpose of the EIA process from a number of perspectives; that of a developer, an EIA practitioner and a policy maker.

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Programme Background

Public awareness of hazards and risks has enhanced the importance of safety assessment and management in today’s increasingly litigious society. Worldwide the burden of responsibility for health and safety is shifting towards those who own, manage and work in industrial and commercial organisations. Legal reform is tending to replace detailed industry specific legislation with a modern approach in which, where possible, goals and general principles are set and the onus is on organisations to show how they manage to achieve these goals.

The management of safety and risk needs to be integrated into the overall management of the organisation. It should be appropriate and cost-effective without dampening the innovative entrepreneurial spirit of employees with inflexible bureaucratic rules and procedures. An organisation’s exposure to potential hazards needs to be managed so as to reduce the chance of loss and mitigate any effects. Risk and safety issues need to be evaluated in a structured and calculated manner but in the light of an overall organisational strategy.

The MSc/PG Diploma programme in Safety and Risk Management aims to provide students with advanced knowledge of risk assessment techniques, the public and individual perception of risk, and how decisions are made in competitive business markets. The focus is on practical applications of safety methodologies, ergonomics and human factors, and safety and risk management techniques.

All of these skills will be drawn together to undertake complex qualitative and quantitative risk assessments. The core of the programme is the management of safety, but it is set within a broader remit where safety issues are part of a general risk management system with a balance of financial, quality and environmental concerns. The overall aim of the programme is to develop students’ skills and personal qualities to be able to undertake safety studies and manage safety and risk to the best national and international standards.

Professional Recognition

This MSc degree is accredited as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for a Chartered Engineer (CEng) for candidates who have already acquired an Accredited CEng (Partial) BEng (Hons) undergraduate first degree. See http://www.jbm.org.ukfor further information.

The MSc and PgDip degrees have also been accredited by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH). Graduates are eligible to join IOSH as Graduate members and then undertake an initial professional development process that leads to Chartered membership. http://www.iosh.co.uk for further information.

Programme Content

The MSc/Postgraduate Diploma in Safety, Risk and Management is only available by attendance-free distance learning. The programme comprises eight courses. All courses have written examinations and some have compulsory coursework elements. MSc students are also required to complete an individual project (dissertation).

For the project component of the programme distance learners are likely to develop something based in their country of residence with advice and supervision from staff in the School. This may well include work with a local company or may involve independent study. Individual arrangements will be set up with each student.

For more detailed information on this programme please contact the Programme Leader before applying (see above).

Courses

• Risk Assessment and Safety Management
This courses aims to give students an appreciation of risk from individual and societal perspectives as well as understanding the basic principles of risk assessment and modelling and how safety management works in practice.

• Human Factors Methods
This course will equip students from academic and/or industrial backgrounds with knowledge on, and the means to deploy, a wide range of specialist human factors techniques. The emphasis is on method selection, application, combination and integration within existing business practices. Students will develop a critical awareness of what methods exist, how to apply them in practice and their principle benefits and limitations.

• Human Factors in the Design and Evaluation of Control Rooms
The course will equip students from academic and/or industrial backgrounds with in-depth knowledge on, insights into, and the means to deploy a wide range of specialist techniques relevant to the ergonomic design and evaluation of control rooms. The emphasis is on key areas of control room operations and on actionable ways to deploy theory on human capabilities and limitations in order to improve performance, safety, efficiency and overall operator well being.

• Fire Safety, Explosions and Process Safety
Introduces students to the basic principles of fire safety science and engineering, and develops skills in associated modelling leading to an understanding of principal fire/explosion related issues in process safety.

• Environmental Impact Assessment
Provides the candidate with the knowledge and understanding of the principles and processes of the Environmental Impact Assessment. By the end of the course, the student should be familiar with the European EIA legislation and its translation into the Scottish planning system, and be able to demonstrate an understanding of the EIA process, the tools and the agents involved in an EIA and the possible problems with using EIA as a decision making tool. . It is also intended that the student will be able to appreciate the purpose of the EIA process from a number of perspectives; that of a developer, an EIA practitioner and a policy maker.

• Project Management Theory and Practice
Provides students with an understanding of the concepts and practices of construction project management used to provide value added services to clients within the constraints of time, cost, quality sustainability and health and safety management.

• Learning from Disasters
Gives students an in depth understanding of some of the classic disasters and their consequences by using a range of practical accident investigation techniques. Students will learn to analyse complex histories in order to find the underlying root cause.

• Value and Risk Management.
Aims to introduce the concepts of value and risk management, apply them to strategic and tactical problems and illustrate their tools and techniques through case study.

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