Fire Investigation

Course overview

The content of the programme reflects those aspects of the National Core Curriculum in Fire Safety Studies that are directly related to Fire Investigation. In addition, the course content is in line with Level 2: National Occupational Standards, and provides a sound foundation on which to base a (Level 2: Fire Investigation; Level 3: Incident Reconstruction) CRFP application.

The vast majority of course material will be provided as Word documents or PowerPoint presentations on CD. Teaching is not limited to remote methods and you will be required to attend up to five or six 2-day study weekends at the Cambridge Campus.

The third year is given over to the preparation of a research-based thesis. The course is intended to meet the needs of students in respect of both scene investigator requirements and ongoing professional/certification requirements.

Core modules

• Combustion Science
• Fire Scene Investigation and Documentation
• Electricity and Fire
• Research Methods and Preparation
• Masters Research Project

Optional modules

• Fire-related Analytical Methods
• People, Fire and the Law
• Explosions and Explosives

Assessment

Assessment is primarily by the submission of reports, essays and reviews, and by tests delivered at the study weekends (alternative arrangements are made for those who cannot attend these). Students are required to give a presentation as part of the assessment of their research project. This is normally done during their final study weekend.

Dedication

3 years, part-time.

Teaching times

• One 2-day study weekend per semester in Cambridge.

Teaching times for guidance only and subject to change.