Fire Investigation

Entry requirements

Honours degree of the level 2.2 or above from a UK university or of the CNAA or its equivalent in an appropriate engineering or science discipline (forensic science, biology, chemistry, fire safety engineering etc); Degree or HNC or HND in an appropriate discipline, together with appropriate professional experience; Qualification or experience deemed to be equivalent to any of the above.

Months of entry

September

Course content

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. The course is designed for those from a range of backgrounds who are employed, or who wish to pursue a career, in the area of Fire Investigation, working for fire and rescue services, insurance companies or independent agencies, or as a Crime Scene Investigator or Forensic Scientist.

The course covers fire science and fire behaviour, fire investigation and analytical science, and provides students with research skills and knowledge of being an expert witness in the English legal system. Guided teaching and formal assessments will enhance the development of transferable skills such report-writing, maintenance of casenotes, formal presentations, participation in discussions, ability to work to deadlines, computing skills, public speaking, scientific analysis, and adherence and development of laboratory protocols.

This course is designed for those from a range of backgrounds 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. It 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.

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 casenotes, 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. The course 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.

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.

Qualification and course duration

MSc

PGDip

PGCert