Fire Engineering is a discipline in itself but also overlaps disciplines of chemistry, physics, mathematics, materials, computational engineering, law, psychology and sociology.  Fire is studied in laboratory and in practical contexts, especially built environment and particularly buildings.  The programme is developed in collaboration with three professional institutions and supported by our research centre, which provides expert research in the study of combustion and explosions.  Fire Engineering, Fire Safety by Design, Hazard Analysis and Quantification, Law related to Fire Safety, Energy and the Environment.  Graduates have good employment prospects, and many also proceed to further studies.  The course is accredited towards Chartered Engineer status.

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

Specific entry requirements for this course are 260 points at A2 levels or equivalent including maths and a science/technology subject, ND with 6 Merits at level 3; 5 GCSEs including Maths and English at Grade C or equivalent. Relevant science/engineering foundation degree. Other acceptable qualifications include the following:

a) Corporate Membership of Institution of Fire Engineers;
b) HND /HNC or Foundation Degree in a relevant subject eg Fire Safety, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering or Building Studies;
c) Applicants with relevant scientific or engineering degrees may gain entry with enhanced standing.

Course Content

Fire Engineering is about how fires work, the effects they have on people/society, built environment and the environment and the prevention/suppression of fires.  Fire Engineering also considers fundamental things such as the structure of a flame or how a water spray affects the turbulence of cloud of smoke. It is the development of novel technological and engineering solutions within the often contradictory constraints of safety, economy and the law which pose the challenge in the course. This course emphasises fire in the context of buildings and infrastructure, and the technology for predicting fires and designing against them. The application of Fire Engineering is multi-disciplinary (every area of academic study plays a role in this understanding from law to chemistry) and it is envisaged that, 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. Fire Engineering is for students aiming for senior roles after graduation in safety design roles or on their way to becoming senior fire officers.  BEng (Hons) Fire Engineering is supported by an established research base and builds on the training and educational programmes offered by the Institution of Fire Engineers.

Year 1:  Your studies begin with an introduction to the fundamentals with the study of combustion and fire including chemistry, energy transfer and thermodynamics, design, law and mathematics and physics. A theme of engineering design introduces you to the multidisciplinary nature of fire engineering design where safety is applied towards real problems. You will be introduced to the fire laboratory where students carry out experimental work or perform standard fire tests. Fire professionals rely heavily on IT skills and you will develop these IT and CAD skills that will help you in design projects, laboratory work, assist you to analyse and present data.

Year 2:  Your studies begin with a deeper understanding of the topics involved in fire engineering as well as developing analytical and critical skills. Studies in fluid dynamics are essential to understanding how fires develop, behave and how they are modelled. Knowledge of combustion and fire, energy transfer and thermodynamics will be developed in areas such as fire and the built environment, fluid dynamics of fire. Fire protection is taught alongside a relevant design project and to give specific background for Year 3.  Options include the opportunities to specialise in building construction, accident analysis or sustainability issues.  Further mathematics and calculus are provided.

Year 3:  You will continue to develop and apply an in-depth knowledge and understanding of enclosure fire dynamics, fire protection and undertake a large design project where you can apply fire engineering solutions.  You will also undertake a research project (Fire Science Dissertation) on a project of interest allowing you to further develop the practical skills as well as the theoretical knowledge required for a career in fire engineering.

Course at a Glance

Year 1

Introduction to Combustion and Fire
Safety and Fire Law
Energy Transfer and Thermodynamics
Engineering Design Practice Buildings
Materials and Fire Engineering Analysis 1
Skills for Fire Studies

Year 2

Fluid Dynamics of Fire
Fire and the Built Environment
Accidents and Catastrophes Safety, Health and Environmental Management
Project Management
Computational Engineering
Engineering Analysis 2

Options:
Industrial Placement

Year 3

Enclosure Fire Dynamics
Fire Protection Engineering
Fire Investigation
Probabilistic Risk Analysis
Engineering Design Project Fire Science Dissertation

Links with Professional Bodies:

BEng (Hons) Fire Engineering is fully accredited by Energy Institute.

Assessment:

Assessment is by examination and/or coursework, eg group projects, modelling exercises or time controlled assignments, short answer questions, essays, practical reports or tests, problem solving exercises, critical reviews or presentations.

Learning Environment:

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.

Careers:

The range of employment opportunities for our graduates is very wide. Design and safety of buildings is becoming more complex due to health and safety needs, an ability to solve fire prevention and control problems is desirable. The course provides skills and knowledge relevant to the practice of private and public sector services or to continuing studies.

Fees and Finance

The standard fee for this course will be: £9,000 per year

For further information including the availability of bursaries/scholarships or student financial support please view our Fees and Finance pages.