Master of Engineering (Hons) in Fire Engineering
Location
Preston
Description
Fire Engineering is about how fires work, the effects they have on people/society, the 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 a 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 Fire Engineering 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. MEng(Hons) Fire Engineering is for students aiming for senior roles after graduation in safety design roles or on their way to becoming senior fire officers.
MEng(Hons) Fire Engineering is a consolidated programme specialising in the practicable engineering aspects as well as a fascinating field of study. The Centre for Research in Fire and Hazard Science supports and provides staffing to deliver this programme. The course builds on the training and educational programmes offered by the Institution of Fire Engineers.
Year 1 (Year 2 if you started in the Foundation Entry)
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 skills that will help you in design projects, laboratory work, assist you to analyse and present data.
Year 2 (Year 3 if you started in the Foundation Entry)
Your studies continue 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. Case studies of accidents are examined in great analytical detail this year and some essential project management is introduced. Further mathematics and calculus are provided.
Year 3 (Year 4 if you started in the Foundation Entry)
You will continue to develop and apply an in-depth knowledge and understanding of enclosure fire dynamics, fire protection and undertake a team 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. The accidents and catastrophes theme is specialised and developed in fire investigation using lab, computer and calculation approaches.
Year 4 (Year 5 if you started in the Foundation Entry)
This culminating year builds to a significant research project, a larger design project and some specialist input on computational fluid dynamics including practice. Themes of fire science, health and safety, and environment are developed. There is a postgraduate research methods module to bridge the undergraduate to postgraduate transition.
Language
English