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Fire Risk Assessment

Master level continuing course

Are you prepared to elevate your understanding of fire safety? In this course you will gain knowledge in assessing fire risks, identifying root causes, and implementing effective preventive measures. Explore national and international standards, conduct cost-benefit analyses, and evaluate risk acceptance criteria.

Online

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    Admission and how to apply

    Application code, local

    6787

    Admission

    Admission requirements:

    • A bachelor’s degree in engineering (180 ECTS). This programme requires a completed and passed bachelor’s degree in engineering in line with the National Curriculum Regulations for Engineering Education in Norway. Furthermore, the following requirements are set:

    - at least 25 ECTS in Mathematics
    - at least 5 ECTS in Statistics
    - at least 7.5 ECTS in Physic

    • The grade point average of students’ bachelor’s degree must be C or higher.

    • Applicants from outside the Nordic countries must provide evidence of their academic achievements and proficiency in English. See our page for how to document proficiency in English.

    How to apply:

    • Log in to the application portal SøknadsWeb.
    • Select ''Engineering, maritime and climate''.
    • Select ''Further education atumn 2025''.
    • Choose which programme you want to apply to (see the application code above).
    • Upload documentation that you fullfill the application requirements. 

    Admission to HVL

    Why Study Fire Risk Assessment

    Understanding the impact of fires on people, property, and the environment is essential in fire risk assessement. Mitigating fire risks through basic knowledge of contributing factors and preventative measures is critical. Compliance with national and international regulations and standards ensures effective risk management.

    What Will You Learn in This Course?

    You will develop skills to estimate fire frequency, conduct hazard analyses, and implement risk-reducing measures. Yoy will also learn to analyze complex fire risk scenarios and select appropriate risk assessment models, and practice the ability to present risk analysis findings clearly and professionally.

    See the full course description for more details.

    Target Audience

    This course is suited for those working with fire safety or safety engineering, as well as those in industries like construction, manufacturing, and chemical processing where fire risk is a concern.

    As the course is fully digital and structured with session-based digital teaching it is suitable as studies alongside work. If you plan to pursue a master's degree in fire safety in the future, you may apply for approval for this course.

    Practical Information

    Teaching Format

    This course is an online program that combines live teaching and pre-recorded videos as part of the instructional method.

    Through the learning platform Canvas, you will have access to pre-recorded videos and a link to the digital conferencing tool, Zoom, where the live sessions take place.

    The live sessions include online lectures, group discussions, problem solving, presentation of own findings and individual supervision/feedback. 

    Canvas will provide you with more information about the program, including assignments, lecture notes, and schedules.

    To participate in this course, you will need access to a computer with an internet connection, a video camera (webcam), a microphone, and standard software for writing and communication. 

    Session Dates

    The fall semester of 2025 will have digital classes on the following dates from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM:

    • Tuesday, 19 August 2025
    • Tuesday, 23 September 2025
    • Tuesday, 21 October 2025
    • Tuesday, 18 November 2025

    Curriculum

    Parts of: SFPE Handbook of Fire Protection Engineering, 5th Edition, M. Hurley (ed), New York: Springer, 2015.

    Guidelines for Chemical Process Quantitative Risk Analysis 2nd Edition, Center for Chemical Process Safety of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, 2000.

    Standards and guidelines of relevance for fire risk assessment.

    Research articles announced later.

    Assessment Format

    Part 1: oral examination, accounts for 50 % of the final mark.

    Part 2: portfolio, accounts for 50 % of the final mark. The portfolio will include tasks that will be developed during the duration of the courses

    The students must pass both parts to receive a course grade. Students aiming to improve their course grade have the option to improve the grade on one or more parts. Graded scale from A to E for pass, and F for fail. 

    Why Pursue Continuing Education?

    A rapidly changing job market is a key reason why many seek to enhance their professional expertise. Here are some additional benefits of continuing and further education:

    • Updated and relevant professional knowledge.
    • Practical skills in your current field or a completely new area.
    • Personal growth and development.
    • Opportunities to build a professional network.
    • A bargaining tool in future salary negotiations.
    • Potential for promotion to a higher job category.
    • Chances for increased responsibility or new tasks at work.
    Explore More Study Opportunities