Introduction to Fire Prevention

Master level continuing course

Would you like to learn more about fire prevention? This course introduces fire prevention strategies and practices the use of fire dynamics theory when reasoning for a fire-safe design. You will gain insights on recent research developments and practice communication of core fire prevention principles.

Online

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    Admission and how to apply

    Admission

    Application 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. 

     

    Application code, local

    6785

    Admission to HVL

    Why Study Fire Prevention?

    Studying fire prevention equips you with the skills and knowledge to take part in essential tasks aimed at reducing fire risks and ensuring the safety of lives and property. It opens up diverse career opportunities across various industries, allowing you to play a vital role in strengthening community safety and resilience. 

    What Will You Learn in This Course?

    You will use existing knowledge in fire dynamics and learn to apply it to derive at sound fire protection solutions. The course covers the societal impacts of fires, historical events shaping regulations, case-studies, fire safety strategies, modelling techniques and practice, research developments, and effective communication of findings. 

     

    Target Audience

    This course requires knowledge of fire dynamics and makes use of this when introducing areas of application as part of defined strategies and a holistic fire safety approach. It is suitable for people aiming to work with fire safety and fire safe solutions in the building and construction industry, but also other industries.
     
    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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM:

    • Monday, 18 August 2025
    • Monday, 22 September 2025
    • Monday, 20 October 2025
    • Monday, 17 November 2025

    Curriculum

    • “An Introduction to Fire Dynamics” by Dougal Drysdale
    • “Enclosure Fire Dynamics” by Karlsen and Quintiere
    • SFPE handbook ch. 82

    Articles and reports may vary from year to year.

    Assessment Format

    The assessment consists of two parts:

    1. A case study report, 75 % of the final mark.
    2. Digital presentation with oral examination, 25 % of the final mark.

    To receive a course grade, the students must pass both assignments. If the case study report is not approved, the students cannot do the digital presentation.

    The students have the right to submit an improved version of the case study report. The improved version must be submitted by the end of the following semester at the latest. It is only possible to deliver an improved version once.

    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.
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