We are looking at three persons from the side sitting on their knees with a big burning element in the background.

Introduction to Fire Safety

Master level continuing course

Would you like to learn more about fire safety? This course introduces basic fire dynamics and provide insights into fire hazards, preventive measures and protection systems.

Online

Application form

Admission requirements

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. 

Application code, local

6786

Admission to HVL

Why Study Fire Safety?

Studying fire safety equips you with the skills to be involved in various tasks where fire prevention and managegment are essential processes to safeguard lives and properties. It offers valuable career opportunities across various industries and allows you to play a crucial role in enhancing community safety and resilience. This course is a first step in this direction.

What Will You Learn in This Course?

The course is divided into two parts.
 
Basic fire dynamics: 
This part of the course will provide students with a brief understanding of the chemistry, physics, and fluid mechanics of fires. It will also introduce students to fire causes, harmful effects of fires, and possible consequence-reducing measures.
 
Active and passive fire protection:
This part will introduce active fire protection such as fire suppression systems and fire alarm systems, and passive protection, such as fire safety in construction. It will focus on the advantages and disadvantages of different protection measures in relation to health and the environment.
 
 

Target Audience

This course is at an introductory level and is suitable for beginners in the fire safety service, building and construction industry, facility managers, and students studying relevant fields.  

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:

  • 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.

Assessment Format

Two individual written assignments:

Assignment in Fire Dynamics accounts for 50 % of the final mark.
Assignment in Active and Passive Fire Protection accounts for 50 % of
the final mark.

Students must pass both assignments to receive a course grade. Students
aiming to improve their course grade have the option to improve their grades on one or both assignments.

Students have the right to submit an improved version of a failed assignment. 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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