Formally established in 1992, the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) has developed into one of the UKs largest Universities with a student and staff community numbering 38,000. In all national newspaper league tables, UCLan has been the leading modern University in the North West of England for five out of the last six years. The University has academic partners in all regions of the globe and it is on a world stage that the first class quality of its education is now being recognised. The University offers a portfolio of over 500 high calibre degree courses and approximately 180 taught postgraduate programmes for students with the attitude to achieve. In the recent Research Assessment Exercise, all 17 subject areas submitted were rated as containing research of international excellence while 11 areas were assessed to be undertaking research which is world-leading.The 2011 Higher Education Business and Community Interaction Survey acknowledged UCLan as one of the country’s most entrepreneurial and business friendly universities. The University came top in the North West and fifth in the UK for generating student start-up businesses with 300 registered student startups. In the prestigious Times Higher Education (THE) awards of 2011, UCLan was shortlisted in two categories: “Research Project of the Year” and “Entrepreneurial University of the Year”. Recent achievements:• Ranked10inGeneralEngineering(TheGuardianUniversityGuide2013)• Ranked24inGeneralEngineering(TheCompleteUniversityGuide2013)For more details of UCLan and the School, visit the website at: www.uclan.ac.uk/forensic

University of Central Lancashire, United Kingdom (UCLan, UK)

Programme AimsThe main aims of the programme are to:

• Provide an in-depth study of fire scene investigation;• Develop the critical and analytical skills involving the

principles, practices and techniques of fire scene investigation;

• Develop competence in research methods and presentation of information; and

• Develop skills in solving problems both independently and as a team member to a level commensurate to the master’s level.

Programme Structure and DeliveryThe MSc programme includes 6 modules and one triple-weight dissertation. This programme will be delivered by academic staff from UCLan, local academics and fire investigation practitioners in the field.

Programme Objectives and Learning OutcomesUpon successful completing of the programme, it is expected that graduates will:

• Understand the role of the expert witness;• Understand fluid mechanics, heat transfer and

combustion science applied to buildings fires and fire analysis;

• Understand the development of enclosed fires combustion products in buildings;

• Understand the principles of fire modelling by computational fluid dynamics;

• Understand the mechanisms of fire suppression and its impact on the environment and an investigation; and

• Understand the disaster and emergency planning at local and global levels;

• Understand the characteristics of technological accidents and catastrophes, and methods of their investigation;

* The module combination and teaching sequence are subject to revision by UCLan.

Module TitleFires in BuildingsComputational Fluid DynamicsAccidents and CatastrophesPractical Fire InvestigationThe Expert Witness in the Legal ProcessResearch MethodsFire Science Dissertation

Credits20202020202060

CreditsFV4001FV4003FV4101FV4104FZ4002FV4601FV4901

• Understand the fire investigation procedures and constraints;

• Implement fire scene investigation solutions to problems;• Effectively communicate fire investigation solutions

with both experts and non-experts;• Research information from literature/manuals/

internet;• Evaluate different potential solutions to a problem; and• Analyse a problem involving the specific aspects of

fire scene investigation and be able to design and implement a suitable solution; and

• Design, plan and implement solutions to problems in fire scene investigation either independently and/or as a team member and be capable of analysing the effectiveness of such solutions.

Module Descriptors

FV4003 Computational Fluid DynamicsThe module aims to polish and enhance student’s knowledge of Computational Fluid Dynamics theory and to develop their ability to use CFD software (e.g. FDS) for modelling fires in a realistic built environment. This is a key employment skill and necessary for modern engineering design solutions.

FV4104 Practical Fire InvestigationThe module will develop student’s ability to effectively undertake practical investigation of a fire scene while ensuring the requirements with respect to safety, scene preservation, evidence collection and presentation are fully achieved.

FV4601 Research MethodsThis unit is concerned with research methodology relevant to scientists in both academic and commercial environments. This module will introduce basic aspects of conducting research, reinforced by practical exercises. The aim of the module is to provide the student with transferable career skills that will allow the student to communicate scientific ideas via a variety of media and to manage and plan projects. It will also give insight into some of the legal and ethical issues surrounding scientific work. The module also prepares the students for the MSc Fire Science Dissertation module.

FV4001 Fires in BuildingsThis module aims to enable the students to understand the fundamental principles underlying fires in buildings, dominant mechanisms controlling spread of fires and fire development in enclosures and buildings, smoke movement and smoke control, fire resistance and fire severity, to characterize the stages of fire development, human behaviour in fires and evacuation, the mechanism of fire suppression agents. This module will help the students to develop engineering skills in designing buildings for fire safety and fire analysis. Through the learning and teaching strategy, the module will also enhance students’ employability skills such as critical thinking, independent research, problem solving and working with others.

FV4101 Accidents and CatastrophesThis module aims to develop an awareness and understanding of accident and catastrophe phenomena and their impact on society. This module will help the students to develop analytical and investigative skills applied to accident and catastrophes, and their prevention. Through the learning and teaching strategy, the module will also enhance students’ employability skills such as critical thinking, independent research, and problem solving and working with others.

FZ4002 The Expert Witness in the Legal ProcessThis module introduces the student to the basics skills of an expert scientific witness. It is designed to provide: An in-depth knowledge of the relevant law and procedure which applies to the expert witness in domestic and

international legal proceedings; court procedure and the duty of the expert witness in legal proceedings; The practical skills required to present evidence in both written format and orally in court; and practical experience

in the preparation of complex expert reports and appearing in court as an expert witness.

FV4901 Fire Science DissertationThis module aims to provide the students with the opportunity to develop independent research and the ability to present a coherent, critical account of the work and how it relates to that of others. On an individual basis the student will be required to carry out an in-depth study involving theoretical, computational, experimental or investigative analysis, or a combination of these. Through the learning and teaching strategy, the module will also enhance students’ employability skills such as written communication skills, independent planning, execution and dissemination of research outcomes.

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Enquiries

School of Continuing and Professional EducationLocation : LG/F, Academic Exchange Building,

City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon

Tel : 3442 5685 / 3442 7423

Fax : 3442 0399

Email : team5@scope.edu

Website : www.cityu.edu.hk/ce/mscfsi

FeesApplication Fee: HK$140 (to be paid at the time of application)

Programme Fee: HK$90,000*, payable in 5 instalments

Graduation Fee: HK$400 (to be paid at the time of admission)

* with valid IFE membership will have 5% discount on programme fee.

Additional fees will be charged in case of retaking a module and/ or reassessment. All fees paid are non-refundable.

Programme CommencementLate September 2013

Programme Duration2 years, part-time

Deadline for Application23 August 2013, Friday

All applications will be processed on a rolling and competitive basis until all available places have been filled and, thus, early enrollment from interested parties are highly encouraged. The whole process and selection outcome will be endorsed by the Programme Team and University of Central Lancashire. All decisions will be final.

Education LoanSuccessful applicants are eligible to apply for the Non-means Tested Loan Scheme (NLS) administered by the Student Financial Assistance Agency (SFAA) of the HKSAR Government. The maximum financial assistance under the NLS is equivalent to the total tuition fees payable of the programme.For details or enquiries please contact 2150 6222 or visit the Government website www.sfaa.gov.hk

Online EnquiriesAn acknowledgement of your application will be sent to you via email. Confirmation of application can also be made at our website: www.cityu.edu.hk/ce/enrol/que 7 working days after submission of your application form.

Admission Requirements Applicant must hold one of the following qualifications:

An honours Bachelor’s degree of the level 2nd honours lower or above or its equivalent in an appropriate discipline, including Fire Science, Fire Engineering, Fire Scene Investigation, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Bachelor degrees in Explosion-related and Hazardous materials disciplines

A Bachelor’s degree or HNC or HND or its equivalent in an appropriate discipline, together with appropriate professional experience.

A qualification or experience deemed to be equivalent to any of the above. This may be established through interview. It is expected that applicants have a minimum of 5 years appropriate experience including 3 years significant experience in fire scene investigation or forensic fire investigation.

Applicants whose undergraduate qualifications were not taught and assessed in English will be required to have a minimum level of proficiency in English Language equivalent to IELTS band 6.5 in all sections.

* Interview/Written Test may be arranged for applicants.

Programme AdministrationThe programme administered by CityU SCOPE and is closely monitored and reviewed by UCLan.

Programme Leader (UK) : Dr. Andrei Chamchine, Academic Lead -Fire Safety Engineering, Principal Lecturer, School of Forensic Investigative Sciences, UCLan (CEng, MEI, MIFireE).

Programme Leader (HK) : Ir Fred Lau, SCOPE, CityU (CEng, MHKIE, MSFPE).

Associate Programme Leader (HK) : Ir Dr. Jimmy Wu, SCOPE, CityU (CChem, CEng, MRSC, MIFireE, MEI, RPE, MHKIE).

AssessmentTo obtain a Master of Science Degree in Fire Scene Investigation, a student must have successfully completed all 6 modules and triple-weighting dissertation.

ClassesEach taught module normally comprises 36 hours of face-to-face teaching delivered by a combination of UK instructors and/or local instructors plus on-line learning. Each meeting will normally last for 3 hours. Modules delivered by UK instructors will be conducted intensively over 2 weeks while those delivered by local instructors will be evenly spread over in the regular part-time evening mode.

In addition to the formal contact time, students will be expected to contribute a significant amount of individual study time to background reading, research and completing of other modes of learning support activities.

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