Fire & Leadership Studies, BSc (Hons)

Program Overview

The curriculum blends academic knowledge in fire science, fire safety, and leadership with hands-on practical training to develop competent and effective professionals in the field. The program is highly regarded within the industry and prepares students for a diverse range of careers, including Firefighter, Fire Safety Officer, Fire Investigator, and Fire Service Manager.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The BSc (Hons) Fire & Leadership Studies is a three-year, full-time program offered at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan). It is a unique program developed in collaboration with the fire and rescue services, designed to recruit and train bright talent for the fire service. The program combines academic study with practical, hands-on training in fire service operations. It covers a wide range of subjects, including leadership, fire risk management, fire and rescue operations, fire science, fire safety, fire investigation, human resource management, business and management practice. The program aims to equip students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for a successful career in the fire and rescue services.

Outline:

The program is structured over three years, with a combination of compulsory and optional modules.

Year 1:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Introduction to Combustion and Fire:
This module introduces the fundamentals of combustion and fire, covering topics like combustion, fire and explosion phenomena.
• Safety and Fire Law: This module provides an understanding of the legal system in the UK, focusing on employment relationships, leadership, management, and team working skills.
• Skills for Science and Engineering: This module develops mathematical, analytical, IT, communication, and research skills.
• Leadership and Motivation: This module enhances knowledge of leadership, motivation, and team management theory, focusing on practical application within organizational contexts.
• Optional Modules:
• Operational Firefighting:
This module provides practical knowledge and training to become a professional firefighter, equipping students with core skills for safe operation.
• Introduction to Fire Risk Management: This module equips students with fire safety skills and knowledge to protect people, property, and workplaces from fire hazards.

Year 2:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Accidents and Catastrophes: This module explores accident and catastrophe phenomena and their impact on society, examining technological accidents and catastrophes in the built world, as well as case studies of fires and their impact on buildings.
• Safety, Health and Environment: This module covers key areas of health and safety in the workplace, enabling students to identify and control hazards.
• Project Management: This module focuses on the role and responsibilities of project managers, including leadership, organization, analytical, monitoring, and controlling techniques.
• Community Fire Safety Strategies: This module builds on the knowledge gained in Year 1, developing skills to work effectively with partner agencies, make strategic decisions, and investigate the root causes of incidents.
• Optional Modules:
• Leading, Managing and Developing People:
This module provides a rigorous consideration of key factors influencing the employee life cycle, examining strategic human resource management, data analytics, ethical leadership, and effective people management competencies.
• Fire Risk Assessment in Complex Residential Buildings: This module equips students with the skills to identify fire risks in complex residential properties and address potential issues.
• Fire Risk Assessment in Complex Non-residential Buildings: This module develops skills and knowledge for carrying out fire safety risk assessments in non-residential commercial buildings, focusing on complex premises and environments.

Year 3:

• Strategic Risk Decision Making: This module covers emergency planning, disaster management, and response to natural and man-made disasters, examining case studies and exploring the role of media and pre-planning in disaster management.
• Hazards and Risk Management: This module focuses on understanding, applying, and critically evaluating hazard and risk management techniques, enabling students to produce professional-quality reports on risk management policy.
• Fire Studies Dissertation: This module develops independent research and evaluation skills, requiring students to conduct in-depth study involving theoretical, computational, experimental, or investigative analysis, case studies, or a combination of these approaches.

Assessment:

The program uses a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Theory and practical examinations: These assess students' understanding of theoretical concepts and their ability to apply them in practical situations.
• Coursework: This includes essays, reports, practical exercises, presentations, and a dissertation.

Teaching:

The program utilizes a combination of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures: These provide a structured overview of key concepts and theories.
• Tutorials: These offer smaller group sessions for in-depth discussion and clarification of concepts.
• Seminars: These provide opportunities for students to engage in critical analysis and debate on specific topics.
• Practical sessions: These provide hands-on experience in fire service operations, using state-of-the-art facilities.

Careers:

The BSc (Hons) Fire & Leadership Studies program prepares students for a variety of careers in the fire and rescue services, including:

• Firefighter: This is the most common career path for graduates of this program.
• Fire Safety Officer: This role involves developing and implementing fire safety policies and procedures.
• Fire Investigator: This role involves investigating the causes of fires and providing expert testimony in legal proceedings.
• Fire Risk Assessor: This role involves assessing the fire risks of buildings and other structures.
• The program is ranked 10th in the UK for Bachelor of Science with Honours in Fire and Leadership Studies, with 84% of students satisfied with the teaching quality (Times Good University Guide 2021).
• The program includes an operational module delivered in cooperation with Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, providing students with expertise from experienced professionals.
• Students have access to the latest high-quality equipment and facilities available in the new £35 million Engineering Innovation Centre.
• The program offers international opportunities, including travel and work placements with Operation Florian, a charitable organization.
• Students can take a one-year industrial placement during their studies to enhance their employability.
• The program is accredited by the Energy Institute (EI) on behalf of the Engineering Council and recognized by the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) as a Recognised Educational Programme (with academic exemption) for Member Grade (MIFireE).

UK

Full-time £9,250 per year Sandwich year £1,500 for the sandwich year Part-time £1,540 per 20 credits

International

Full-time £16,500 per year