Graduate Certificate in Fire Investigation

What is this course about?

The Graduate Certificate in Fire Investigation aims to develop and increase the knowledge of practitioners in the field and related professions through applying sound investigative practice together with an understanding of fire science, fire dynamics, fire causation and fire setting motives.

The Graduate Certificate in Fire Investigation is informed by the industry standard NFPA1033 Professional Qualifications for Fire Investigator, with specific reference to NFPA 921 Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigation.

The course aims to develop fire investigation specialist knowledge through the study of the legal framework pertaining to fire investigation, key technical skills in recognising and interpreting the patterns and phases of fire, and a working knowledge of a range of fire setting behaviours and their impact on the investigation. Students will be equipped for presenting evidence in a variety of settings and conducting themselves in an ethical and professional manner. Assessment tasks encourage students to apply theory to practice and to exercise current investigative best practice within their own investigations.

CSU is a multi-campus university and Australia’s foremost distance education provider. All study in Fire Investigation will be through distance education and there are no compulsory residential schools. The presentation of Study Guides, either online or through thumb drive, enables the inclusion of video, clickable readings and interactive activities. Our current technology includes interactive assessment tools which are utlised to conduct ‘real-time’ investigations.

Professional recognition

The course is a nationally accredited and registered award in tertiary education.

Academic expectations

For each 8 point subject at CSU, students should normally expect to spend between 140-160 hours engaged in the specified learning and assessment activities (such as attending lectures or residential schools, assigned readings, tutorial assistance, individual or group research/study, forum activity, workplace learning, assignments or examinations). The student workload for some subjects may vary from these norms as a result of approved course design.

Students will be assessed on the basis of completed assignments, examinations, workplace learning, or other methods as outlined in specific subject outlines.

Where applicable, students are responsible for travel and accommodation costs involved in workplace learning experiences, or attending residential schools (distance education students).

Expectations relating to academic, workplace learning, time and cost requirements for specific subjects are provided in the subject abstracts and in course materials.