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.

Admission requirements

Admission is open to applicants who can demonstrate a genuine connection with fire services or an occupational requirement to study this area.

Applicants must also have one of the following:

• an undergraduate degree
• a minimum of five years experience in the field of fire services or a related area, as determined by the Course Coordinator.

English language proficiency

The University has minimum requirements for English language proficiency prior to entry to our courses. Some courses also have a requirement for a higher entry or exit level of English proficiency. More information on English language requirements.

Internet access

CSU places great emphasis on services to its students. It is a leader in the provision of online services and, in particular, the use of the internet in the support of teaching, administration and communications with students.

The online environment is so integrated into all aspects of student life and the learning experience at CSU that the University now assumes that all on campus and distance education students at CSU will have ongoing access to an internet connected computer capable of communicating with CSU online systems.

Students enrolled in Information Technology subjects (i.e. with an ITC subject code) may be required to have additional hardware and/or software that is deemed essential for the completion of the learning activities in that subject.

fee-paying
csp
international-distance

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This course is available to commence study in

Session 1; Session 2