Program Overview

Fire Scene Investigation MSc

Attendance

• Full-time
• Part-time

Campus

• Preston Campus

Start

• September 2025

Duration

• 1 year

Delivery

• In-person

Why study with us

• Accredited by the Energy Institute (EI).
• Benefit from our new £35m Engineering Innovation Centre, including purpose-built fire laboratories, supported by state-of-the-art computational fluid dynamics facilities, analytical and material characterisation facilities for fire chemistry and fire safety engineering.
• You’ll have unique access to Washington Hall, the UK’s international fire, training and development centre.

What you’ll do

• The theory and practical sessions will build your confidence and expertise in the field of fire scene investigation and reporting protocols.
• You’ll study the principles of fuels, sources of ignition and fire behaviour in buildings, fire modelling and dynamics and development hypothesis testing.
• You’ll also learn how to give evidence as an expert witness in court and study the anatomy of large scale accidents and catastrophes.

Modules

Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Fires in Buildings
  • This module introduces fundamental principles underlying fires in buildings, such as mechanisms controlling fire/smoke, and fire development in enclosures and buildings. You'll develop engineering skills in designing buildings for fire safety and fire analysis. The module aims to improve critical thinking, problem-solving, and research skills.
  • Module code: FV4001
• Computational Fluid Dynamics
  • You'll gain fundamental knowledge and skills in numerical studies and fluid flows, including multiphase and reacting flows and combustion. You'll develop a deep understanding of the numerical programming skills and computational techniques that will will enable you to solve complex engineering and scientific problems in fluid dynamics.
  • Module code: FV4003
• Accidents and Catastrophes
  • You'll develop an awareness and understanding of accidents and catastrophe phenomena. The module assesses their impact on society, and disaster, and emergency planning. You'll develop analytical and investigative skills applied to accidents and catastrophes.
  • Module code: FV4101
• Practical Fire Investigation
  • You will be able to undertake practical investigation of a fire scene by the end of this module. You'll learn about safety, scene preservation, evidence collection, and presentation in relation to practice.
  • Module code: FV4104
• Research Methods
  • This module will introduce you to the basic aspects of conducting research. This will be reinforced by practical exercises. It will also prepare you for the Dissertation module.
  • Module code: FV4601
• Fire Science Dissertation
  • You'll develop independent research and present a critical account of this work. You'll carry out an independent study of theoretical, computational, experimental or investigative analysis, or a combination. By the end of this module, you will have research, communication, and evaluation skills.
  • Module code: FV4901
• The Expert Witness in the Legal Process
  • The module introduces the basic skills of an expert scientific witness. You'll gain an in-depth knowledge of relevant law and procedure that applies to the expert witness. You'll develop practice to present court evidence, prepare reports, and appear as an expert witness.
  • Module code: FZ4002
• Forensic Analysis
  • You’ll learn the basic principles and applications of chemical analysis within forensic science including the collection, transport and storage of samples for evidence use.
  • Module code: FZ4501

Entry requirements

• Applicants should hold at least 2:2 degree in related subject such as Forensic Science or Chemistry or Fire Safety
• Higher National Certificate or Higher National Diploma in an appropriate discipline combined with appropriate professional experience
• A detailed admissions procedure will be forwarded on application

Fees and funding

2025/26

• UK: Full-time £9,450 per year, Part-time £1,050 per 20 credits
• International: Full-time £17,900 per year

Additional costs

• As part of your course there may be additional costs to consider that are not included in your tuition fees. Most of these will be optional, but some courses have essential additional costs.

Scholarships and bursaries

• We offer many scholarships, bursaries and funds to support you during your studies.

Learning and assessment

• You’ll be taught theory in our state-of-the-art facilities with practical sessions taking place at Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service Training Centre using live burn resources and full scale room investigations.
• Assessment of the learning outcomes is through coursework and unseen examinations.

Industry links

• We are linked to Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and their Training Centre

Future careers

• As a graduate of the Fire Scene Investigation course you’ll be well placed to work in fire investigation teams, forensic science laboratories, and fraud departments in major government or private organisations. Or, you could go on to further research in academia.

Study in our Engineering Innovation Centre (EIC)

• During your studies with us you’ll benefit from our new £35 million EIC building which provides an integrated teaching space in state-of-the-art facilities.

Accreditations

• Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE)
  • This course is recognised by the IFE as a Recognised Educational Programme (with academic exemption) for Member Grade (MIFireE). The IFE awards internationally recognised qualifications and membership, and plays an active role in ensuring that the course is developed to meet professional needs.
• Energy Institute (EI)
  • This course is accredited by the EI on behalf of the Engineering Council, which plays an active role in ensuring that the course is developed to meet the needs of industry. The EI is a chartered professional membership body bringing together expertise to tackle urgent global challenges, responding to the climate emergency while meeting the energy needs of the world’s growing population.