MSc qualification (Research MSc)

The two short courses, principles and practice of fire modelling and principles and practice of evacuation modelling can contribute to achieving an msc qualification (research msc). In order to contribute to the msc, the assessment associated with each of the short courses must also be undertaken and successfully completed. 

MSc Option 1: MSc by Research

• 180 Credits required for qualification.
• Principles and Practice of Fire Modelling SC plus assessment = 30 credits.
• Principles and Practice of Evacuation Modelling SC plus assessment = 30 credits.
• Research Project = 120 credits for MSc by Research.

APL/APEL also available.

• Any remaining short fall in credits can be made up of standard MSc units offered by the University of Greenwich or other institutions.
• Course attendance options include Full-Time and Part-Time block release modes.
• Course duration full-time NORMALLY 1 YEAR and part-time NORMALLY 2 years.

Full-time mode:

• Normally for students progressing from a just completed BSc or BEng,
• Entry into course is usually in January of each year.

Part-time mode:

• Normally for professional engineers working in fire engineering or related discipline.
• Candidates usually complete the two short courses PPEM and PPFM and associated assessment in one year and then enrol in the MSc by Research in the following year as a project only student.

MSc Pre-requisites

• A first degree is NORMALLY required. Prospective students without a first degree must demonstrate considerable relevant experience in fire safety engineering or equivalent qualification. Please contact Prof Ed Galea for details.

MSc Assessment
This consists of two components:

• The main research project is assessed through the student produced thesis. In addition to the thesis, each candidate must undergo a viva.
• Each of the two courses PPEM and PPFM are assessed through a combination of project and course work. The project work is undertaken and completed while on the course, with the project report submitted several weeks after completing the course. In addition, each of the two courses have course works which must be completed by the student in their own time and submitted several weeks after completing the course.

MSc APL/APEL

• APL stands for Accreditation of Prior Learning and APEL stands for Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning.
• Example APL: Behaviour of people in fires. Course offered by the Fire Service College. This will only be accredited when it can be demonstrated that some form of formal assessment accompanied the course. Simple attendance of a course will not normally qualify for APL.
• Example APEL: 5 years experience as a Building Control Surveyor.
• Documentary proof of experience/courses is required. Candidates for the MSc who wish to claim APL/APEL are advised to contact Prof Ed Galea and lodge their claim several weeks prior to starting the course.

Nature of research project for MSc by Research

• In most cases projects are expected to be work related.
• Nature of the project must be agreed between student and Prof Galea/Dr Patel prior to starting the course.
• Complete research proposal must be completed and approved prior to enrolling within the MSc by Research.
• Project must be completed and submitted by due dates, re-registration may be required for students failing to submit project by due dates.
• Project supervisor will be appointed for each student.
• Project work is expected to be performed solely by the student, where other people are involved, this must be clearly stated in the project report.
• The project should ideally make use of the skills taught on the courses.
• The following should be considered as a guide to suitable project areas:
• A critical appraisal of how modelling could be used in a performance based code framework, setting out a method of good practice.
• Use of modelling techniques to investigate a theoretical problem.
• Develop and implement a new sub-component for a model.
• Use a combination of modelling and conventional techniques to solve a practical engineering problem.
• Perform a detailed critical appraisal of a model or modelling approach.
• Enhance a model through data acquisition.
• The project may involve additional costs which must be meet by the student or supporting organisation.
• It is possible to extend suitable projects into a higher qualification i.e. MPHIL/PhD.