The University of Wolverhampton has teamed up with West Midlands Fire Service to launch a new BSc (Hons) fire and rescue degree course from September 2010.
The course aims to prepare students for a challenging career in the fire service through academic study and work placements, and will include modules on crisis management, leadership, fire law, fire investigations, and the chemistry of combustion.
During the course students will also become community volunteers working alongside the fire service.
Course leader Dr Martin Wright said: “The new BSc (Hons) fire and rescue course will further strengthen the University of Wolverhampton’s relationship with the emergency services, building on the success of the BSc (Hons) policing degree.
“This new degree is an innovative but highly challenging academic programme, coupled with practical inputs and excellent opportunities to work alongside West Midlands Fire Service staff.”
Vij Randeniya, the Service’s chief fire officer, said: “In a modern professional fire service, it is vital that fire-fighters get the best possible training and qualifications available to them, in order to meet the demands of fire-fighting in the 21st century.
“People considering a career as a fire-fighter have the opportunity to gain a formal degree qualification in fire and rescue. The course represents another significant step in the development of professional fire-fighting in the United Kingdom, and I am delighted to support its launch.”
Students will be offered opportunities to undertake the basic fire-fighters programme with West Midlands Fire Service, subject to completing a successful application, and medical and fitness assessments.
The course can be studied full-time over three years, or part-time over four to six years. The degree is offered by the University’s School of Law, Social Sciences and Communications, in partnership with the School of Health and Wellbeing, School of Engineering and the Built Environment, the University of Wolverhampton Business School and the School of Applied Sciences.
