Graduate Certificate in Performance-Based Building & Fire Codes

Victoria University

About

Gain an in-depth understanding of key concepts and alternative frameworks for performance-based building in fire codes.

Further your knowledge through the assessment of performance-based building design and application of fire codes that this course provides.

Develop your professional skills and approach to performance-based codes including an appreciation of legal, statutory and design integrity requirements, as well as the need for design compliance.

Structure

To attain the Graduate Certificate in Performance-Based Building and Fire Codes, students will be required to complete 48 credit points, consisting of:

  • 48 credit points (equivalent to 4 units) of Core studies.

Course structure and units

Year 1, Semester 1

  • Risk Assessment and Human Behaviour Unit code VQB5611 Credits12
  • Scientific Principles for Fire Professionals Unit code VQB5612 Credits12

Year 1, Semester 2

  • Fire Safety Systems Design Unit code VQB5641 Credits12
  • Performance Codes Methodology and Structure Unit code VQB5642 Credits12

Entry requirements

Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee you entry into this course. Some courses receive more applications than the number of places available. In this situation we will also assess your education, work and other relevant experience.

If you do not meet the minimum requirements you may be eligible for one of our special admission programs. We also encourage you to explore our study pathways to help you reach your goal.

Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.

Entry requirements

Completion of an Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent) in a similar disciplineORCompletion of an Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent) in any disciplinePLUS A minimum five (5) years approved work experience.

Pathways from VU courses

There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.

Find out more about pathways and credits.

Credit for skills and past study

If you have completed study with another university or institution and believe you are eligible to receive credit for skills and past study, you can apply for advanced standing.

Applications for advanced standing can be made after a discussion with your course coordinator or academic adviser.

Additional information

A letter of recommendation and an interview may be required.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

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  1. Make professional use of performance-based building codes;  
  2. Employ the concepts and alternative acceptable frameworks for performance-based codes, with particular, but not exclusive, emphasis given to fire safety engineering design;  
  3. Acquire appropriate knowledge and skills necessary for the assessment and application of performance-based building and fire codes;  
  4. Explain the basic physics and chemistry governing ignition, fire growth and spread, smoke movement and fire extinguishment and structural behaviour during fire;  
  5. Apply relevant concepts concerning occupant communication and response in relation to fire cues;  
  6. Discuss basic fire safety engineering analysis through the use of assessment tools;  
  7. Develop a professional approach to performance-based codes and a recognition of when to assess designs which are within a person's field of expertise and when to refer designs to a more appropriately qualified assessor;  
  8. Develop an appreciation of the legal, statutory and design integrity requirements and the need for compliance of the design assumptions throughout the operational life of the building.  

Institution