Courses
Fire Safety Engineering
Master of Engineering
Course Details
Course Code | LY_CFIRE_M |
---|---|
Level | 9 |
Duration | 3 years |
Credits | 90 |
Method of Delivery | On-campus |
Campus Locations | Donegal – Letterkenny |
Mode of Delivery | Full Time, Part Time |

Course Overview
This programme equips learners with the advanced scientific and practical expertise needed to navigate the complex world of fire safety engineering. Learners will develop the ability to critically evaluate fire phenomena, design and assess innovative safety solutions, and lead with ethical and environmental responsibility. Through a multidisciplinary lens, learners will sharpen their analytical, research, and communication skills, empowering them to collaborate effectively across engineering and construction sectors. The programme also fosters creative problem-solving, informed decision-making, and financial insight, all within the context of real-world fire safety challenges.
Learners will be engaged through a mix of lectures and tutorial class exercises, with problem-based learning activities, led by academics with fire safety industry experience. Professional and enterprise collaboration will be facilitated through guest lecturers and site visits where appropriate.
By the end of the programme, participants will be prepared to contribute meaningfully to the field, drawing on a robust foundation of scientific knowledge, practical experience, and critical thinking.
Course Details
Year 1
Semester | Module Details | Credits | Mandatory / Elective |
---|---|---|---|
1 |
Fundamentals of Fire DynamicsThis module will equip the learner with the essential theoretical scientific concepts of heat transfer and fire dynamics. The objective will be to master the learner 's understanding of fire, its development, spread and impact. The learner will be provided with detailed tools to assist in the practical applications of fire safety to building construction along with the essential theoretical scientific concepts of fire science via the application of relevant practical experiments. Learning Outcomes 1. Undertake quantitative analyses of compartment and building fires. |
10 | Mandatory |
1 |
Legal Framework & Professional EthicsThis module outlines the legal framework as well as regulations and standards that govern fire safety engineering in Ireland and internationally. This will allow learners to assess compliance with relevant legislation, building code requirements and standards in various engineering projects. It also examines the professional and ethical responsibilities of fire safety engineers, including compliance and decision-making. Through case studies and practical examples, learners will develop the skills to navigate complex legal and ethical issues in fire safety engineering. Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding and application of the key legal principles, regulations, and standards governing fire safety engineering. |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
Prescriptive Fire Safety DesignThe aim of the module is to provide students with a thorough knowledge of prescriptive fire safety guidance applicable in the Republic of Ireland vis-à-vis achievement of compliance with the Part B functional requirements of the Second Schedule to the Building Regulations as amended, and to apply this practical knowledge, skills and competencies gained to a design project, where students develop a fire safety strategy for a medium to large sized complex building from architectural planning drawings. Learning Outcomes 1. Interpret and evaluate the functional requirements of Part B1 B5 of the Second Schedule of the Building Regulations related to prescriptive fire safety design. |
10 | Mandatory |
1 |
Fire Safety Systems DesignThe module aims to develop the students knowledge, understanding and application of the key parameters associated with the appraisal, selection and design of selected active fire safety systems employed in the development of fire strategies for modern medium to large scale building projects Learning Outcomes 1. Quantitatively assess the need for active fire safety systems in buildings based on the requirements of the Building Regulations and associated codes of practice for a particular building project. |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Fire & Evacuation ModellingThis module delivers the fundamentals of Human behaviour , fire , evacuation and risk modelling, It reviews and analyses the assumptions and principles that underpin Human behaviour in fire with particular emphasis on socio-psychological factors that affect decision making in fire emergencies, recognition and response to fire cues. The module analyses the current capability to integrate human behaviour , risk and modelling into effective fire engineering design . Learning Outcomes 1. Examine and assess the factors which influence human behaviour in fire . |
10 | Mandatory |
2 |
Construction Financial ManagementThis Construction Financial Management module is designed to enable learners to develop /enhance their understanding and to make co nstructive contributions to the effective financial management of a business enterprise within the construction industry. In doing so, they will enhance/ develop a sound working knowledge of the various concepts, principles and techniques from the disciplines of financial management they apply to the construction industry. Learning Outcomes 1. Evaluate the context in which investment and financing decisions are typically made within construction related industries and examine economic factors, such as taxation, availability of finance , risk reward and interest rates etc which influence these decisions. |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Performance Based Fire Safety DesignThis module aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills to apply elemental performance-based fire safety engineering techniqu es to the analysis of buildings and structural design based on the application of scientific and engineering principles . Learning Outcomes 1. Integrate information and data from a variety of sources and interpret and evaluate data related to performance-based fire safety and structural fire engineering design. |
10 | Mandatory |
2 |
Fire Safety Construction PracticesThis module aims to provide students with comprehensive knowledge and understanding of fire safety practices in the construction industry. It covers the principles, regulations, and survey and risk assessment techniques essential for ensuring fire safety in building design, construction, and maintenance. Students will learn about the importance of fire-resistant materials, fire prevention systems, and the role of building codes and standards in promoting fire safety whilst also covering the financial aspects of implementing such fire safety measures on construction projects. Learning Outcomes 1. Interpret and comply with relevant fire safety regulations and building codes. |
05 | Mandatory |
Year 2
Semester | Module Details | Credits | Mandatory / Elective |
---|---|---|---|
1 |
Research DissertationTo provide the student with the theoretical and applied skills to use appropriate techniques to address an engineering-construction related problem . The dissertation represents the capstone work on a topic related to their chosen programme of study. Learning Outcomes 1. Engage in a sustained piece of individual, applied academic research on a chosen topic within the field(s) specifically relevant to the course . |
30 | Mandatory |
Examination and Assessment
On-Campus Attendance Requirement
Download a prospectus
Entry Requirements
Candidates must hold a cognate Level 8 Bachelor (Hons) degree with a minimum grade classification of H2.2 or equivalent.
Where English is not an applicant’s first language, English Language Requirements include a minimum score of 6.0 (with a minimum of 6.0 in each component) in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or equivalent.
Further Information
Application Closing Date
Start Date
Who Should Apply?
Our Fire Safety Engineering postgraduate courses are a part of a specialised programme allowing construction and engineering Level 8 graduates to be able to apply the principles, techniques, and advanced knowledge related to fire safety and fire protection engineering.
Contact Information
Department of Civil Engineering and Construction
Anne Boner
Head of Department
T:+353 (0)74 9186403
E: anne.boner@atu.ie
Civil Engineering and Construction