Recommended Study Sequence

Click unit name to reveal description:

Accreditation

Accreditation will be sought from the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB), Australian Institute of Building Surveyors (AIBS), Rural Fire Service and Planning NSW.

Advanced Standing

Advanced standings will be granted in accordance with UWS rules.

Admission

Applications to this course must be made through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). International applicants should contact UWS International for details on admission. Contact information for the International Office is available from the University's website.

A degree or equivalent in a relevant area of study. Applicants who do not hold a degree may be admitted if they hold a relevant Associate Diploma plus four years post completion relevant work experience. Applicants with ten years post qualification experience and employment in a senior position will be considered for admission on the basis that they can demonstrate the ability to undertake postgraduate study. This may involve a written submission and/or an interview or alternatively the submission of evidence of general or professional qualifications and experience.

Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 60 credit points which comprises of the six core units listed below.

Core Units

Bushfire Behaviour

This unit describes the factors affecting bushfire behaviour and the models which are used to predict bushfire behaviour and the resultant hazard.

Planning for Bushfire Prone Areas

This unit describes the general planning issues relevant to developments in bushfire prone areas and the measures that can be implemented to ensure appropriate development in these areas.

Building in Bushfire Prone Areas

This unit describes the basis for the design of buildings to withstand bushfire attack, the measures that can be incorporated into building design to achieve this and the legislative building requirements.

Bushfire Fighting

This unit describes the techniques, hardward and extinguishing agents used to fight and control bushfires and focuses on the logistics involved in ensuring safe, efficient and effective control.

Emergency Management for Bushfire Prone Areas

This unit describes the techniques available to develop risk management strategies in order to minimise loss of life and property in bushfire emergencies.

Alternative Solutions for Bushfire Prone Areas

This unit describes the processes and techniques available to develop alternative approaches and solutions to planning and building in bushfire prone areas.

Graduate Diploma in Design for Bush Fire Prone Areas

This Graduate Diploma in Design for Bush Fire Prone Areas caters for the need to understand bushfires and their impact on the natural and built environment. It reflects the aims of the Federal Bushfire Cooperative Research Centre, which are ‘to develop a comprehensive and overarching understanding of the behaviour and danger of bushfires, given local differences in vegetation, land management and weather’.

Graduates will be able to assess and provide advice on developments in bushfire prone areas, develop alternative solutions based on their understanding of bushfires and their impact on the natural and built environment, and provide advice with respect to bushfire fighting techniques and emergency management.

Natural and Built Environment at UWS

This UWS course is the only one of its kind available in Australia. The course has a four year history and is well regarded by the building industry.

The Graduate Diploma in Design for Bush Fire Prone Areas takes a balanced approach to training in fundamental knowledge and problem solving skills. Students will gain a sound understanding of building regulations, bushfire behaviour, emergency management, planning and building in bushfire prone areas. They will also gain knowledge in the practical assessment and approval process adopted by the industry.

The course is taught by leading industrial experts as well as academics at the University. It is a distance learning course, with flexible modes offered to cater for students’ needs.

It’s all about career opportunities

Graduates from this course can pursue careers in the housing industry either in the private sector or in government. Students may be exposed to more employment opportunities while enrolled in the course.

Professional Recognition

The course is recognised by the Rural Fire Service.

Duration

One and a half years part time.

Location

Blacktown

Course Structure

Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 60 credit points.

Professional Recognition

Accreditation will be sought from the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB), Australian Institute of Building Surveyors (AIBS), Rural Fire Service and Planning NSW.

Admission Requirements

How to Apply

All domestic applications for entry to UWS postgraduate courses must be made through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). Step by step instructions are available on on How to Apply pages.

Do you need more information?

Request a course and application information pack:
Course Enquiry Form
International Course Enquiry Form

Alternatively you are welcome to contact us.