Why Study / Key Benefits

The Master of Fire Engineering Studies (MFireEngSt) is a taught master's degree focused on the science and engineering of fire safety and the practical design of fire-control systems in buildings.

Key benefits include:

• Advanced study of fire dynamics, structural fire engineering and fire safety systems.
• Focus on performance-based fire safety design.
• Study of human behaviour during fires and its relationship to fire safety.
• Practical learning through lectures, field trips, laboratory work and demonstrations.
• Courses are delivered in block mode, which can be particularly useful for working professionals.
• A final group project is completed in collaboration with an industry mentor.
• The programme addresses fire safety in buildings, including detectors, ventilation, heat transfer and release, suppression and extinguishing systems.
• UC describes Fire Engineering as a growing field in New Zealand, with demand associated with building fire safety and performance-based design.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The programme contains 120 points.

Core Fire Engineering courses include:

• ENFE601 Structural Fire Engineering — 15 points
• ENFE602 Fire Dynamics — 15 points
• ENFE603 Fire Safety Systems — 15 points
• ENFE605 Fire Safety Engineering Design — 30 points
• ENFE610 Advanced Fire Dynamics — 15 points
• ENFE615 Human Behaviour in Fire — 15 points

Key academic areas therefore include:

Structural Fire Engineering:
Understanding the behaviour and performance of structures exposed to fire.

Fire Dynamics:
Understanding how fires develop, spread and behave.

Fire Safety Systems:
Study of systems used to detect, control and suppress fires.

Fire Safety Engineering Design:
Application of fire engineering principles to practical safety design.

Advanced Fire Dynamics:
More advanced analysis of fire behaviour and related engineering principles.

Human Behaviour in Fire:
Understanding how people respond and behave during fire emergencies.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The MFireEngSt does not list formal majors or named specialisations.

The principal discipline is Fire Engineering, with study spanning:

• Structural fire engineering
• Fire dynamics
• Fire safety systems
• Fire safety engineering design
• Human behaviour in fire
• Civil and structural engineering
• Fire protection
• Building fire safety
• Risk assessment

Programme Highlights

Key programme features include:

• 120-point master's qualification.
• Level 9 postgraduate study.
• February intake.
• 1–2 years full-time depending on preparation and study plan.
• Part-time study possible for up to 5 years.
• Campus-based block teaching.
• Practical laboratory and demonstration work.
• Field trips.
• Performance-based fire safety design.
• Six core Fire Engineering courses.
• One approved Civil Engineering elective.
• Industry-mentored final group project.
• Strong connection with the construction, insurance, emergency-services and research sectors.
• Potential progression to PhD-level Fire Engineering study.

Career Outcomes

UC identifies career pathways in areas including:

• Fire safety and prevention
• Architectural design
• Risk assessment
• Civil engineering
• Structural engineering

Graduates may work with:

• Insurance companies
• Construction organisations
• Emergency services
• Research institutions
• Organisations responsible for building and fire safety

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The current UC programme page and 2026 qualification regulations should be used when advising applicants.

The formal regulations identify the MFireEngSt as a 120-point qualification and list the compulsory courses and campus delivery.

A particularly important special requirement is the possibility of completing ENGR403 Fire Engineering before entering the main programme. This depends on the student's previous academic background.

ENGR403 provides an introduction to fire science and engineering, including fire hazards, fire dynamics, building-material performance, active and passive fire protection, human behaviour during fires and other fire-engineering topics.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students normally require a New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa to undertake the MFireEngSt.

Immigration New Zealand currently requires evidence including:

• Offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Evidence of tuition payment or sufficient funds to pay tuition.
• Evidence of sufficient living funds.
• Acceptable health and travel insurance.
• Evidence of genuine intentions to study.
• Evidence satisfying health and character requirements where applicable.
• Evidence that the student can leave New Zealand at the end of their stay.