Englisch 
Deutsch Who is the Master's Distance Learning Course in Fire Protection Planning Suitable For?
The advanced distance learning course "Fire Protection Planning" at the Rhineland-Palatinate Technical University Kaiserslautern-Landau is specifically aimed at professionals who wish to qualify at an academic level in the field of preventive, defensive, organisational, and structural fire protection. Typical target groups include employees and self-employed individuals in planning offices, experts from authorities, industry (particularly the building materials industry), and the housing sector. Employees in fire service roles as well as engineers undertaking fire protection-related tasks also benefit from this study programme.
What Formal Admission Requirements Apply?
Admission to the Master's degree programme "Fire Protection Planning" requires one of the following routes:
- For applicants with a university degree:
- Completion of at least a six-semester, first professional qualifying university degree in a relevant discipline such as architecture or civil engineering.
- Additionally, at least one year of relevant and qualified professional experience in a related field after graduation.
- For applicants without a university degree (access via aptitude test):
- Possession of a higher education entrance qualification (e.g. general university entrance qualification, master craftsman’s certificate or comparable qualification according to the Rhineland-Palatinate Higher Education Act).
- At least three years of relevant and qualified professional experience (e.g. in architecture or civil engineering).
- Additionally, at least one year of relevant and qualified professional practice in the respective areas.
The precise requirements regarding professional practice are set out in the official notes of the RPTU. Legally binding information can be found in the examination regulations of the programme.
Recommended Personal Prerequisites
In addition to the formal criteria, successful study is supported by:
- Interest in building and fire protection-related issues as well as legal and technical fundamentals.
- Willingness for independent and structured work in distance learning, with an average weekly workload of about 17 hours.
- Ability to work in a team and willingness to communicate, for example in exchange with professional colleagues.
- Professional experience or prior knowledge in the fields of construction, architecture, engineering, or related disciplines.
- Basic knowledge of natural sciences (e.g. mathematics, physics, building physics, chemistry) and building regulations is advantageous but is also deepened during the course.
Contents of the Distance Learning Course in Fire Protection Planning
The part-time Master's degree course „Fire Protection Planning“ at the Rhineland-Palatinate Technical University Kaiserslautern-Landau imparts comprehensive knowledge in preventive, defensive, organisational and structural fire protection at a scientific level. The aim is to purposefully integrate the legal requirements, standards and regulations into the planning and implementation of construction projects.
- Scientific Fundamentals: In-depth knowledge of mathematics, physics, building physics and chemistry. Teaching of legal basics such as building law and building regulations.
- Three Pillars of Fire Protection: Technical system, defensive and structural fire protection are the focus.
- Structural Fire Protection – Specialisation: Development and testing of feasibility studies and fire protection concepts.
- Fourth Pillar – Organisational Fire Protection: Detailed consideration of organisational fire protection and the interplay of all pillars.
- Final Thesis (Master’s Thesis): Scientific in-depth study of a topic from the field of fire protection planning.
- Additional Certificate: Upon request, issuance of a certificate „Certified Expert for Preventive Fire Protection according to DIvB Guideline 100 § 7.1“.
The teaching content is scientifically based and conveyed in a practice-oriented manner. The target group includes employees and the self-employed who work in planning offices, authorities, industry or housing management.
Course Structure and Progress of the Distance Learning Programme
The Master’s degree programme is designed for a standard period of study of 5 semesters in part-time distance learning. The course always starts in the winter semester in October.
- Credit Points: 90 ECTS
- Workload: On average approx. 17 hours per week
- On-site Phases: Five on-site phases during the course, each at extended weekends (Friday to Sunday) at the study location Kaiserslautern
- Learning Materials: Extensive, scientifically based self-study materials developed specifically for distance learning
- Online Campus: Interactive learning platform for exchange, consolidation and networking with lecturers and fellow students
- Coursework and Examinations: Module exams, project work, final thesis
Career Prospects After Graduation
The Master’s degree qualifies for demanding activities related to preventive and defensive fire protection.
- Preparation and review of risk-appropriate fire protection concepts
- Work as an expert for preventive fire protection (possible according to DIvB guideline)
- Activities in planning and engineering offices, the construction materials industry, housing companies or authorities
- Proof of qualification for specialist positions in construction and fire protection
- Opening new career paths in consulting, inspection and concept development related to fire protection
Numerous graduates use the course to expand their expertise and to open up new professional perspectives.
Tuition Fees and Financing Options
- Tuition Fee: currently 1,750 Euro per semester
- Social Contribution: approx. 140 Euro per semester
- Fee for the Master’s Thesis: one-off 720 Euro
- Total Costs: approx. 10,170 Euro for the standard period of study
The study materials are included in the fees. Travel, accommodation and subsistence costs for the on-site phases must be planned separately. Payment of the tuition fee can be made in instalments upon request. The fees are not subject to VAT and can, if the legal requirements are met, be claimed for tax purposes. If the standard period of study is exceeded, tuition fees are waived in the 6th semester; from the 7th semester onwards, a reduced fee applies.
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