University of Central Lancashire’s (UCLan) Fire Engineering department has scooped a top national award for its work in training students at home and abroad in fire engineering and safety.

The School of Engineering Fire Team at UCLan won the International Best Practice Award at the national Fire Magazine Fire and Emergency Awards held in London.

The Award recognises the work that the department’s team has done with its international education programmes, both in the UK at its Preston campus as well as internationally.

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The university has successfully linked up with partners such as the International College of Engineering and Management in Oman and the Ras Laffan Emergency and Safety College in Qatar to deliver its courses to students and is now internationally recognised as a leading provider of world class education and research in fire safety engineering,

In addition, through a franchise agreement with Hong Kong City University, UCLan has also successfully launched undergraduate courses in fire engineering, as well as Masters post graduate courses in Fire Safety Engineering and Fire Safety.

Recently, the Preston university have also signed an agreement with Jubail Industrial College in Saudi Arabia to allow Fire Safety Engineering Technology graduates there to progress to studying for an honours degree in Fire Engineering at UCLan in Preston.

The UCLan team received its award at a special presentation ceremony held at the Institution of Civil Engineers in Westminster.

Among those attending were leading figures from the international fire community, including chief fire officers from across the UK and internal delegates, including representatives from the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates.

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Shephard Ndlovu, Senior Lecturer at UCLan’s School of Engineering: “We are delighted to be recognised for the good practice and innovation in learning and teaching in fire programmes internationally.

“Our courses are designed and developed with effective collaboration with employers and professional bodies and are underpinned by the Research Centre in Fire and Hazards Science.

“UCLan will continue to extend its global educational reach by working with our international partners.”

Since 2007, UCLan has seen over 8000 fire professionals graduate from its undergraduate and post graduate courses, with many going on to play an active role in helping to improve fire safety in buildings and related infrastructures internationally.

The UCLan Fire Team also offers Research Degree Programmes (MSc by Research, MPhil/PhD) within the Centre for Fire and Hazard Sciences at its Preston campus and a range of short courses to the fire industry on areas such as Fire Investigation.