Determining the need for a postgraduate qualification in Fire Technology

Abstract

In South Africa (SA) fire service employees train at accredited training centres to become qualified firefighters, but to progress to higher leadership positions, there is a perceived need to acquire advanced expertise in areas that could be addressed by Higher Education (HE). A study employing a survey and focus group discussion was conducted, in collaboration with the professional body for emergency services in SA, to ascertain this perceived need. It was found that a high percentage of qualified firefighters were interested in further academic offerings by HE institutions and that their aspirations are toward a structured Master's degree. This type of Higher Education offering would furthermore, have to be presented through a blended learning method.