Graduate Certificate in Bushfire Planning and Management

Help communities face fire with confidence.

Bushfires are part of life in Australia. But climate change, population growth and escalating pressures on our natural landscapes are creating new challenges for how we understand, plan for and manage bushfire risk. Responding to these challenges requires bushfire expertise across diverse sectors, including fire management, planning, design, engineering and environmental management. The Graduate Certificate in Bushfire Planning and Management will equip you with knowledge and practical skills to understand bushfire risk and apply this knowledge in a range of professional contexts.

Key features

• Connect science, practice and policy. Learn how fire behaves, how to assess and manage bushfire risk using fire simulators, and how to plan for safer, more resilient built and natural environments. Develop skills that can be applied to bushfire planning, risk assessment, the built environment and the management of natural landscapes.
• Trade theory for fieldwork. Get hands-on experience in the field and lab, run fire spread simulators, learn how to undertake bushfire assessments using Method 2 of AS 3959 and conduct risk analysis, and build networks across the fire management, planning, engineering and environmental sectors.
• Adapt to the changing environment. Explore the tools, methods and innovative approaches used to understand, assess and manage bushfire risk. Learn to apply fire science and risk management across diverse professional contexts such as fire and environmental management, and urban planning and design.

Why study bushfire planning and management at Melbourne?

• Industry-informed learning. Learn from teaching staff who work closely with government and industry across a broad range of bushfire challenges. These partnerships bring current research, operational experience and emerging approaches directly into the classroom.
• Take your learning into the real world. Go beyond the textbook through residential intensives that include field trips and laboratory experiences. Work with fire simulators, gain an in-depth understanding of the Method 2 BAL assessment process, explore real landscapes and engage with industry professionals to understand how bushfire knowledge informs decisions about communities, the built environment and natural landscapes.
• Develop skills with professional recognition in sight. Build practical skills in bushfire planning, risk assessment, fire behaviour and the built environment that can support careers across the bushfire, planning, design, engineering and environmental sectors. On completion, you'll satisfy the education component for Level 2 accreditation under the Bushfire Planning and Design (BPAD) scheme, administered by the Fire Protection Association Australia.

Student support

The Graduate Certificate in Bushfire Planning and Management is connected to government, industry and fire authorities, and contains opportunities to build professional networks throughout study. Our teaching staff work closely with government and industry across a broad range of bushfire challenges

As a Melbourne student, you'll be supported to succeed — in your studies, your wellbeing and your finances.

• Academic skills and advice. Meet an advisor or join a workshop to get the most from your studies.
• Global exchange. Study overseas through our network of global partners.
• Mentoring and community. Explore student life and student and alumni mentoring programs.
• Wellbeing and accommodation. Access health, counselling and accommodation support.
• Fees and scholarships. Find scholarships you're eligible for and manage your finances.

See all the ways Melbourne supports you