Graduate Certificate in Performance-Based Building & Fire Codes

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

 1. Implement professional performance-based building codes; 

 2. Evaluate the concepts and alternative acceptable frameworks for performance-based codes, with particular, but not exclusive, emphasis given to fire safety engineering design; 

 3. Deliberate appropriate knowledge and skills necessary for the assessment and application of performance-based building and fire codes; 

 4. Conceptualise the basic physics and chemistry governing ignition, fire growth and spread, smoke movement and fire extinguishment and structural behaviour during fire; 

 5. Implement relevant concepts concerning occupant communication and response in relation to fire cues; 

 6. Discuss basic fire safety engineering analysis through the use of assessment tools; 

 7. Create a professional approach to performance-based codes and a recognition of when to assess designs which are within a person's field of expertise and when to refer designs to a more appropriately qualified assessor; 

 8. Reflect upon an appreciation of the legal, statutory and design integrity requirements and the need for compliance of the design assumptions throughout the operational life of the building.

Our fully online Graduate Certificate in Performance-Based Building & Fire Codes will see you progress your career and improve your knowledge of building surveying and design and approval of performance-based building, in light of national and international fire codes.

Gain an in-depth understanding of key concepts and alternative frameworks for performance-based building in fire codes. Further your knowledge through the assessment of performance-based building design and application of fire codes that this course provides.

Develop your professional skills and approach to performance-based codes including an appreciation of legal, statutory and design integrity requirements, as well as the need for design compliance.

This course is specifically listed in the Building Regulations 2006 (S.R. No. 68/ 2006) - Regulation 113 as one of the prerequisites for a Relevant Building Surveyor (RBS) to determine that an alternative solution complies with a fire performance requirement of the Building Code of Australia (BCA). 

As a fire safety professional, you could gain employment in private business or the public sector, or work in the building industry. Many assessors and fire safety experts enjoy the benefits of self-employment and contracting.

Our Structural Fire Testing Facility at the Werribee campus is accredited for the tests shown on the Scope of Accreditation issued by NATA*. It demonstrates its technical competence to operate in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025.   

*NATA is Australia's government-endorsed accreditor of laboratories, and a leader in accreditation internationally.

Study in convenient eight-week blocks

Following the overwhelming success of the revolutionary VU Block Model with undergraduate students, from 2021 started rolling out the Block Model to our postgraduate courses.

From 2021, this course has been delivered in eight-week mode, which means you study two units (subjects) at a time over eight weeks (or one unit at a time over eight weeks for part-time study), rather than juggling several units at once. And with its focused timetables and smaller, collaborative classes, VU’s Block Model gives you more time to connect with your peers, lecturers and industry partners, helping you to build strong professional networks.

The VU Block Model has improved our student results and engagement, and has won multiple international awards for innovation and excellence.

Recommended study pattern

To attain the Graduate Certificate in Performance-Based Building and Fire Codes, students will be required to complete 48 credit points, consisting of:

YEAR 1, SEMESTER 1

• Risk Assessment and Human Behaviour - Unit code VQB5611, Credits12
• Performance Codes Methodology and Structure - Unit code VQB5642, Credits12

YEAR 1, SEMESTER 2

• Scientific Principles for Fire Professionals - Unit code VQB5612, Credits12
• Fire Safety Systems Design - Unit code VQB5641, Credits12

Award requirements

To attain the Graduate Certificate in Performance-Based Building & Fire Codes:

• 48 credit points of Core studies.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $14,300

The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

Victoria University (VU) offers a world-class education to students in Melbourne and beyond. Number 1 in Australia for Employability Skills, VU is the first Australian university to deliver the revolutionary VU Block Model of teaching and learning. It enables students to study one subject at a time, in smaller classes, allowing more one-on-one time with lecturers and greater immersion in each subject. Core to VU is its partnership with industry.

Learn more about VU.

Explore VU courses.

QS Ranking 2025:

33

Times Higher Education Ranking 2025:

33

• Completion of an Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent) in a similar discipline; OR
• Completion of an Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent) in any discipline

PLUS

A minimum five (5) years approved work experience. A letter of recommendation and an interview may be required.

If you have completed study with another university or institution and believe you are eligible to receive credit for skills and past study, you can apply for advanced standing.

Applications for advanced standing can be made after a discussion with your course chair or academic adviser.