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The University of Salford is to launch the first ever qualification for engineers who design, install and maintain large burners utilised on thermal process applications and commercial boilers - meaning for the first time that these engineers will have a recognised qualification to demonstrate their competency.

The new Industrial and Commercial Combustion Engineering course will introduce a level of official standards to the industrial sector. The standards could be used for registration of competent engineers in addition to essential information for insurance company assessments.

Course leader Dr Martin Burby fromv the School of Computing, Science & Engineering explained: "Currently to repair industrial burners you only need to be 'competent', though the definition of this is vague.

"With the new qualification there is a concrete measure of competency which is essential in dealing with very large gas or oil burners."

The postgraduate course, which starts this September, will be largely conducted over the internet with modules delivered through an e-learning system, email and phone contact with tutors - meaning that students can fit it in around their current employment.

Students will learn about: combustion theory, burner types and design, burner utilisation, burner process control, industrial gas safety and regulations, industrial gas pipework and standards, industrial burner commissioning, burner optimisation and fault finding. The students will also undertake practical laboratories to further enhance the theoretical knowledge taught within the course. The course will take between one and four years to complete; depending on the level the students wish to achieve.

Entry requirements accommodate both the experienced engineer with work-based learning qualifications and graduates

It is being developed in conjunction with Advanced Combustion Engineering Ltd - a company that builds burners and wants its own engineers to have a recognised qualification.

Managing Director, Mike Pollitt has been heavily involved in the development of the course by bringing his knowledge of the industry and its needs to the modules.

He said: "Technicians are so important to keep the wheels of industry and commerce moving that we're doing a disservice by not having a formal training system run independently.

"I fully anticipate that this course will become the benchmark for industrial and commercial combustion engineering and could make Salford the centre of excellence in this respect throughout the world."

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Contact the press team on +44 (0)161 295 5361 or email press-office@salford.ac.uk