Taught course
Railway Systems Engineering and Integration
Entry requirements
The basic requirement is a good Honours degree in an appropriate discipline (for example, Engineering, Sciences, Geography or Mathematics), and evidence of adequate knowledge of the English language. However, the entrance qualifications vary, as practical experience may be an important consideration.
Months of entry
January, September
Course content
Railway businesses rely on advanced technical and operational systems to carry vast numbers of passengers in densely populated areas and large quantities of goods over long distances, economically, safely and in a timely manner. The taught postgraduate programme in Railway Systems Engineering and Integration has a strong focus on developing postgraduates’ railway engineering knowledge and know-how, their systems integration skills and their understanding of the complex interactions between subsystems. It develops participants’ ability to work in multi-disciplinary project teams and is strongly supported by railway practitioners.
Graduates of the programme design, build, operate and manage successfully the sophisticated subsystems and complex interfaces characterising existing and new railways. The full-time programme comprises 8 classroom taught modules and 2 research-oriented modules, scheduled over a period of 8 months. Part-time students follow the same syllabus as full-time students but complete the taught modules in a sequence that best suits their work-commitments. The MSc strand requires the submission of a dissertation that is based on a significant amount of independent research.
This programme is designed to provide the knowledge, knowhow and skills required to design and manage successfully the highly specialised subsystems and complex interfaces that characterise existing and new railways. The programme has a strong focus on developing your railway engineering knowledge, system integration skills and your ability to work in focused project teams.
Many participants are experienced railway engineers and managers, sponsored by their employers, but the programme also allows new entrants to the railway industry to familiarise themselves with the specialist disciplines involved in railway systems engineering, while also gaining an insight into the complex interactions between subsystems.
The taught part of the programme in RSEI is built around 8 assessed modules of 10 credits each, 2 research modules attracting 20 credits each and four supplementary modules that are not formally assessed, the same for Diploma and MSc candidates. MSc students also undertake an integrating project that leads to a dissertation, attracting 60 credits, all at Masters level. The modules are assessed individually to allow flexible study, including full-time and part-time attendance by both European and overseas-based students.
Technology-oriented modules cover the principles of rolling stock design, railway traction systems, infrastructure and track systems, railway control systems, as well as systems engineering principles.
Management-focused modules complement the range of subjects taught in the technology-oriented modules and include the strategic management of railway operations, railway technology strategy and economics, as well as ergonomics and human factors.
Modules include lectures, tutorials, team exercises and industrial visits. The programme also features a European study tour.
Explore postgraduate study at Birmingham at one of our on-campus open days. Register to attend at: www.birmingham.ac.uk/pgopendays
If you can’t make it to one of our on-campus open days, our virtual open days run regularly throughout the year. For more information, please visit: www.pg.bham.ac.uk
Information for international students
International students can find details of scholarships at www.international.birmingham.ac.uk/scholarships
Fees and funding
Please visit: www.birmingham.ac.uk/pgfunding
Qualification and course duration
MSc
full time
12 months
part time
24 months
PGDip
part time
16 months
full time
8 months
PGCert
full time
4 months
Course contact details
- Name
- Postgraduate enquiry service
- postgraduate@contacts.bham.ac.uk
- Phone
- 0121 414 5005