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

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
Email: postgraduate@contacts.bham.ac.uk

Phone: 0121 414 5005

Visit website