Home › Study › Postgraduate Programmes › MSc/PGDip/PGCert Railway Safety and Control Systems

MSc/PGDip/PGCert Railway Safety and Control Systems

The Railway Safety and Control Systems programme at University of Birmingham provides an all-round level of knowledge and education and equips the next generation of industry leaders. It provides you with the opportunity to delve deeper into risk/safety management or railway communications including the digital railway.

Quick Facts

  
Duration: 55 weeks (Full-Time)
2-3 years (Part-Time)
Starting in: September
Tuition Fee: £26,430 (MSc)
£19,440 (PGDip)
Location: Birmingham, United Kingdom

This Railway Safety and Control Systems programme focuses on risk and safety systems design; risk and safety systems operation; and communication and control systems (including signalling). Efficient communication and control of operations, together with the prevention of the loss of life and livelihood associated with railway crashes and incidents, are high priorities for all organisations involved.

We recognise that each transport sector and mode has its own specific features but seek to ensure that a common approach is taken to the generic issues involved in ensuring dependable operations. As a result, you will develop a deep and robust understanding of approaches to manage safety and control in transport systems and projects, taking advantage of expertise from two leading UK universities.

Courses included:

  • Advanced Project
  • Foundations of System Safety Thinking
  • Hazard and Risk Assessment
  • Railway Strategy, Safety and Control Systems
  • Rolling Stock and Infrastructure Interactions
  • Systems Engineering and Ergonomics

“The transition from undergrad to postgrad can be a big step up in terms of workload and what is expected of you, but there is so much support available to you as a postgrad student, from academic writing support (if you’ve been out of education for a few years or just want a bit of extra help) to mental health and wellbeing services. The careers support is fantastic – the uni puts on employer fairs throughout the year and you have access to one on one support from the Careers Network team, who can help you develop your skills ready for your next step!”

Emma Sutton // PhD Psychology

Careers

This Railway Safety and Control Systems programme at University of Birmingham is intended for those who wish to establish or enhance their career in the safe operation of transport systems.

Companies employing graduates include mainline railways, metros, tram systems and automated people movers. Safety is high on the agenda of transport operators around the world and our graduates are in high demand.

The introduction of the Digital Railway means a greater emphasis on train communications and control over traditional signalling technologies, meaning graduates of the Communication and Control pathway will be highly sought-after around the world.

Furthermore, the Communication and Control pathway is designed to provide partial/full exemption from the IRSE professional examination for signalling engineers: the PG Cert is designed to exempt candidates from Examination module 1 and the PG Diploma, the full examination.

Requirements

  • A 2:1 Honours degree in a relevant subject (eg, Engineering, Physics, Economics or Mathematics).
  • All applicants will be asked to attend an interview to support their application and determine their suitability to the programme.
  • Practical experience will also be taken into account. If you have no or limited industry experience you will be required to attend the introductory course.

Learn more