Railway Operations, Management and Policy MSc

Overview

Railways throughout the world play a key social and economic role in societies. They are complex systems and are constantly adapting to change. Many are experiencing substantial growth in patronage due to ever increasing economic prosperity and urbanisation - the result is a need for greater connectivity among urban centres and communities, while facing increasing industry complexity and new challenges.

Across the world, railways are coming under increasing pressure particularly as means of intercity transport (prompting the rapid expansion of High Speed Rail) and urban transportation with the growth of cities. On the one hand, this has led to a welcome increase in business, but on the other hand, it has increased the complexity of ongoing challenges. Holistic, multi-disciplinary solutions need to be developed to meet the challenges of capacity, congestion or reliability within finite resource budgets and complex industry structures.

The course will expose you to the need for a customer focused railway and the implications of this to scheduling, timetabling, pricing, customer information or response to disruption. The course will also examine broader strategic developments in the rail sector ranging from the introduction of new infrastructure and rolling stock on the network to lessons from other railway systems.

Taught by researchers who are at the forefront of their field, you will develop a range and depth of expertise that will equip you for a rewarding career.

Learning and teaching

Teaching methods will include lectures, tutorials, group work and practical computer sessions.

Independent study is also important to the programme, as you develop your problem-solving and research skills as well as your subject knowledge.

The dissertation project is one of the most satisfying elements of this course. You’ll get the opportunity to undertake an original piece of research relevant to the addressing the challenges in the rail industry.

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

You’ll be assessed using a range of techniques including case studies, technical reports, assignments, group projects and exams.

Career opportunities

The UK has a shortage of railway professionals, which are needed to develop and deliver the plans for significant railway infrastructure investment. The job market will be buoyant for graduates of this Masters course.

Upon graduation, you may find employment in a range of roles across the transport industry, as a policy analyst, economist, strategic operations manager or planner among many others.

This course is interdisciplinary in nature and will equip you with the necessary skills to make a real contribution to the changes needed on our railways.