Towards the end of the 20th century it became apparent that the ever-increasing demand for the transport of people and goods could not be satisfied by the current transport offer, without creating significant environmental impact through noise, atmospheric pollution and land take. Railways were rediscovered as a potentially sustainable solution for many traffic flows, particularly where volumes are high, while also offering benefits in terms of speed, safety and reductions in congestion.
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.
Part Time Students from the Middle East, Far East, Australia and America
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To participate in the programme while being based in Hong Kong or another Far East location and wishing to work full-time you only need to visit the UK 5 or 6 times.
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There are 2 visits of three weeks in the first year (in October and January) and 2 visits of three weeks in the second year (in November and February) each allowing attendance on two taught modules with a week of independent study in between. In the second year there is also a one week visit for the European Study Tour (usually in May) and there is a discretionary visit in the third year to put the final touches to the dissertation.
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You will have a substantial amount of homework, assessed by means of assignments, and your exams will take place at Hong Kong Polytechnic University or a similar institution.
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There are a number of people from Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore who have completed the programme on this basis.
Related links
The MSc programme in Railway Systems Engineering is designed to be truly interdisciplinary, with a strong focus on developing individuals’ skills and the overarching objective of creating a thorough understanding of the principles of designing and operating modern railway systems and of interface management.
Most participants are experienced railway engineers sponsored by their employers to study for a specialist qualification which allows them to work on complex projects.
Fees 2013/14
UK and EU fees
Full-time MSc (180 credits): £12780
Part-time MSc (180 credits): £6390 per year for two years
Full-time Diploma (120 credits): £8520
Part-time Diploma (120 credits): £4260 per year for two years
One-year Certificate (60 credits): £4260
Two-year Certificate (60 credits): £2160 per year for two years
Overseas
Full-time MSc: £16770
Part-time MSc: £8385 per year for two years
Full-time Diploma: £11180
Part-time Diploma: £5590 per year for 2 years
One-year Certificate: £5590
Learn more about fees and funding
Scholarships and studentships
Scholarships may be available. International students can often gain funding through overseas research scholarships, Commonwealth scholarships or their home government.
For further information contact the School directly or email sfo@contacts.bham.ac.uk