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Railway Safety and Control Systems MSc / PGDip / PGCert
- Delivery formatOnline or in person
- Start dateSeptemberDuration55 weeks full-time, or on a distance learning basis, typically over 24–36 months
- AwardMaster of Science / Postgraduate Diploma / Postgraduate Certificate
- Entry requirements2:1 Honours Degree in a relevant subject
- Fees£19,940 (full-time) / £9,130 (part-time)
Course overview
Shape the future of rail safety and systems around the world. Delve deeper into railway communications and risk management as you prepare to join the next generation of industry leaders.
With a large and diverse railway research and education group, you'll learn from experts and have great links into industry. you'll delve into risk and safety management or railway communications and understand how major projects success or fail. Study the fundamentals through to the latest research and industrial applications and get set for an exciting career.
Course structure
Join us on this 1 year full-time advanced course, comprising of lectures, laboratory work, short experimental projects and a research project. The course can also be taken on a part-time basis over two or three years. It is also available as a Degree Apprenticeship over three years.
This term starts with an introductory module Terminology & Communication for Railways (optional for part-time students), before proceeding to Foundations of System Safety Thinking which is taught by the University of York. Depending on your choice of pathway, you'll take further modules in safety at the University of York and/or a module on the Principles of Railway Control Systems.
Course highlights
Immerse yourself in the dynamic world of railway systems, exploring their intricate interactions through sponsored projects on a global scale. You'll collaborate directly with industry leads, through our state-of-the-art UK Rail Research and Innovation Network (UKRRIN) Centre of Excellence in Digital Systems (CEDS). Our innovative distance-learning format, equivalent to part-time study over 2-3 years, requires attendance only during designated taught weeks. This flexibility allows you to seamlessly integrate study with your career, making 7-8 visits to Birmingham or York to complete your degree a manageable and enriching journey.
- Study flexibly with our distance-learning study mode.
- Benefit from our cutting-edge research centre and facilities.
- Work on worldwide sponsored projects.
- Learn through our unique interdisciplinary approach.
This programme is also available as a fully-funded Level 7 degree apprenticeship for eligible participants.
Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education (BCRRE) is the largest railway-focused research and education group in Europe.
We have a wind tunnel and a loading rig of three half-sleepers for undertaking near full-scale investigations into railway track foundations.
Course delivery
This course is comprised of six intensive modules, plus a project, taught by BCRRE staff & industry practitioners who are experts in their fields. You can opt for safety or control pathways with modules taught at University of Birmingham and the University of York.
- Learn about cutting-edge developments in your chosen areas of interest, with lectures delivered by world-leaders in their fields.
- Engage in tutorials that promote independent problem-solving and enquiry-based learning.
- Develop a spectrum of skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, time management, and communication through project work.
- Gain valuable experience by engaging in practical assignments that simulate real-world tasks and cultivate job-ready skills.
- Develop critical technical and analytical skills, including experimental design, data collection and analysis, problem-solving, and familiarise yourself with specialised equipment and techniques through laboratory work.
We have extensive laboratories and facilities both on and off our campus for carrying out research in railway engineering. Facilities include railway system simulators, wind tunnel, electronics laboratories, pantograph testing rig, robotic arms, a railway track foundation rig, plus other equipment. We also have an aerodynamic moving-model testing facility for high-speed trains.
Module information
Study each topic in depth and apply your knowledge across the content thanks to this modular programme. You will be encouraged to enrich your classroom learning by taking part in extra-curricular seminars and activities, and to take part in the BCRRE community of staff and students.
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Any optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
Year: 1
2025/26 Session
In order to be awarded an accredited degree a student must have achieved 100 credits in taught modules given that the pass mark at this level is 50.
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Code | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| LH Terminology and Communication for Railways | 04 29964 | 0 | |
| LM Advanced Project | 04 34666 | 60 | Full Term |
| LM Foundations of System Safety Thinking | 04 31473 | 10 | |
| LM Hazard and Risk Assessment | 04 31475 | 10 | |
| LM Railway Strategy, Safety and Control Systems | 04 34740 | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Systems Engineering and Ergonomics | 04 34516 | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Rolling Stock and Infrastructure Interactions | 04 26310 | 10 | Semester 2 |
Control and Communications Pathway: The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Code | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computers and Safety in Critical Systems | 04 26316 | 10 | Semester 2 |
| LM Applications of Railway Control Systems | 04 31215 | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Principles of Railway Control Systems | 04 31216 | 20 | Semester 1 |
The following modules must be taken on the Risk and Safety Systems Pathway:
| Module Title | Code | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computers and Safety in Critical Systems | 04 26316 | 10 | Semester 2 |
| LM Safety Case Development & Review | 04 40627 | 10 | Semester 1 |
| LM System Safety Assessment | 04 31476 | 10 |
Students on the Risk and Safety Systems Pathway should choose 20 credits from the following:
| Module Title | Code | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| LM Electrification and Traction Systems | 04 34515 | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Principles of Railway Control Systems | 04 31216 | 20 | Semester 1 |
The following modules must be taken on the Risk and Safety Operations and Organisation Pathway:
| Module Title | Code | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| LM Human Factors for Safety | 04 40626 | 10 | Semester 2 |
| LM Safety Case Development & Review | 04 40627 | 10 | Semester 1 |
| LM System Safety Assessment | 04 31476 | 10 |
Students on the Risk and Safety Operations and Organisation pathway should choose 20 credits from the following:
| Module Title | Code | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| LM Electrification and Traction Systems | 04 34515 | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Principles of Railway Control Systems | 04 31216 | 20 | Semester 1 |
Entry requirements
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
- 2:1 Honours Degree
in a relevant subject (e.g., Engineering, Physics, Economics or Mathematics).
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill
Fees and scholarships
- £19,940
Full-time
- £9,130
Part-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Paying your tuition fees
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
Postgraduate Masters Loan
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
Scholarships
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
Birmingham Masters Scholarships
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.
- 29 August 2025
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
We have put together some helpful information on the taught programme application process and supporting documents. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Career opportunities
Elevate your career in the safe operation of transport systems, with companies in railways, metros, trams, and automated people movers seeking your expertise. This course emphasises train communications and control over traditional signalling technologies, making you globally in-demand.
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.
Student experience
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation will allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Living in Birmingham
As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham has developed into a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Campus life
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our diverse community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students, both before you start and throughout your time on campus, so that you can get the most out of your university experience.