Railway Systems IntegrationMRes

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Ranking
Top 100
QS World Rankings 2025
Ranking details
Delivery format
In person
Duration
55 weeks full-time or 2 years part-time
Award
Master of Research
Entry requirements
A 2:1 Honours Degree in a relevant subject (physics, engineering, mathematics or economics)
Full requirements
Fees
£4,921 (full-time), £2,461 (part-time)
Fee details

Course overview

Prepare for a successful career in top flight research and development with Railway Systems and Integration. Become an asset to businesses, companies and academic institutions worldwide, by providing them with advanced technical and research capabilities.

Combine research and technical studies in a relevant railway systems or engineering subject. You will collaborate with the Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education (BCRRE), both in their research and their world-leading educational programmes.

A student operating a train-driving simulator

This degree programme is accredited by:

The Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) comprising of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Institution of Structural Engineers, Institute of Highway Engineers, the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation and the Permanent Way Institution on behalf of the Engineering Council, as meeting the academic requirement for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).

Course Structure

You'll take 60 credits of taught modules then 120 credits of a research project of their choosing with an academic supervisor. The research credits are studied and examined at the same level as a PhD or other research degrees.

You'll take 20 or 40 credits (1-2 taught modules) in semesters 1 or 2, for a total of 60 taught credits.

The research project will begin during semester 1 around the taught modules, continuing in to semester 2.

Course highlights

What makes this course different?

Experience the vibrant world of BCRRE, Europe’s largest railway-focused research and education group, engaging in fundamental and applied railway science, technology, and business research. You'll engage with industry professionals through enriching seminars and talks, expanding your knowledge and networking opportunities. Our graduates are catipulted in to senior and high profile roles in leading railway research and organisations around the world. You will join a global network of alumni in international leadership roles.

Become part of Europe’s largest Railway-focussed research and education group
Network within the industry
Take advantage of our highly developed testing facilities and research centre

Gain valuable experience by engaging in both fundamental and applied research at BCRRE.
Take advantage of the world-class educational programmes provided by the Centre.
Birmingham is ranked 80th in the QS World University Rankings 2025, maintaining our position in the top 100 universities globally and placing us 12th amongst UK universities.

Course delivery

The modules are studied intensively over a week period from leading rail academics and professionals. Tutorials, interactive learning, group work and labs are part of the programme. Materials are made accessible and available to all students.

Learn about cutting-edge developments in your chosen areas of interest, with lectures delivered by world-leaders in their fields
Receive tailored guidance and feedback in tutorials, enabling you to tackle specific challenges and enhance comprehension of the material
Engage in projects that bridge theoretical knowledge with practical applications, enhancing your understanding and retention of concepts
Gain valuable experience by engaging in practical assignments that simulate real-world tasks and cultivate job-ready skills
Experience active learning and engagement in the lab and develop skills such as collaboration, teamwork, critical thinking, as well as independent problem-solving when conducting experiments and interpreting results

Utilise state-of-the-art labs and facilities, including a wind tunnel and high-speed train testing rig, to drive advancements in railway engineering. Immerse yourself in our new £16.4M UK Rail Research and Innovation Network (UKRRIN) Centre of Excellence in Digital Systems, collaborating closely with industry leaders.

Lecture

Tutorial

Projects

1:1 Supervision

Module information

This course consists of 180 credits. This comprises a 120 credit Research Project, plus three 20 credit-modules you are free to select.

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.

You must take the 120-credit Railway Systems Integration Research Project module and three 20 credit modules from the following list, to include at least one "Railway Management" module and at least one "Railway Technical" module

Module Title	Credits	Semester
Terminology and Communication for Railways	0	N/A

Choose 60 credits from the following list, to include at least one "Railway Management" module and at least one "Railway Technical" module:

Module Title	Credits	Semester
Business and People Management	20	Semester 2
Electrification and Traction Systems	20	Semester 2
Infrastructure and Rolling Stock Systems	20	Semester 1
Railway Control and Digital Systems	20	Semester 1
Railway Operations, Management and Planning	20	Semester 1
Systems Engineering and Ergonomics	20	Semester 2

Teaching staff

Professor Stuart Hillmansen
Professor of Railway Traction Systems
Staff profile for Professor Stuart Hillmansen at the University of Birmingham.

Entry requirements

Additional requirements for

2:1 Honours Degree
in a relevant subject (Physics, Engineering, Mathematics or Economics)

Students who have not studied in English must pass a recognised English test. For more information on what proof you will need, visit our International Postgraduate requirements page

International entry requirements

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

2 students walking in front of green space with clock tower in the background

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Fees and scholarships

Fees information for:

£4,921
Full-time
£2,461
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.

Paying your tuition fees

A limited number of scholarships and studentships may be available to outstanding applicants. For further information, please explore our scholarships and funding database.

Explore scholarships and funding

Application process

To apply for a postgraduate research programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.

Research proposal

If you are proposing your own research topic, you will need to submit a research proposal. It’s a key part of your application, so take your time. Your potential supervisors will use it to decide if your research is something they can support.

Your proposal should be a clear and concise summary of your research. It generally consists of an outline of your proposed research project, including your main research questions and the methods you intend to use.

You should also comment on the potential impact and importance of your intended research and on how your work would interact with current trends in your academic field. It should illustrate the relevance of your topic to the research interests and expertise of the staff within your chosen department.

A guide to writing your proposal

ATAS - Academic Technology Approval Scheme

International students applying for this programme will need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office before the University can issue you with a Certificate of Acceptance of Studies (CAS). We recommend that you apply for your ATAS certificate as soon as you receive an offer from us.

Apply for an ATAS certificate

Career opportunities

Become a sought-after talent in the railway and related industries, where your skills will drive the implementation of cutting-edge technologies and policies. Explore exciting opportunities for further research and development in both academic and commercial settings. This course will also equip you with advanced analytical and research skills, paving the way for future doctoral studies or an exciting role in railway innovation.

Careers Network

Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one to one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters.

As a postgraduate researcher, you’ll benefit from tailored support to prepare you for a career in academia or set you up for a wide range of other professions.

We also offer subject specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.

Learn more about careers support

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.