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Lead the next generation of industry talent with Railway Systems Engineering and Integration at Birmingham. Study railway systems from a broader lens and see how they interact on a global scale.
With a large and diverse railway research and education group, you'll receive insight from experts and have great links into industry. You'll learn how to create reliable operational systems for the railway and benefit from real-world experiences.
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).
What I love the most about the course content and structure is the combination of technical concepts around signalling, power systems, telecommunications, etc., and professional practices like safety standards, operations management, and integration principles. Learning through site visits, guest lectures, and practical projects is also a great way to cement knowledge.
Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly postgraduate students to get their thoughts on our courses, stunning campus and life in a vibrant and cultural city.
The induction (primer) course introduces rail and rail systems and study skills to those who may not have recent experience of higher education. It does not bear credit and is usually approximately 2 weeks in duration, taking place in late August/early September.
60 academic credits are taken each year. Both MSc programmes are accredited, and meet the educational aspects of the degree apprenticeship standard.
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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 blended learning format allows you to apply your learning in the workplace immediately and integrates your work-based experience into your academic study, adding value in both circumstances.
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.
This programme will support your application for Chartered Engineer status.
Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education is the largest railway-focused research and education group in Europe
We’re Europe’s largest and most diverse railway research & education group with extensive links into industry. You'll learn about rail and rail systems from the fundamentals through to the latest research and industrial applications.
Each module takes comprises classroom lectures, tutorials, team exercises, visit and assignments to embed and draw each element of the subject together.
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.
The programme adopts a blended learning approach with modules delivered through a combination of lectures, class-based seminars, practical work, team exercises, visit and assignments to embed and draw each element of the subject together. You will study a range of compulsory and optional modules, and research projects.
The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.
As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.
The following must be taken:
Module Title | Credits | Semester |
---|---|---|
Electrification and Traction Systems | 20 | Semester 2 |
Railway Control and Digital Systems | 20 | Semester 1 |
Railway Operations, Management and Planning | 20 | Semester 1 |
Students on the primer must take the following:
Module Title | Credits | Semester |
---|---|---|
Terminology and Communication for Railways | 0 | - |
For information about the spread of the following modules over the duration of the programme, please contact your department
The following must be taken:
Module Title | Credits | Semester |
---|---|---|
LM Engineering Apprentice End Point Assessment | 0 | Full Term |
LM Industrial Research Project | 60 | Full Term |
LH Terminology and Communication for Railways | 0 | - |
LM Foundations of System Safety Thinking | 10 | - |
LM Hazard and Risk Assessment | 10 | - |
LM Railway Strategy, Safety and Control Systems | 20 | Semester 1 |
LM Systems Engineering and Ergonomics | 20 | Semester 2 |
Rolling Stock and Infrastructure Interactions | 10 | Semester 2 |
Students on the primer must take the following:
Module Title | Credits | Semester |
---|---|---|
LH Terminology and Communication for Railways | 0 |
Control and Communications Pathway: The following must be taken:
Module Title | Credits | Semester |
---|---|---|
Computers and Safety in Critical Systems | 10 | Semester 2 |
LM Applications of Railway Control Systems | 20 | Semester 2 |
LM Principles of Railway Control Systems | 20 | Semester 1 |
Risk and Safety Systems Pathway:
The following modules must be taken on the Risk and Safety Systems Pathway:
Module Title | Credits | Semester |
---|---|---|
Computers and Safety in Critical Systems | 10 | Semester 2 |
LM Safety Case Development & Review | 10 | Semester 1 |
LM System Safety Assessment | 10 |
Students on the Risk and Safety Systems Pathway should choose 20 credits from the following:
Module Title | Credits | Semester |
---|---|---|
LM Electrification and Traction Systems | 20 | Semester 2 |
LM Principles of Railway Control Systems | 20 | Semester 1 |
Risk and Safety Operations and Organisation Pathway
The following modules must be taken on the Risk and Safety Operations and Organisation Pathway:
Module Title | Credits | Semester |
---|---|---|
LM Human Factors for Safety | 10 | Semester 2 |
LM Safety Case Development & Review | 10 | Semester 1 |
LM System Safety Assessment | 10 |
Students on the Risk and Safety Operations and Organisation pathway should choose 20 credits from the following:
Module Title | Credits | Semester |
---|---|---|
LM Electrification and Traction Systems | 20 | Semester 2 |
LM Principles of Railway Control Systems | 20 | Semester 1 |
in a relevant subject or an equivalent professional qualification. A good first degree in relevant subject or an equivalent professional qualification. Subject to interview (and sometimes a special test) candidates without a first degree may be admitted onto this programme. It will also be at the discretion of your employer whether you meet their requirements for the course.
This course is fully funded via the employer Apprenticeship Levy, there will be no costs incurred by you.
All employers who have a payroll over £3 million pay an Apprenticeship Levy. They can use this levy to fund your enrolment on the programme.
You apply for the Degree Apprenticeship through your employer, who will have their own selection criteria.
For all enquiries relating to this Apprenticeship programme please contact our Apprenticeships Team at degreeapps@contacts.bham.ac.uk
Design, build, operate and manage the sophisticated subsystems and complex interfaces characterising existing and new railways. Join our growing network of alumni now occupying senior positions around the world in the railway industry.
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
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. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
Find out why we are the most targeted UK university by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2024) by meeting some of our successful alumni.
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.
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.