Railway Operations, Management and Policy MSc

Program Overview

The Railway Operations, Management and Policy MSc is a multidisciplinary program offered by the University of Leeds. It provides a holistic understanding of railway operations, management, and policy, preparing students for careers in the global railway industry through a combination of theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and industry connections. The program is flexible, offering full-time and part-time options, and features opportunities for industry work experience and project-based learning.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Railway Operations, Management and Policy MSc is a multidisciplinary program designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to address the challenges facing the global railway industry. The program emphasizes a holistic approach, covering operations, management, and policy aspects.

Objectives:

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of railway operations, management, and policy.
• Equip students with the skills to develop and evaluate solutions to railway problems.
• Prepare students for rewarding careers in the railway industry.

Program Description:

• Taught by leading researchers with international reputations.
• Designed in close consultation with industry professionals.
• Offers opportunities to interact with potential employers and interview for graduate schemes.
• Provides opportunities to build industry work experience through placements and project work.
• Offers flexible study options: full-time (12 months) or part-time (24 or 36 months).

Outline:

Course Content:

• Fundamentals of railway operations, management, and policy.
• Multiple and varied challenges present in a rail context.
• Key issues facing industry professionals.
• Specialized skills development through optional modules.
• Advanced research skills development.
• Real-world problem-solving through dissertation projects.

Course Structure:

• Year 1 Compulsory Modules:
• Shaping Future Transport Systems (15 credits)
• Transport Data Collection and Analysis (15 credits)
• Railway Operations and Management (15 credits)
• Railway Policy (15 credits)
• Railway Investment Appraisal (15 credits)
• Transport Dissertation (60 credits)
• Transport Integrated Project (15 credits)
• Year 1 Optional Modules (Selection of Typical Options):
• Sustainable Spatial Planning and Analysis (15 credits)
• Green Logistics (15 credits)
• Analysing Transport and Society (15 credits)
• Global Transferability of Policies (15 credits)
• Choice Modelling and Stated Preference Survey Design (15 credits)
• Railway Signalling and Control (15 credits)
• Transport in Development (15 credits)

Course Schedule:

• Full-time: 12 months
• Part-time: 24 or 36 months

Individual Modules:

• Shaping Future Transport Systems: This module explores the future of transport systems, considering factors like sustainability, technology, and policy.
• Railway Policy: Students examine the policy framework surrounding railways, including regulation, funding, and infrastructure development.
• Railway Investment Appraisal: This module focuses on evaluating the economic viability of railway projects, using various appraisal techniques.
• Transport Dissertation: Students undertake an original research project related to a specific transport challenge.
• Transport Integrated Project: Students work in multidisciplinary teams to solve real-world transport problems posed by Leeds City Council.
• Sustainable Spatial Planning and Analysis: This module explores the relationship between transport and land use, focusing on sustainable planning principles.
• Green Logistics: Students learn about environmentally friendly logistics practices in the transport sector.
• Analysing Transport and Society: This module examines the social and economic impacts of transport systems.
• Global Transferability of Policies: Students explore the transferability of transport policies across different countries and contexts.
• Transport in Development: This module examines the role of transport in developing countries.

Assessment:

• Case studies
• Technical reports
• Assignments
• Group projects
• Exams

Teaching:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Workshops
• Computer exercises
• Practical sessions
• Directed reading
• Reflective journal
• Student-led discussions
• Fieldwork
• Tutorials
• Independent study

Faculty:

• Dr. Manuel Ojeda Cabral (Programme Leader)
• Researchers and academics from the Institute for Transport Studies with expertise in various transport disciplines.
• Industry professionals with years of experience.
• Trained postgraduate researchers.

Careers:

• Policy analyst
• Economist
• Strategic operations manager
• Planner
• Roles in the private and public sectors
• The Institute for Transport Studies offers a mentorship program where students are assigned alumni mentors working in the industry.
• The University of Leeds is ranked in the top 5 most targeted universities in the UK by graduate recruiters.
• The program offers a four-month placement scheme with companies like Network Rail and AECOM.
• The University of Leeds offers a range of employability skills training.
• The University of Leeds has a dedicated careers portal called MyCareer.
• The University of Leeds has a strong alumni network.

UK fees:

£12,500 (Total)

International fees:

£30,750 (Total)