
Institutional Accreditation
University of Newcastle is accredited by the DETC Higher Learning Commission (DETC), www.detc.org.uk Since , University of Newcastle has been continually accredited by the DETC Higher Learning Commission and its predecessor.
Railway Safety and Control Systems MSc/Diploma/Certificate
Course Level:
Postgraduate, Continuing professional development, Taught
Credits
180
Course
CODE P1197
How long it takes:
55 weeks full-time, or on a part-time basis, typically over 24–36 months
Study Mode:
Distance learning/ Campus
Course cost
Price: US$22,500
Entry requirements
Find out more about
Department:
Newcastle Law School
This modular programme allows you to study each topic in depth and apply your knowledge across the programme content. 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.
For the PG Certificate the core modules (marked*below) are required and compromise 60 academic credits. Completion of 120 credits (all of taught modules) is required for the PG Diploma and all 180 credits for the MSc. Two PG Certificates are available: PG Cert Railway Safety and Control Systems.
Compulsory modules | Credits | Taught at |
LH Terminology and Communication for Railways | 0 | Newcastle |
Induction Weekend | 0 | Newcastle |
Foundations of System Safety Thinking* | 10 | York |
Hazard and Risk Assessment* | 10 | York |
System Safety Assessment* | 10 | York |
Railway Operations and Control Systems* | 10 | Newcastle |
Rolling Stock and Infrastructure Interactions* | 10 | Newcastle |
Strategic Business Management for Railways* | 10 | Newcastle |
Practical Ergonomics for Railway Systems | 10 | Newcastle |
Railway Traction and Electrification Systems | 10 | Newcastle |
Research Skills | 20 | Newcastle |
Research Project | 60 | Newcastle/York |
Risk and Safety Systems Pathway: | ||
Systems Engineering for Safety | 10 | York |
Computers and Safety in Critical Systems | 10 | York |
Risk and Safety Operations and Organisation Pathway: | ||
Safety Management Systems | 10 | York |
Through Life Safety | 10 | York |
Modules marked* comprise the PG Certificate in Railway Safety and Control Systems
Compulsory modules | Credits | Taught at |
LH Terminology and Communications | 0 | Newcastle |
Induction Weekend | 0 | Newcastle |
Foundations of System Safety Thinking* | 10 | York |
Hazard and Risk Assessment* | 10 | York |
Railway Operations and Control Systems* | 10 | Newcastle |
Strategic Business Management for Railways* | 10 | Newcastle |
Principles of Railway Control Systems* | 20 | Newcastle |
Practical Ergonomics for Railway Systems | 10 | Newcastle |
Rolling Stock and Infrastructure Interactions | 10 | Newcastle |
Safety Management Systems | 10 | York |
Applications of Railway Control Systems | 20 | Newcastle |
Systems Engineering and Integration for Dependability | 10 | Newcastle |
Research Project | 60 | Newcastle/York |
Modules marked* comprise the PG Certificate in Railway Communication and Control Systems
All modules are taught between late September and late March each year; after which there is a period of exams.
About the introductory Terminology and Communication for Railways course:
This 3-week course will provide broad-based supplementary learning on railway technical vocabulary and specialist communications and is aimed at students with no or limited knowledge or experience of the railway industry. It will familiarise you with the components of the railway system and its terminology and will enhance your technical communication skills. Completion of the introductory course will ensure you are well-prepared for the technical content of this demanding programme and help you gain the most out of your year of study.
Topics covered include railway components and subsystems, railway-specific terminology and concepts of railway safety and risk. This introduction is given context with site visits and group exercises. This course will not count towards the MSc but there will be an informal assessment at the end of the course, which indicates your relative strengths and weaknesses in each of the technical areas and which, in turn, enables tailored tutorial support throughout your study.
Your experience and familiarity with railway systems will be assessed during the application stage. If you possess sufficient knowledge it is possible that you will not need to attend this element of the programme.
Individual Research Project
This is completed during the summer period, usually starting in May/June and submitting the dissertation in August. For the project often takes place in your workplace.
Please note: The modules listed on the website for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Please note: The modules listed on the website for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Considering postgraduate study, but unsure whether you meet the entry requirements for a Masters-level degree? Postgraduate admissions guidelines vary by course and university, but can be quite flexible.
Your existing qualifications will be important, but you don’t necessarily need a great Bachelors degree to apply for a Masters. Your personal circumstances and experience may also be considered during the admissions process.
This guide explains the typical entry requirements for a Masters, which include:
- An undergraduate degree in a relevant subject – Depending on the programme and institution, you may need a 2.1 in your Bachelors, but this isn’t always the case
- Language proficiency – If English isn’t your first language, you’ll need to display a certain ability level, usually through a language test
- Professional experience – Some postgraduate programmes may require you to have some professional experience (this is usually the case for PGCEs and Masters in Social Work)
- Entrance exams – These are only required in certain subject areas and qualifications, including some MBAs
Tuition fees for UK/EU students 2020/21
MSc: Full-time £9,900. Part-time £4,950
Postgraduate Diploma: Full-time £6,660. Part-time £3,300
Tuition fees for International students 2020/21
MSc: Full time £23,310
Postgraduate Diploma: Full-time £15,540
Assessment
You’ll show your progress through a combination of written essays, problem-solving assignments and presentations.
All students take our core modules, but please note that the availability of optional modules is subject to demand.
This postgraduate programme is intended for those who wish to establish or enhance their career in the safe operation of transport systems. Companies employing graduates include mainline railways, metros, tram systems and automated people movers. Safety is high on the agenda of transport operators around the world and our graduates are in high demand.
The introduction of the Digital Railway means a greater emphasis on train communications and control over traditional signalling technologies, meaning graduates of the Communication and Control pathway will be highly sought-after around the world.
Furthermore, 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.
University Careers Network
Preparation for your career should be one of the first things you think about as you start university. Whether you have a clear idea of where your future aspirations lie or want to consider the broad range of opportunities available once you have a Newcastle degree, our Careers Network can help you achieve your goal.
Our unique careers guidance service is tailored to your academic subject area, offering a specialised team (in each of the five academic colleges) who can give you expert advice. Our team source exclusive work experience opportunities to help you stand out amongst the competition, with mentoring, global internships and placements available to you. Once you have a career in your sights, one-to-one support with CVs and job applications will help give you the edge.