Railway Operations, Management and Policy MSc

Course overview

Railways play a key social and economic role throughout the world. However, across the world, railways are coming under increasing pressure to address the ongoing challenges in everything from capacity and congestion to reliability within finite resource budgets and complex industry structures.

Innovation is now perhaps more important than ever. That’s why the need for professionals with tailored skills and knowledge to provide solutions to these challenges has grown – especially in the last few years.

Our Railway Operations, Management and Policy MSc takes a multidisciplinary approach, equipping you with the holistic skill set you’ll need to develop and evaluate solutions to railway problems and make a real contribution to the challenges of our railways worldwide.

Taught by leading researchers with an international reputation, this Masters degree has been designed following close consultation with industry to help prepare you for a rewarding career.

Studying in the Institute of Transport Studies at Leeds will also give you a unique head start in your career in transport. Not only does our world-leading research shape the course, but our close links with large corporations mean you’ll have chance to interact with potential employers and possibly interview for graduate schemes and other vacancies. We also offer opportunities to build your industry work experience before you graduate with work placements and project work throughout your course.

"This course will bridge the gap between understanding day-to-day operations of the different parts of the complex rail system and the wider social and strategic context that railways operate within. It will enable new and existing professionals to excel within the industry. Network Rail is keen to support this bold initiative by the University of Leeds." - Sir Peter Hendy, Minister of State for Transport

Why study at Leeds:

• Our Institute for Transport Studies’ globally-renowned research conducted right here on campus feeds directly into the course, shaping your learning with the latest thinking in transport.
• This course offers flexible study options where you can study full-time over 12 months or part-time over 24 or 36 months.
• Take advantage of our close working relationships with big organisations in industry such as consultancies like AECOM, ARUP, Atkins, Fore Consulting, Jacobs, Mott MacDonald, Pell Frischmann, Rambold, Tracsis, Vectos and Local / Regional / National Government organisations including Department for Transport, Active Travel England, Transport for London, Transport for the North, West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Leeds City Council who all actively advertise and recruit directly from the Institute of Transport Studies. Many of these organisations are members of the ITS Industrial Advisory Committee who directly inform and advise on course content and priorities.
• Experience expert theoretical and practical teaching delivered by a programme team made up of researchers and academics from the Institute for Transport Studies who have extensive expertise across a variety of transport disciplines.
• Build industry experience collaborating on a multidisciplinary team project with students from other degree specialisms that focuses on a real-world transport problem posed by Leeds City Council or another organisation. You may also be able to apply for an optional industrial placement.
• Tailor the course to suit your career aspirations with a wide selection of optional modules in areas such as sustainable spatial planning, green logistics and railway signalling to refine your knowledge and specialise in topics that interest you the most.
• Advance your knowledge and understanding of broader strategic developments in the rail sector, ranging from the introduction of new infrastructure and rolling stock on the network to lessons from other railway systems.

Join our online taster course

This two-week course offers a great taste of studying 21st-century transportation challenges at a postgraduate level. 

Course details

Throughout this course, you’ll learn the fundamentals of railway operations, management and policy by studying a range of core modules. You’ll consider a variety of perspectives and tools when approaching the multiple and varied challenges present in a rail context, along with many of the key issues currently facing industry professionals.

You’ll also be able to choose two optional modules, allowing you to tailor the course to your needs and preferences. This allows you to develop more specialised skills and tailor your degree towards your preferred career interests.

Throughout your course, you'll gain a range of specialist knowledge and advanced research skills. In your dissertation, you’ll apply these to a project chosen from a variety of topics. Some topics are suggested and supported by industry, giving you the chance to address a real-world problem and gain experience of working with industry. Your supervisor will support you throughout the process of developing your dissertation topic.

Course Structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

Most courses consist of compulsory and optional modules. There may be some optional modules omitted below. This is because they are currently being refreshed to make sure students have the best possible experience. Before you enter each year, full details of all modules for that year will be provided.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Railway Operations, Management and Policy MSc Full Time in the course catalogue

Compulsory modules

Shaping Future Transport Systems – 15 Credits

In the Shaping Transport Futures module, you'll understand the fundamental relationships in transport systems, their interactions with other sectors, and future opportunities and challenges. You'll also learn about interventions in managing transport systems, contrast international approaches to transport planning and management, and acquire the fundamental techniques necessary to work in interdisciplinary teams. These skills will prepare you for the Transport Integrated Project module delivered in the following semester.

Transport Data Collection and Analysis – 15 credits

Acquire the fundamental skills and knowledge of data collection and analysis in the context of transport. In this module, we will address the loop covering research questions, data requirements, data collection/generation, data analysis, and interpretation allowing you to develop a good understanding and practice for transport data collection and analysis.

Railway Operations and Management – 15 credits

This module provides the key knowledge and understanding needed to manage and operate the railway on a day-to-day basis. You'll study the interplay between passenger needs, safety and system performance. You'll gain a critical awareness of elements and theory relating to demand and supply such as travel demand, supply, costing, performance, fare, forecasting.

Railway Policy – 15 credits

This module provides you with an international perspective on rail policy, reflecting both theoretical contributions and actual policy practice. You'll study the wider transport policy landscape, together with the economics of rail supply. The module also covers specific rail regulatory and competition policy topics, with examples from around the world, and the future of rail in the context of changing travel behaviour and needs.

Railway Investment Appraisal – 15 Credits

Starting from the principles of transport appraisal and cost-benefit analysis, this module covers the key methods and techniques of railway investment appraisal. It includes worked examples and case studies featuring urban, regional and high-speed rail. Recent innovations in appraisal methods are covered. The role of railways in the economy is addressed. Current or recent major infrastructure projects are used to aid discussion. The link with project finance, and links with decision making and transport policy are considered.

Transport Integrated Project – 15 Credits

This group project lets you develop industry experience of working within the transport sector, as part of a multidisciplinary team. You’ll work alongside students from our other Masters degrees, using your different specialisms to solve a real-world transport problem posed by Leeds City Council or another relevant organisation.

You’ll gain insights into how planning, economics, environmental science, modelling and engineering can work together to develop sustainable solutions to global challenges.

Throughout the project, you’ll be advised by subject experts and will be required to write both group and individual reports. You'll also present your work as a group.

Previous projects have included:

• Designing a new park and ride site
• Designing a new train station
• Redesigning Leeds’ City Square

Transport Dissertation – 60 credits

Your dissertation gives you the ultimate opportunity to develop and apply research and/or design skills in a specialist topic within the transport discipline. You’ll complete an independent research project on a topic of your choice, develop an in-depth knowledge of your chosen subject area, and demonstrate your findings in a report.

Some topics are suggested and supported by industry, giving you the chance to address a real-world problem and gain experience of working with industry. Your supervisor will support you throughout the process of developing your dissertation topic.

Optional modules

Please note: The modules listed below are indicative of typical options.

Transport in Development – 15 credits

This module offers a broad overview of the role of transport mobilities in the development context. You'll explore the economic, financial, institutional, and demographic characteristics of low-income countries and their implications for transport sector policies and practices. This module also allows you to examine the interaction between development policy and transport policy, evaluating the applicability and outcomes of different policy approaches and analytical tools.

Choice Modelling and Stated Preference Survey Design – 15 credits

Develop the essential principles and techniques of choice modelling and stated preference survey design. You'll learn how to produce insights into choice behaviour, which can guide policymakers, especially when real-choice data is scarce. This module covers a range of topics from basic to advanced techniques, involving a mix of lectures and practical sessions for you to gain hands-on experience.

Global Transferability of Policies – 15 credits

You'll critically examine the applicability of policies in different geographical and political contexts from those where they originated. This module develops your knowledge of the theories underlying the transfer of policy and the ways that such theories are frequently framed as being geographically-specific.

Analysing Transport and Society – 15 Credits

You'll learn how to apply social analysis in practice and policy in the transport sector in both professional environments and higher academic studies. This module will provide understanding of the basis of qualitative and quantitative methods, and practical understanding of a range of research methods and evaluative techniques using lectures and practical ‘hands-on’ workshops designed to engage and stimulate learning.

Transport Data Collection and Analysis – 15 credits

Acquire the fundamental skills and knowledge of data collection and analysis in the context of transport. In this module, we will address the loop covering research questions, data requirements, data collection/generation, data analysis, and interpretation allowing you to develop a good understanding and practice for transport data collection and analysis.

Green Logistics – 15 credits

You'll gain the skills needed to work in planning, policymaking and consultancy roles in which you'll need up-to-date understanding of best practice in reducing the environmental problems associated with freight logistics and supply chain activities.

Railway Signalling and Control – 15 credits

You'll start by developing the objectives of railway signalling and train control systems, including key objectives of safety and capacity. We then focus on a range of current and future systems of railway signalling, explaining their key characteristics and the principles underlying them. You'll then move on to consider the main methods used for train control on railway systems, again considering both current and emerging methods. For both signalling systems and train control systems, consideration is given to methods used across a range of railway operating environments, including high-speed rail, traditional heavy rail, metro rail systems and light rail and tramway systems.

Fieldwork

At the Institute for Transport Studies, we want you to graduate with hands-on, real-world skills you can take into your career. Fieldwork gives you the chance to build those professional skills and put theory into practice – experiencing transport systems in action and meeting transport professionals who are actively working in the field.

Industrial placements

This programme gives you the opportunity to undertake a paid placement – either over four or twelve months. Our close industry links give you the platform to apply to a number of major organisations such as Network Rail and AECOM. Please note: placement opportunities are limited and therefore the application is highly competitive. Placements are not guaranteed.

Part-time study options

This course is also available to study part-time, over 24 or 36 months. Please get in touch with our admissions team to discuss part-time study options.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Railway Operations, Management and Policy MSc Part Time in the course catalogue.

Learning and teaching

Postgraduate study involves a range of teaching methods, supported by independent learning. You'll learn through a variety of teaching methods such as lectures, seminars, workshops, computer exercises, practical sessions, directed reading, reflective journal, peer review, presentations, discussions, fieldwork and tutorials. You’ll also learn through independent study, allowing you to develop critical problem-solving and research skills that are relevant to a career in transport.

The dissertation project is one of the most satisfying elements of this course. You’ll get the opportunity to undertake an original piece of research relevant to addressing the challenges in the rail industry.

Throughout your degree, you'll be supported by a personal tutor who you can meet regularly to discuss any study or career questions you might have.

There is also the opportunity to apply to the Institute for Transport Studies mentorship programme, where you'll be assigned an alumni mentor who currently works in the industry. The mentorship programme is a great opportunity to receive personal career advice and develop a relationship with someone who is successful in the transport industry.

Active research environment

The Institute for Transport Studies was established as the UK’s first multidisciplinary transport department, and we continue to lead the field with our research. We work closely with key railway stakeholders in the UK, including Network Rail, Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB), Office of Rail and Road (ORR), Rail Delivery Group (RDG) and the Department for Transport, and internationally.

Our reputation allows us to invest in world-class facilities and offer a variety of specialist software tools including SATURN, DRACULA, and specialist open-source analysis packages such as OpenPave for pavement design and AQEval for tracking trends and detecting changes in air quality levels, and licensed software such as ARCADY, LINSIG for junction design. We also have a driving simulator.

Programme team

The wider programme team is made up of researchers and academics from the Institute for Transport Studies who have extensive expertise tackling a variety of transport problems.

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

You’ll be assessed using a range of techniques including case studies, technical reports, assignments, group projects and exams.

Applying

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in a relevant subject such as (but not limited to) engineering, maths, economics, management (and any other business-related degree), environmental science, and transportation.

Applicants with any of the following will be considered on a case-by-case basis:

• A bachelor degree with a 2:2 (hons), or equivalent where applicants can demonstrate relevant work experience or aptitude in a relevant specialist field.
• Professional qualifications and relevant experience.

International

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information, please contact the Admissions Team.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component, or equivalent qualification.. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Engineering (6 weeks) and Language for Science: Engineering (10 weeks). 

We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional.

You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.

How to apply

Application deadlines

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

30 June 2025 – International applicants

12 September 2025 – UK applicants

Click below to access the University’s online application system and find out more about the application process.

If you're still unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025

This course is taught by

Institute for Transport Studies

Contact us

Institute for Transport Studies Postgraduate Admissions Team

Email: courses@its.leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Fees

UK: £13,000 (Total)

International: £32,750 (Total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

Part-time fees
Fees for part-time courses are normally calculated based on the number of credits you study in a year compared to the equivalent full-time course. For example, if you study half the course credits in a year, you will pay half the full-time course fees for that year.

Additional cost information

Travel, accommodation and subsistence costs associated with compulsory field trips are covered by the university. However, you must pay for incidental or personal expenses.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.

Career opportunities

Railway professionals are essential to the development and delivery of plans for significant railway infrastructure investment — and currently in the UK, we have a shortage, therefore demand is high.

A degree from the Institute for Transport Studies at Leeds opens up a range of opportunities to pursue a rewarding career in this industry. This course will equip you with an extensive specialist skill set, alongside industry experience and the chance to interact directly with industry organisations which could give you the edge with employers.

Upon graduation, you may find employment in a range of roles across the transport industry, as a policy analyst, economist, strategic operations manager or planner among many others.

Our graduates work across the private and public sectors. Many work abroad, whether for UK companies with overseas offices, for international organisations or for national governments.

Plus, the University of Leeds is in the top 5 most targeted universities in the UK by graduate recruiters, according to High Fliers’ The Graduate Market in 2024 report.

Here’s a snapshot into some of the job positions and organisations previous graduates from this course have secured:

• Information Coordinator, Network Rail
• Project Leader, Chilean State Railways

Careers support

At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one — that’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers. The University’s Careers Service is one of the largest in the country, providing a wide range of resources to ensure you are prepared to take your next steps after graduation and get you where you want to be.

• Links with industry – we have close working relationships with a number of organisations and many employers visit the Institute for Transport Studies each year to interview our students for graduate schemes and other vacancies. We also regularly circulate specific job vacancies to students. Organisations include ARUP, Mott MacDonald, AECOM, Capita, Transport for London, Pell Frischmann, Leigh Fisher, JMP, Amey,among many others. Read more about graduate employability at the Institute for Transport Studies.
• Dedicated Employability Officer — gain quality advice, guidance and information to help you choose a career path. From CV and cover letter writing to supporting you with job applications, our School’s dedicated Employability Officer is on hand to help maximise your capabilities through a process of personal development and career planning.
• Employability and networking events — we run a full range of events, including careers fairs and industry talks in specialist areas and across broader industries, with employers who are actively recruiting for roles, giving you the opportunity to network and engage with industry representatives. 
• Employability skills training – to support your transition to the workplace, we embed training in a range of key transferable skills valued by employers such as research and data analysis in all our programmes.
• MyCareer system — on your course and after you graduate you’ll have access to a dedicated careers portal where you can book appointments with our team, get information on careers and see job vacancies and upcoming events.
• Opportunities at Leeds — there are plenty of exciting opportunities offered by our Leeds University Union, including volunteering and over 300 clubs and societies to get involved in.

Find out more at the careers website.

Study abroad and work placements

This degree does not offer the option to study abroad.

Work placements

You’ll have the opportunity to gain four or twelve months industry experience in the UK with companies such as Network Rail and AECOM at the end of your Masters course.

It’s important to note, work placements are not guaranteed. The job market is competitive – and there may be competition for the placement you want. You’ll have to apply the same way you would for any job post, with your CV and, if successful, attend an interview with the organisation. After the competitive application process, paid placements are offered from September to December at the end of your studies.

Our Careers Service will help you every step of the way. They run a number of placement sessions to discuss opportunities and support you with CV writing and interview preparations. Plus, they’ll be there to answer any questions you may have and offer guidance throughout the process, too.

Benefits of a work placement year:

• Build industry contacts within your chosen field
• Our close industry links mean you’ll be in direct contact with potential employers
• Advance your experience and skills by putting the course teachings into practice
• Gain invaluable insight into working as a professional in this industry
• Improve your employability

Some of the employers and the job titles of previous placement students are listed below:

• Graduate Transport Engineer, AECOM
• Strategic Planning Assistant, Timetable Development Assistant, Junior Strategic Planner, Network Rail
• Transport Consultant, Hydrock Fore
• Transport Consultant, Stantec
• Graduate Transport Planner, WYCA
• Graduate Transport Planner, Hydrock Fore (formerly Fore Consulting)
• Graduate Transport Planer, SLR (formerly Vectos)
• Graduate Transport Strategy Consultant,The Hub Transport Advisory

The scheme is open to all Masters students, including those on a student visa, within the Institute for Transport Studies.