Railway Engineering with Project Management MSc (Eng)

Course overview

Combining core railway knowledge with project management, our Railway Engineering with Project Management MSc (Eng) will prepare you to construct and operate the world’s most important rail lines.

Considering the global growth in rail, this presents exciting opportunities for graduates as industry growth has created an acute shortage of skilled railway engineers and project managers.

This Masters degree is unique due to its focus on multidisciplinary teaching. The core technical material covers the entire railway system, rather than focusing on an individual engineering area. It is then complemented by the engineering management material at the forefront of the discipline.

Teaching combines expertise across multiple of the University of Leeds’ world-leading institutes: the Institute for High Speed Rail and System Integration, the Institute for Transport Studies and the Leeds Centre for Projects.

Throughout the programme, you'll be taught by staff who are professionally experienced and have the latest research expertise, equipping you with the practical and professional skills that are sought after in industry.

Why study at Leeds:

• Our globally-renowned research conducted collaboratively with industry feeds directly into the course, shaping your learning with the latest thinking in relevant areas such as signalling, railway track design, transport investment appraisal and project management.
• Advance your knowledge and skills in critical areas sought after in industry such as project management, railway engineering and transport strategy.
• Conduct your own individual research project as part of your course and gain experience in researching and managing a project based on real-world issues.
• Access research-grade equipment and specialist facilities that will enhance your learning throughout the course.
• Experience excellent practical and theoretical teaching delivered by a programme team with a wealth of expertise and industrial experience, and who are actively engaged in cutting-edge research as part of the Institute for High Speed Rail and System Integration, the Institute for Transport Studies and Project Management research groups.
• Master the most up-to-date practices and techniques recognised in industry on a course that has been directly informed and advised by the Industrial Advisory Committee and the Institution of Civil Engineers.
• This course offers flexible study options where you can study full-time over 12 months or part-time over 24 months.

Course details

In the first part of the programme, a series of compulsory modules will develop your knowledge across the breadth of railway engineering and also in project — delivered by the same academics who teach on the world leading Engineering Project Management MSc.

In the second part, you'll build upon your initial modules and study more in-depth and technical railway engineering content. This will prepare you for and culminate in your dissertation project.

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.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Railway Engineering with Project Management MSc (Eng) in the course catalogue

Compulsory modules

Project Management Tools and Techniques – 15 credits

Learn the common tools used in project management. Topics covered include planning and control, quality management, scope management, schedule management, cost management, resource management and change management.

Railway Engineering and Planning – 15 credits

Build the key knowledge and understanding needed to plan, design and operate a railway line. First, railway planning is addressed with a focus on project appraisal. Next, the physical components that constitute a railway are explored. Finally, you’ll use your new knowledge to design and plan a new railway line.

Principles of Sustainable Project Management – 15 credits

Explore the key project management concepts, their evaluation and the application to engineering projects. You’ll develop an understanding of the project management life cycle and explore the relationship between project management and sustainable goals. You’ll also build an understanding of the ethical dimensions of planning and delivering projects.

Railway Track Infrastructure Design – 15 credits

Discover how to design railway track structures and their alignment. In the first part of the module, the concepts of track performance, measurement and behaviour are addressed. The second part of the module concentrates on track improvement methods and track alignment considerations.

Railway Signalling and Control – 15 credits

You will explore the key concepts, principals and protocols of signalling, and how trains are controlled.

Railway Investment Appraisal – 15 credits

Acquire a firm grounding in the principles and practice of investment appraisal in the railway sector. This module will explore the key issues to enable critical reflection on investment projects in various professional settings.

Transport Resilience – 15 credits

Climate change is increasingly causing challenges for the design and operation of railway lines. This module will explore the concept of transport resilience with a focus on climate change issues such as increased heat, rainfall, sea-level rise and storms. You’ll cover how to increase systemic resilience through a case study on an existing railway line, focusing on analysing future climatic forecasts and designing future resilience pathways.

Transport Infrastructure Strategy – 15 credits

This module provides a holistic and systematic approach to the design of transport infrastructure focusing on the alignment and resulting geotechnical structures. It is assessed as an integrated project using teamwork to produce a viable, sustainable and resilient solution.

MSc Dissertation – 60 credits

Over the summer months, you’ll work with your supervisor to complete your in-depth railway project, which is one of the most satisfying elements of this course. This module represents a major element of the MSc programme and will teach you skills in scientific investigation and in running an independent railway research project.

It’s a chance for you to demonstrate the knowledge and skills you’ve gained, focusing on a real-world problem that explores your specific interests and/or relates to your career ambitions.

Example projects for Railway Engineering with Project Management MSc students have included:

• The role of Internet of Things, and sensor technologies in Rail
• Novel railway track materials and designs
• Optimisation of railway timetables
• A comparison of Hyperloop vs high speed rail
• Optimising signalling and train control systems
• Railway noise and vibration
• The effect of track properties on transition zone performance

Part-time study options

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

Learning and teaching

Our groundbreaking research feeds directly into teaching, and you’ll have regular contact with staff who are at the forefront of their disciplines, being taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, small group work and project meetings.

Throughout your studies, you’ll also benefit from a structured support system, with a personal tutor who will offer help and advice about your approach to studying and how to become adept at independent learning.

Independent study is also important to the programme, as you develop your problem-solving and research skills as well as your subject knowledge.

Programme team

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, presentations, in-class tests, assignments and exams.

Applying

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in civil engineering or a related engineering, science or mathematical discipline where relevant subject areas have been studied.

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

• A bachelor degree with a 2:2 (hons) in civil engineering or a related engineering, science or mathematical discipline where relevant subject areas have been studied with at least one year’s relevant experience.
• Professional qualifications and relevant experience.

International

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

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in all components. 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 Civil Engineering (6 weeks) and Language for Science: Civil 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

Please read our How to Apply page for full details, including application deadlines and what to include with your application.

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

School of Civil Engineering

Contact us

Postgraduate Admissions Team

Email: pgcivil@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Fees

UK: £14,500 (Total)

International: £33,000 (Total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

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

Additional cost information

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

The railway construction industry offers a multitude of roles that will be open to you — from railway engineering to planning, project management and beyond. You could also look into working in consultancy for multidisciplinary organisations in both the private and public sectors.

Studying this MSc will build on the technical skills you have, whilst giving you the core foundations in a thriving industry and an extensive professional skill set in leading projects. It’s this combination of technical and professional skills and knowledge you’ll learn on this course that will attract employers in industry when you graduate.

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.

Careers support

At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one. We have a wide range of careers resources — including our award-winning Employability Team who are in contact with many employers around the country and advertise placements and jobs. They are also on hand to provide guidance and support, ensuring you are prepared to take your next steps after graduation and get you where you want to be.

• Employability events — we run a full range of events including careers fairs in specialist areas and across broader industries — all with employers who are actively recruiting for roles. 
• 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.
• Qualified careers consultants — gain guidance, support and information to help you choose a career path. You’ll have access to 1-2-1 meetings and events to learn how to find employers to target, write your CV and cover letter, research before interviews and brush up on your interview skills.
• 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.

Explore more about your employability opportunities at the University of Leeds.

Find out more about career support.