Railway Operations, Management and Policy MSc

Railways play a key social and economic role throughout the world. They are complex systems and are constantly adapting to change. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, many were experiencing substantial growth in patronage due to ever-increasing economic prosperity and urbanisation – leading to a need for greater connectivity among urban centres and communities, while facing increasing industry complexity and new challenges. Currently, railways are also dealing with the long-term challenges brought by Covid-19 and by climate change, including an increase in remote working, emerging different travel patterns and decarbonisation.

Across the world, railways are coming under increasing pressure particularly as means of intercity transport (prompting the rapid expansion of High-Speed Rail) and urban transportation with the growth of cities. On the one hand, this has led to a welcome increase in business, but on the other hand, it has increased the complexity of ongoing challenges. Holistic, multi-disciplinary solutions need to be developed to meet the challenges of capacity, congestion or reliability within finite resource budgets and complex industry structures. Innovation is now perhaps more important than ever, since Covid-19 has brought a whole new set of challenges that is shaking the business models of all public transport systems worldwide.

The railway industry needs professionals with tailored skills and knowledge. This Masters degree will expand your existing knowledge, equipping you with the skills 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.

Course highlights

• Learn about the need for a customer-focused railway and its implications to scheduling, timetabling, pricing, customer information and response to disruption

• Examine 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

• Understand how railways fit with broader transport issues and other transport systems.

• Experience what it’s like to work in the transport industry by collaborating on a multi-disciplinary team project with students from our other degree specialisms.

• Our courses are shaped by the Institute for Transport Studies’ world-leading research and our close relationships with industry leaders.

"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, Chairman Network Rail.

Programme team

The Programme Leader, Dr Manuel Ojeda Cabral, is a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Leeds and Deputy Research Group Leader of the Economics and Appraisal Group. He has a strong interest in the railway industry and has worked on a wide range of rail projects nationally and internationally. Dr Ojeda Cabral’s research is primarily focused on understanding and improving the socio-economic appraisal of public sector projects and policies.

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

Active research environment

The Institute for Transport Studies was established as the UK’s first multi-disciplinary transport department, and we continue to lead the field with our research.

Other study options

This programme is available part time over 24 or 36 months. We are flexible as to how you choose to study this course so that you can combine it with other commitments, such as an existing job. Please get in touch with our admissions team to discuss part time study options.

You can also study this subject at Postgraduate Diploma level, part time or full time, or at Postgraduate Certificate level with our PGCert in Transport Studies.

Online taster course

‘Transport Systems: Global Issues and Future Innovations’ is a free online course, delivered via FutureLearn, introducing how the transport sector can develop infrastructures that meet the needs of a 21st century population.

Whether you're a current undergraduate student, or a mid-career professional considering a Masters degree, this course offers a great taste of studying transportation challenges at a postgraduate level.

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 will gain a range of specialist knowledge and advanced research skills. In your dissertation, you’ll apply these to a project chosen from a wide range 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.

Project work

In the second semester, you will study our Transport Integrated Project module. This project lets you experience what it is like to be part of a multi-disciplined team working within the transport sector. 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.

The Transport Integrated Project module helps you develop a real-world experience of working in the industry. 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 industry experts and will be required to write both group and individual reports. At the end of the module, you will present your final work as a group.

Previous projects have included:

• Designing a new park and ride site

• Designing a new train station

• Redesigning Leeds’ City Square

Field work

We offer opportunities for students to experience transport systems in action, allowing you to meet and hear directly from transport professionals and see what you’ve learned in practice. Field trips have included visits to: cycle and traffic calming facilities, motorway traffic control centre, guided bus system and town planning features.

Want to find out more about your modules?

Take a look at the Railway Operations, Management and Policy MSc module descriptions for more detail on what you will study.

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 Operations, Management and Policy MSc Full Time in the course catalogue

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

Modules

Year 1

Learning and teaching

Postgraduate study involves a range of teaching methods, supported by independent learning. You will learn through a variety of teaching methods such as lectures, seminars, workshops, computer exercises, practical sessions, directed reading, reflective journal, student-led 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 will 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 will 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.

Our Virtual Learning Environment will help to support your studies: it’s a central place where you can find all the information and resources for the School, your programme and modules.

You can also benefit from support to develop your academic skills, within the curriculum and through online resources, workshops, one-to-one appointments and drop-in sessions.

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.

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.

Graduates from other disciplines and those with professional experience plus experience in the sector will also be considered.

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 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 are now offering online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals.  To find out more, read Online Academic English pre-sessional (10 weeks) and Online Academic English pre-sessional (6 weeks).

Read about differences between our online and on-campus summer pre-sessionals.

If you need to study for longer than 10 weeks, read more about our postgraduate pre-sessional English course.

How to apply

Application deadlines

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

29 July 2022 – International applicants

9 September 2022 – UK applicants

Apply (Full time)

Apply (Part time)

This link takes you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.

If you're 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 Taught Admissions Policy 2023

Fees

• UK: £10,500 (total)
• International: £25,750 (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

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 about additional costs.

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.

A degree from Leeds and the experience you'll gain here will give you the edge to find the career you want. Your course will give you the experience and knowledge that employers are looking for to help you secure a job.

The University of Leeds is in the top five most targeted universities in the UK by graduate recruiters, according to High Fliers’ The Graduate Market in 2021 report.

The UK has a shortage of railway professionals, which are needed to develop and deliver the plans for significant railway infrastructure investment.

A degree from the Institute for Transport Studies opens up a range of opportunities to develop a rewarding career. 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.

Examples of alumni job roles include:

• Project Leader, Chilean State Railways

• Information Coordinator, Network Rail

Read profiles of our alumni to find out more about where some of our graduates are working.

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.

Our students are highly sought after and have a good reputation with transport consultants, and may receive a job offer before or shortly after graduation.

The organisations that have advertised and/or recruited directly from the Institute for Transport Studies include Arup, Mott MacDonald, AECOM, Capita, Transpennine Express, Transport for London, Pell Frischmann, Leigh Fisher, JMP, Amey and Hyder among many others.

Read more about graduate employability at the Institute for Transport Studies.

Careers support

At Leeds we help you to prepare for your future from day one. Our Leeds for Life initiative is designed to help you develop and demonstrate the skills and experience you need for when you graduate. We will help you to access opportunities across the University and record your key achievements so you are able to articulate them clearly and confidently.

You’ll have access to the wide range of careers resources and support from your Careers Service. You’ll have the chance to attend industry presentations, book appointments with qualified careers consultants and take part in employability workshops and webinars. Our careers fairs provide further opportunities to explore your career options with some of the UKs leading employers.

Each year there are a number of events provided both by the Institute for Transport Studies and the University’s Careers Centre. We have a dedicated Careers Consultant from the Careers Centre who works with our students, delivering bespoke presentations and one-to-one consultations with students on their career plans. We also invite alumni back to share their experiences of developing a career in the transport sector.

There are also plenty of exciting ways you can volunteer during your time at Leeds. Find out more at the Leeds University Union website.

Four-month placement scheme

You will have the opportunity to gain four months industry experience in the UK with companies such as Network Rail and AECOM at the end of your Masters course. After a competitive application process, paid placements are offered from September to December at the end of your studies.

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

• AECOM (Graduate Transport Engineer)
• Network Rail (Strategic Planning Assistant, Timetable Development Assistant, Junior Strategic Planner)
• Fore Consulting (Transport Consultant)
• Stantec (Transport Consultant)

The scheme is open to all Masters students, including those on a student visa, within the Institute for Transport Studies. Placements aren’t guaranteed.