Railway Systems Integration

Entry requirements

The normal entrance qualification for MRes study is a 2:1 Honours degree in a relevant subject (eg, physics, engineering, mathematics or economics).

Months of entry

September

Course content

Our Railway Systems Integration MRes programme prepares you for a career in research and development in railway businesses and companies supplying railways with advanced technical and operational systems. By developing analytical and research skills, the course can also serve as a stepping stone to doctoral studies.

The Railway Systems Integration MRes offers a unique opportunity for students to undertake a research-based Masters degree together with technical study in a relevant railway systems or engineering subject. Students benefit from participating in both the fundamental and applied research carried out within the Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education (BCRRE), and from the world-leading educational programmes offered by the Centre.

Two-thirds of this course comprises a major, individual research project, carried out in any aspect of railway research relevant to the activities of the Centre, and often in collaboration with an industrial partner. One-third consists of taught modules. As a result, you will gain a thorough understanding of recent developments in railway research and of the industry’s needs for new and emerging technologies. You will also acquire the skills to apply these developments in your research project.

Projects are usually undertaken in collaboration with industry, making them highly attractive for applied R&D projects. At the same time, students learn more about specific technical and management issues relevant to the railway industry. Key benefits include the broad range of research topics available, from highly-technical projects to those focusing on business/policy issues.

Why study Railway Systems Integration MRes at Birmingham

• BCRRE is Europe’s largest Railway-focussed research and education group. Projects involve fundamental and applied research in railway science, technology and business. BCRRE is privileged to work with many colleagues from the railway industry who regularly contribute seminars and talks. Not only do these enrich and embed your learning, they provide excellent opportunities for networking with others in the industry.
• We have extensive laboratories and facilities both on and off our campus for carrying out research in railway engineering. Recently we have commissioned a wind tunnel and a loading rig of three half-sleepers for undertaking near full-scale investigations into railway track foundations. We also have an aerodynamic moving-model testing facility for high-speed trains.
• Gain a unique opportunity to carry out valuable research alongside high-level education in a relevant railway systems, business or engineering subject
• Benefit from participating in the fundamental and applied research carried out within the BCRRE, and from the world-leading educational programmes offered by the Centre
• For applicants with limited railway experience the three-week introductory course in Terminology and Communication for Railways sets the scene and familiarises you with the components and terminology of the railway system.
• The major research project makes this programme ideal for company sponsorship in order to establish or continue a research and development programme
• The course is designed for new graduates and practising railway professionals who have an interest and desire to take part in research and development
• Study in our state-of-the-art new School of Engineering building which includes

-160 drop in study spaces for flexible learning and 20 flexi bays for staff and student interaction

-Study in our new £16.4M UK Rail Research and Innovation Network (UKRRIN) Centre of Excellence in Digital Systems (CEDS) with the opportunity to work alongside leading industrial collaborators

-Provides an opportunity to work on your specific sponsored projects and network globally

Information for international students

Standard English language requirements apply (IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band).

International students applying for this programme will need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office before the University can issue you with a Certificate of Acceptance of Studies (CAS). We recommend that you apply for your ATAS certificate as soon as you receive an offer from us. More information can be found here.

Fees and funding

Funding opportunities are available.