ObjectivesThis program aims to provide a comprehensive and systematic body of knowledge and skills essential for the management of rail operations in a modern rail industry. The main focus of this program will be on technical topics that are specific to the rail industry, and which are not covered in any of the current undergraduate or postgraduate courses. In addition, the on-going development of professional skills such as analysis, problem solving, time management, team work, and communication will be an integral part of the curriculum in the courses.
Practical experienceIntegrated work-place activities supervised by work-based mentor.
Entry requirementsThis program is targeted primarily for recent (within five years) graduates who are employed in rail operations areas. Candidates who do not meet the above requirements but have at least five years of work experience in the appropriate field and show learning maturity and capability may be accepted on the recommendation (in writing) of their employer. For acceptance into the program, students must be employed within the industry sector and have employer support, including the allocation of a work-based course mentor for the duration of the study period. Candidates whose employer can meet the course support requirements but have difficulties finding a suitably qualified work-based course mentor should contact the program coordinator for the appointment of a state-base course mentor. Progress to the Graduate Diploma program will require a credit grade or above in at least 2 of the 3 courses in the first year of the program. Progress to the master degree will require an average grade of credit or above for the first two years of the course. Students are required to complete all prescribed courses to graduate. There will be no electives in this program.
Academic titleMaster of Rail Operations Management
Course description
About Rail Operations Management
This suite of courses in rail operations management is developed by the collaborative Research Centre for Railway Engineering and Technology (Rail CRC) at the request of senior rail operations managers in its partner organisations. Course materials have been developed by its partners (including CQUniversity and key industry partners) and with permission to use selected training materials developed by the Institute of Rail Operators (UK). The courses are licensed to the CQUniversity's Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Health for offering in the distance mode.
All courses are tutored by practising senior and experienced rail operations managers.
Career Opportunities
This suite of courses is intended as an integral component in a professional development program for new graduates and others who plan to take a management career in the area of Rail Operations Management. It is most likely that students enrolled in this program would have already been employed within the rail industry and sponsored by their employer to attend this program.
Program Structure
This will be a three year program culminating to the award of a Master degree of Rail Operations Management. There will be two exit qualifications in the form of a Graduate Diploma of Rail Operations Management (after successful completion of two years) and the Graduate Certificate in Rail Operations Management (after successful completion of one year).
Induction program
There will be a compulsory two day induction program for participants at the commencement of the program. This will be explicitly stated in the letter of offer should you be accepted into the program.
Pre-requisite of courses
Students are expected to complete OPS1 prior to enrolling in any of the other first year courses. There is no other pre-requisite for either OPS2 or OPS3.
Students are also expected to have completed all 3 first year courses prior to enrolling in any of the year two courses. There are no other pre-requisite for OPS4 to OPS6.
Students are expected to have completed all 6 graduate diploma courses prior to enrolling in OPS7-OPS9 in sequence.
Presentation of thesis at end of Master program
There will be an end of program, face-to-face, Graduate Conference where the final thesis will be presented to both peer and current practising professional. The purpose of this Conference is for would be graduates to demonstrate their professional capability as well as defend their thesis in an assembly of their peers.
Year 1 - T1
RAIL29014 OPS1 - Introduction to Rail Operations Management
Year 1 - T2
RAIL29015 OPS2 - Railway Infrastructures
Year 1 - T3
RAIL29016 OPS3 - Network and Localised Train Control
Year 2 - T1
RAIL29017 OPS4 - Train Planning
Year 2 - T2
RAIL29018 OPS5 - Passenger and Freight Operations
Year 2 - T3
RAIL29019 OPS6 - Rail Operations Risk Management and Administration
Year 3 - T1 Railway Operations Management Project Definition and Planning
Year 3 - T2 Railway Operations Management Project Implementation 1
Year 3 - T3 Railway Operations Management Project Implementation 2