High Speed Train and Track Systems MSc/Diploma

The High Speed Train and Track Systems MSc provides students with a thorough understanding of the principles, practices and technological developments relevant to the high speed rail sector. The programme has a strong focus on the emerging research and development, recent railway engineering challenges as well as future trends in the rail industry, both in the UK and internationally. Delivered by the Institute for Infrastructure and Environment, this programme offers participants the tools to understand and manage the design, operational and contractual requirements of railway systems.

High Speed Train and Track Systems is delivered by experts in the field of high speed railway engineering, including Professor Peter Woodward and Dr João Pombo, and covers a wide range of relevant disciplines including:

• High speed track design and train operations;
• Ground vibrations;
• Railway vehicle dynamics and advanced rolling stock modelling;
• Vehicle-infrastructure interaction;
• Life-cycle costs of railway equipment.

The programme is designed for civil and mechanical engineering as well as physics graduates who wish to develop an understanding of the principles, scientific developments and technology relevant to the international railway industry.

We also welcome applications from professionals already working in the railway sector and from students and graduates from other backgrounds planning to develop a career in the high speed rail industry.

Graduates with specialised skills and expertise in developing, designing and operating modern railway systems are highly sought after in the rail industry. Currently there is a worldwide shortage of individuals qualified in this area and there are significant opportunities for graduates to contribute to a broad range of organisations in the rail industry, including:

• Rail infrastructure companies;
• Train manufacturers;
• Vehicle and infrastructure maintenance companies;
• Regulatory bodies;
• Engineering SMEs involved in the railway supply chain.

The programme also provides a suitable springboard for graduates seeking a career in a research-led environment.

Heriot-Watt University offers a superb environment for postgraduate study and research. Students on our MSc in High Speed Train and Track Systems will have access to our internationally recognised high quality labs and testing facilities.

This programme can be studied full-time, part-time or online via Independent Distance Learning (IDL) which is ideal for those in employment or with other commitments and provides flexible study options that fit around work or family.

* An IDL programme - whether at PgDip or MSc level - can be completed in a minimum of 2 years. On average, our PgDip programmes studied via IDL are completed in 2-3 years, while MSc programmes are completed in 2.5-7 years. Most students intend to complete their studies with IDL within 2-3 years.

The direct relationship between the High Speed Train and Track Systems masters programme and industry needs is reinforced in two ways: a) through projects with an industrial context, and; b) through specific aspects of the taught courses, for example, through presentation of case studies and seminars as well as visiting lecturers from relevant sectors.

The programme also benefits from the close contacts that exist between members of staff and a large number of industry players.

This programme is also supported by the Civil Engineering Industry Advisory Committee, which includes representatives from major multi-national employers AECOM, ARUP, Balfour Beatty, Halcrow, Jacobs and WSP Group. This committee convenes regularly and advises on the programme content and structure, ensuring quality, up-to-date content and relevance to industry needs.

The Programme Leader, Dr João Pombo, is a specialist in railway dynamics with 18 years’ experience and has been involved in the development of several computer codes with applications to railway engineering. He has led and participated in several projects in close collaboration with leading international research centres and industry players. João Pombo is author of more than 80 papers in refereed journals and international conferences. He is the editor-in-chief of the “International Journal of Railway Technology” and chairman of the "International Conference on Railway Technology" series.