Rail Safety Management

Masters in Rail Safety Management

The Master of Rail Safety Management is a postgraduate degree program that aims to develop a sophisticated set of skills and knowledge that provides the basis for leadership in rail safety management. The program is designed for, but not exclusive to, people currently working in the rail industry. The courses are run by distance education and provide a mixture of staff guided online-learning and face-to-face interactions. Students in the program learn about human factors, occupational hygiene, safety management, risk management, rail regulation and legislation. At the Masters stage, students conduct research projects under the guidance of one of the research staff at the university.

Does this program require me to study on campus?

This program is specifically targeted at people who are working in the rail industry, and is designed to be part-time and distance-based. Some of the courses contain compulsory residential schools which require attendance of up to two weeks at an on-campus workshop. These on-campus workshops are a valuable opportunity to meet the teaching staff and to network with other students who will ultimately form your rail safety network.

I have already studied similar courses in the past. Can I get credit for these?

You can normally get credits for up to 50% of your program if you have done equivalent courses at other universities. Credit for prior learning is assessed by the Program Director following application to the program.

When are the programs available?

The Programs are available for entry throughout the year. The next deadline for entry is TBC.

Who do I contact for more information?

Please contact Dr Chris Bearman for more information (email C.Bearman@cqu.edu.au or phone: 08 8378 4514). Online applications can be made at: https://applyonline.cqu.edu.au

Masters Courses

• OCHS20029 Human Factors (Term 1)
• OCHS20030 Occupational Health, Hygiene and Toxicology (Term 1)
• OCHS20031 Law and Management of Occupational Health and Safety (Term 2)
• OCHS20032 Risk Management and Safety Technology (Term 2)
• OCHS22001 Key Issues in Rail Safety (Term 3)
• OCHS22002 Rail Safety Legislation and Regulation (Term 3)
• OCHS29001 Research Project A (Term 1)
• OCHS29002 Research Project B (Term 2)
• OCHS29003 Research Project C (Term 3)

Entry requirements for the Masters

There are three possible options for entry into this program:

• A three year bachelor degree from an Australian university.

Students who have completed the GD RSM or equivalent can apply for 48 ucs towards the Masters. All other applications for Credit Transfer will be assessed by the Head of Program on a case-by-case basis.

• Consideration may also be given on an individual basis to applicants with professional OHS (non-degree) qualifications or equivalent and who have had at least five years work experience at a middle or higher management level; or other relevant qualifications and working towards professional OHS career development.

• Write high level reports;
• Read and analyse academic literature, government policy texts and create detailed reports;
• Complete high level numeric tasks applicable to workplace situations.

Note: Students applying for entry without a three year Bachelor degree from an Australian university will be assessed by the Head of Program.

Graduate Diploma in Rail Safety Management

The Graduate Diploma in Rail Safety Management is essentially a subset of the Masters program. The Graduate Diploma aims to develop a comprehensive set of skills and knowledge relating to rail safety management. Students in the program learn about human factors, occupational hygiene, safety management, risk management, rail regulation and legislation, but do not continue on to the research project stage.

Graduate Diploma Courses

• OCHS20029 Human Factors (Term 1)
• OCHS20030 Occupational Health, Hygiene and Toxicology (Term 1)
• OCHS20031 Law and Management of Occupational Health and Safety (Term 2)
• OCHS20032 Risk Management and Safety Technology (Term 2)
• OCHS22001 Key Issues in Rail Safety (Term 3)
• OCHS22002 Rail Safety Legislation and Regulation (Term 3)

Entry requirements for the Graduate Diploma

• A three-year Bachelor degree from an Australian university.

Consideration may also be given on an individual basis to applicants with:

• Professional OHS (non-degree) qualifications or equivalent and who have had at least five years work experience at a middle or higher management level; or
• Other relevant qualifications but working towards professional OHS career development.

Students applying for entry via this alternative approach will need to provide and show the ability to:

• Write high level reports;
• Read and analyse academic literature, government policy texts and create detailed reports;
• Complete high level numeracy tasks applicable to workplace situations.

Note: Students applying for entry without a three year Bachelor degree from an Australian university will be assessed by the Head of Program.