Graduate Certificate in Rail Operations Management

The Graduate Certificate in Rail Operations Management aims to fast-track your knowledge and understanding of the complex and interactive nature of the railway operations environment. The program is designed as a pathway into the Graduate Diploma of Rail Operations Management for people who may not have the relevant tertiary qualification required for entry and who wish to qualify as a professional rail operations manager.

The main focus of this program is on developing your general understanding of the Australian rail industry and the management of rail operation. In addition, the ongoing development of professional skills such as analysis, problem solving, time management, teamwork and communication will be an integral part of the curriculum in the courses within this program.

Courses that you will study in the Graduate Certificate in Rail Operations Management include Introduction to Rail Operations Management which focuses on the principles of rail operation as well as the current business, legislative, industrial, environmental and social environment of the rail industry and the demand for quality and safety management practices in the running of train services. In addition, you will be introduced to basic analysis and analytical tools in rail operation, such as demand and performance analysis. Furthermore, the importance of human factors and people skills in rail operations will be examined, particularly in the context of industrial process and change management.

You will also study Railway Infrastructures and Network and Localised Train Control which will provide you with an overview of railway technologies and their impact on rail operations activities. These courses will also include coverage of both above-rail and below-rail infrastructures and the principle of asset management within rail operations. The culmination of these courses will provide you with a solid foundation on which further rail operations knowledge and skills can be developed.

What am I studying?

Did you know that Australia has over 43 000km of train track and one of the most efficient heavy-haul transport networks in the world? The rail transport industry is a vital part of our economy, moving both passengers and freight throughout Australia. The advantages of rail transport include efficiency and reliability in addition to the ability to carry greater loads than other forms of transport. Our rail networks service many industries such as mining and agriculture and stretches to some of our most remote locations. The recent shift away from predominantly state-owned railways has seen an increase in the number of private rail operations across Australia which continue to be a major employer and contribute billions of dollars to the economy.

If you want to be part of an age-old, yet ever-evolving industry, then a career in the rail industry may be for you.

Why Study at CQUniversity

CQUniversity offers a suite of programs in Rail Operations Management which have been developed in conjunction with Rail Innovation Australia (formally known as the Cooperative Research Centre for Railway Engineering and Technologies  or Rail CRC), with significant contributions from its key partner organisations. The suite includes a graduate certificate, graduate diploma and masters programs which have been developed to meet the demand of the Australian rail industry and address the shortage of qualified rail operation managers.

The programs have been designed for people currently working in the field of rail operation and its management, who are seeking to enhance their skills, knowledge and capabilities in order to qualify as professional rail operations manager. Through CQUniversity’s strong linkages to the rail industry, course materials have been developed in collaboration with key industry partners and with permission to use selected training materials developed by the Institute of Rail Operators (UK).  Furthermore, all courses in this program are tutored by practising senior and experienced rail operations managers and consultants.

By undertaking these programs you will acquire a comprehensive and systematic body of knowledge and skills essential for the efficient management of rail operations in a modern rail industry operating in a highly sensitive commercial environment. The programs are available by distance education, allowing you to remain in the workforce and study at a time and place that suits you.                      

Entry Requirements

• Full-time employment in the relevant field and agreement of support from employer
• Recent (within five years) graduation from a bachelor degree

Please Note: If you do not meet the above educational requirements, but have at least five years of work experience in the appropriate field and show learning maturity and capability, you may be accepted initially in the graduate certificate program (CG31) on the recommendation (in writing) of your employer.

Students who achieve an average grade of credit or above may seek to change to the graduate diploma program by term three of their first year. Progress to the graduate diploma program will require a credit grade or above in at least two of the three courses in the first year of the program.  Progress to the masters degree will require an average grade of credit or above for the first two years of the course.

Career Opportunities

On completing the Graduate Certificate in Rail Operations Management, you will have the skills and knowledge to be a more effective manager in rail operations.

Work Intergrated Learning

Applicants must have a current employment in maintenance engineering/maintenance management.

Program Structure

You are required to successfully complete a total of three compulsory courses to be awarded the Graduate Certificate in Rail Operations Management.

Compulsory two-day induction workshop in late February prior to commencement of studies.

Course Information

For example courses you could study as part of the Graduate Certificate in Rail Operations Management program please click here.

As CQUniversity is committed to providing quality, up-to-date and relevant education, please note courses are refreshed regularly and may not be an exact indication of course availability for your study. Please call 13CQUni 13 27 86 if you have specific questions regarding course information regarding your specific application.

Residential School and Study Requirements

There is an orientation workshop prior to commencement of studies.