Graduate Certificate in Railway Signalling and Telecommunications

The Graduate Certificate in Railway Signalling and Telecommunications is designed for those working in the Railway industry who may not have relevent tertiary engineering qualifications required for entry into the graduate diploma program to qualify as a professional railway signal practitioner.

The program includes foundation courses in railway signalling and telecommunications, including signalling and safe railway operation to provide you with broad knowledge and skills. Attention will be focused on the current business environment of the rail industry and the demand for quality and safety management practices in the delivery of signalling systems. The program also includes an introduction to signalling principals to provide you with a fundamental understanding of signalling and signalling systems and ensures you can apply this knowledge in a safe, fit-for-purpose and cost-effective manner.

You will also have the choice to study either Signalling the Layout (which provides you with the skills to design a signal layout for a variety of different traffic patterns and equipment systems) or Railway Telecommunications (which provides broad knowledge and skills for the application of telecommunications systems in a railway environment).

The content studied in the Graduate Certificate in Railway Signalling and Telecommunicationswill provide the foundation on which the courses within the GraduateDiploma will build to qualify you as a professional railway signal practitioner.

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’s suite of programs in railway signalling and telecommunications is designed for those currently working in the railway industry seeking to upgrade their formal qualifications. The suite of programs in railway signalling and telecommunications includes a graduate certificate, a graduate diploma, and a masters degree.  The programs aim to develop competent railway signal engineers and future leaders of the signalling profession by stimulating students with learning experiences that aim to develop a well-rounded knowledge base and generic engineering competencies.

All course materials for this program have been developed by Rail Innovation Australia (formally known as the Cooperative Research Centre for Railway Engineering and Technologies or Rail CRC), which is the peak railway research centre body in Australia, in collaboration with industry and university partners and with a significant contribution by the Institution of Railway Signal Engineers (IRSE) (Australasian) members. 

The programs are offered by distance education using a web-based multi-media learning platform, allowing you to remain in your workplace while you study. Entry to the programs requires suitable employment within the industry. Project-based learning is a key feature of this program which gives you the opportunity to apply what you learn under the guidance of a work-based mentor as part of workplace activities. Work-integrated learning also allows you to develop your professional networks and your teamwork skills. You will be guided throughout your studies by both an academic and industry-based supervisor and your learning is also supported by a two-day induction program at the commencement of your studies, online discussions and bulletin boards, and teleconferences when required, all in addition to tutors for each course.

Entry Requirements

You are required to have full-time employment in the relevant field and agreement of support from employer, and recent (within five years) graduation from a Bachelor of Engineering program.

Career Opportunities

On completion of the Graduate Certificate in Railway Signalling and Telecommunications, you will be able to progress to the Graduate Diploma program. Completion of the Graduate Diploma of Railway Signalling and Telecommunications will enable you work as a professional railway signal practitioner.

Program Structure

Entry to this program requires you to have:

• full-time employment in the rail industry sector and an agreement of support from their employer (compulsory)
• recent (within five years) graduation of a Bachelor of Engineering

Please note if you 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,  you may be accepted on recommendation (in writing) from your employer.

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 Railway Signalling and Telecommunications 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.