Graduate Diploma of Rail Operations Management

The Graduate Diploma of Rail Operations Management aims to build on the foundation knowledge acquired from completion of the Graduate Certificate and concentrates on developing your ability to apply acquired skills and knowledge in high-level rail operations management, planning and problem solving. The program is designed for people currently working in the field of rail operation and management who are looking to extend their skills and qualify as a professional rail operations manager. 

First-year courses that you will study in the Graduate Diploma of Rail Operations Management include Introduction to Rail Operations Management which will be focused 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. 

Second-year courses will build on the foundation knowledge you have acquired and help you develop advanced knowledge and skills in Train Planning, Passenger and Freight Operations and Rail Operations Risk Management and Administration. Train Planning will cover topics such as goals and current art in train planning, performance measurement, and factors influencing optimal train planning including human resource issues, market and industry sector needs. In addition, the course covers opportunity management and planning for special events, as well as leadership in train planning. Passenger and Freight Operations will include goals and current art in freight and/or passenger operations, and factors influencing ‘best performance’ in this sphere.

Successful completion of these courses will qualify you as professional rail operations manager and prepare you for further study in this field at a masters level.

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.

 CQUniversity Australia offers postgraduate programs in:

• Railway signalling and telecommunications
• Rail operations management

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 of a bachelor degree.

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 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

This program is designed for people currently working in the field of rail operation and its management, who are looking to extend their skills and qualify as professional rail operations manager. On completing of the Graduate Diploma of Rail Operations Management, you will have the skills and knowledge to be a more effective manager in rail operations.  In addition, you would have developed competency in complex rail operations management skills.

Program Structure

You are required to successfully complete a total of six compulsory courses to be awarded the Graduate Diploma of Rail Operations Management.

Students are required to attend a two-day induction workshop in late February prior to commencement of studies.  There will be an end- of-program graduate conference where graduating students are to present their theses to staff, fellow students and an industry audience.

Course Information

For example courses you could study as part of the Graduate Diploma of 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.