Graduate Diploma of Railway Signalling and Telecommunications

The Graduate Diploma of Railway Signalling and Telecommunications is designed to develop competent and qualified railway signal engineers by providing formal qualifications for those wanting to specialise in the railway signalling discipline.This program is aimed at recent engineering graduates working in the field of railway signal engineering who are looking to extend their skills and qualify as a professional railway signal practitioner.

The program covers the fundamentals of railway signalling and telecommunications including Signalling and Safe Railway Operations, Signalling Principals, Signalling Applications Engineering and Signalling Systems, Management and Engineering. Completion of these courses will provide you with broad, systematic and multidisciplinary knowledge and skills on the role of signalling in safe railway operation, the current business environment of the rail industry, quality and safety management practices, signalling and signalling systems and the application of signalling and communications equipment at all stages in the lifecycle (including research and development). You will also develop a systems engineering perspective of railway signalling, control and communications systems and professional skills for the integration of many subsystems and diverse equipment in a professional manner.

You will build upon this foundation by selecting courses which are relevant to your professional requirements and personal interests. You will have the opportunity to choose from either Signalling the Layout (which provides students with the skills to design a signal layout for a variety of different traffic patterns and equipment systems) or Railway Telecommunications (which will provide broad knowledge and skills for the application of telecommunications systems in a railway environment). You will also have the opportunity to choose between a signalling research/investigation project or complete a course in signalling professional competency to hone your professional and managerial skills.
 

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

Entry to this program requires students to have:

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

Please note that 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. In this case, you must first successfully complete the Graduate Certificate of Railway Signalling and Telecommunications before advancing to the graduate diploma and receiving credit for the relevant courses completed.

Career Opportunities

On completing a Graduate Diploma in Railway Signalling and telecommunications you will have the skills and qualifications to work as a professional railway signal practitioner.

Program Structure

To be awarded the Graduate Diploma of Railway Signalling and Telecommunications you must complete a total of six courses including four compulsory courses and two courses of your choice.

Specific courses under the Graduate Diploma of Railway Signalling and Telecommunications have a residential school attached.  Dependant upon courses selected, compulsory attendance is required.

Course Information

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

Professional Recognition

Completion of the Graduate Diploma of Railway Signalling and Telecommunications is an equivalent qualification to the Institution of Railway Signal Engineers (IRSE) examination for a candidate applying for IRSE membership.