Railway Systems Engineering and Integration (Dubai)MSc
Join the next generation of railway business leaders. Our MSc will open up a world of career opportunities in global rail industries.
Are You Interested In the Program?
Connect with an advisor for a 1:1 Session.
Duration
12 months
Location
University of Birmingham Dubai Campus
Mode
On-campus
Flexible for professionals
Evening & Weekend Classes
Campus
Dubai
About Program
The University of Birmingham Dubai, a Top 100 Global University, offers the MSc Railway Systems Engineering & Integration, designed for professionals and aspiring engineers looking to advance their expertise in railway infrastructure, systems, and management.
This industry-driven program provides a real-world learning experience through a combination of classroom teaching, laboratory work, and industrial projects, preparing students for leadership roles in railway engineering.
Course highlights
Learn how to design, build, operate and manage sophisticated subsystems and understand complex interfaces. Become part of a large and diverse railway research and education group.
You’ll benefit from expert insights and great links into industry. Based at our new, technology enhanced ‘smart’ campus you’ll learn from academics in Birmingham as well as in Dubai, for a truly global experience.
- Graduate with the same University of Birmingham degree as you would at our UK campus
- Learn to operate at a senior level on major projects
- Research-led teaching means you’ll learn about the latest railway engineering developments
We are ranked in the top 100 (QS World University Rankings 2025)
Benefit from our extensive laboratories and facilities both on and off our campus for carrying out research in railway engineering.
Why Choose This Program?
- Globally Recognized Qualification – Earn an MSc from a Russell Group university, alongside Oxford & Cambridge
- Industry Connections – Partnerships with RTA, Dubai Metro, Etihad Rail, and leading global railway firms
- Hands-On Learning – Access railway simulators, digital control labs, and IoT-driven smart infrastructure
- Strategic Location – Dubai – One of the world’s fastest-growing rail and metro hubs
- Job-Oriented Curriculum – Designed for engineers, managers, and industry professionals
- 1,000+ Graduates | 40+ Countries Join a global alumni network driving innovation in railway systems.
- Eligible for UAE 10-Year Golden VisaApply upon graduation from a Top 100 Global University.
- Paid Internships in the UAE Gain real-world experience with top employers like Dubai Metro, RTA, and Etihad Rail.
- UK Degree, Global Recognition Earn your MSc from a prestigious Russell Group university.
- Flexible Part-Time Option Study while working — just 8 weeks on campus over 2 years
- Scholarships Up to 50% Merit-based awards available for early applicants.
Who Should Enroll?
This program is ideal for
- Mid-to-Senior Level Railway Professionals looking for career growth
- Engineers & Technicians specializing in railway infrastructure, signaling, or transport planning
- Project Managers & Consultants working on large-scale railway projects
- STEM Graduates seeking specialization in railway engineering
Program Details
- Duration: 12 months (Full-Time) / 24 months (Part-Time)
- Location: University of Birmingham Dubai Campus
- Mode: On-campus | Evening & Weekend Classes (Flexible for professionals)
- Accreditation: UAE Ministry of Higher Education Approved
- Job Prospects: Dubai Metro, Etihad Rail, RTA, Global Rail Projects
About The Institute
Our University grew out of the radical vision of our first Chancellor, Joseph Chamberlain. Founded in 1900, Birmingham represented a new model for Higher Education. We were England’s first civic university, a place where students from all backgrounds were accepted on an equal basis. More than 100 years on, our Birmingham campus has grown to 672 acres, and we also now have a campus in Dubai. Each year, we welcome more than 30,000 students from across the world. Our size has changed, but our civic commitment has not
Our University grew out of the radical vision of our first Chancellor, Joseph Chamberlain. Founded in 1900, Birmingham represented a new model for Higher Education. We were England’s first civic university, a place where students from all backgrounds were accepted on an equal basis. More than 100 years on, our Birmingham campus has grown to 672 acres, and we also now have a campus in Dubai. Each year, we welcome more than 30,000 students from across the world. Our size has changed, but our civic commitment has not
Curriculum Overview
This program blends technical expertise with real-world applications to prepare you for senior leadership roles in railway engineering.
- The first term provides a comprehensive understanding of railway subsystems and their interactions. You’ll build a solid foundation in Infrastructure and Rolling Stock Systems, focusing on technical characteristics, operations, and maintenance.
- The Railway Control and Digital Systems module covers signalling and digital systems to ensure safety and reliability, while the Railway Operations, Management and Planning module explores operations and planning at different tactical and operational levels.
- In the second term, you'll cover Electrification and Traction Systems, examining power sources, infrastructure, and braking systems. You'll also explore business fundamentals through the MBA in Business and People Management module.
- The Systems Engineering and Ergonomics module integrates technical and human factors, showing how subsystems interact to achieve optimal railway operations.
- You'll choose a 60-credit research project aligned with your interests, supported by faculty guidance.
- This project will enhance your research capabilities, critical thinking, and analytical skills, preparing you to address real-world challenges in railway systems engineering.
Course delivery
Our MSc is taught in intensive, week-long blocks, allowing for part-time study or distance learning. You'll specialise in modules and complete a research project.
- Learn about cutting-edge developments in your chosen areas of interest, with lectures delivered by world-leaders in their fields.
- Engage in tutorials that promote independent problem-solving and enquiry-based learning.
- Foster independence through project work, preparing you for professional environments and ongoing personal development
The full-time programme comprises of classroom taught modules and coursework modules, scheduled over a period of 8 months. Part-time students follow the same syllabus as full-time students but complete the taught modules in a sequence that best suits their work-commitments. The MSc strand requires the submission of a dissertation that is based on a significant amount of independent research.
Facilities include railway system simulators, wind tunnel, electronics laboratories, pantograph testing rig, robotic arms, a railway track foundation rig, plus other equipment. We also have an aerodynamic moving-model testing facility for high-speed trains.
We offer a combination of evening and weekend classes which are designed to accommodate working professionals and those who choose to study full-time.
Our draft timetable for full-time students is designed to deliver teaching on weekday evenings from 18:00-21:00 and on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00-18:00. All modules are block-taught in weeklong intensives. Part-time students will study during these hours as per the number of modules they choose to study.
Module information
This programme is a 1 year full time (2 years part time) taught master's degree (180 credits) consisting of 120 credits of taught modules and a 60 credit of a project-based module . The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Any optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
Module Title
Credits
University Resources
Our Past Batch Alumni
Sudhir Prabhu
Principal Rail Systems Engineer @ Mott MacDonald | Delivering Challenging Rail Projects
Rakesh Kumar Chauhan
Enabling the Buildings of the Future
Shahbaz Rahman
Experienced Railway Systems Engineer and Innovation Specialist | MSc in Railway Systems Engineering & Integration |
Aditi Gupta
Graduate Engineer in Atkins, Networking & Development Lead YRP West Midlands Region 2024-25
Utsuk Shah
Consultant - Atkinsrealis
University of Birmingham Dubai
Railway Systems Engineering and Integration (Dubai)MSc
Career Prospects & Industry Impact
Railways are at the center of global smart transport and infrastructure development. With investments exceeding $300 billion globally, professionals trained in railway systems engineering are in high demand.
72% of UoB
72% of UoB graduates secure jobs within 6 months
Top Employers
Access to top employers like Dubai Metro, RTA, and Etihad Rail
Opportunities
Opportunities for a Golden Visa for professionals in the UAE
Global Railway
Network with global railway leaders and industry experts
Faculties
Dr Melody Khadem Sameni
Programme Director
Dr Krishnan G Venkateswaran
Assistant Professor of Railway Systems
Professor Paul Plummer
Industrial Professor of Rail Strategy
Professor Stuart Hillmansen
Professor of Railway Traction Systems
Dr Marcelo Blumenfeld
Assistant Professor in Future Transport Systems
Dr Ning Zhao
Assistant Professor in Railway Systems Engineering
University of Birmingham Dubai – Campus
Overview & Introduction
The University of Birmingham Dubai is an extension of the prestigious University of Birmingham, UK — a world top 100 university (QS World Rankings) and a Russell Group member, renowned for its cutting-edge research, academic excellence, and global outlook.
What Makes the Dubai Campus Unique?
Globally Ranked, Locally Relevant
- Offers the same high academic standards and rigorous curriculum as its UK counterpart.
- Degrees are UK-accredited and internationally recognized, giving students a powerful edge in global and regional job markets.
- Offers the same high academic standards and rigorous curriculum as its UK counterpart.
- Strategic Location in Dubai International Academic City
- Situated in the heart of the UAE’s education and innovation ecosystem, the campus gives students access to industry partnerships, internships, and employment opportunities across the UAE and GCC.
- Situated in the heart of the UAE’s education and innovation ecosystem, the campus gives students access to industry partnerships, internships, and employment opportunities across the UAE and GCC.
- Future-Ready Smart Campus
- The newly built, sustainability-focused campus is designed to facilitate next-generation learning, equipped with the latest technology, collaborative workspaces, and digital infrastructure to support research, innovation, and enterprise.
- The newly built, sustainability-focused campus is designed to facilitate next-generation learning, equipped with the latest technology, collaborative workspaces, and digital infrastructure to support research, innovation, and enterprise.
- A Hub for Working Professionals and Lifelong Learners
- The Dubai campus offers flexible postgraduate programs tailored for professionals, including evening and weekend schedules.
- Students gain real-world insights through faculty with international experience and direct industry engagement.
- Global Faculty, Local Expertise
- Courses are delivered by a blend of UK-based and UAE-based expert faculty, ensuring learners benefit from global perspectives with strong regional relevance.
- Courses are delivered by a blend of UK-based and UAE-based expert faculty, ensuring learners benefit from global perspectives with strong regional relevance.
- Diverse Student Community
- Courses are delivered by a blend of UK-based and UAE-based expert faculty, ensuring learners benefit from global perspectives with strong regional relevance.
Our Dubai campus
Our Dubai campus reflects the stunning heart of our UK campus. Home for up to 3,000 students, it’s also a meeting place for Birmingham alumni in the region and a business engagement hub for the local community. With state-of-the-art facilities, we offer an elite university education in the heart of the United Arab Emirates. Not only world-leading and research-informed, but personal to you.
Facilities at our Dubai campus
Teaching and learning
Our campus is built around collaboration, reflecting real-world work environments. We have a variety of adaptable spaces, from large lecture theatres and laboratories to intimate seminar rooms, all designed to suit different learning styles and activities.
Study spaces
Throughout the campus, you'll find informal study areas and meeting rooms perfect for solo or group study. Our Library features rooms equipped for hybrid meetings and group work, with Wi-Fi access available to all students. The Siemens Innovation Lounge is ideal for group study and innovation, hosting events like presentations, hackathons, and workshops.
Social spaces
The Birmingham experience goes way beyond studying and learning. Outside of lectures, there are lots of spaces to relax and enjoy your free time. We have numerous social spaces to foster community and networking. Enjoy informal seating on the ground floor and dedicated Student Association spaces at the ends of our wings.
Study spaces
Throughout the campus, you'll find informal study areas and meeting rooms perfect for solo or group study. Our Library features rooms equipped for hybrid meetings and group work, with Wi-Fi access available to all students. The Siemens Innovation Lounge is ideal for group study and innovation, hosting events like presentations, hackathons, and workshops.
Social spaces
The Birmingham experience goes way beyond studying and learning. Outside of lectures, there are lots of spaces to relax and enjoy your free time. We have numerous social spaces to foster community and networking. Enjoy informal seating on the ground floor and dedicated Student Association spaces at the ends of our wings.
Study spaces
Throughout the campus, you'll find informal study areas and meeting rooms perfect for solo or group study. Our Library features rooms equipped for hybrid meetings and group work, with Wi-Fi access available to all students. The Siemens Innovation Lounge is ideal for group study and innovation, hosting events like presentations, hackathons, and workshops.
Admission Process
Submit Application
Tell us a bit about yourself and why you want to join this program
Application Review
An admission panel will shortlist candidates based on their application
Application Review
Selected candidates will be notified within 1-2 weeks
Admission Requirements
To be eligible, you must have:
A Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or Economics
Relevant Work Experience in railway engineering, transport, or infrastructure (preferred)
English Proficiency: IELTS/TOEFL (if applicable)
Program Fees & Scholarships
Tuition Fees:
Get Started Today
Scholarship Opportunities:
Up to 50% Merit-Based Scholarships for outstanding professionals
Corporate Discounts for employees of RTA, Dubai Metro, and government partners
Early Bird Offers for applications before [Deadline Date]
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I study while working full-time?
Yes! The Evening & Weekend format is designed specifically for working professionals.
Does this MSc lead to international job opportunities?
Yes! The Evening & Weekend format is designed specifically for working professionals.
Is financial aid available?
Yes! The Evening & Weekend format is designed specifically for working professionals.
How do I apply?
Yes! The Evening & Weekend format is designed specifically for working professionals.
What kind of internship opportunities are available during the program?
Students have access to paid internships with leading rail industry partners such as Dubai Metro, RTA, and Etihad Rail, providing real-world experience and exposure to ongoing rail projects in the UAE.
What is the class structure like for part-time and full-time students?
The program uses a block teaching format: full-time students attend more frequent sessions, while part-time students only need to attend 8 weeks of on-campus classes spread over 2 years, allowing flexibility alongside employment.
Is this degree recognized globally?
Yes. The MSc is awarded by the University of Birmingham, a Top 100 Global University, and is internationally recognized for academic and industry excellence, especially in railway systems engineering.
What kind of support do students receive for career development?
Students benefit from career counseling, resume-building workshops, mock interviews, and networking with UAE and global rail industry experts during and after the program.
What is the background of the faculty delivering the program?
The program is taught by internationally experienced faculty and supplemented by industry guest lecturers from major railway operators and engineering firms, ensuring a balance of theory and practical knowledge.
Will I need to take IELTS or any English proficiency test?
For most applicants, IELTS is not mandatory if you’ve studied in English-medium institutions. The admissions team can guide you based on your academic background and qualifications.
