2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

TRAN5530M Railway Policy

15 creditsClass Size: 40

Module manager: Andrew Smith
Email: A.S.J.Smith@its.leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module provides students with an international perspective on rail policy, reflecting both theoretical contributions and actual policy practice. The first part of the module introduces the role of rail and rail policy in the context of the wider transport policy landscape, together with the essential understanding of the economics of rail supply (in particular, the problem of natural monopoly and the role of economics of scale and density and rail). Similarities and differences between rail and other network industries are considered. The second part of the module looks in depth at specific rail regulatory and competition policy topics, with examples from around the world. The final part considers the future of rail in the context of changing travel behaviour and needs, and the interaction with innovation across modes.

Objectives

This module aims to give students an understanding of: firstly, the role of rail within the wider transport policy context; secondly the fundamental features of rail services, industry structure and the underlying supply side economics that underpin the approaches to regulation and competition policy in the sector; thirdly specific approaches to rail regulation, competition, funding and governance; and finally future directions for rail policy. Examples will be provided that represent the different policy challenges around the world.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:

1. Understand the role of rail within the wider policy landscape.
2. Understand the economics of rail and its funding; as well as its similarities and differences from the other modes and other network industries.
3. Justify and critique different approaches to competition and regulatory policy to solve market failure problems in rail.
4. Understand the interaction between different parts of the government and different parts of the rail value chain in ensuring delivery of rail services.
5. Interpret and critically evaluate empirical studies in the field to understand what works and why.
6. Relate theoretical approaches to policy in practice.


Skills Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:

1. Critical thinking
2. Academic writing
3. Information searching

Syllabus

Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lectures	16	1.00	16.00
seminars	2	2.00	4.00
Private study hours			130.00
Total Contact hours			20.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Students can also obtain feedback via submitting a coursework draft structure and through discussion / interaction with the lecturers

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Assignment	Coursework	33.00
Assignment	Coursework	67.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 23/04/2024

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