MSc (Eng) Railway Engineering with Project Management
Year 1
(Award available for year: Master of Science (Eng))
Learning outcomes
1. Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems (Much of the knowledge will be at the forefront of Railway Engineering and informed by an awareness of new developments and the wider context of engineering) (AHEP4 Learning Outcome M1 and QAA Engineering subject benchmark, 2015).2. Formulate and analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions. (This will involve evaluating available data using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles (as appropriate), and using engineering judgment to work with information that may be uncertain or incomplete, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed) (AHEP4 Learning Outcome M2).3. Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques, including GIS software to model complex problems related to planning railway lines and studying their resilience, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed (AHEP4 Learning Outcome M3).4. Select and critically evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to solve complex problems relevant to Railway Engineering (AHEP4 Learning Outcome M4).5. Design solutions for complex problems that evidence some creativity/originality and meet a combination of societal/user/customer/business needs. This will involve consideration of applicable health & safety, diversity, inclusion, cultural, societal, environmental and commercial matters, codes of practice and industry standards as appropriate. (AHEP4 Learning Outcome M5).6. Apply an integrated (systems) approach to design and the solution of complex problems (AHEP4 Learning Outcome M6).7. Evaluate the environmental and societal impact of solutions to complex problems (to include the entire life-cycle of a design or process) and to minimise adverse impacts (AHEP4 Learning Outcome M7).8. Adopt an inclusive approach to engineering practice and recognise the responsibilities, benefits and importance of supporting equality, diversity and inclusion (AHEP4 Learning Outcome M11).9. Use practical laboratory and workshop skills to investigate problems (including those with complex aspects) (AHEP4 Learning Outcome M12).10. Select and apply appropriate materials, equipment, engineering technologies and processes, recognising their limitations (AHEP4 Learning Outcome M13).11. Discuss the role of quality management systems and continuous improvement in context of a complex problem (AHEP4 Learning Outcome M14).12. Apply knowledge of engineering management principles, commercial context, project management, and relevant legal matters relevant legal matters (including intellectual property rights) as appropriate (AHEP4 Learning Outcome M15).13. Function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader of a team, as appropriate. Evaluate effectiveness of own and team performance (AHEP4 Learning Outcome M16).14. Communicate effectively on complex engineering matters with technical and non-technical audiences, evaluating the effectiveness of the methods used) (AHEP4 Learning Outcome M17).15. Place the global challenges of the Climate Emergency, the 17 UNSDGs and cultural change central to their material selection, design and construction thinking (and develop the ability to carry out an embodied-carbon check on a design, and then to reduce this carbon footprint while retaining the key elements of the brief). (JBM design/sustainability thread)Skills Learning Outcomes:- Technical skills (e.g. CAD and GIS for route planning)- Decision-making- Communication- Systems thinking- Anticipatory/future thinking- Integrated problem solving- Planning and Organisation/Time management- Group working and collaboration- Strategic practice- Relationship development- Ethical- Information searching
Transferable (key) skills
Masters (Taught), Postgraduate Diploma & Postgraduate Certificate students will have had the opportunity to acquire the following abilities as defined in the modules specified for the programme:- Understanding of different roles within a team and the ability to exercise initiative and personal responsibility, which may be as a team member or leader (JBM guidelines for MScs, 2017)- The skills necessary to undertake a higher research degree and/or for employment in a higher capacity within the railway industry- Evaluating their own achievements and that of others- Self-direction and effective decision making in complex and unpredictable situations- The ability to work in an informal environment as well as in a formal learning session (QAA chapter B3)- Independent learning and the ability to work in a way which ensures continuing professional development- Critically engage in the development of professional/disciplinary boundaries and norms- Independent learning which will allow successful participation in continuing professional development as required for professional accreditation.
Assessment
Achievement for the degree of Master (taught programme) will be assessed by a variety of methods in accordance with the learning outcomes of the programme and will involve the achievement of the students in:- Demonstrating the ability to apply breadth and/or depth of knowledge to railway engineering- Demonstrating knowledge of the interaction of the different areas of railway engineering and how they are dependent upon one another- Showing knowledge of the principals of project management and how they can be applied in a railway context- Evidencing an ability to conduct independent enquiry within railway engineering- Drawing on a range of perspectives on an area of study- Dealing with uncertainty - Demonstrating skills competence in areas that cover the broad range of railway engineering as a discipline- A satisfactory demonstration of breadth, as well as depth, of knowledge relevant to the practice of railway engineering- Ability to work independently, setting appropriate aims/objectives and workplan, in the context of the dissertation project.