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» IRO Certifi cate » IRO Diploma » IRO Degree

& Glasgow Caledonian University Academy

Register your interest online at

www.railwayoperators.co.uk/register or call 03333 440553

How do I get started?

What will I be expected to do?

Which level is for me?

How do I fund it?

Who will be there to help me?

2 Railway Operators Management Qualifi cations

•


“I wasn’t sure I could do it but it only took me a couple of hours to

complete the RPL form.”

Sharon MotherwellStation Grade B

First ScotRail

3www.railwayoperators.co.uk/register

Recognition of Prior Learning

“It was the best couple of hours I’ve spent when you consider where it got me”

Sharon MotherwellStation Grade B

First ScotRail

If you want your work and life experiences to give weight to your application then you write a report on yourself and submit it for approval.

There are guidelines telling you how to put the report together, what to include and what detail to go in to. The IRO staff are here to help you too – you have to write it but we can guide you and offer encouragement.

There is usually an introduction about you, a detailed overview of your areas of work and activities, some explanation of your current responsibilities and major tasks and a look at how your learning will help you. If you have evidence then you can attach it but this is not always necessary.

Glasgow Caledonian University are the ones who analyse and approve the reports. They are a great partner for the Institution of Railway Operators as they have proved their commitment to fl exible learning opportunities to students from a wide variety of backgrounds and at different stages of their lives.


1. First register your interest online at www.railwayoperators.co.uk/register or by calling us on 03333 440553.

2. Then one of our advisors will call you to discuss the level of qualifi cation you have chosen, answer your questions about the application process and explain how your study can be funded.

3. Next go online and complete the application form.

4. Once your application has been approved you’ll hear from the IRO course mentor. All set to go.

Getting started

FACT FILE

100% of applicants have been offered a place on one of our courses.

3 weeks is the average time it takes to be offered a place after submitting your application.

Getting started First Tutorial

Mar-Aug 2012 6th Oct 2012 Oct 2012

Register Now Application Acceptance Induction dayGet going!

Funding Mentor call Induction day

Mar-Aug 2012 13th Oct 2012

Register now and get startedRegister now and get startedRegister now and get started


What’s involved?

Studying with the IRO is easy. You just need access to a computer and internet access. Our distance learning programme allows you to plan your study time around your working day and home life. All we ask is that you give us 10 hours study each week.

How is the course assessed?

There are no formal examinations. Your work will be continuously assessed based on worksheets, essay answers to set questions and a work based project and presentation.

How long will the course last?

» Certifi cate – 12 months» Diploma – 2 years» Degree – 2 years

FACT FILE

Did you know that every adult spends on average:

» 20 hours per week watching TV» 200 hours per year commuting» 118 hours per year eating lunch

Swap some of these hours and study with us for a qualifi cation.

We will provide you with core text reading material to get you started. You have the opportunity to meet with your fellow students and tutors at our tutorial days which are held throughout the UK on certain Saturdays.


There are three levels to choose from – Certifi cate, Diploma and Degree, each open to everyone. Your choice is dependent on your current qualifi cations and experience as there are minimum entry requirements for each level.

FACT FILE

More and more students are progressing from one level to another. More students than ever are staying on after their fi rst course to take a second.

Which level?

Level Who is it aimed at?

Certifi cateAnyone who went straight to work after school or those new to the rail industry

DiplomaAnyone who has a couple of A levels or their equivalent. Work experience can be taken into account instead

DegreeAnyone who has stayed in education up to HND or Diploma of Higher education level or equivalent

These are guidelines. Applications are considered on their own merit. IRO advisors can assist you in the process.

Don’t be put off though if you don’t think you meet the criteria. Talk to us and we can identify qualifi cations you have that may be eligible or help you on to the programme by completing the forms for the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

If you would like to do the Degree course but only qualify for the Certifi cate, you can progress through all three levels to achieve your goal over time.

“I have worked through all the levels from Certifi cate to Degree. It’s been rewarding, a� ordable (compared to other professional qualifi cations) and has stood me in good stead for promotion.”

Stewart Prentice – DriverFirst Capital Connect


Your choices are either…

1. Fund it yourself – after a down payment you pay a set fee per month on a standing order.

2. Get company sponsorship – you let us know the Purchase Order number, we do the rest.

3. A bit of both (part sponsorship) – we need the company funding up front and your monthly plan starts straight away either to us or your company.

HINTS & TIPS• Attend some learning in your own time to show your employer you

are not all talk (IRO events are free and take place in your own time).

• Be prepared to explain how your learning would benefi t the company.

• Expect to sign a contract with your company to cover them for the loss of investment if you leave.

• Don’t be put off if they turn you down. It’s surprisingly affordable on our interest-free payment plan.

Funding your study

Level Total fee Minimum depositpayable by 31.09.12

Monthly instalmentInterest FREE

Certifi cate £3,000 £1,800 £12010 payments – Oct 12-Jun 13

Diploma £6,552 £1,800 £21622 payments – Oct 12-Aug 14

Degree £7,080 £1,800 £24022 payments - Oct 12-Aug 14

“I am self-funding because I was determined to do the course, it’s a struggle fi nancially but will be worth it in the long run.”

Ellyn Camacho – DriverSoutheastern

FACT FILE

The number of students funding their own study on the monthly interest-free payment plan has grown over the last three years. Over 90% of students get free IRO membership from their employer being a corporate sponsor of the IRO.

All prices are inclusive of VAT at 20%


You are not alone. There is a great support network ranging from the IRO course mentor, your work based mentor and the IRO and GCU learning teams.

FACT FILE

Nearly all our past and current students said they would be happy to help support new students.

On average our students spend between thirty minutes and three hours with every tutor and six hours with the IRO course mentor overall.

Students spend 100% tutorial time having fun with other students – obviously while studying hard!

Who will help?

Don’t forget support also comes from your colleagues, fellow students and family and friends.

When the IRO tutors are not working for us they are practising professionals within the railway industry. The tutors are around to support and engage with you for the duration of your studies.

HINTS & TIPS• When picking your work based mentor, choose someone that

will make you think rather than tell you what to do.

• If you cannot fi nd a mentor, contact us and we will arrange one for you.

“All the tutors fi nd working with our students enjoyable and rewarding, and we are getting ready to support you on the next cohort.”

Piers Connor – Lead tutor Railway Engineering

with our students enjoyable


Course modules

Level 1Certifi cate of Higher Education in Railway Operational Management

Level 2Diploma of Higher Education in

Railway Operational Management

Level 3BSc in Railway

Operational Management

1. Personal & Professional Development 1. Personal & Professional Development1. Personal & Professional

Development

2. Management skills on the Railway 2. Railway Operating Principles 2. Operational Planning

3. Background to Railway Operations3. Train Planning & Performance

Management3. Safety Law & Management 2

4. Basic Railway Operations 4. Railway Business Organisation 4. Railway Engineering

5. Communication and the RailwayIndustry

5. Safety Law & Management 1 5. Railway Economics

6. Integrated Work Based Project 6. Customer Services 6. Train Movement & Control Systems

- 7. Managing People 7. Emergency Planning

- 8. Integrated Work Based Project 8. Managing Operations

- - 9. Integrated Work Based Project

Level Module Length Course Duration

Certifi cate 15 weeks 1 year

Diploma 12 weeks 2 years

Degree 12 weeks 2 years


1 Personal and Professional Development

Syllabus» Theories of knowledge» Theories of experiential learning» Theories of refl ective practice» Models of practical implementation of refl ective practice» Models of personal and professional development

2 Management Skills on the Railway

Greater understanding in these areas should be supported by exposure to the management roles within the student’s own organisation and also within the wider rail industry.

Syllabus» Business planning and Decision making» Monitoring and evaluating» Values, aims and objectives» Organisational structure and Culture» Financial processes and Budgeting» Human Resource management» Health and Safety management» Managing projects

3 Background to Railway Operations

Syllabus» Train planning» Performance management» Customer service» The railway business organisation

4 Basic Railway Operations

Syllabus» Block signalling» The track» Electrifi ed railway systems» From the cab/lineside features» Engineering work» Level crossings» Yard, depot and station operations» Trains» Publications» When things go wrong» Communication and control

Getting started Tutorials 2012 Tutorials 2013 You’ve done it!

Mar-Aug 2012 6th Oct 2012 6th Oct 2012 26th Jan 2013 4th May 2013 Aug 2013 Nov 2013

Register Now Application Acceptance Induction day London London London Complete your Certifi cate Graduation

Funding Mentor call Induction day Dublin Dublin Dublin

Mar-Aug 2012 13th Oct 2012 13th Oct 2012 19th Jan 2013 4th May 2013

Your route to Certifi cate successYour route to Certifi cate successYour route to Certifi cate success


Certifi cate Course Syllabus

“I’m really glad I did the course. I learned a lot and met people from all across the industry. The tutorial days were useful and

gave an opportunity to meet up, throw ideas around, and benefi t from the experience of others. I would recommend

the course to others with an interest in the railway or, like me, those who just want to expand their knowledge.”

Tracey Young Community Safety Manager

Network Rail

5 Communication and the Railway Industry

The aim of this module is to equip the student with the necessary knowledge and skills to enable them to function effectively as a middle manager in the railway industry.

Syllabus» Written communication» Oral communication» Effective dialogue» Effective presentation» Critical analysis

6 The Integrated Work Based Project

This work based learning project utilises the knowledge and skills the student has developed on other parts of the course and requires them to undertake an independent research project based in their own workplace.

Syllabus» Refl ective practice» Research» Literature review» Writing learning outcomes» Effective presentation» Critical analysis» Project management



This work based learning module supports students in developing a critical understanding of the main theories of experiential and refl ective learning. It also encourages students to engage in refl ective practice as a means of reviewing and improving their own learning in the workplace. Students will be required to produce a Professional and Personal Development Plan.


2 Railway Operating Principles

Syllabus» The working of single, double and multiple track railways» Basic signalling principles and systems for train spacing» Track types and layouts» Level crossings» Station, yard and terminal working» Train movements, including ‘Out of Gauge’ and special

working conditions» Train/infrastructure interface issues» Train driving and handling» The concepts of failsafe and ‘wrong side failures’» Safety of operations in adverse or degraded conditions» Planned and emergency engineering work» Response to rail accidents and incidents» Communications systems and standards» People issues in railway operations» Achieving, maintaining and improving operational safety standards

Getting started Tutorials Tutorials 2013 Tutorials You’ve done it!

Mar-Aug 2012 6th Oct 2012 6th Oct 2012

12th Jan 2013

6th Apr 2013

6th Jul 2013

21st Sep 2013

14th Dec 2013

8th Mar 2014

31st May 2014 Aug 2014 Nov 2014

Register Now Application Acceptance Induction day London London Manchester London Birmingham Manchester London Video Tutorial

Complete your Diploma Graduation

Funding Mentor call Induction day Dublin Dublin Dublin Dublin Dublin Dublin Dublin


5th Jan 2013

13th Apr 2013

29th Jun 2013

28th Sep 2013

7th Dec 2013

15th Mar 2014

31st May 2014

Your route to Diploma successYour route to Diploma successYour route to Diploma success

“Studying on the IRO diploma course was challenging in terms of fi nding the study time along with challenges faced in general day to day life which came in di� erent shapes and sizes. The key for me was to manage my time and be disciplined so that I managed to meet the deadlines. I never felt alone though as there is a strong support network to help you along the way whilst you are studying, there are plenty of people only too willing to help”

Martin WhelanDistrict Traction ExecutiveIarnrod Eireann


3 Train Planning and Performance Management

Syllabus» Timetable construction (train graphs, occupation graphs, rules of the

plan, rules of the route)» Types of train planning (the permanent timetable, short-term timetable,

very short investigatory exercises, engineering work and projects)» Types of train services» Infrastructure implications (track layout, headways, line speed, train

speed, line capacity, single lines, bidirectional signalling, electric power supply)

» Passenger terminal constraints» Freight terminal constraints» Resource planning» Identifying poor performance» Bringing about improvements in performance» The Train Planning – Performance loop

Diploma Course Syllabus


4 Railway Business Organisation

Syllabus» Business organisations - their environments, ownership and fi nance,

organisational structures, cultures and leadership styles, strategy, planning and control

» The market for rail transport» Development of the national rail network in Great Britain - construction,

amalgamation, nationalisation, privatisation and developments over the last ten years

» Governance of the rail industry - relationships between governments and railways, EU objectives and policies, Government bodies in England, Wales and Scotland, the Offi ce of Rail Regulation

» Railway businesses - case studies of individual infrastructure providers and train operators and an overview of rolling stock suppliers and other industry bodies

5 Safety Law and Management 1

Syllabus» Safety on the railway» Statute versus common law» General health and safety legislation» Duties of the employer» Approved codes of practice» Safety regulations» Risk assessment» Rights, responsibilities and functions of health and safety

representatives» Qualitative and quantitative risk management» Review, management and renewal» Safety policy» Review of safety management systems» Railway Group Standards

6 Customer Services

Syllabus» Aspects of customer service – key areas of railway customer service,

journey purpose, internal customer/supplier relationships» Customer types and needs» Approaches to customer service» Auditing (including project work)» Company policy» Company measurement criteria

7 Managing People

Syllabus» The principles of people management» Recruitment and selection – the recruitment process, assessment

centres, criteria based interviewing» Developing people – competencies, capabilities and behaviours,

training and training needs, coaching and mentoring» Motivation theories» Managing performance – performance appraisal, career development» Leadership styles» Employee relations – employment law, discipline and grievance» Team working


Diploma Course Syllabus

8 The Integrated Work Based Project

The work based learning project integrates the knowledge and skills that the student has developed on other parts of the course. The module requires the student to undertake an independent research project based in their workplace.


“Advancement through the Diploma course (2010-2012) has given me a much clearer picture of the operation of the railway as a whole, and in particular has helped me understand the issues I deal with on a daily basis. After

joining the IRO Certifi cate course in 2009, my interest in working on the railway was rekindled. It was nice to get structured training about many things taken for granted

after over 12 years work and learning from experience. The excellent tutors, sta� and regular IRO events,

has made learning that much more interesting and enjoyable. Looking forward to the challenge

of the Degree!”

Sandra BreggerChange and Administration Manager

Southern Railway



This work based learning module supports students in developing a critical understanding of the main theories of experiential and refl ective learning. It also encourages students to engage in refl ective practice as a means of reviewing and improving their own learning in the workplace. Students will be required to produce a Professional and Personal Development Plan.


2 Operational Planning

Syllabus» How the physical assets of the railway network shape the train service» Planning, timetabling, planning cycle» Access agreements» Long and short term planning» Capacity – factors infl uencing capacity, exploiting capacity effi ciently,

measuring usage and utilisation, and impact on service performance» Projects and developments, constraints planning, testing, measuring,

understanding railway track and signalling proposals

3 Safety Law and Management 2

Syllabus» Organisational responsibility, leadership and communication» The role of key national agencies such as the Offi ce of Rail Regulation» Assessing and managing risk» Safety critical and non-safety critical staff and the concept of staff

competence» Operation of safety audit systems and the management of safety» Managing contractors

Getting started Tutorials Tutorials 2013 Tutorials 2014 You’ve done it!


12th Jan 2013

6th Apr 2013

6th Jul 2013

21st Sep 2013

14th Dec 2013

8th Mar 2014

7th June 2014

23rd Aug 2014 Aug 2014

Aug or Nov 2014

Register Now Application Acceptance Induction day London London Manchester London Birmingham Manchester London London Video Tutorial

Complete your Degree Graduation

Funding Mentor call Induction day Dublin Dublin Dublin Dublin Dublin Dublin Dublin Dublin


5th Jan 2013

13th Apr 2013

29th Jun 2013

28th Sep 2013

7th Dec 2013

15th Mar 2014

31st May 2014

23rd Aug 2014

Your route to Degree successYour route to Degree successYour route to Degree success


“Although the degree course presented many personal challenges including managing the additional demands against work and family

commitments, I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. I have always subscribed to the

practice of continuous personal development (even before it was called CPD) and have undertaken

many training courses but I didn’t think it would culminate in achieving a Bachelor of Science

Degree in Railway Operations. I am very proud of my achievement and have put the learning to good

use in my role with Transport for London.”

Brian BarryOperations Assurance Manager

Transport for London

4 Railway Engineering

Syllabus» New technology and the importance of research and development» The operating characteristics of the various types of electric and diesel

vehicles and their applications for heavy rail, light rail and metro systems» Asset ownership arrangements» Maintenance arrangements» Use of effective planning to minimize down-time» Operating and engineering interface implications of track systems,

power supply, power distribution systems, formation and structures» Mechanical and electrical services used on railways» The issues surrounding new works and major project planning» Elements of ground engineering» Developments in signalling technology

Degree Course Syllabus

4 Railway Engineering Railway Engineering

Syllabus» New technology and the importance of research and development» The operating characteristics of the various types of electric and diesel » The operating characteristics of the various types of electric and diesel »

vehicles and their applications for heavy rail, light rail and metro systems» Asset ownership arrangements» Maintenance arrangements» Use of effective planning to minimize down-time» Operating and engineering interface implications of track systems,

power supply, power distribution systems, formation and structures» Mechanical and electrical services used on railways» The issues surrounding new works and major project planning» The issues surrounding new works and major project planning» » Elements of ground engineering» Developments in signalling technology

18 Railway Operators Management Qualifications

5 Railway Economics

Syllabus » Why economics and business issues are important» Railways as a business» Railway Costs – cost structure, fixed and variable costs, cost

allocation, the contractual matrix» Railway Revenues – sources of revenue, forecasting demand,

characteristics of the National Rail passenger market in Britain, fares, revenue distribution

» Rail Investment - making the case, matching costs and benefits» Risk – how it arises and how it is managed» The public interest in railways – subsidy, franchise agreements,

performance, regulation» Railway Business and contract management

6 Train Movement and Control Systems

Syllabus » Basic TMCS functions» Means of control including train detection, movement authorisation,

interlocking and movement control, the principles of operation of Automatic Train Protection (ATP) and Automatic Train Operation (ATO)

» Signalling development history, mainly from a UK perspective» Signalling principles as applied currently in the UK» A brief review of train control systems worldwide, focusing on

European and United States practice and considering the special concerns of tramways and metros

» Layout design and risk assessment» Human factors, aspects of human behaviour and the operator as a

sub-system» Traffic management systems and practice» Future vision for TMCS, communication based train control, European

Railway Traffic Management System (ERTMS), Degraded modes and RAMS

» Safety regulation and the signalling system

7 Emergency Planning, Mishap Management and Investigation

Syllabus » Statistical sources and trends» Planning for emergencies» Interfaces with railway and other agencies» Communications» Site management» Purpose of investigations» Forming the team and project-managing the investigation» Types of evidence and evaluation techniques» Theories of causation» Human factors» Principles of effective report-writing

8 Managing Operations

Syllabus » Definitions, scope and context relating to Heavy, Light rail

and Metro systems» Integration of train and network operating activities to effect high

standards of safe performance» The development of new operational activity and the management of

change» Normal and degraded modes of operation, failures & incidents» Management of current operations, control & special movements» Assessment and management of external factors affecting railway

operations» Public and operational security» Operational implications of different types of passenger trains» Management in relation to freight operations» Operational and organisational safety issues

“Studying on the degree course gave me the opportunity to gain an in depth knowledge and better understanding of the wider aspects of railway operations that would not have otherwise been available to me. Studying for and obtaining the IRO degree has helped me in my professional development and has had an infl uence in me obtaining promotion within the company.”

Urban MageeTra� c InspectorTranslink – NIR

“Studying on the degree course gave me the opportunity to gain an in depth knowledge and better understanding of the wider aspects of railway operations that would not have otherwise been available to me.

degree has helped me in my professional development and has had an infl uence


Degree Course Syllabus

9 The Integrated Work based Project

The work based learning project integrates the knowledge and skills that the student has developed on other parts of the course. The module requires the student to undertake an independent research project based in their workplace.


Then just register… www.railwayoperators.co.uk/register or call 03333 440553

» Fast-track your career» Improve your job prospects» Get the recognition you deserve» Know more about your industry» Spend time with some great people

www.railwayoperators.co.uk/register

Warning!

Don’t put th

is down until

you’ve registe

red your interest.

You may be m

issing out

on a life-changing opportu

nity!

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