Rail and rail systems engineering at the University of East London is designed to meet the increasing demand (national and international) for transport engineering professionals requiring technical skills in sustainable, integrated and intelligent rail infrastructure and rail systems.

Graduates of the programme will be able to design, build, operate and manage the sophisticated and complex interfaces characterising existing and new railways and infrastructure. The programme will also enable you to gain strong theoretical knowledge and practical skills in civil and systems engineering with a core focus on the railway industry and its operations. You will be actively involved in developing the specific design and professional skills required by professional engineers and will tackle numerous design problems to develop your interpersonal, enterprise and employability skillset (aka mental wealth) along with analytical, technical and industrial decision-making abilities.

Whilst studying all the major civil, mechanical and systems engineering subjects, you will also gain experience in a range of current railway system issues and disciplines. The programme will benefit from the opportunities to get involved in cutting edge research projects on built environment of infrastructure, geotechnics, coastal and transportation engineering.

The programme also offers an optional placement year to all students, enabling you to experience the real world and effectively connect your UEL experience with the industry.

The programme is aimed at both the home and overseas learners, and in particular professionals working in the highways, railway and the wider transportation infrastructure and systems sector or learners who would wish to work in these sectors. Whilst studying all the major civil, mechanical and systems engineering subjects, you will also gain experience in a range of current railway system issues and disciplines.
The programme will benefit from the opportunities to get involved in cutting edge research projects on built environment of infrastructure, geotechnics, coastal and transportation engineering.

Your academic team includes a dynamic mix of research-active industrial practitioners, renowned researchers, chartered professionals and technologists, whose combined knowledge ensures you leave with a comprehensive understanding of railway engineering practice and research.

You will be setting your own hands-on and research–based learning where you will evaluate and critique recent data, literature and case studies as well. You will be delivered guest sessions by industry specialists (e.g. Atkins, Constain Skanska, Siemens, Laing O’Rourke, HS2 project etc.) to strengthen your knowledge of real-world issues and how they link to the concepts, theories, principles and hands-on practical elements taught during the course.

Guided independent study

We are investing in key areas beyond your studies including our career services, library and well-being, to be available both face-to-face on campus and online with many of these available 24/7. We have new, modern library facilities on both campuses offering inspirational environments for study and research. Libraries contain resources in print and digital formats, a range of study spaces and dedicated librarian who can assist with your learning.

Academic support

Students are supported with any academic or subject related queries by an Academic Advisor, module leaders, former and current UEL students.
If you need a bit of extra help with certain skills such as academic writing, maths or IT, our Skillzone and English for Academic Purposes we offer workshops, drop-in sessions and one-to-one appointments to help our students achieve their potential. You can receive advice and guidance on all aspects of the IT systems provided by the university from our IT Service Desks located on all three campuses.
Our Student Support hubs in Docklands and Stratford feature centralised helpdesks to cater for your every need. UEL provides also support and advice for disabled students and those with specific learning difficulties (SPDs).

Workload

Each year you will spend around 300 hours of timetabled learning and teaching activities. These may be lectures, workshops, seminars and individual and group tutorials. Contact hours may vary depending on each module.

The approximate percentages for this course are:
Year 1: scheduled teaching – 300 hours; guided independent study – 900 hours.
Year 2: scheduled teaching – 300 hours; guided independent study – 900 hours.
Year 3: scheduled teaching – 300 hours; guided independent study – 900 hours.

The size of classes can vary depending on the nature of the course, module and activity. This can range from large groups in a lecture theatre setting, to smaller groups taking part in seminars and collaborative work. You will receive your personalised timetable at the beginning of the academic year dependent on your course

Offering a placement year as well, you will be based at the waterfront Docklands campus, a dynamic part of London within close proximity of the government and policy-making institutions and knowledge-based professions. There are 32 London boroughs, the nearby district and county councils, HS2 projects, Transport for London and consulting engineering firms who all have highway and transportation responsibilities. In addition, there are design engineering firms who have sections dealing with highway design and transportation.