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1 » IRO Certificate» IRO Diploma» IRO Degree 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? & Glasgow Caledonian University Academy Register your interest online at or call

2 I wasn t sure I could do it but it only took me a couple of hours to complete the RPL form. Sharon Motherwell Station Grade B First ScotRail 2 Railway Operators Management Qualifi cations

3 Recognition of Prior Learning 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. It was the best couple of hours I ve spent when you consider where it got me Sharon Motherwell Station Grade B First ScotRail 3

4 Getting started 1. First register your interest online at or by calling us on 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. Register now and get started Getting started First Tutorial Mar-Aug th Oct 2012 Oct 2012 Register Now Application Acceptance Induction day Funding Mentor call Induction day Mar-Aug th Oct 2012 Get going! 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. 4 Railway Operators Management Qualifi cations

5 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. 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. 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. 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. How long will the course last?» Certifi cate 12 months» Diploma 2 years» Degree 2 years 5

6 Which level? 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. 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. Level Certificate Diploma Degree Who is it aimed at? Anyone who went straight to work after school or those new to the rail industry Anyone who has a couple of A levels or their equivalent. Work experience can be taken into account instead Anyone 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. I have worked through all the levels from Certificate to Degree. It s been rewarding, affordable (compared to other professional qualifications) and has stood me in good stead for promotion. Stewart Prentice Driver First Capital Connect 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. 6 Railway Operators Management Qualifi cations

7 Funding your study 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. Level Certificate Diploma Degree Total fee (+VAT) 2,500 (+ 500) 5,460 (+ 1,092) 5,900 (+ 1,180) Minimum deposit (+VAT) payable by ,500 (+ 300) 1,500 (+ 300) 1,500 (+ 300) Monthly instalment (+VAT) Interest FREE 100 (+ 20) 10 payments Oct 12-Jun (+ 36) 22 payments Oct 12-Aug (+ 40) 22 payments - Oct 12-Aug 14 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. I am self-funding because I was determined to do the course, it s a struggle financially but will be worth it in the long run. Ellyn Camacho Driver Southeastern 7

8 Who will help? 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. 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 find 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 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! 8 Railway Operators Management Qualifi cations

9 Course modules Level 1 Certificate of Higher Education in Railway Operational Management Level 2 Diploma of Higher Education in Railway Operational Management Level 3 BSc in Railway Operational Management 1. Personal & Professional Development 1. Personal & Professional Development 1. Personal & Professional Development 2. Management skills on the Railway 2. Railway Operating Principles 2. Operational Planning 3. Background to Railway Operations 3. Train Planning & Performance Management 3. Safety Law & Management 2 4. Basic Railway Operations 4. Railway Business Organisation 4. Railway Engineering 5. Communication and the Railway Industry 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 Integrated Work Based Project Level Module Length Course Duration Certificate 15 weeks 1 year Diploma 12 weeks 2 years Degree 12 weeks 2 years 9

10 1 Personal and Professional Development» 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.» 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» Train planning» Performance management» Customer service» The railway business organisation 4 Basic Railway Operations» 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 Your route to Certificate success Getting started Tutorials 2012 Tutorials You ve done it! Mar-Aug th Oct th Oct th Jan 4th May Aug Nov Register Now Application Funding Acceptance Mentor call Induction day Induction day London Dublin London Dublin London Dublin Complete your Certificate Mar-Aug th Oct th Oct th Jan 4th May Graduation 10 Railway Operators Management Qualifi cations

11 Certificate Course 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.» 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.» Refl ective practice» Research» Literature review» Writing learning outcomes» Effective presentation» Critical analysis» Project management 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 benefit 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 11

12 1 Personal and Professional Development 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.» 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 Railway Operating Principles» 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 Your route to Diploma success Getting started Tutorials Tutorials Tutorials You ve done it! Mar-Aug th Oct th Oct th Jan 6th Apr 6th Jul 21st Sep 14th Dec 8th Mar st May 2014 Aug 2014 Nov 2014 Register Now Application Acceptance Induction day London London Manchester London Birmingham Manchester London Video Funding Mentor call Induction day Dublin Dublin Dublin Dublin Dublin Dublin Dublin Tutorial Mar-Aug th Oct th Oct th Jan 13th Apr 29th Jun 28th Sep 7th Dec 15th Mar st May 2014 Complete your Diploma Graduation 12 Railway Operators Management Qualifi cations

13 Diploma Course 3 Train Planning and Performance Management» 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 Studying on the IRO diploma course was challenging in terms of finding the study time along with challenges faced in general day to day life which came in different 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 Whelan District Traction Executive Iarnrod Eireann 13

14 4 Railway Business Organisation» 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» 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» 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» 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 14 Railway Operators Management Qualifi cations

15 Diploma Course 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.» Refl ective practice» Research» Literature review» Writing learning outcomes» Effective presentation» Critical analysis» Project management Advancement through the Diploma course ( ) 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 Certificate 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, staff and regular IRO events, has made learning that much more interesting and enjoyable. Looking forward to the challenge of the Degree! Sandra Bregger Change and Administration Manager Southern Railway 15

16 1 Personal and Professional Development 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.» 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 3 Safety Law and Management 2» 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 2 Operational Planning» 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 Your route to Degree success Getting started Tutorials Tutorials Tutorials 2014 You ve done it! Mar-Aug th Oct th Oct th Jan 6th Apr 6th Jul 21st Sep 14th Dec 8th Mar th June rd Aug 2014 Aug 2014 Aug or Nov 2014 Register Now Application Acceptance Induction day London London Manchester London Birmingham Manchester London London Video Funding Mentor call Induction day Dublin Dublin Dublin Dublin Dublin Dublin Dublin Dublin Tutorial Mar-Aug th Oct th Oct th Jan 13th Apr 29th Jun 28th Sep 7th Dec 15th Mar st May rd Aug 2014 Complete your Degree Graduation 16 Railway Operators Management Qualifi cations

17 Degree Course 4 Railway Engineering» 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 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 Barry Operations Assurance Manager Transport for London 17

18 5 Railway Economics» 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» 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» 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» 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 18 Railway Operators Management Qualifications

19 Degree Course 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.» Refl ective practice» Research» Literature review» Writing learning outcomes» Effective presentation» Critical analysis» Project management 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 influence in me obtaining promotion within the company. Urban Magee Traffic Inspector Translink NIR 19

20 » Fast-track your career» Improve your job prospects» Get the recognition you deserve» Know more about your industry» Spend time with some great people Then just register or call Warning! Don t put this down until you ve registered your interest. You may be missing out on a life-changing opportunity!