Course description
Safety and Accident Investigation - Rail Transport PgCert: Course Description: Cranfield University are proud to offer the world’s first full MSc in Safety and Accident Investigation (Rail Transport) designed for rail accident investigators. The course is suitable for those with a technical or operational background in railway or safety engineering and management, accident investigators, and those employed by national investigation agencies, operators, regulators, and manufacturers. Start Months: January or MayFull Time/ Part Time:Part time School: School of Aerospace, Transport and Manufacturing Theme: Transport Systems Entry Requirements: A first or second class UK Honours degree (or equivalent) ideally in a related subject. Other recognised professional qualifications or several years relevant industrial experience may be accepted as equivalent; subject to approval by the Course Director. For further and specific information please visit the course page. English Language: If you are an international student you will need to provide evidence that you have achieved a satisfactory test result in an English qualification. The minimum standard expected from a number of accepted courses are as follows: IELTS - 6.5 TOEFL - 92 Pearson PTE Academic - 65 Cambridge English Scale - 180 Cambridge English: Advanced - C Cambridge English: Proficiency - C In addition to these minimum scores you are also expected to achieve a balanced score across all elements of the test. We reserve the right to reject any test score if any one element of the test score is too low. We can only accept tests taken within two years of your registration date (with the exception of Cambridge English tests which have no expiry date). Students requiring a Tier 4 (General) visa must ensure they can meet the English language requirements set out by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and we recommend booking a IELTS for UKVI test. Duration: Part-time MSc - up to three years, Part-time PgCert - two years, Part-time PgDip - two years Course format: TaughtMSc/PgDip/PgCert Who is it for?: The course is primarily aimed at those involved in rail accident investigation and other safety related industries. Why this course?: We have been a centre of excellence in the field of accident investigation for almost 40 years. The course format draws on the experience we have gained in running similar MSc programmes which have proved to be both successful and popular. The format suits professionals based in UK and abroad, as teaching is conducted in modules and research and assessments can be completed remotely.An important aspect of this course is the use of hands-on workshops and simulations to develop the practical skills required as an investigator. This is complemented by sessions and modules that enable you to conduct rigorous research and scientific analysis, along with technical writing, investigation and interviewing techniques.Cranfield University is very well located for visiting part-time students from all over the world, and offers a range of library and support facilities to support your studies. This enables students from all over the world to complete this qualification whilst balancing work/life commitments. This MSc programme benefits from a wide range of cultural backgrounds which significantly enhances the learning experience for both staff and students. Informed by Industry: The Industry Advisory Board for this course is made up of representatives from several organisations who have an interest in safety and accident investigation. As this is a new course it is expected that the Board will meet annually to ensure the course content remains relevant and up-to-date. Current members include:Visiting Professor (Board Chairman), Ex AAIBVisiting Professor, Ex AAIBChief Inspector, Rail Accident Investigation BranchChief Inspector, Marine Accident Investigation BranchHead of Corporate Safety, Cathay Pacific AirwaysBoard Member, Civil Aviation AuthorityExecutive Vice President Safety, EmiratesManager, Air Safety Investigations, Rolls-RoyceDirector of Flight Safety, AirbusSenior Advisor Royal Navy Flight Safety & Accident Investigation Centre. Your teaching team: The course will be delivered by a wide range of experts from across Cranfield University, including members of the Cranfield Safety and Accident Investigation Centre. Teaching staff on this course include:Professor Graham BraithwaiteAlan Parmenter Ms Saryani Asmayawati.In addition, the course draws upon a wide range of external presenters from a variety of organisations linked to transport safety including the UK Accident Investigation Branches, the military and other relevant organisations. Course details: The course is delivered on a modular basis and consists of a combination of conventional learning tools and hands-on experience through field exercises and simulations.The programme commences with attendance on the three-week module in Fundamentals of Investigation followed by a three-week module in Applied Rail Accident Investigation. The two compulsory modules have input from a significant number of external presenters who represent safety and accident investigation. Individual project:During year three, students undertake a supervised research project on a subject of their choice within the rail accident investigation field. Students will be given a briefing and must demonstrate competency in hypothesis formation, literature review, methodology, analysis, conclusion forming and presentation. Students will also be asked to give a formal oral presentation on their research findings.Assessment:Taught modules 50%, Individual research project 50% Funding Opportunities:To help students find and secure appropriate funding, we have created a funding finder where you can search for suitable sources of funding by filtering the results to suit your needs.Security clearance for Shrivenham:Some Cranfield University courses are delivered at the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, Shrivenham which is a Ministry of Defence (MOD) site. All applicants to courses that are wholly or partially delivered at Shrivenham must complete the BPSS (HMG Baseline Personnel Security Standard V4 April 2014) prior to registration on the course or must already hold a security clearance to this level or higher.Your application and BPSS clearance application will be shared during the application process with the MOD who have ultimate discretion over whether to admit applicants to the Shrivenham site. This information will be returned by the MOD to Cranfield University after checks are completed and no copies will be retained by the MOD. Your career:The MSc in Safety and Accident Investigation (Rail Transport) allows you to receive an internationally recognised qualification in the field of rail accident investigation. The majority of students join this course with the intention of receiving a qualification that will allow them to further their career development in accident investigation or other safety related areas of the rail transport industry.
