I originally applied for the MSc in Railway Systems Engineering and Integration at the University of
Birmingham because I have a strong interest in the railway field. My bachelor’s degree in railway
transportation engineering and previous internships, like at Hitachi India, provided a good
background. I was drawn to this course for the blend of technical skills and management knowledge.

What I love the most about the course content and structure is the combination of technical concepts
around signalling, power systems, telecommunications, etc., and professional practices like safety
standards, operations management, and integration principles. Learning through site visits, guest
lectures, and practical projects is also a great way to cement knowledge.

The University of Birmingham is one of the top 100 schools globally, ranked 15th best university in the
UK (Times Higher Education 2023). For Engineering and technology specifically, it ranks #13 in the
country (QS World Rankings 2023). The excellent facilities like specialty rail labs and proximity to
Birmingham rail hub were advantages over other schools.

A highlight was visiting the Severn Valley Railway heritage line. Seeing steam and diesel locomotives
and legacy signalling systems in use was fascinating and really supplemented my course learnings
around rail history and infrastructure evolution.

I would advise prospective students to have a foundational knowledge in railway systems, as the content
can be quite technical. Background in Engineering, Physics, transport networks helps. Being
motivated to learn both technical skills and managerial knowledge is key to get the most out of this
multidisciplinary program.

Those considering this course should know that the first semester has more general theory and policy
content before specialized technical modules. But sticking through builds a knowledge base for
rewarding later applied projects and site visits – this ramp-up is worth it!