The Railway Risk and Safety Management programmes have been jointly developed by the Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education (BCRRE) at the University of Birmingham and the High Integrity Systems Engineering (HISE) Group at the University of York. The programme team aims to create a deep and robust understanding of approaches to manage safety and risk in transport systems and projects. The partners recognise that each transport sector and mode has its own specific features but seek to ensure that a common approach is taken to the generic issues involved in ensuring dependable operations.
The primary method for teaching is classroom-based lectures, which are delivered in one week blocks. In addition, some distance learning through software tools is part of the taught programme. Several lectures are given by industrial speakers. Further learning is achieved through individual literature review, as part of assignments, or in group exercises. The research and taught parts are complemented by site visits, study excursions, and working weekends throughout the year. A several day European study tour is also part of the programme.
