Applications now open for CIRO’s academic programmes

Do you want to broaden your understanding of railway operations, develop reflective skills and gain an industry-recognised qualification? Enhance your career and gain professional recognition with one of CIRO’s academic courses. Applications are now open for the 2025 intake of the Certificate, Diploma and Degree in Railway Operations Management.

Our academic courses are the next step for rail professionals looking to enhance their knowledge and level up their skills. The courses cater for all levels of knowledge and experience: our Certificate is designed for people new to the industry; the Diploma is ready to expand the knowledge of people with some rail experience; and our Degree suits those with a good amount of experience who are looking to go further. Delivered in collaboration with Glasgow Caledonian University, the specialist learning material offers industry recognised qualifications written by industry experts and taught by industry professionals.

Last year, we heard from Jill Hazleton on her experience of how completing an academic programme has transformed her approach to work:
Jill said: “I joined Network Rail in my late twenties after several years of working in student support at Universities. I quickly learnt that the railway is one huge system, with so many interacting parts. Learning about different areas of the business as a whole has really helped me to do my job better.”

If you’d like more information, or some guidance on the right steps for you and your career, you can join one of our Academic Programme Open Evenings. These events are joined by current and former students of the courses, who share their first-hand insight and answer any questions you may have. The events will cover:

- Which level of the programme is right for me?
- What funding options are available?
- What is expected of me as a student?
- How much time am I required to give to this?
- The application process.
- The support on offer.
- Experiences from our current students and graduates.
- A Q&A session.

The first two open evenings of the year take place on Tuesday 11th February and Tuesday 29th April. If you can’t attend these events, we’re running them again on Tuesday 24th June and Tuesday 5th August . These are online events from 17:30-18:30. If you’re interested in attending, email learning@railwayoperators.co.uk with your preferred date, and you’ll be sent an invite.

Take the next step in your career: join an open evening to explore your options, or apply now!