CIRO is delighted to officially launch its much anticipated rail contextualised MBA programme in February 2025, partnership with Keele University.

Following the incredible success of CIRO’s degree course, and demand from its students for further opportunities to progress, the institution has been working behind the scenes to answer calls for a postgraduate academic programme for the past two years.

The MBA will be eligible for levy funding as its delivery is embedded in the Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship, which is designed to equip managers in rail for the challenges of the modern workplace. This levy funded opportunity will enable rail professionals to gain access to affordable, industry specific master’s level higher education.

The MBA provides full senior leader experience, combining core skills and behaviours recognised by the Apprenticeship Levy’s Senior Leader Apprenticeship alongside master’s level rail learning.

This marks the institution’s first academic partnership with Keele University and highlights the fantastic resource available within the county of Staffordshire.

The hybrid programme offers master’s level rail learning focussed on Comparative Railway Operations and Railway System Integration. It has been designed to plug the gap in the rail industry for Level 7 qualifications specific to rail.

CIRO’s new CEO Philip Sherratt commented: “This is an exciting expansion to the CIRO offer, and is a fantastic partnership between two Staffordshire-based organisations.

“Our degree students thrive on our courses and have an eagerness to grow and learn. Their ambition to progress even further has to be acknowledged and respected, therefore we’re thrilled to offer an MBA course alongside Keele University.

“Senior Leader Apprenticeships offer a rigorous standard of professional development for managers and leaders. Our industry is continuously growing and evolving, so a highly educated and focussed workforce which has a passion not only for rail but for quality leadership is exactly what’s needed to support the future of rail operations.”

Requirements for a Senior Leader Apprenticeship typically asks individuals to have:

– At least three years’ relevant work experience prior to starting the programme.

– A 2:2 honours degree (or equivalent), or higher, where candidates can demonstrate significant experience – formal qualifications may be waived.

– GCSE Maths and English, Grade C (4) or equivalent.

Examples of indicative modules include:

– Leading in a Complex World.

– Strategy in a Dynamic World.

– Financial Decision Making.

– Strategic Marketing in a Global Context.

– People, Work and Organisations.

– Human Resource Management.

– Digital Transformation and the Digital Organisation.

– Research Methods.

– Extensive Company Project.

Philip added: “This latest development in CIRO’s offering fits perfectly with the institution’s vision for the future of rail operations. It plays a crucial role in developing the skills of rail operators and giving our industry leaders the recognition they deserve.”

To find out more or to discuss submitting an application, visit: Senior Leader MBA in Rail from CIRO