The Chartered Institution of Railway Operators (CIRO) is pleased to announce a new academic partnership with Keele University, marking an exciting new chapter for the delivery and development of CIRO’s Railway Operations Management academic programme.
The partnership will see Keele University support the future delivery and evolution of CIRO’s flagship academic pathway, which includes the Certificate, Diploma and BSc in Railway Operations Management. These programmes are designed specifically for professionals working across the railway sector, equipping operational leaders with the knowledge, skills and strategic understanding required to manage the complex realities of modern rail operations.
CIRO’s academic programmes have supported the development of more than 1,000 graduates working across passenger and freight operators, infrastructure organisations and the wider rail supply chain. By combining academic study with real-world operational experience, the programmes help develop the leadership capability and whole-system understanding needed across today’s railway.
The new partnership with Keele University will enable CIRO to further enhance its academic provision while ensuring programmes remain closely aligned with the evolving needs of the rail industry.
Keele University already works with CIRO through the Senior Leader MBA programme, providing a strong foundation for expanding the partnership into CIRO’s wider academic offering. Known for its high-quality teaching and strong student satisfaction, Keele brings significant academic expertise, facilities and research capability to support the next phase of programme delivery.
“I am delighted that today we can announce the exciting next stage of our partnership with the Chartered Institution of Railway Operators (CIRO), delivering co-designed courses that will provide excellent developmental opportunities and industry-recognised qualifications for both aspiring and current railways employees for the future-facing rail industry.
“I’m hugely grateful to colleagues at Keele and CIRO, who have worked so productively to make this major new partnership an exciting reality.”
CIRO is headquartered in Stafford, while Keele University is located on a 600-acre campus in the Staffordshire countryside near Newcastle-under-Lyme and Stoke-on-Trent, with excellent transport links to major cities including Birmingham and Manchester.
The close proximity between the two organisations creates new opportunities for collaboration between industry and academia. Being based within the same region will allow CIRO and Keele to work more closely together on programme development, teaching delivery and future innovation in railway education.
This local partnership also reinforces the important role the Midlands plays within the UK rail industry, with the region home to major rail employers, engineering expertise and nationally significant transport infrastructure.
As CIRO looks ahead to this new partnership, the Institution also acknowledges the conclusion of its long-standing academic collaboration with Glasgow Caledonian University, which supported the delivery of CIRO’s programmes for more than two decades.
CIRO remains extremely grateful to colleagues at Glasgow Caledonian University for their dedication and contribution to the development of the programmes and the success of their graduates.
All learners currently enrolled on programmes validated by Glasgow Caledonian University will continue to be fully supported through to completion, with no changes to programme structure, teaching, assessment or certification.
Preparations are now underway to support the transition to Keele University as CIRO prepares for the next programme intake.
The application window for all levels will open in April 2026, with the next cohort expected to begin their studies in October 2026.
Adam Fenton, Chief Operating Officer of CIRO, said:
“This partnership represents an exciting new chapter for CIRO and for the development of railway professionals across the UK.
Partnering with Keele University allows us to build on the success of our academic programmes while strengthening the connection between industry and higher education. Having both organisations located in Staffordshire also creates new opportunities for collaboration and innovation as we continue developing the operational leaders who keep Britain’s railway running safely and efficiently.”
CIRO represents more than 14,000 rail professionals and is the professional membership body dedicated to advancing the knowledge, skills and professionalism of rail operations.
The Institution celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2025 and achieved Royal Charter status in October 2021, recognising its role in advancing professional standards across railway operations.
Through partnerships such as this, CIRO continues to support the development of skilled, capable professionals who help keep the railway running safely, efficiently and reliably every day.
If you are interested in advancing your career in railway operations, applications for the next intake of CIRO’s academic programmes will open in April 2026.
Prospective learners can find out more and apply here:
Rail organisations interested in developing their workforce and strengthening operational capability can also get in touch with CIRO to explore how our learning programmes can support your organisation’s training and development needs.
Contact the CIRO Learning team: learning@railwayoperators.co.uk
