RailEI Technical Education and Training Programmes
Track Engineering Diploma
Principles and theory
The aim of the programme is to give delegates an understanding of the principles of the theory and practice of track engineering in the UK. It is comprised of three consecutive modules and involves 100 hours of taught study all mapped to HE Level 6.
Delegates will be taught by experienced railway engineers who will share their wealth of experience. Attendees will receive comprehensive course materials and coursebooks with worked examples to support their learning.
Upon successful completion of all three modular assessments, candidates will be awarded a RailEI Diploma in Track Engineering. These courses are aimed at people who are looking for a broad awareness of track engineering. Typical delegates include those new to track as a discipline, as well as more experienced people who would like to obtain our Diploma to support their application to IEng.
Three modules
Each Module costs: £985 (Virtual or In-person) Accommodation cost: £425
Top-up qualification to IEng for HND / Foundation Degree Holders
Module 1 Track engineering
Gives a basic understanding of track engineering and its theory and context. Develops a knowledge of track types and features, its interfaces with other rail infrastructure including earthworks, structures and clearances and track maintenance including ballast, drainage, stressing, grinding and welding. Gives an understanding of the concept of the UK system, operations, timetables, and legislation.
14 – 17 September 2026 – In-person
15 – 18 February 2027 – Virtual
Module 2 Track design
Focuses upon track design for projects and enhancements. Develops skills in track design of plain line and switches and crossings, component knowledge and configurations, layouts, innovations and life extension, route evaluation and trackbed design, through design case studies and exercises.
28 September – 01 October 2026 – Virtual
07 – 10 December 2026 – In-person
10 – 13 May 2027 – Virtual
Module 3 Advanced track asset engineering and renewals
The study becomes more strategic and delivery oriented with advanced asset management techniques and applications. Gain a deep understanding of UK track renewal planning, plain line, S&C, existing and future methods, rail renewal scenarios and optioneering and learning from accidents. Understand advanced technical rail management issues, rail sustainability and strategic track asset management.
09 – 12 November 2026 – Virtual
08 – 11 March 2027 – In-person
12 – 15 July 2027 – Virtual
Delegate feedback
Top up to IEng
RailEI Track Engineering Diploma is a form of further learning and, together with a short Supplementary Report, fills the academic gap to IEng for those with relevant HND or Foundation degree qualifications.
All three modules must be completed successfully and the Supplementary Report will be subject to peer review.
Important things you should know
Questions and answers
We do recommend that the modules are completed in order, however we recognise that busy work schedules may prevent this. Modules 1 and 2 can be taken in any order, but delegates cannot start Module 3 until after they have completed Module 1.
Approximately two weeks before the course, we will send you an email with the joining instructions confirming timings, the agenda, location and arrangements for the course. If you are completing the course in our virtual classroom, we will also post the course materials to you.
Yes, approximately one week before the course commences, the presentations that will be given on the course will be made available to delegates.
Yes, you are able to book accommodation at the training venue in Derby. This includes a single room, breakfast and evening meal and if you require accommodation the night before the course begins, we can arrange that too.
Absolutely! We are very happy to liaise with your colleagues regarding your booking and can accept a purchase order and raise an invoice for payment. Please contact our education team education@railei.org
Please complete a course booking form for each delegate and email them to education@railei.org
A space will be reserved for each delegate, and we will send you an invoice ready for payment.
Our courses take place at the Derby Conference Centre. Its central location with good transport links, combined with its classroom sizes, onsite accommodation and proximity to local rail infrastructure make it an ideal venue for our training course.
We can also offer this course to individual clients who are able to populate a full cohort of participants and can run the event at UK locations having suitable facilities. To discuss your requirements, please contact education@railei.org
Our virtual training courses take place on Teams.
You will need a reliable internet connection, video, speakers and microphone. You do not need a paid Teams account to access these sessions.
The link to access the classroom will be included within the joining instructions that will be sent to you a couple of weeks before each module commences.
Absolutely! Let us know any dietary requirements when you book, or simply drop us an email at education@railei.org and we will ensure the venue is notified.
We will aim to cater for every circumstance. Please let us know your individual requirements as soon as possible and we will liaise with you to ensure that, as far as possible, your needs are met.
There is no formal dress code, but smart, casual and comfortable is our recommendation; these events provide excellent networking opportunities with colleagues and peers. For some of our courses, you will be required to bring suitable footwear or full PPE. Where this is necessary, we will provide full details in the joining instructions.
You may cancel your course booking at any time up to six weeks before the course start date. Cancellations will be refunded, subject to an administration charge of £35 plus VAT. Cancellations received between 4-6 weeks prior to the course start date, will be refunded at RailEI’s sole discretion and will be subject to an administration charge of £100 plus VAT. If cancellation occurs within 28 days of the course start date, the course fee becomes payable in full.
Course bookings can be transferred subject to the following terms:
- More than 28 days’ notice – The delegate may transfer free of charge to any other date for the same course.
- Between 28-21 days’ notice – The delegate may transfer to any other date for the same course for £100 plus VAT per course.
- Between 20-14 days’ notice – The delegate may transfer to any other date for the same course for £225 plus VAT per course.
- Between 13 days and start time of course – Transfers are not permitted.
For full details, please see our Training Terms and Conditions.