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FdEng Railway Engineering

Start Date: 7th September 2026

Length 2 years
Study Full-Time
Location Rail Academy, Gateshead

Qualification Gained

FdEng Railway Engineering (awarded by NCG)

Levels Explained

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More about the course

It is estimated that the rail industry will need 50,000 new workers by 2033 and this Foundation Degree in Railway Engineering will give you the skills to be part of that future. Focusing on infrastructure and railway signalling, this degree will prepare you for a successful career in one of the UK’s fastest growing industries.

You'll explore how railways are designed, built and maintained, learning the principles of track construction, maintenance and civil engineering. You'll also gain specialist knowledge of signalling systems that keep trains moving safely and efficiently.

Study the design and operation of signals, train control systems and the regulations that shape the industry and develop an understanding of new and emerging technologies such as digital signalling and smart track monitoring.

Based at our Rail and Civil Engineering Academy, you'll be taught by tutors who actively work in the sector and gain practical skills through workshops, simulations, site visits and a work placement giving you the chance to apply your knowledge to real-world challenges.

Entry requirements

64 UCAS points in Engineering, Maths and/or Science disciplines.

Once your application has been reviewed, you may be invited to attend an interview at Newcastle College University Centre.

If you are a current Newcastle College student and successfully meet the published Level 3 entry criteria in an appropriate subject[s], you will be guaranteed a place on this course.

Applicants are normally expected to have achieved grade 4 (C) or higher in GCSE Maths and English Language or the Level 2 equivalence (i.e. Functional Skills or Adult Literacy/Numeracy).

At Newcastle College University Centre we welcome applications from students studying new T-Level qualifications.

Further details on our entry requirements can be found here.

What will I achieve?

Upon successful completion of this course, you will receive a FdEng Railway Engineering (awarded by NCG).

What will I learn?

Year One

Academic Study Skills
Personal Development
Work Related Learning
Engineering Mathematics
Railway Signalling Systems
Maintenance Practices (H&S Legislation and Regulations)
Infrastructure of the Railway
Geotechnical engineering
Electrical Engineering

Year Two

Professional Development
Work Based Learning
Advanced Engineering Mathematics
Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Strategic Leadership and Management
Monitoring and Fault Diagnosis of Railway Systems
Railway Signalling Systems Testing and Maintenance

How is the course taught?

Lectures
Practical workshops
Industry placements
Project work

How am I assessed?

Open book exams
Case studies
Presentations
Reports
Investigations

Work Experience

You will work directly with the National Railway Museum on projects, such seeing the planning, developing and delivering of a conservation project for a piece of historical railway rolling stock.

Where can I progress?

On successful completion of this degree you can progress onto a relevant Honours Degree (Top-Up).

You may choose to enter the rail industry working in roles such as:

Railway Infrastructure Engineer
Signalling Engineer or Technician
Track Maintenance Engineer
Railway Operations Planner
Railway Design Consultant
Signal Control Room Operator
Railway Safety Officer

Course costs and information

Tuition fees vary depending on the course and mode of study. Read more about tuition fees and financial support.

Fees for international students vary depending on the course. Find out more about international fees and payments.

It's important that you know what your tuition fee includes and what other costs you'll need to plan for. Read what your fee includes here.

Amie Cowley

FdEng Rail Engineering

"Once you get a taste, you just want to do more. It's all taken very seriously, and the course leaders try and teach you everything they can from their own experience and make you as industry ready as possible."