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Home   >  Master's & postgraduate courses  >  Education  >  Continuing education master's degree in Railway System and Electrical Drive
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Presentation

Information 2024-2025 edition
The 2024-2025 edition of the continuing education master's degree has already begun. Shortly we will publish updated information about the new edition of this programme.
Edition
15th Edition
Credits
60 ECTS (540 teaching hours)
Delivery
Face-to-face
Language of instruction
Spanish
Fee
€9,900
Special conditions on payment of enrolment fee and 0,7% campaign
Registration open until the beginning of the course or until end of vacancies.
Next course
October of 2025
Timetable
Friday: 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Taught at
EPSEVG - Escola Politècnica Superior d'Enginyeria de Vilanova i la Geltrú
Av. Víctor Balaguer, s/n
Vilanova i la Geltrú
Why this continuing education master's degree?
Spain’s railway system is one of the most advanced in the world. It is ranked first in high-speed trains in Europe and third worldwide on currently operating UIC broad gauge. It is composed of around 600 companies, invoices approximately 6.5 billion euros per year and employs 145,000 professionals, according to the report from the technical-scientific commission to study improvements in the railway sector spearheaded by the Ministry of Public Works. The Spanish railway industry is a worldwide leader and a referent in constant expansion, with a high degree of internationalisation and innovative technology.

In its nine years, the Master’s in Railway Systems and Electrical Traction has contributed to the specialised training of professionals in one of the most important sectors in the country. It is a benchmark in higher education in the technical aspects of railways: operating and running railway services, rolling stock and vehicle maintenance, electrification and energy, signage, communication and managing railway traffic. For this reason, the Master’s enlists contributions from the top and most experienced technical experts in railway systems and the current executives of the most representative companies in the sector. We offer training on par with the present and future needs of leading companies in the railway sector.

The Master has a clearly practical orientation. Proof of this are the visits made to factories, workshops, installations and control centres. The main accomplishment of the Master’s is unquestionably the high level of job placement for programme graduates. Around 70% of students, who had no previous professional experience, have found work in less than one year after completing the Master’s, while the 30% who already worked in the sector have been promoted to a higher position.

This programme provides its participants with the chance to do professional internships in recognised companies in the sector, such as RENFE, FGC and TMB.

Promoted by:
  • Escola Politecnica Superior d'Enginyeria de Vilanova i la Geltrú (EPSEVG)
Aims
  • To train professionals to join different business segments in the railway sector.
  • To examine aspects referring to electrification, signage, communications, rolling stock and management and operation of railway companies.
  • To offer specific studies on railway installations, vehicles and management.
  • To work with cutting-edge companies in this sector with the goal of training professionals who fit the market needs.
Who is it for?
  • Professionals in the railway sector.
  • Graduates and Industrial Engineers or Technical Engineers.
  • Graduates and Civil Engineers.
  • Graduates and Telecommunications Engineers.
  • Graduates and Computer Engineers.

Training Content

List of subjects
3 ECTS 30h
Railway Systems
  • The railway as a system. Basic concepts, subsystems and interrelations.
  • Organisation of the railway sector. Administrations and companies.
  • Railway geography of Catalonia, Spain and the rest of Europe.
  • Vehicles and trains. Basic characteristics and overview. Spanish trains.
  • The market and clients. Commercial needs and competitiveness of the railway.
  • Railway and environment.
  • The railway in the transport sector and in the national economy.
  • Lifecycle of the railway system.

*Visit: Railway Museum of Catalonia.
3 ECTS 30h
High Velocity Trains and Interurban Train Service
  • Scales and units employed in passenger transport.
  • Demand and market. Technical and financial details.
  • Supply. Products, trains and services.
  • Principles and advantages of high sped trains.
  • High velocity trains in Spain.
  • Technology specific to high speed train lines.
  • The aerodynamics of high velocity trains.
  • Rolling stock used for conventional medium and long distance service.
  • Rolling stock used for high speed service.
  • Technical and economic operation of high speed service.
  • Design and management of stations and terminals for passenger service.

*Visit: Regional Control Cdnter of the Zaragoza High Speed Train Line.
3 ECTS 30h
Local Trains, Regional Trains, Underground, Trams
  • Urban and metropolitan transport. Description.
  • Demand and the market.
  • Technical and financial exploitation of metropolitan and urban rail transport.
  • Local train service.
  • Underground.
  • Light rail and trams.
  • Stree trains.
  • Accessibility and intermodal transport.

*Visits: Commuter Train Control Centre of Catalonia in El Clot. ADIF Control Centre in Barcelona's Estació de França.
3 ECTS 30h
Merchandise and Logistics
  • Demand and the Market.
  • Train production. Transport plan.
  • Freight terminals.
  • Siding. Specific derivatives.
  • Transport logistics.

*Visit: Best Port Terminal in Barcelona.
3 ECTS 30h
Electricity and Railway Mechanics
  • Kinematics, static and dynamic.
  • Aerodynamic resistance. Gravitational loads.
  • Introduction to the Railway Dynamics. Speed. Layout.
  • Mechanical Vibrations.
  • Wheel Kinematics and Dynamics.
  • Axis dynamics. Qualitative analysis. Equations.
3 ECTS 30h
Electric Traction
  • Basic principles.
  • Mechanical transmission.
  • Traction motors that use commutators and how to control them.
  • Synchronous traction motors and how to control them.
  • Asynchronous traction motors and how to control them.
  • Other traction motors.
  • Diesel/electric traction.
  • Electrical automobile traction.

*Visit: Siemens Factory in Cornellà de Llobregat.
3 ECTS 30h
Elements of Rolling Stock
  • The rolling stock in railway systems.
  • Main systems.
  • Shock and traction organs. Hitches.
  • Traction equipment.
  • Braking equipment.
  • Features required for trains.
  • Installations of the train system.
  • Other carrier systems.
  • Project considerations.

*Visit: Alstom factory in Santa Perpètua de Mogoda.
3 ECTS 30h
Engineering and Maintenance
  • Reliability.
  • Maintainability.
  • Availability.
  • Life cycle.
  • Project reliability.
  • Maintainability in design.
  • Overall maintenance management.
  • Technical maintenance management.
  • Improving maintenance efficiency.

*Visits: Renfe manufacturing and maintenance yards in Vilanova i la Geltrú.
Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya yards in Rubí.
3 ECTS 30h
Railway Infrastructure
  • Platform and track.
  • Station design. Accessibility.
  • Transport switches.
  • Gauges.
  • Bridges and tunnels.
  • Broad gauge switches.
  • General maintenance criteria in railway infrastructures.
3 ECTS 30h
Railways and Energy
  • Overview of energy and problems related to its use.
  • Energy and transport.
  • Types of traction and energy vectors in railways.
  • Dynamic braling and auxiliary train services.
  • Energy needed to move a train.
  • Energy demand of the train according to services and critical variables.
  • Overview of practices and measures used to reduce the energy demands of raliways.
  • Actions in the design of trains and lines.
  • Economical conducting and efficient traffic regulation.

*Visit: Practice at the Renfe training centre in L' Hospitalet de Llobregat on efficient conducting.
3 ECTS 30h
Substations and Networks
  • General elements of DC electricity.
  • Rectifier substations (DC).
  • Electronic calculations for DC power.
  • General elements of AC electricity.
  • AC substations.
  • Electronic calculations in AC.
  • Maintenance and use of electricity installations.

*Visit: TMB, Transport Metropolità de Barcelona substations in Badalona.
3 ECTS 30h
Electrification and Overhead Powerlines
  • Introduction.
  • Requirements and specifications.
  • Distribution of electrical currents and tensions.
  • Design of the aerial contact line.
  • Support of the aerial contact line.
  • Mechanical behaviour of the catenary line.
  • Posts and foundations.
  • Dynamic behaviour of the catenary line.
  • Planning to implement the catenary line.
  • Insulation and electrical safety.
  • Assembling the catenary line.
  • Maintenance of the catenary line.

*Visit: Transformation Centre installations at Espluga de Francolí.
3 ECTS 30h
Communications Applied to Railways
  • General principles of electricity
  • Fundamental elements of electronics.
  • Basic elements of communications.
  • Train-land communications (PMR, Tetra).
  • Other communications systems.
3 ECTS 30h
Railway Signalling
  • General analysis of signalling.
  • Signalling and its applications.
  • Different signalling devices and their applications in railways.
  • Specifications of the devices that need to be installed according to the width of the tracks and the Railway Administration regulations.
  • Analysis of reliable train detection systems.
  • Application of safety systems that control the circulation and movements of trains.
  • Study of the symbology involved in the creation of signalling schemes.
  • Application of Interlocking systems that function between different safeguard systems that control the circulation and movements of trains.
  • Analysis of the different forms of automatic formulation of itineraries and their annulment.
  • Methodology for application of systems that control safety systems.
  • Application of level crossings where roads and railways intersect.

*Visit: Sants Station in Barcelona.
3 ECTS 30h
Automatic Train Protection Systems (ATP)
  • General analysis of ATP systems.
  • ATP systems and their applications.
  • Different ATP systems and their application to railways.
  • Specifications of ATP devices that need to be installed according to the width of the tracks and the Railway Administration regulations.
  • Analysis of the systems used for reliable ATP use.
  • Application of ATP systems that control the circulation and movements of trains.
  • Study of the symbology involved in the creation of ATP schemes.
    Application of ATP systems that function between different safeguard systems that control the circulation and movements of trains.
  • Analysis of the different forms of automatic formulation of itineraries and their annulment according to the type of ATP system installed.
  • Methodology for application of systems that control safety systems.
  • Optimisation of ATP systems using ATO systems.

*Visit: ATP and ATO sites in the FGC facilities.
3 ECTS 30h
Technical Exploitation of Railway Infrastructure
  • Technical operations. Blocking systems.
  • Scheduling railway service.
  • Movement charts.
  • Line capacity.
  • Assigning capacity to railway operators.
  • Integrated Control Centres (ICC).

*Visit: Integrated Control Centre in Rubí of the FGC, Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya.
2 ECTS 18h
Dessing and Management of New Railway Lines
The guidelines and processes to undertake a project or study in the field of railways will be discussed. The importance of sound management of the equipment and key factors in railways such as innovation, sustainability, safety, accessibility, quality, competitiveness and client-orientation in both projects and services will be studied.
10 ECTS 42h
Master's Final Project
Students will undertake a final project which will put into practice the practical contents related to any of the modules or topics discussed in the programme or develop a cross-cutting theme from the course syllabus.
Degree
Continuing education master's degree in Railway System and Electrical Drive, issued by the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. Issued by virtue of the provisions of art. 7.1 of Organic Law 2/2023 of 22 March, concerning the University System, and art. 36 of Royal Decree 822/2021 of 28 September, which establishes the organisation of university education and the procedure for ensuring its quality. A prior official university qualification is necessary to obtain it. Otherwise, the student will receive a certificate of completion of the programme issued by the Fundació Politècnica de Catalunya. Lifelong learning studies at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya are approved by the University's Governing Council on an annual basis. (See details appearing on the certificate).
Range of modules
The continuing education master's degree programme is organized into the following modules. If you don't wish to take the entire continuing education master's degree you can sign on one or several modules.
Continuing education master's degree:
relation Postgraduate courses:
relation Continuing education courses:

Learning methodology

The teaching methodology of the programme facilitates the student's learning and the achievement of the necessary competences.



Learning tools
Participatory lectures
A presentation of the conceptual foundations of the content to be taught, promoting interaction with the students to guide them in their learning of the different contents and the development of the established competences.
Practical classroom sessions
Knowledge is applied to a real or hypothetical environment, where specific aspects are identified and worked on to facilitate understanding, with the support from teaching staff.
Solving exercises
Solutions are worked on by practising routines, applying formulas and algorithms, and procedures are followed for transforming the available information and interpreting the results.
Case studies
Real or hypothetical situations are presented in which the students, in a completely participatory and practical way, examine the situation, consider the various hypotheses and share their own conclusions.
Success stories
Outstanding business knowledge and experiences with high added value acquired during an outstanding professional career are presented and shared.
Visits
These visits are to specialist centres, companies in the sector or outstanding and important locations in the sector, in order to obtain knowledge in situ of development, production and demonstration environments within the programme.
Problem-based learning (PBL)
An active learning methodology that enables the student to be involved from the beginning, and to acquire knowledge and skills by considering and resolving complex problems and situations.
Tutorship
Students are given technical support in the preparation of the final project, according to their specialisation and the subject matter of the project.
Assessment criteria
Attendance
At least 80% attendance of teaching hours is required.
Level of participation
The student's active contribution to the various activities offered by the teaching team is assessed.
Solving exercises, questionnaires or exams
Individual tests aimed at assessing the degree of learning and the acquisition of competences.
Work out projects
Studies on a specific topic, by individuals or groups, in which the quality and depth of the work is assessed, among other factors.
Completion and presentation of the final project
Individual or group projects in which the contents taught in the programme are applied. The project can be based on real cases and include the identification of a problem, the design of the solution, its implementation or a business plan. The project will be presented and defended in public.
Work placements & employment service
Students can access job offers in their field of specialisation on the My_Tech_Space virtual campus. Applications made from this site will be treated confidentially. Hundreds of offers of the UPC School of Professional & Executive Development employment service appear annually. The offers range from formal contracts to work placement agreements.
Virtual campus
The students on this continuing education master's degree will have access to the My_ Tech_Space virtual campus - an effective platform for work and communication between the course's students, lecturers, directors and coordinators. My_Tech_Space provides the documentation for each training session before it starts, and enables students to work as a team, consult lecturers, check notes, etc.

Associates entities

Strategic partners
  • Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya
    • Offers professional internships for students on the programme.
    • Provides financial aid to the programme or grants for the registration of students.
    • Provides teachers and lecturers.
  • Fundación de los Ferrocarriles Españoles- I+D+i-
    • Disseminates the programme in the professional sphere and area of expertise.
  • FUNDACION TALGO
    • Provides financial aid to the programme or grants for the registration of students.
  • Railgrup
    • Disseminates the programme in the professional sphere and area of expertise.
  • Renfe-Ministerio de Fomento
    • Offers professional internships for students on the programme.
  • Transports de Barcelona, S.A.
    • Offers professional internships for students on the programme.
Collaborating partners

Career opportunities

  • Responsible of operations of railways services.
  • Head of rail, electrification and energy infrastructures.
  • Responsible for the development and supply of railway equipment and services.
  • Consultant in railway engineering and service companies.

News

Videos
¡Conoce los Nuevos Retos del Sector Ferroviario y la Movilidad Sostenible!
Visita al Centro de Control de Metro de Barcelona
Visita al centro de formación de Renfe de Hospitalet de Llobregat
Visita Centro de Operaciones de Rubí de FGC

Request information or admission

Information and guidance:
Marta Ortega Garcia
(34) 93 707 31 32
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Course: Railway System and Electrical Drive

Fee: €9,900

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  • If you have any doubts about the continuing education master's degree.
  • If you want to start the registration procedure.
How to start admission
To start the enrolment process for this programme you must complete and send the form that you will find at the bottom of these lines.

Next you will receive a welcome email detailing the three steps necessary to formalize the enrolment procedure:

1. Complete and confirm your personal details.

2. Validate your curriculum vitae and attach any additional required documentation, whenever this is necessary for admission.

3. Pay €110 in concept of the registration fee for the programme. This fee will be discounted from the total enrolment fee and will only be returned when a student isn't admitted on a programme.

Once the fee has been paid and we have all your documentation, we will assess your candidacy and, if you are admitted on the course, we will send you a letter of acceptance. This document will provide you with all the necessary information to formalize the enrolment process for the programme.





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ACADEMIC AND ECONOMIC REGULATIONS

The Fundació Politècnica de Catalunya reserves the right to modify content, price, location, timetable and dates prior to the start of the course. Registration on the course will not be confirmed until payment has been made.

Registration rights. The interested party must make payment of the specified registration fee for the course. This fee will be deducted from the full course fee and will only be reimbursed if the applicant is not admitted.

Cancellation or deferment.The Fundació Politècnica de Catalunya reserves the right to cancel or defer a course if the minimum number of students is not met. In case of cancellation or non-admittance, the Fundació Politècnica de Catalunya will return all amounts paid in full, without any additional compensation. In case of deferment, applicants may request reimbursement of fees paid.

Cancellation of registration.
In the event of withdrawal or cancellation of the registration, the student must notify the UPC School in writing beforehand.
  • If this request for cancellation is made 45 days before the start of the programme, the UPC School will retain only 30% of the total registration fee and refund the difference paid.
  • In the event that the application request is made within 45 calendar days and the beginning of the programme, the UPC School will retain 60% of the registration fee.
  • No applications for refunds may be made after the programme has started.
Under exceptional circumstances, refunds of the registration fee will be made if the student's cancellation is due to one of the following circumstances:
  • Denial of a visa, subject to submission of supporting documentation. In this case, the UPC School will refund the registration fee less 300 Euros for administrative expenses.
  • Serious illness or accident accredited by an official medical certificate, stating the start date of the illness and the anticipated convalescence period. In this situation the UPC School's decision will be as follows:
    • If the notification takes place up to one month after the start of the programme, it will refund the amount actually paid, less 300 Euros as administrative expenses.
    • No refunds will be made after a month after the start of the programme. It will be only be possible to use the amount paid as a deposit for the registration fee of the next programme. This procedure entails no administrative fee for the student. The price difference between the new registration fee and the amount previously paid will be payable by the student under all circumstances.

Changes in registration. Any changes in registration, previously authorised by the Fundació Politècnica de Catalunya, will incur a 300 € administration fee.

Discounts.
  • Discounts are non-accumulable. The greater discount of those requested will be applied.
  • Discounts can only be applied under prior application and approval.
  • Once registration has been confirmed, no discount will be applied.
  • Students are responsible for placing applications for any discounts.

Qualification. In order to obtain the Qualification/Diploma issued by the Polytechnic University of Catalonia, the student must be in possession of a recognised university qualification or internal university qualification equivalent to a degree or diploma. If this is not the case, the student will receive a certificate of completion for the course, issued by the Fundació Politècnica de Catalunya. Students with outstanding payments due to the Fundació Politècnica de Catalunya or who has not approved all the credits necessary to overcome the program before the date of completion of this program will not be eligible to receive any qualification, diploma or certificate.

Barcelona, October 31, 2017


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