The Chartered Institution of Railway Operators (CIRO) has announced a new academic partnership with Keele University, which will deliver and support the future development of CIRO’s Railway Operations Management academic programme.
The partnership represents an exciting new chapter for CIRO’s flagship academic pathway, which includes the Certificate, Diploma, and BSc in Railway Operations Management. These programmes support the development of operational leaders across passenger and freight operators, infrastructure organisations and the wider rail supply chain, equipping professionals with the knowledge, skills and strategic insight required to operate a modern railway.
CIRO’s collaboration with Keele University will build on the Institution’s mission to strengthen professional capability across the railway and ensure its academic programmes continue to meet the evolving needs of the 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.
The partnership will also provide enhanced opportunities to refresh programme content, strengthen teaching resources and further align CIRO’s academic provision with the operational realities of the railway.
Adam Fenton, chief operating officer of CIRO, said:
“CIRO’s academic programmes play a vital role in developing the operational leaders who keep Britain’s railway running safely and effectively. We are delighted to be partnering with Keele University as we take this next step in the evolution of our academic offer.
“Keele’s reputation for teaching excellence and its strong alignment with CIRO’s mission make it an excellent partner as we continue to support the professional development of those working across the railway industry.”
Professor Mark Ormerod OBE, deputy vice-chancellor and provost of Keele University, added:
“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.”
As CIRO looks ahead to this new partnership, the Institution also acknowledged the conclusion of its long-standing academic collaboration with Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU).
For more than two decades, GCU supported the delivery of CIRO’s Railway Operations Management programmes, contributing significantly to the development of the curriculum and the success of more than 1,000 graduates now working across the railway sector.
CIRO remains extremely grateful to colleagues at Glasgow Caledonian University for their dedication, professionalism and partnership over the past 20 years.
All learners currently enrolled on programmes validated by GCU will continue to be fully supported through to completion, with no changes to their programme structure, teaching, assessment or certification.
Image credit: CIRO