Testimonials

What the Industry says

Mark Baxter

Executive General Manager Engineering

Downer EDI Rail

"To support the ongoing technical development of our engineering graduates, Downer EDI Rail (DEDIR) was very pleased to ascertain that UOW was offering postgraduate coursework in Rolling Stock Engineering specific to our industry that could be undertaken through distance study. In 2008 we encouraged participants of our Graduate Development Program to commence study with UOW towards their Graduate Certificate in Rolling Stock Engineering, with the option of a Master degree to follow. Take up by our graduates was strong and the support offered to our students by UOW was professional. We are proud that all our students successfully achieved their Graduate Certificate and some have subsequently opted to continue on towards their Master degree. Based on the success of the previous year, in 2009 we encouraged our new engineering graduates to commence study towards this qualification.

We feel the knowledge gained by those studying these courses to be invaluable in providing them with greater insight into the rail engineering industry and an ability to better contribute to our business. We firmly believe that this course is fundamental in supporting the continued development of skilled rail engineers within the rail industry and will ensure a higher level of expertise is maintained over the coming years enabling the continued success of both DEDIR and the Australian rail industry."

What our students say

Graduate Certificate in Rolling Stock Engineering

Aruni Arachchige

UOW’s Rolling Stock Engineering course is recognised as an essential course in the Queensland Rail (QR) rolling stock engineering sector. After joining QR in 2007 as an electrical engineer, I wanted to expand my knowledge and experience in rolling stock engineering. UOW is the only University in Australia to offer courses in rolling stock engineering. It suited me perfectly that the courses were offered via distance as I work full-time, have three young children under seven and live in Queensland. I believe I was the first female to successfully complete the rolling stock degree in Australia.

I have learnt and experienced so much throughout this course and it has provided me with the opportunity to expand my social and professional network. I really enjoyed the team work assignments and learnt effective teamwork can be achieved through communication, time management and dedication, even when there’s no face to face contact. I really enjoyed the online discussion forum and it was not only helpful to exchange study ideas and suggestions with my peers but also provided me with some unexpected ideas that I could use at work.

The workshops were an invaluable experience and I learnt a lot from industry professionals who were experts in their field. I also had the chance to meet and network with rolling stock experts, which I normally wouldn’t have had the opportunity to do. I was very pleased with the academic staff who conducted the course; they were always available and promptly replied to student enquiries. Assignments were marked promptly and they always provided feedback which was very helpful and I could even apply their feedback to my work at QR.

I would recommend this course to any rolling stock engineer who would like to expand their knowledge and experience. It is a very valuable course and I believe the knowledge you gain from this course is not possible to gain through work experience.

Master of Rolling Stock Engineering

Khen Truong

I've managed to complete the Graduate Diploma in Rolling Stock Engineering with the help of experienced rolling stock lecturers and consultants whilst working full-time and working towards completing my Masters degree. The communication system implemented provides students with ease of access to resources, a discussion forum to raise specific questions and access to assessment grades with individual student feedback. A highly enjoyable course targeted for personnel who are interested in rolling stock. I am looking forward to starting on the dissertation

Graduate Certificate in Rolling Stock Engineering
Herb Schmidt

Senior Consultant, Interfleet Technology

This course is well structured and suitably supported with qualified instructors with years of rolling stock experience. This course is worthwhile in terms of content and support and is valuable for both new and experienced rolling stock engineers.

You can expect 12 hours per week for class time and study. There is a high regard for teamwork across the distance learning medium set up by the University of Wollongong and the information flow is generous. The rail vehicle design course is set up with 3 major task assignments, ending in a final exam in week 16. Lecturers and course coordinators are available daily for open discussion at set times.

My course has representatives from the top names in the industry, each with various levels of experience. I would recommend this course and see the course having a place for graduate development across the rail industry.