Program Overview

Diploma of Specialization in Railway Operational Safety

The Spanish railway system is at a critical juncture in its development as part of the global transport infrastructure and intermodality network. The effective implementation of regulations and standards aimed at liberalizing railway transport and services to create a single European railway area will pose new challenges to the railway system, including those related to railway operational safety standards. The Railway Operational Safety Specialist program provides comprehensive training for participants in this field.

Methodology

The teaching methodology is predominantly practical, providing students with theoretical and experimental training applicable to resolving problems that may arise in the daily management of safe procedures used to ensure the functional safety of railway infrastructure and superstructure. The program emphasizes the importance of applying technical norms and legislation governing the railway sector.

Collaboration

The program is developed in collaboration with key entities in the Spanish railway system and its operational safety, including ADIF, AESF, Ineco, and Renfe, which have advised on the program design. The academic faculty includes professionals expert in railway operational safety from these entities.

Program Structure

Module 1: The Railway System (4 credits)

This introductory module provides an overview of the railway sector, its elements, and components, as well as the technical, organizational, and normative interrelations between them. It covers maintenance operations and establishes the concepts of operational safety.

Module 2: Operational Safety Management System (11 credits)

This module delves into the contents and requirements of an operational safety management system, adopting a systemic approach. It explores objectives, policies, risk management, statistical analysis, safety levels and functions, control and supervision of the life cycle, contingency and service continuity plans, and cybersecurity.

Module 3: Organizational Learning and Continuous Improvement (3 credits)

This module analyzes events related to safety, incident reporting, data-driven culture, and the investigation of railway accidents.

Module 4: Human and Organizational Factors (6 credits)

It focuses on leadership of multidisciplinary teams, problem analysis and decision-making in complex situations, management of human and organizational factors in railway entities, and railway safety culture.

Final Project (6 credits)

This project is mandatory for obtaining the diploma. It involves the realization of a final work based on the application of knowledge acquired during the program.

Faculty

Program Direction

• Vicente Díaz López (UC3M), Department of Mechanical Engineering, Professor.

UC3M Faculty:

• Daniel García Pozuelo Ramos, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Professor.
• Beatriz López Boada, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Professor.
• Ester Olmeda Santamaria, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Visiting Professor.
• Jaime del Pozo, Department of Business Economics, Associate Professor.
• Susana Sanz Sánchez, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Visiting Professor.

Faculty from Institutions and Companies:

• Rafael Arroyo Maroto, Director of Planning and Safety Inspection, RENFE.
• Francisco Cifuentes Vázquez, Subdirector of Planning and Railway Services, INECO.
• Miguel Figueres Esteban, Head of Digital Transformation and Training Area, RENFE.
• David Gómez-Rey Romero, Corporate Director of Circulation Safety, ADIF.
• José Luis González Navarro, Subdirector General of Railway Safety Coordination, AESF.
• Esther Mateo Rodríguez, Director of Cybersecurity and Digital Transformation, ADIF.

Admission

Offered Places: 40

The program will be imparted if a minimum number of students ensures its viability.

Target Audience:

Graduates or master's degree holders, as well as senior or technical engineers. Previous experience in one or more railway structural systems, in any phase of the life cycle, will be valued.

Admission Criteria:

The Academic Commission will evaluate candidate applications considering:

• Previous studies.
• Curriculum.
• Academic record, specialty, and recognition of the university where studies were completed.
• Professional experience.
• English level and knowledge of other languages.

Admission Process

Interested individuals must provide:

• CV.
• Academic transcript.

Tuition Fees

The tuition fee is 4,400.

Professional Outcomes

The Spanish railway sector has a significant number of technical professionals. The field of railway operational safety is increasingly demanding specialized professionals. The constant growth of the railway sector, both nationally and internationally, requires professionals with extensive knowledge in this area, considering the evolving technologies applied.

Practical Information

Duration and Schedule

The program lasts 9 months (including the final project), three days a week in the afternoon, allowing for compatibility with work or other academic activities. It takes place from October 2026 to June 2027, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 17:00 to 20:00 hours.

Location

The program is imparted at the Madrid-Puerta de Toledo Campus.