The Institute of Railway Studies is a partnership between the National Railway Museum and the University of York, offering numerous opportunities for full-time and part-time study at a number of different levels.

Founded in 1995 and officially re-launched in October 2014, it undertakes joint research and shares expertise and training. The Institute also brings in a broader range of disciplines to help our understanding of railway studies.

The Institute aims to be at the forefront of academic study, with the goal of broadening the audience for railway history and research and developing a deeper understanding of the history of British Railways. Since the Institute's inception, the University has awarded 12 PhDs, 40 Master's degrees, three Postgraduate Certificates and 71 Graduate Certificates in Railway Studies.