Transport Planning MSc

Overview

If you are an ambitious social science, engineering or mathematics graduate, the internationally-recognised Transport Planning course will equip you with the tools to help address global challenges such as climate change mitigation and reduction through the development of safe and efficient city transport networks and mass public transport.

Be taught by academics with an international reputation whose research sets industry standards, on a course that has been designed in close collaboration with industry. This includes policy, travel behaviour, modelling, data analysis, land use planning, and public transport planning and management using research and evidence from around the world.

And experience what it is like to be part of a project team working across disciplinary boundaries within the transport sector. Through this, gain insights into how planning, economics, environmental science, modelling and engineering can work together to develop sustainable solutions to global challenges. This industry-inspired approach will enable you to apply your knowledge to real-world issues in the field.

Your colleagues will be among the best and brightest from Latin America to the Far East, from Africa to Europe and the UK. Together you will learn planning techniques that will help you develop transport networks that are founded on robust evidence, sustainable and equitable social principles, state-of-the-art modelling, accurate data analysis, and a profound understanding of human psychology.

Research environment

The Institute for Transport Studies was established as the UK’s first multi-disciplinary transport department, and we continue to lead the field with our research.

Our reputation allows us to invest in world-class facilities, such as the University of Leeds Driving Simulator – one of the most sophisticated in any university in the world, allowing us to research driver behaviour in controlled lab conditions. We also have access to a variety of specialist software tools including those we’ve developed in-house such as SATURN, PLUTO, DRACULA, MARS and KonSULT.

You can also study this subject at Postgraduate Diploma level, part time or full time, or at Postgraduate Certificate level with our PGCert in Transport Studies.

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT UK). It also fulfils the educational requirements for membership of the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT).

Course content

Alongside specialist modules, study common modules that will address key issues currently facing transport industry professionals. These provide you with a holistic overview of transport problems and approaches to policy formulation.

Our Transport Integrated Project module enables you to employ project management scenario-based learning. You will cover a range of transport disciplines and be supervised by experts in the field. Join forces with a project team of other students from our other degrees to develop a solution to a ‘real-world’ transport problem, identifying how your own interests need to interact effectively with others to achieve an effective solution.

You’ll gain a range of specialist knowledge and advanced research skills throughout the programme. In your dissertation, you’ll apply these to a project chosen from a wide range of topics. Some topics are suggested and supported by industry, giving you the chance to address a real-world problem and gain experience of working with industry. Your supervisor will support you throughout the process of developing your dissertation topic.

Modules

_{Compulsory modules}

• Understanding Travel Behaviour
• Shaping Future Transport Systems
• Principles of Transport Modelling
• Transport Data Collection and Analysis
• Sustainable Spatial Planning and Analysis
• Transport Dissertation
• Transport Integrated Project

_{Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)}

• Funding for Projects
• Green Logistics
• Analysing Transport and Society
• Public Transport Planning and Management
• System Dynamics: Modelling Policy
• Traffic Management
• Global Transferability of Policies, Models and Methods
• Transport and Public Health
• Choice Modelling and Stated Preference Survey Design
• Traffic Network Modelling
• Transport Investment Appraisal
• Transport and Urban Pollution
• Transport in Development
• Road Safety Management

Learning and teaching

Postgraduate study involves a range of teaching methods, supported by independent learning. In addition to the traditional lecture and seminar formats, you’ll experience a blend of workshops, computer exercises, practical sessions, directed reading, reflective journal, student-led discussions, fieldwork and tutorials.

Assessment

Assessment is equally varied and can include coursework essays, case-study reports, group assignments, posters, presentations and exams.

Applying, fees and funding

_{English language requirements}

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

To find out more, read Language for Engineering (6 weeks) and Language for Science: Engineering (10 weeks). 

_{How to apply}

Application deadlines

We don’t have a specific application deadline, but we recommend you apply as early as possible, especially if you are hoping to apply for a scholarship.

APPLY (FULL TIME) 

APPLY (PART TIME) 

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students.

_Fees

• UK/EU: £9,500 (total)
• International: £22,750 (total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

Part-time fees are normally calculated based on the number of credits you study in a year compared to the equivalent full-time course.

_{Additional cost information}

Students wishing to attend the optional European Field Trip are advised to allow a minimum of £500 for accommodation and travel during the week-long trip.

_{Scholarships and financial support}

The Institute for Transport Studies offers a range of scholarships for UK, EU and International students.

Find out more about our Scholarships.

Career opportunities

We have close working relationships with a number of organisations and many employers visit the Institute for Transport Studies each year to interview our students for graduate schemes and other vacancies. We also regularly circulate specific job vacancies to students.

OThe organisations that have advertised and/or recruited directly from the Institute for Transport Studies include Arup, Mott MacDonald, AECOM, Capita, Transpennine Express, Transport for London, Pell Frischmann, Leigh Fisher, JMP, Amey and Hyder among many others.

Visit the Transport Planning MSc page on the University of Leeds website for more details!