Transport Planning MSc

Program Overview

The University of Leeds' Transport Planning MSc equips students with knowledge and skills to develop sustainable, equitable, and evidence-based transport networks and systems. Students benefit from expert teaching, industry-standard tools, and real-world experience through projects and a potential industrial placement scheme. The program prepares graduates for rewarding careers in various sectors, including transport consultancies, government, and international agencies.

Program Outline

Transport Planning MSc - University of Leeds

Degree Overview:

The Transport Planning MSc equips students with the knowledge and planning techniques to develop transport networks and systems that are:

• Evidence-based: Grounded in robust data and research.
• Sustainable: Considering environmental impact and long-term viability.
• Equitable: Promoting fair access and social justice.
• State-of-the-art: Utilizing advanced modeling and data analysis.
• Travel behavior-focused: Understanding how people move and make transportation choices.
The program addresses global challenges like equitable development and climate change mitigation through the development of safe and efficient city transport networks and mass public transport.

Key Features:

• Leading Researchers: Students learn from experts at the Institute of Transport Studies, renowned for their impactful research.
• Industry Relevance: The curriculum is shaped by industry practices and current research, ensuring students gain the most up-to-date knowledge.
• Tailored Learning: A wide selection of optional modules allows students to specialize in areas like road safety, traffic network modeling, public transport planning, and traffic management.
• Real-world Experience: Students collaborate on multi-disciplinary team projects with real-world transport problems posed by Leeds City Council and/or participate in a four-month industrial placement scheme.
• Industry-standard Tools: Students gain hands-on experience with AIMSUN, VISSIM, SATURN, GIS, and systems dynamics.
• Expert Teaching: The program team consists of researchers and academics with extensive expertise across various transport disciplines.
• Industry Connections: The Institute of Transport Studies has strong relationships with organizations like ARUP, AECOM, and Transport for London, providing networking and job opportunities.
• Flexible Study Options: Students can choose full-time (12 months) or part-time (24 or 36 months) study options.

Outline:

Year 1 Compulsory Modules:

• Understanding Travel Behaviour (15 credits): This module explores the factors influencing travel choices and how these choices impact transport systems.
• Shaping Future Transport Systems (15 credits): This module examines the challenges and opportunities in shaping sustainable and equitable transport systems for the future.
• Transport Data Collection and Analysis (15 credits): This module focuses on practical skills in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting transport data.
• Sustainable Spatial Planning and Analysis (15 credits): This module explores the relationship between transport planning and spatial planning, emphasizing sustainable development principles.
• Transport Dissertation (60 credits): Students conduct independent research on a chosen topic, applying advanced research skills and gaining specialist knowledge.
• Transport Integrated Project (15 credits): Students work in multi-disciplinary teams to solve real-world transport problems posed by Leeds City Council.

Year 1 Optional Modules (Selection of Typical Options):

• Green Logistics (15 credits): This module explores the principles and practices of sustainable logistics, including environmental impact assessment and optimization.
• Analysing Transport and Society (15 credits): This module examines the social, economic, and environmental impacts of transport systems on society.
• Public Transport Planning and Management (15 credits): This module focuses on the planning, operation, and management of public transport systems.
• System Dynamics: Modelling Policy (15 credits): This module introduces system dynamics modeling techniques for analyzing and evaluating transport policies.
• Traffic Management (15 credits): This module explores strategies and technologies for managing traffic flow and congestion.
• Global Transferability of Policies (15 credits): This module examines the challenges and opportunities in transferring transport policies across different contexts.
• Traffic Network Modelling (15 credits): This module delves into advanced traffic network modeling techniques, including simulation and optimization.
• Railway Investment Appraisal (15 credits): This module explores methods for evaluating the economic viability of railway investments.
• Transport Investment Appraisal (15 credits): This module provides a comprehensive overview of transport investment appraisal techniques.
• Transport and Urban Pollution (15 credits): This module examines the relationship between transport and air pollution, exploring mitigation strategies.
• Transport in Development (15 credits): This module explores the role of transport in developing countries, addressing challenges and opportunities.

Assessment:

Assessment methods vary and may include:

• Coursework essays
• Case-study reports
• Group assignments
• Posters
• Presentations
• Exams

Teaching:

• Diverse Teaching Methods: Lectures, seminars, workshops, computer exercises, practical sessions, directed reading, reflective journals, student-led discussions, fieldwork, and tutorials are employed.
• Independent Learning: Students develop critical problem-solving and research skills through independent study.
• Personal Tutor Support: Each student has a personal tutor for regular meetings to discuss study and career questions.
• Mentorship Programme: Students can apply for the Institute for Transport Studies mentorship program, connecting them with alumni working in the industry.
• Active Research Environment: The Institute for Transport Studies boasts world-class facilities and specialist software tools, including in-house developed programs like SATURN, PLUTO, DRACULA, MARS, and KonSULT.
• Expert Faculty: The program team comprises researchers and academics with extensive expertise in various transport disciplines.
• Industry Professionals: Students may be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers.

Careers:

• Career Opportunities: The program opens doors to rewarding careers in transport consultancies, government, academia, regulatory bodies, transport operators, logistics companies, not-for-profit organizations, and international agencies.
• Industry Sectors: Graduates work in both the private and public sectors, with many pursuing international opportunities.
• Job Roles: Previous graduates have secured positions such as:
• Transport Planner
• Transport Officer
• Airport Infrastructure Planner
• Principal Analyst
• Assistant Modelling Manager
• Strategic Transport Planner
• Senior Transport Planner
• Senior Transport Manager
• Principal Transport Planner
• Principal Urban Design Officer
• Senior Network Analyst
• Station Capacity Analyst
• Route Performance Analyst
• Rail Modeler/Analyst
• Employability and Networking Events: Careers fairs and industry talks connect students with employers.
• Employability Skills Training: Embedded training in transferable skills like research and data analysis.
• MyCareer System: A dedicated careers portal for booking appointments, accessing career information, and viewing job vacancies.

Other:

• Four-Month Placement Scheme: Students can apply for paid placements with companies like Network Rail and AECOM, gaining valuable industry experience.
• Online Taster Course: A two-week online course offers a taste of postgraduate-level transportation challenges.

UK fees: £12,500 (Total) International fees: £30,750 (Total)