Transport Planning and Engineering MSc (Eng)

Course overview

Please note: applications for this course open on the 1^st October 2024.

If you’re an ambitious engineering graduate – from a civil, mechanical, computing or electronic engineering background – this course is a smart route to a career in the expanding field of transport consultancy and public policy.

Our Transport Planning and Engineering MSc will teach you engineering techniques to develop transport networks that are founded on fundamental principles, robust evidence, sustainable and equitable principles, state-of-the-art modelling, accurate data analysis, and an understanding of human psychology.

Taught by researchers with an international reputation, this Masters degree has been designed following close consultation with industry to help prepare you for a rewarding career. It also addresses the multi-disciplinary nature of transport – enabling you to make effective decisions for clients, employers and society.

Studying in the Institute of Transport Studies at Leeds will also give you a unique head start in your career in transport. Not only does our world-leading research shape the course, but our close links with large corporations means you’ll have chance to interact with potential employers and possibly interview for graduate schemes and other vacancies. We also offer opportunities to build your industry work experience before you graduate with work placements and project work throughout your course.

Why study at Leeds:

• This Masters degree is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators and EUR-ACE.
• Our Institute for Transport Studies’ globally-renowned research conducted right here on campus feeds directly into the course, shaping your learning with the latest thinking in sustainable transport planning – and beyond.
• Advance your knowledge and skill set in developing solutions to engineering problems that fit the broader aims of transport and planning policy.
• Tailor the course to suit your career aspirations with a wide selection of optional modules in areas such as road geometry and infrastructure, public transport management and railway signalling to hone your knowledge and specialise in topics that interest you the most.
• Build industry experience collaborating on a multidisciplinary team project with students from other degree specialisms that focuses on a real-world transport problem posed by Leeds City Council and/or choosing our optional four-month industrial placement scheme.
• Familiarise yourself with industry-standard models and tools such as SATURN and DRACULA.
• Experience expert theoretical and practical teaching delivered by a programme team made up of researchers and academics from the Institute for Transport Studies who have extensive expertise across a variety of transport disciplines.
• Take advantage of our close working relationships with big organisations in industry such as consultancies like AECOM, ARUP, Atkins, Jacobs, Mott MacDonald and Local / Regional / National Government organisations including Department for Transport, Active Travel England, Transport for London, Transport for the North, West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Leeds City Council who all actively advertise and recruit directly from the Institute of Transport Studies.
• This course offers flexible study options where you can study full-time over 12 months or part-time over 24 or 36 months.

Accreditation

Joint Board of Moderators

EUR-ACE

Accreditation is the assurance that a university course meets the quality standards established by the profession for which it prepares its students.

This course is professionally accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) on behalf of the Engineering Council. The JBM represents the five main professional bodies in the UK registering Civil Engineers, including The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), The Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE), The Permanent Way Institution (PWI), The Institute of Highway Engineers (IHE), and The Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT).

This Masters degree is accredited as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for a Chartered Engineer (CEng) for candidates who have already acquired a partial CEng-accredited undergraduate first degree* See www.jbm.org.uk for further information.

*It should be noted that candidates completing the MSc who hold an underpinning accredited IEng degree or a non-accredited bachelor degree will need to apply for an academic assessment to determine whether they will meet the educational base for CEng registration.

This course is also accredited by EUR-ACE, the European quality label for engineering degree programmes at bachelor and Masters level.

Join our online taster course

This two-week course offers a great taste of studying 21st-century transportation challenges at a postgraduate level.

Course details

Throughout this course, you’ll learn to develop solutions to engineering problems that fit the broader aims of transport and planning policy. You'll study a selection of core modules that address many of the key issues currently facing transport industry professionals. These provide you with a holistic overview of transport problems and approaches to policy formulation. You’ll also deepen your knowledge of:

• Engineering design principles
• Integrated transport networks - road, rail, and aviation
• Refining models to fit local contexts
• How to use SATURN and other Leeds-built models so that you become fluent in their use in live environments

You’ll also be able to choose from a wide range of optional modules. This allows you to develop more specialised skills and tailor your degree towards your preferred career interests. You'll also study our Transport Integrated Project module, which gives you experience of a typical real-world transport project.

Throughout your degree, you'll gain a range of specialist knowledge and advanced research skills. In your dissertation, you’ll apply these to a project chosen from a wide range of topics.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Transport Planning and Engineering MSc (Eng) Full Time in the course catalogue

Compulsory modules

Shaping Future Systems – 15 credits

In the Shaping Transport Futures module, you'll understand the fundamental relationships in transport systems, their interactions with other sectors, and future opportunities and challenges. You'll also learn about interventions in managing transport systems, contrast international approaches to transport planning and management, and acquire the fundamental techniques necessary to work in interdisciplinary teams. These skills will prepare you for the Transport Integrated Project module delivered in the following semester.

Principles of Transport Modelling – 15 credits

We will start by introducing the general concept of transport modelling to you. Including key objectives, terms and definitions in transport modelling, and briefly the basic four-stage models. You'll then examine each of the four stages of transport modelling in turn: trip generation, trip distribution. modal split, and traffic assignment. The key mathematical modelling techniques are introduced for each stage, and examples are made to illustrate the workings of these models. The second part of this module introduces you to more advanced transport modelling techniques, which provide improvements to the traditional four-stage modelling.

Transport Data Collection and Analysis – 15 credits

Acquire the fundamental skills and knowledge of data collection and analysis in the context of transport. In this module, we will address the loop covering research questions, data requirements, data collection/generation, data analysis, and interpretation allowing you to develop a good understanding and practice for transport data collection and analysis.

Principles of Transport Engineering – 15 credits

Gain a good understanding of the general concept of transport modelling, including key objectives, terms and definitions in transport modelling, and briefly the basic four-stage models. You'll develop skills in the four stages of transport modelling in turn: trip generation, trip distribution. modal split, and traffic assignment. The key mathematical modelling techniques are introduced for each stage, and you'll be given practical examples to illustrate the workings of these models. The second part of this module introduces more advanced transport modelling techniques, which will provide you with improvements to the traditional four-stage modelling.

Transport Integrated Project – 15 credits

This group project lets you develop industry experience of working within the transport sector, as part of a multidisciplinary team. You’ll work alongside students from our other Masters degrees, using your different specialisms to solve a real-world transport problem posed by Leeds City Council or another client.

You’ll gain insights into how planning, economics, environmental science, modelling and engineering can work together to develop sustainable solutions to global challenges.

Throughout the project, you’ll be advised by subject experts and will be required to write both group and individual reports. You'll also present your work as a group.

Previous projects have included:

• Designing a new park and ride site
• Designing a new train station
• Redesigning Leeds’ City Square

Transport Dissertation – 60 credits

Your dissertation gives you the ultimate opportunity to develop and apply research and/or design skills in a specialist topic within the transport discipline. You’ll complete an independent research project on a topic of your choice, develop an in-depth knowledge of your chosen subject area, and demonstrate your findings in a 15,000-word report.

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.

Optional modules

Please note: The modules listed below are indicative of typical options.

Public Transport Planning and Management – 15 credits

Gain a comprehensive understanding of the critical issues that shape the planning, management, and financing of public transport systems in both developed and developing countries. You'll take part in practical problem-solving exercises that help you understand, evaluate, apply, and communicate the core operating and economic principles of public transport planning.

System Dynamics: Modelling Policy – 15 credits

This module develops your understanding of the structure and dynamics of complex systems in transport. You'll learn how to apply causal loop techniques enabling you to communicate ideas and model structures effectively.

Traffic Management – 15 credits

Traffic Management is the process of adjusting or adapting the use of an existing road system to meet specified objectives without resorting to substantial new road construction. The traffic management objectives have evolved reflecting the changing nature of road systems and travel patterns in the past decades. This module will equip you with knowledge of how to select, design and implement a range of appropriate measures and techniques, as well as knowledge of practical experiences for enhancing the efficiency of road transport systems for all groups of road users. In addition to UK practice, a wide range of international evidence is included to broaden the scope of module delivery.

Road Geometry and Infrastructure – 15 credits

Develop specialist skills required by transport engineers; traffic signal engineers require an understanding of the concepts of saturation flow, how the queues build up and dissipate at junctions and the principles involved in designing signalised junctions. Transport engineers also require an advanced understanding of the principles and methods to design complex intersections. This module will provide you with these skills, dealing with traffic signals and the geometrical design of complex junctions.

Traffic Network Modelling – 15 credits

This module has been designed to appeal to anyone who intends to pursue a career in Transport Planning. You'll be introduced to the main underlying principles and be given the opportunity for hands-on experience with two of the most popular types of models used to analyse road transport networks.

Railway Signalling and Control – 15 credits

You'll start by developing the objectives of railway signalling and train control systems, including key objectives of safety and capacity. We then focus on a range of current and future systems of railway signalling, explaining their key characteristics and the principles underlying them. You'll then move on to consider the main methods used for train control on railway systems, again considering both current and emerging methods. For both signalling systems and train control systems, consideration is given to methods used across a range of railway operating environments, including high-speed rail, traditional heavy rail, metro rail systems and light rail and tramway systems.

Road Safety – 15 credits

In the Road Safety module, you'll explore the critical issues surrounding road collisions that lead to injuries and fatalities, significantly impacting both individuals and society. You'll explore the various factors linked to crash occurrences, such as human behaviour, the road environment, and vehicle types. This module focuses on identifying problems and developing solutions through policy, engineering, and evaluation, while also considering broader topics like human capacity and limitations.

Deterioration and Maintenance of Pavements – 15 credits

Focus on the vital economic asset of any country: its highway network. Delivered by ITS staff and practicing engineers, you'll learn about the design and materials of pavements, highway management, forms of deterioration, and associated investigative techniques. The module also covers the repair, maintenance, and strengthening of pavements, providing a comprehensive understanding of pavement preservation.

Fieldwork

At the Institute for Transport Studies, we want you to graduate with hands-on, real-world skills you can take into your career. Fieldwork gives you the chance to build those professional skills and put theory into practice – experiencing transport systems in action and meeting transport professionals who are actively working in the field.

Part-time study options

This course is also available to study part-time, over 24 or 36 months. Please get in touch with our admissions team to discuss part-time study options.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Transport Planning and Engineering MSc (Eng) Part Time in the course catalogue

Learning and teaching

Postgraduate study involves a range of teaching methods, supported by independent learning. You'll learn through a variety of teaching methods such as lectures, seminars, workshops, computer exercises, practical sessions, directed reading, reflective journal, student-led discussions, fieldwork and tutorials. You’ll also learn through independent study, allowing you to develop critical problem-solving and research skills that are relevant to a career in transport.

Throughout your degree, you'll be supported by a personal tutor who you can meet regularly to discuss any study or career questions you might have.

There is also the opportunity to apply to the Institute for Transport Studies mentorship programme, where you'll be assigned an alumni mentor who currently works in the industry. The mentorship programme is a great opportunity to receive personal career advice and develop a relationship with someone who is successful in the transport industry.

Active research environment

The Institute for Transport Studies was established as the UK’s first multidisciplinary transport department, and we continue to lead the field with our research. Our reputation allows us to invest in world-class facilities and a variety of specialist software tools including SATURN, DRACULA, and specialist open-source analysis packages such as OpenPave for pavement design, and licensed software such as VISSIM for traffic simulation and ARCADY, LINSIG for junction design. We also have a driving simulator, too.

Programme team

The wider programme team is made up of researchers and academics from the Institute for Transport Studies who have extensive expertise across a variety of transport disciplines.

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

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

Applying

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in a related subject such as (but not limited to) engineering, environmental science, maths, physics, computing, natural sciences or a quantitative subject.

Applicants with any of the following will be considered on a case-by-case basis:

• A bachelor degree with a 2:2 (hons), or equivalent where applicants can demonstrate relevant work experience or aptitude in a relevant specialist field.
• Professional qualifications and relevant experience.

International

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information please contact the Admissions Team.

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.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Engineering (6 weeks) and Language for Science: Engineering (10 weeks). 

We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional.

You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.

How to apply

Application deadlines

Please note: applications for this course open on the 1^st October 2024.

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

30 June 2025 – International applicants

12 September 2025 – UK applicants

If you're still unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025

This course is taught by

Institute for Transport Studies

Contact us

Institute for Transport Studies Postgraduate Admissions Team

Email: courses@its.leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Fees

UK: £13,000 (Total)

International: £32,750 (Total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

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

Part-time fees
Fees for part-time courses are normally calculated based on the number of credits you study in a year compared to the equivalent full-time course. For example, if you study half the course credits in a year, you will pay half the full-time course fees for that year.

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.

Career opportunities

A degree from the Institute for Transport Studies at Leeds opens up a range of opportunities to pursue a rewarding career in this industry. This course will equip you with an extensive specialist skill set, alongside industry experience and the chance to interact directly with industry organisations which could give you the edge with employers.

Transport consultancies are the largest employers of our graduates, but other common careers include those in government, academia, regulatory bodies, transport operators, logistics companies, not-for-profit and international agencies.

Our graduates work across the private and public sectors. Many work abroad, whether for UK companies with overseas offices, for international organisations or for national governments.

Plus, the University of Leeds is in the top 5 most targeted universities in the UK by graduate recruiters, according to High Fliers’ The Graduate Market in 2024 report.

Here’s an insight into some of the job roles and organisations previous graduates on this course or similar have secured:

• Transport Planner, Jacobs Foundation
• Transport Officer, Ministry of Works and Transport, Uganda
• Civil Engineer, Ministry of Roads and Highways
• Senior Transport Modeller, Shanghai Urban Transport Design Institute
• Transport Engineer/Planner, FAO Consulting International (Nigeria) Ltd
• Transport Planning Consultant, Steer Davies Gleave
• Traffic & Transport Engineer, Duffy Chartered Engineers
• Transportation Planner Engineer, Pell Frischmann
• Transportation Consultant - Traffic Engineer, AECOM
• Transport Modeller, Jacobs Foundation
• Graduate Transport Engineer, AECOM
• Graduate Transport Modeller, WSP
• Graduate Transport Planner, Atkins
• Logistics Manager, Toyota

Careers support

Study abroad and work placements

Study abroad

This degree does not offer the option to study abroad.

Work placements

You’ll have the opportunity to gain four or twelve months industry experience in the UK with companies such as Network Rail and AECOM at the end of your Masters course.

It’s important to note, work placements are not guaranteed. The job market is competitive – and there may be competition for the placement you want. You’ll have to apply the same way you would for any job post, with your CV and, if successful, attend an interview with the organisation. After the competitive application process, paid placements are offered from September to December at the end of your studies.

Our Careers Service will help you every step of the way. They run a number of placement sessions to discuss opportunities and support you with CV writing and interview preparations. Plus, they’ll be there to answer any questions you may have and offer guidance throughout the process, too.

Benefits of a work placement year:

• Build industry contacts within your chosen field
• Our close industry links mean you’ll be in direct contact with potential employers
• Advance your experience and skills by putting the course teachings into practice
• Gain invaluable insight into working as a professional in this industry
• Improve your employability

Some of the employers and the job titles of previous placement students are listed below:

• Graduate Transport Engineer, AECOM
• Strategic Planning Assistant, Timetable Development Assistant, Junior Strategic Planner, Network Rail
• Transport Consultant, Hydrock Fore
• Transport Consultant, Stantec
• Graduate Transport Planner, WYCA
• Graduate Transport Planner, Hydrock Fore (formerly Fore Consulting)
• Graduate Transport Planer, SLR (formerly Vectos)
• Graduate Transport Strategy Consultant,The Hub Transport Advisory

The scheme is open to all Masters students, including those on a student visa, within the Institute for Transport Studies.