Transport Planning and Engineering MSc (Eng)

Course overview

Discover the future of transport systems with a programme built for tomorrow’s smart cities. ​

This course gives you the skills to shape how people and goods move in an increasingly connected world. You’ll explore the scientific theories and methods of transport engineering, covering everything from urban transport planning and road design to public transport systems and the rapidly evolving world of autonomous vehicles. ​

Whether you're interested in reducing congestion, improving safety and accessibility, or making travel more sustainable, you’ll learn how to use technologies to turn complex, real-world problems into opportunities for smarter, fairer and greener solutions. ​

You’ll also have the opportunity to tailor your learning through optional modules, allowing you to specialise in areas such as modelling, data analytics and managing traffic across road or rail networks using both conventional and AI-enabled technologies.

By the end of the course, you’ll be able to:

• Design and evaluate road, active travel and public transport infrastructure that align with transport planning policy objectives
• Use transport models, data and technical analysis to support policy and planning decisions
• Understand how people, policy, economics and engineering interact in transport systems
• Work effectively in multidisciplinary teams, just like in industry
• Communicate technical findings clearly to clients, policymakers and stakeholders.

Why study at Leeds

• Study at a globally recognised centre for transport research, where the latest research and ideas from the Institute for Transport Studies directly inform your learning.
• Learn from experts in transport modelling, infrastructure design, traffic management and road safety.
• This Masters degree is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators, ensuring it meets the academic and professional standards expected by industry and the engineering profession.
• You will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with industry-standard models and tools, including SATURN and Vissim, widely used in professional transport planning and engineering practice.
• Tailor the course to suit your career aspirations with a selection of optional modules in specialist areas.
• Connect with top employers like ARUP, AECOM, Jacobs, Mott MacDonald and Transport for London, who help shape what you learn and actively recruit our graduates.
• Gain consultancy experience through a two-week online Global Industry Programme, building professional skills and industry connections.
• Access opportunities for paid industrial placements (4 or 12 months) with UK organisations such as Network Rail or AECOM (competitive and not guaranteed).
• Develop hands-on experience by working in a multi-specialist team to design a solution to a real-world transport problem set by Leeds City Council or another transport sector organisation.
• You can apply for the Institute for Transport Studies mentorship programme, giving you the chance to connect with an industry professional, gain career advice, and build a valuable professional relationship.
• Choose a flexible study mode with full-time and part-time options available.

Join our online taster course

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

Learn more about The Future of Transport Systems Online Course.

Explore Leeds

Discover our campus, facilities and accommodation with our 360 virtual experience platform.

With immersive 360 experiences, image galleries, virtual tours, videos and day-in-the-life content, you can take a personalised, interactive tour of campus and explore the University's academic, social and residential environments from anywhere in the world.

You can get a feel for what it's really like to live, learn and belong at the University of Leeds – all from the comfort of home.

Accreditation

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, The Institution of Structural Engineers, The Permanent Way Institution, The Institute of Highway Engineers, and The Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation.

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.

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

*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.

Joint Board of Moderators

Course details and modules

Throughout this course, you’ll learn to develop solutions to engineering problems that fit the broader aims of transport 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 and rail
• Refining models to fit local contexts
• How to use transport models (e.g., SATURN) so that you become fluent in their use in live environments

In the first semester there will be the option to learn the basics of Python programming. You will 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.

Your dissertation will allow you to gain a range of specialist knowledge and advanced research skills. You’ll apply these to a project chosen from a selection 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.

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) in the course catalogue.

Compulsory modules

Shaping Future Transport Systems (15 credits)

The Shaping Future Transport Systems module introduces the fundamental elements and relationships necessary to plan sustainable transport systems in different international contexts. You will explore how the transport sector can support net zero ambitions, improve climate resilience and contribute to more sustainable and equitable futures. The module provides insight into the different specialist approaches required to develop work-ready, real-world solutions for sustainable transport systems. You will also explore the potential contribution that AI can make within transport planning and decision-making as you will be introduced to the basics of AI prompting, its applications, and its limitations.

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)

This module provides fundamentals of data collection and analysis in the context of transport. It addresses the loop covering research questions, data requirements, data collection/generation, data analysis, and interpretation for use in the evaluation of the transport system and policies. During this module we will start by exploring the quality of data and data collection techniques, ranging from traditional methods to AI-scraped data. You will learn how to design and justify transport data collection activities with a focus on sustainable transport. You will go on to learn statistical analysis and interpretation of results and to understand the strengths and limitations of AI in supporting them with statistical analyses.

Principles of Transport Engineering (15 credits)

This module presents an overview and the foundations of transport engineering. It aims to familiarise students with the engineering aspects of the design of transport infrastructure, including issues associated with AI applications in road engineering and Intelligent Transport System. You'll appreciate the principles of engineering design as they apply to transport systems, design the road geometry / railway track geometry using appropriate standards, and appreciate the road safety and environmental impacts, including the transport infrastructure resilience to climate impacts.

Transport Integrated Project (15 credits)

This module enhances a range of personal and professional-related skills (technical applied transport skills and project management skills) by placing you in a multi-disciplinary project group and asking you to undertake a specific transport project as suggested by a client. On completion of this module students will have an increased knowledge and understanding of project design and management; the integration and demands of applying technical transport skills to practical situations; and the practical transferable skills required of a transport professional, including the application of emerging digital and AI tools to support transport analysis, communication, and project delivery.

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 report.

Some topics are suggested and supported by industry, giving you the chance to address a real-world problem and gain experience working with industry. Your supervisor will be one of our expert academics who will support you throughout the process of developing your dissertation topic.

Optional modules

Please note: The modules listed below are indicative of typical options. We aim to offer a wide range of optional modules, though availability may vary depending on demand.

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.

Transport Data Science (15 credits)

Build the skills to conduct data science projects, answer transport questions, and use cutting-edge data science techniques on real-world datasets. You'll learn about data science tools and their application to transport issues, with a focus on geocomputation, visualisation and modelling.

Applied AI in Autonomous Vehicles (15 credits)

AI technologies are now valuable tools and methodological approaches for students, transport researchers, and practitioners. This module applies key artificial intelligence (AI) / machine learning (ML) concepts through the lens of transport systems, with special emphasis on connected and autonomous vehicles, intelligent transport systems and real-world deployment.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, including active travel modes, such as walking and cycling. In addition to UK practice, a wide range of international evidence is included to broaden the scope of module delivery.

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.

Road Safety (15 credits)

The Road Safety module explores how reducing road collisions can benefit a sustainable transport system. You will discover the various factors linked to crashes, 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 such as human capacity and limitations. The module provides insight into emerging vehicle technology (such as automation) and the use of AI (to identify collision hotspots and emerging risk patterns). The module content aligns with the Safe Systems approach which considers the interaction between people, vehicles, roads and institutions and provides students with relevant skills in crash modelling and road safety observations.

Road Geometry and Infrastructure (15 credits)

This module develops the specialist skills required by transport engineers. Traffic signal engineers need to understand the concepts of saturation flow, how 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 used to design complex intersections. This module will provide you with these skills, dealing with traffic signals and the geometrical design of complex junctions.

Railway Signalling and Control (15 credits)

You'll start by developing the objectives of railway operations, 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 and control technologies, explaining their key characteristics and the principles underlying them. We will also introduce the foundations of railway operations, including scheduling and the techniques used to manage train paths and movements. You'll then move on to studying the main methods used for train control on railway systems, again considering both current and emerging methods which will include consideration of AI techniques for railway control and management. 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.

Deterioration and Maintenance of Pavements (15 credits)

The focus of the Deterioration and Maintenance of Pavements module is the vital economic asset of any country: its highway network and the overall process of managing it for sustainability and climate resilience. The module explores the problem diagnosis and effective treatment of pavements for road, including the forms of deterioration and associated investigative techniques, maintenance and strengthening. You will also explore the design principles of airport, port, and heavy-duty pavements. During the module, you will be introduced to up-and-coming techniques in pavement design, monitoring and performance prediction, and will learn how to make proposals for the preservation and rehabilitation of pavements with lifecycle environmental and cost considerations.

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.

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, peer review, presentations, 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.

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, Omnitrans, 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, which you will use during your course.

Programme team

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

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 numerate subject. Relevant subjects may include engineering, computer science, mathematics, physical sciences, geography, environmental science, natural sciences, architecture, construction management, planning and project management. Applicants from other quantitative subjects will also be considered.

We also encourage you to apply if you have a 2:2 (hons) in one of the subjects listed above, relevant work experience or professional qualifications. We take a flexible and inclusive approach and consider every application on its individual merits.

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 and our 10 week online pre-sessional. 

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

How to apply

Please visit our How to Apply page for full details of the application process and the supporting documents required as part of your application. 

We encourage all applicants to apply as early as possible. 

Application deadlines 

• International applicants: Friday 30 July 2027  
• UK applicants: Friday 10 September 2027   

To apply, click the button below to access the University’s online application system. 

International applicants can find further information on visas, immigration requirements and student support on our International students pages. We recommend applying as early as possible to allow sufficient time for visa processing before your programme starts. 

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

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2027

This course is taught by

Institute for Transport Studies

Contact us

Institute for Transport Studies Postgraduate Admissions Team

Email: courses@its.leeds.ac.uk

Fees

UK: £13,400 (Total)

International: £31,100 (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. Learn more about Masters funding. 

Scholarships are also available to help fund your Masters. Find out more and check your eligibility below:

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.

You’ll benefit from:

• Teaching shaped by world-leading transport research
• Guest lectures and engagement with transport professionals
• Opportunities to work on real industry problems
• Strong demand for our graduates from consultancies, public authorities and transport operators.

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 have progressed into a wide range of roles across the transport sector. Here are some examples of the jobs and organisations they now work in.

• Transport Planner, Jacobs
• 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.

Read our alumni profiles to find out where some of our graduates are working today.

Careers support

Work placements and industry experience

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 that 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.

As a Masters student at Leeds, you’ll have the unique opportunity to gain real-world industry experience with our Global Industry Programme.

You’ll develop key professional skills and gain invaluable insight into working in your chosen field, helping to solve a real business problem from a live company brief.

This experience will enhance your CV, helping you stand out in the competitive graduate jobs market and improving your chances of securing the career you want.

Benefits of the Global Industry Programme:

• Fully online and designed to fit around your studies.
• Opportunities to make professional networks in areas such as digital marketing, business growth, sustainability and funding strategy.
• Gain valuable insight and build consultancy experience with a UK or international organisation, working on a time limited brief.
• Work as part of a team across disciplines to tackle real business needs.
• Advance your experience and hands-on skills by putting the course teachings into practice.
• Improve your employability prospects.
• Make new friends, build confidence and consider your future plans.