Course overview
Gain the expertise to design sustainable, intelligent and equitable transport systems that meet the demands of a rapidly changing world.
Modern transport systems face complex challenges ranging from growing congestion and global and local environmental pressures to the need for healthier, more equitable mobility systems.
Cities around the world are planning transport networks and mass transit systems that can adapt to societal and urban changes, support sustainable travel and exploit the potential of new technologies and artificial intelligence.
This course equips you with the knowledge, analytical skills and planning techniques to meet these challenges head-on. You will learn to design and evaluate transport systems using robust evidence, sustainable and equitable principles, state-of-the-art modelling tools and advanced data analysis.
You will also explore the strategic use of artificial intelligence and develop a deep understanding of travel behaviour that gives you the expertise to shape sustainable transport solutions that are futureproof, fair and fit for a rapidly changing world.
By the end of the course, you’ll be able to:
- Design and plan sustainable transport systems
- Use industry-standard transport models, spatial analysis using GIS and data to support real planning decisions
- Assess how sustainable transport planning impacts on people and their activities
- Work effectively in multi-specialist teams, just like in industry
- Communicate complex analysis and solutions 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 policy design; transport planning; spatial analysis and GIS; data analytics and data science; travel behaviour; intelligent transport systems; road safety; urban air quality; active travel; social impacts; transport modelling; transport economics; traffic management; and public transport.
- Tailor the course to suit your career aspirations with a selection of optional modules in specialist areas.
- Connect with top employers like ARUP, AECOM 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.
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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 approved by the TPP Professional Standards Committee of the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT) and the Transport Planning Society (TPS) as meeting the knowledge requirements for the Chartered Transport Planning Professional qualification.
Accreditation is the assurance that a university course meets the quality standards established by the profession for which it prepares its students.
Full-time students enrolled on this programme can receive free membership to the CIHT. This provides access to professional development, industry networking and free training modules.
Course details and modules
Throughout this course, you’ll learn about transport planning and travel behaviour by studying a range of core topics. Your studies will consider many of the key challenges currently facing transport industry professionals across the world. These will provide you with a holistic overview of transport problems and approaches to policy formulation. You will be introduced to the principles of:
- Transport planning process,
- Monitoring and evaluation
- Influencing travel behaviour
- Transport modelling and spatial analysis using GIS
In the first semester we will provide training in GIS software which will be compulsory and necessary for your Sustainable Spatial Planning and Analysis module. There will also 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 an experience of a typical real-world transport project and solution design.
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.
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.
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.
Changing Travel Behaviour (15 credits)
Successfully transforming travel behaviour and mode choice is one of the persistent problems in transport planning. We will examine policies, including those using AI in their design, to identify policies that are effective at making change in a range of contexts. This module is designed to help students who aspire to work in planning; policymaking, from local to international NGOs, and consultancy roles where they will need up to date understanding of the best practice in changing travel behaviour.
Sustainable Spatial Planning and Analysis (15 credits)
In this module you will learn the key aspects of integrated transport and land-use planning which contribute to more sustainable outcomes. You'll develop your skills to access, analyse and display spatial data to facilitate advanced policy analysis informed by the theoretical underpinnings of sustainable land use and transport planning.
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 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.
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.
Air Quality Policy Design and Evaluation (15 credits)
We'll equip you with the skills necessary to analyse air pollution data, then design and evaluate the impact of air quality policies, including mitigation options for poor indoor air quality. Practical experience of open-source innovative data analysis tools is provided, including a new open-source package – AQEval – developed and published by Institute for Transport Studies to evaluate Air Quality policies.
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.
Transport Investment Appraisal (15 credits)
Starting from the principles of cost-benefit analysis and financial appraisal, the module covers the key methods and techniques of transport investment appraisal. You'll study examples and case studies from road, rail and active modes of transport.
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.
Global Transferability of Policies (15 credits)
You'll critically examine the applicability of policies in different geographical and political contexts from those where they originated. This module develops your knowledge of the theories underlying the transfer of policy and the ways that such theories are frequently framed as being geographically specific.
System Dynamics: Modelling Policy (15 credits)
This module develops an understanding of the structure and dynamics of complex systems primarily in the field of transport. You'll learn how to apply causal loop techniques enabling them to communicate ideas and model structures effectively.
Sustainable Social Impact Assessment (15 credits)
Sustainable transport planning requires citizen and business participation and an understanding of transport’s social impacts. In this module we will start with an understanding of advanced methods before moving on to understanding the theoretical and practical issues associated with methods for participative transport plan development and methods for evaluating social equity and social impact of transport solutions.
Green Logistics (15 credits)
You'll gain the skills needed to work in planning, policymaking and consultancy roles in which you'll need up-to-date understanding of best practice in reducing the environmental problems associated with freight logistics and supply chain activities.
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.
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.
Choice Modelling and Stated Preference Survey Design (15 credits)
Develop the essential principles and techniques of choice modelling and stated preference survey design. You'll learn how to produce insights into choice behaviour, which can guide policymakers, especially when real-choice data is scarce. This module covers a range of topics from basic to advanced techniques, involving a mix of lectures and practical sessions for you to gain hands-on experience.
Transport in low and middle income countries (15 credits)
The transport context of countries can vary depending on income and this module deliberately sets out to examine the transport challenges and solutions for low- and middle-income countries. You'll explore the economic, financial, institutional, and demographic characteristics of low-income countries and examine the interaction between development policy and transport policy, evaluating the applicability and outcomes of different policy approaches and analytical tools.
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.
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.
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.
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 offer a variety of specialist software tools including SATURN, Vissim, Omnitrans, for modelling the transport system and specialist open-source analysis packages such as QGIS for spatial analysis and AQEval for tracking trends and detecting changes in air quality levels, and licensed software such as SPSS for statistical analysis. You will also have the option to learn the basics of Python programming.
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 any subject.
We also encourage you to apply if you have a 2:2 (hons), 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.
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 will 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, ARUP
- Transport Officer, Cambridgeshire County Council
- Transport Planner, JMP Consultants
- Transport Planner, MDS Transmodal
- Airport Infrastructure Planner, Ministry of Transportation
- Principal Analyst, Transport for London
- Assistant Modelling Manager, Transport for London
- Strategic Transport Planner, City of Stockholm Transport Administration
- Senior Transport Planner, Islington Council
- Senior Transport Manager, Bradford City Council
- Transport Planner, London Borough of Hackney
- Graduate Transport Planner, Tetra Tech
- Transport Planner, Pell Frischmann
- Graduate Future Mobility Consultant, WSP
- Assistant Transport Modeller, WSP
- Transport Economist, SYSTRA
- Senior Network Analyst, Network Rail
- Station Capacity Analyst, Network Rail
- Route Performance Analyst, Network Rail
- Rail Modeler/Analyst, Jacobs.
Read our alumni profiles to find out where some of our graduates are working today.
Top 10 most targeted for 10+ years
by the UK's leading employers
Careers support
At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one.
Links with industry
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. Organisations include ARUP, Mott MacDonald, AECOM, Capita, Transport for London, Pell Frischmann, Leigh Fisher, JMP, Amey, among many others.
Mentoring
You can apply to the Institute for Transport Studies Mentorship Programme, where you'll be assigned an alumni mentor who is already working in the transport industry. Your mentor will share real-world insights, personalised career advice and insider tips to help you navigate your next steps. It’s a great way to build confidence and grow your professional network.
Careers Service
Our Careers Service has the global expertise and sector-spanning industry partnerships that, combined, go wel beyond simply helping you get a job. They provide you with the resources you need to upskill and achieve the future you aspire towards – even in the face of lightning-paced change.
- Dedicated Employability Team – meet with our qualified careers consultants and specialist employability and placements officers, on hand to help you choose the right path and develop the skills to get there. They can support with CV and cover letter writing, LinkedIn profile building, mock interviews and navigating AI: get confident with tailored advice and techniques.
- Employability and networking events – get involved in a full range of events, including careers fairs and specialist industry talks with employers who are actively recruiting. You’ll also benefit from mentoring and a supportive careers community, helping you make connections, build your network, and shape your journey as a future professional.
- Skills training – we embed transferable skills training in all our programmes to support your transition to the workplace. Gain expertise employers value, such as communication, problem-solving and research and data analysis.
- MyCareer system – access a dedicated portal where you can book careers appointments, view helpful resources and browse vacancies and events. Access digital tools, including LinkedIn support, video interview preparation, plus global job market and visa guidance. We also offer pre‑arrival support to help you prepare for career planning in the UK and make the most of your time with us.
- Exclusive opportunities – bring your enterprise to market with our award-winning business advice service, Spark. Apply for vacancies only available to our students. And hone your skills further with Leeds University Union, home to volunteering opportunities and over 300 clubs and societies.
Explore more about your employability opportunities at the University of Leeds.
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.