Transport Planning and the Environment MSc

This Masters degree will equip you with the knowledge and skills to address the environmental impacts of transport. From urban pollution, public health and policy-making, to road safety management and traffic network modelling – you’ll gain insights into how a range of disciplines can work together to design sustainable solutions to global challenges.

You’ll learn the techniques behind cutting-edge data collection and analysis that help improve the air quality of our cities and the wellbeing of your fellow citizens. You’ll also study environmental research techniques to help develop transport networks founded on robust evidence, sustainable and equitable principles, state-of-the-art modelling, accurate data analysis, and a profound understanding of human psychology.

Taught by leading researchers with an international reputation (members of our team advise European and national governments on emissions control), this Masters degree has been designed following close consultation with industry to help prepare you for a rewarding career. If you are a numerate graduate interested in this rapidly expanding sector, or a practitioner who wants insight into best-practice research to accelerate your career, this Masters degree is for you.

Course highlights

• Learn how diverse data sources can be used to create policies that reduce air traffic pollution and improve government policy making.

• Gain hands-on experience using state-of-the-art monitoring tools to measure vehicle emissions and evaluate data

• Work with sophisticated models used to design traffic systems and pollution controls that can help reduce harm to people and the environment

• Experience what it’s like to work in the transport industry by collaborating on a multi-disciplinary team project with students from our other degree specialisms.

• Our courses are shaped by the Institute for Transport Studies’ world-leading research and our close relationships with industry leaders.

Programme team

The Programme Leader, Dr James Tate, is an Associate Professor at the Institute for Transport Studies. His research primarily focuses on the impact of road transport on the environment. Dr Tate’s work has included developing new approaches to survey and model transport emissions, along with helping shape the UK Air Quality strategy.

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.

Active 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 and a variety of specialist software tools including those we’ve developed in-house such as SATURN, PLUTO, DRACULA, MARS and KonSULT.

Other study options

This programme is available part time over 24 or 36 months. We are flexible as to how you choose to study this course so that you can combine it with other commitments, such as an existing job. Please get in touch with our admissions team to discuss part time study options.

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.

Online taster course

‘Transport Systems: Global Issues and Future Innovations’ is a free online course, delivered via FutureLearn, introducing how the transport sector can develop infrastructures that meet the needs of a 21st century population.

Whether you're a current undergraduate student, or a mid-career professional considering a Masters degree, this course offers a great taste of studying transportation challenges at a postgraduate level.

Throughout this course, you will study modules that address many of the key issues currently facing transport industry professionals. A selection of core modules will provide you with a holistic overview of transport problems and approaches to policy formulation. You’ll also be able to choose from a wide range of optional modules, allowing you to develop more specialised skills and tailor your degree towards your preferred career interests.

Throughout your course, you will 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. 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.

Project work

In the second semester, you will study our Transport Integrated Project module. This project lets you experience what it is like to be part of a multi-disciplined team working within the transport sector. 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.

The Transport Integrated Project module helps you develop a real-world experience of working in the industry. 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 industry experts and will be required to write both group and individual reports. At the end of the module, you will present your final work as a group.

Previous projects have included:

• Designing a new park and ride site

• Designing a new train station

• Redesigning Leeds’ City Square

Field work

We offer opportunities for students to experience transport systems in action, allowing you to meet and hear directly from transport professionals and see what you’ve learned in practice. Field trips have included visits to: cycle and traffic calming facilities, motorway traffic control centre, guided bus system and town planning features.

Want to find out more about your modules?

Take a look at the Transport Planning and the Environment MSc module descriptions for more detail on what you will study.

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 the Environment MSc Full Time in the course catalogue

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

Modules

Year 1

Learning and teaching

Postgraduate study involves a range of teaching methods, supported by independent learning. You will 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 will 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 will 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.

Modules are arranged so that part-time students can attend one day per week, but this may limit the optional modules available to you. Some modules are taught intensively over 3-5 consecutive days.

Our Virtual Learning Environment will help to support your studies: it’s a central place where you can find all the information and resources for the School, your programme and modules.

You can also benefit from support to develop your academic skills, within the curriculum and through online resources, workshops, one-to-one appointments and drop-in sessions.

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.

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 and quantitative subjects.

Graduates from other disciplines and those with professional qualifications plus experience in the sector will also be considered.

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 are now offering online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals.  To find out more, read Online Academic English pre-sessional (10 weeks) and Online Academic English pre-sessional (6 weeks).

Read about differences between our online and on-campus summer pre-sessionals.

If you need to study for longer than 10 weeks, read more about our postgraduate pre-sessional English course.

How to apply

Application deadlines

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

29 July 2022 – International applicants

9 September 2022 – UK applicants

Apply (Full time)

Apply (Part time)

This link takes you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.

If you're 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 Taught Admissions Policy 2023

Fees

• UK: £10,500 (total)
• International: £25,750 (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

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.

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 about additional costs.

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.

A degree from Leeds and the experience you'll gain here will give you the edge to find the career you want. Your course will give you the experience and knowledge that employers are looking for to help you secure a job.

The University of Leeds is in the top five most targeted universities in the UK by graduate recruiters, according to High Fliers’ The Graduate Market in 2021 report.

A degree from the Institute for Transport Studies opens up a range of opportunities to develop a rewarding career. 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.

Examples of alumni job roles include:

• Transportation Planning Analyst

• Graduate Transport Planner

• Senior Project Associate

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

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.

Our students are highly sought after and have a good reputation with transport consultants, and may receive a job offer before or shortly after graduation.

The 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.

Read more about graduate employability at the Institute for Transport Studies.

Careers support

At Leeds we help you to prepare for your future from day one. Our Leeds for Life initiative is designed to help you develop and demonstrate the skills and experience you need for when you graduate. We will help you to access opportunities across the University and record your key achievements so you are able to articulate them clearly and confidently.

You’ll have access to the wide range of careers resources and support from your Careers Service. You’ll have the chance to attend industry presentations, book appointments with qualified careers consultants and take part in employability workshops and webinars. Our careers fairs provide further opportunities to explore your career options with some of the UKs leading employers.

Each year there are a number of events provided both by the Institute for Transport Studies and the University’s Careers Centre. We have a dedicated Careers Consultant from the Careers Centre who works with our students, delivering bespoke presentations and one-to-one consultations with students on their career plans. We also invite alumni back to share their experiences of developing a career in the transport sector.

There are also plenty of exciting ways you can volunteer during your time at Leeds. Find out more at the Leeds University Union website.

Four-month placement scheme

You will have the opportunity to gain four months industry experience in the UK with companies such as Network Rail and AECOM at the end of your Masters course. After a competitive application process, paid placements are offered from September to December at the end of your studies.

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

• AECOM (Graduate Transport Engineer)
• Network Rail (Strategic Planning Assistant, Timetable Development Assistant, Junior Strategic Planner)
• Fore Consulting (Transport Consultant)
• Stantec (Transport Consultant)

The scheme is open to all Masters students, including those on a student visa, within the Institute for Transport Studies. Placements aren’t guaranteed.