Transport Planning and Engineering MSc (Eng)
The following modules are available in 2023/24 for Transport Planning and Engineering MSc (Eng) and are examples of the modules you are likely to study. All modules are subject to change. You will study 180 credits in total.
Compulsory modules
Shaping Future Transport Systems - 15 credits
The Shaping Transport Futures module will provide students with an understanding of the fundamental relationships involved in transport systems, their interactions with other sectors, and future opportunities and challenges. It will provide understanding of the case for interventions in managing transport systems. Students will be able to understand and contrast international approaches to transport planning and management and develop appreciation of the contribution of different roles in the delivery of transport sector implementations. Finally, students will be equipped with the fundamental techniques necessary to work in inter-disciplinary teams, which will prepare them for the Transport Integrated Project module delivered in the following semester
Principles of Transport Modelling - 15 credits
The module starts by introducing the general concept of transport modelling, including key objectives, terms and definitions in transport modelling, and briefly the basic four-stage models. It then introduces 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 the module introduces 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.
Principles of Transport Engineering - 15 credits
This module presents an overview and the foundations of transport engineering.
Transport Dissertation - 60 credits
The Transport Dissertation module gives you the opportunity to develop and apply research and/or design skills in a specialist topic within the transport discipline. You’ll develop an in-depth knowledge of your chosen subject area and demonstrate your findings in a 15,000-word report.
Transport Integrated Project - 15 credits
This module will be run in the second semester and aims to enhance a range of personal and professional related skills (technical applied transport skills and project management skills) by placing students in a multi-disciplinary project group (to reflect the range of transport masters programmes) and asking them to undertake a specific transport project as suggested by a client (an external organisation or ITS).
Optional modules
Public Transport Planning and Management - 15 credits
To ensure that students have a sound understanding of the key issues affecting the planning, management and financing of public transport in developed and developing countries.
System Dynamics: Modelling Policy - 15 credits
This module develops an understanding of the structure and dynamics of complex systems and how systems dynamics models can be used to address systems problems primarily in the field of transport. Students will learn how to apply causal loop techniques enabling them 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 objectives of traffic management have evolved reflecting the changing nature of road systems as well as changing travel patterns in the past decades. This module will equip students 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
The module is designed to develop specialist skills required by transport engineers. In particular 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 advanced understanding of the principles and methods to design complex intersections. The module is divided into two halves as such dealing with traffic signals and 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. It introduces the main underlying principles and provides hands-on experience for two of the most popular types of model used to analyse road transport networks.
Railway Signalling and Control - 15 credits
This module starts by developing the objectives of railway signalling and train control systems, including key objectives of safety and capacity. It then focuses on a range of current and future systems of railway signalling, explaining their key characteristics and the principles underlying them. The module then moves 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.
More information for this course is available in the course catalogue.