Transport Planning MSc

The Transport Planning MSc at the University of Leeds is designed to equip students with the knowledge and planning techniques to develop transport networks and systems that are founded on robust evidence, sustainable and equitable social principles, state-of-the-art modeling, accurate data analysis, and a profound understanding of travel behavior and importance for transport planning.

Course Overview

This course will provide students with a holistic overview of transport problems and approaches to policy formulation. Students will learn about policy, travel behavior, modeling, data analysis, land use planning, and public transport planning and management using research and evidence from around the world.

Why Study at Leeds

• Our Institute for Transport Studies' globally-renowned research conducted right here on campus feeds directly into the course, shaping students' learning with the latest thinking in sustainable transport planning.
• Students can advance their knowledge and skill set in critical areas of transport planning, including hands-on experience in collecting and evaluating data.
• The course can be tailored to suit career aspirations with a wide selection of optional modules in areas such as road safety, traffic network modeling, public transport planning, traffic management, and more.
• Students can build industry experience by collaborating on a multi-disciplinary team project with students from other degree specialisms that focuses on a real-world transport problem posed by Leeds City Council or another organization.
• Students can familiarize themselves with industry-standard models and techniques such as AIMSUN, VISSIM, SATURN, spatial analysis using GIS, and systems dynamics.
• The course offers flexible study options, where students can study full-time over 12 months or part-time over 24 or 36 months.

Guaranteed Industry Experience

While studying at Leeds, students will have the chance to work with clients and gain consultancy experience as part of a 2-week online Global Industry Programme. This programme gives students the opportunity to build key industry connections and develop invaluable professional and practical skills that are highly valued by employers.

Course Details and Modules

Throughout this course, students will learn about transport planning and travel behavior by studying a range of core topics. These will include:

• Sustainable Spatial Planning and Analysis
• Principles of Transport Modelling
• Understanding Travel Behaviour
• Shaping Future Transport Systems
• Transport Data Collection and Analysis
• Transport Integrated Project
• Transport Dissertation

Optional modules may include:

• Road Safety
• Air Quality Policy Design and Evaluation
• Railway Investment Appraisal
• Transport Investment Appraisal
• Traffic Network Modelling
• Global Transferability of Policies
• System Dynamics: Modelling Policy
• Analysing Transport and Society
• Green Logistics
• Public Transport Planning and Management
• Traffic Management
• Choice Modelling and Stated Preference Survey Design
• Transport in Development

Fieldwork

At the Institute for Transport Studies, students will have the chance to build professional skills and put theory into practice through fieldwork, experiencing transport systems in action and meeting transport professionals who are actively working in the field.

Industrial Placements

This programme gives students the opportunity to undertake a paid placement, either over four or twelve months, with companies such as Network Rail and AECOM. Please note that placement opportunities are limited and therefore the application is highly competitive.

Part-time Study Options

This course is also available to study part-time, over 24 or 36 months.

Learning and Teaching

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

Assessment

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

Applying

To apply for this course, students should have a bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in any subject. Applicants with a 2:2 (hons) will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Professional qualifications and relevant experience may also be considered.

International

The University accepts 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.

Fees

• UK: Ł13,000 (Total)
• International: Ł30,750 (Total)

Scholarships and Financial Support

If students have the talent and drive, the University wants them to be able to study, whatever their financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.

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 students with an extensive specialist skill set, alongside industry experience and the chance to interact directly with industry organizations, which could give them the edge with employers.

Work Placements and Industry Experience

Students will have the opportunity to gain four or twelve months of industry experience in the UK with companies such as Network Rail and AECOM at the end of their Masters course. The scheme is open to all Masters students, including those on a student visa, within the Institute for Transport Studies.

Related Courses

• Transport Planning and Engineering MSc (Eng)
• Transport Economics MSc
• Transport Planning and the Environment MSc

Rankings and Awards

• Top 100 in the world - QS World University Rankings 2026
• 27th in the world for Transportation Science and Technology - ShanghaiRanking's Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2025

University of Leeds

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Overview:

The University of Leeds is a public research university located in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. It is a large and prestigious institution with a strong reputation for academic excellence and a vibrant campus life.

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Academic Programs:

The University of Leeds offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various faculties, including:

• Arts, Humanities and Cultures
• Biological Sciences
• Business School
• Engineering and Physical Sciences
• Environment
• Medicine and Health
• Social Sciences