Program Overview

Introduction to the MSc Transport Leadership Programme

The MSc Transport Leadership programme at Aston University is designed for professionals seeking to advance their careers and lead the transition to more sustainable, efficient, and inclusive transport systems. This course equips students with the tools to navigate complex challenges in future mobility, exploring topics such as transport leadership, future mobility, safety, and performance, and project management.

Course Overview

The programme is tailored for current and aspiring transport professionals, aiming to provide them with strategic, technical, and leadership skills necessary to shape the future of mobility. With a focus on sustainability, innovation, and system-wide thinking, the course prepares students to lead change in complex transport environments and deliver more resilient, inclusive, and efficient networks.

Why Study Transport Leadership at Aston University?

Aston University has been a leader in transport education since 1973, with graduates making significant impacts across the UK transport sector. The university's location in Birmingham, the UK's transport hub, offers excellent connections, growing investment in sustainable mobility, and strong links with industry.

Course Objectives

The MSc Transport Leadership programme has several key objectives:

1. Develops management and leadership capabilities to confidently transition from technical specialist to strategic leader in a transport setting.
2. Builds a holistic understanding of transport system operation, strategy, and management, enabling collaboration with and leadership of diverse stakeholders.
3. Enables students to innovate and deliver sustainable transport solutions that meet user needs while safeguarding well-being and natural resources.
4. Equips students with analytical tools and techniques required to address complex local and global transport challenges.
5. Develops transferable skills in critical thinking, communication, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving, preparing students to meet the evolving demands of the transport sector.

Modules

The programme includes a range of modules designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of transport leadership and management. These modules cover topics such as:

• Transport Leadership
• Future Mobility
• Transport System Safety and Performance
• Environmental Regulations and Impact Assessment
• Engineering Project Management
• Aston Global Advantage
• Strategic Management and Finance
• Human Resource and Change Management

Dissertation Stage

In the dissertation stage, students will undertake an independent research project on a transport-related topic of their choice, guided by expert staff. This project allows students to investigate a real-world challenge in depth, drawing on the knowledge, tools, and methods developed throughout the course.

Facilities

Aston University provides modern facilities to support learning, including dedicated engineering and computing labs, project workspaces, and specialist software tools. Students also have access to collaborative learning environments, digital learning resources, and the University Library's collection of books, journals, and databases.

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for the MSc Transport Leadership programme, applicants must have:

• A 2:2 (lower second-class honours) degree or equivalent in transport or a related subject.
• Equivalent overseas degree recognised by Aston University.
• A professional reference and an official academic transcript of university grades to date.

International Students

Aston University welcomes international students and provides support for those who require additional English language qualifications. The university has a diverse community with students from over 120 countries and offers a range of pathway programmes for those who do not meet the direct entry requirements.

Fees and Scholarships

The annual tuition fees for the MSc Transport Leadership programme are ｣11,500 for UK students and ｣24,800 for international students. Aston University offers a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs for talented and hardworking students.

Career Prospects

Graduates of the MSc Transport Leadership programme are prepared for a diverse range of career opportunities across the transport and mobility sectors, including roles such as transport manager, sustainable mobility consultant, transport planner, policy advisor, operations manager, infrastructure project leader, and transport safety and compliance officer.

Assessment

Students will be assessed through a combination of written and oral examinations, individual and group coursework, presentations, practical assessments, and project work. These varied assessment methods are designed to reflect real-world professional tasks and ensure students can demonstrate both technical knowledge and leadership capability.

Postgraduate Guaranteed Internship Scheme

Aston University's Postgraduate Guaranteed Internship Scheme provides students with the opportunity to gain practical experience and valuable industry connections. The scheme guarantees an internship to all full-time students studying a taught master's programme, which can be completed part-time alongside studies.