Transport Planning MSc (Part-time)

2 Years Part Time Masters Program

University of Westminster

Program Overview

The Transport Planning MSc at the University of Westminster is a practical, future-focused degree designed to equip students with the skills to shape healthier, safer, and more sustainable transport systems. It suits both professionals already working in transport and those aspiring to enter the sector, offering a blend of technical expertise, policy insight, and critical reflection.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
In your first year, you’ll build a strong foundation in transport policy and economics. Through modules such as Transport Policy and Politics and Transport Economics, you’ll explore how decisions are made at local, national, and international levels, and how economic principles shape transport systems. You’ll also begin developing advanced data analysis skills in Analysing Transport Data, learning to interpret statistics and evaluate real-world transport plans.

Year 2
Your second year deepens your expertise and allows you to tailor your learning. You’ll undertake the Research Dissertation (Transport), conducting in-depth research on a topic of your choice, supported by Westminster’s Active Travel Academy. Alongside this, you’ll select option modules such as Freight Transport and Logistics Services, Environmental Policy, Assessment and Climate Change, or Streets, Places and Active Transport. These options let you specialize in areas that match your career ambitions, whether in sustainable mobility, logistics, or urban design.

Focus Areas

Sustainable mobility, transport policy, data analysis, logistics, active travel, environmental assessment

Learning Outcomes

Critical evaluation of transport systems, advanced data analysis, policy design and assessment, research and communication skills

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) and approved by the Transport Planning Professional (TPP) Standards Committee, meeting the educational requirements for the TPP qualification.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Graduates progress into roles at leading organizations such as Transport for London, Arup, AECOM, and Network Rail. The University of Westminster is consistently recognized in UK rankings for employability, with strong industry links and guest lecturers from the Department for Transport and major consultancies.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

One of the strongest aspects of the Transport Planning MSc at Westminster is how it blends theory with practice. Students don’t just study transport systems in the classroom — they actively engage with real-world projects, specialist research institutes, and professional-standard tools. The program is closely linked with the Active Travel Academy, giving you direct access to cutting-edge research on walking, cycling, and sustainable mobility. You’ll also benefit from Westminster’s central London location, which provides opportunities for fieldwork, guest lectures from Transport for London and leading consultancies, and exposure to live transport challenges.

To give you a clear picture of how you’ll gain hands-on skills, here are the facilities and opportunities available:

Active Travel Academy: A dedicated research hub at Westminster where students collaborate on projects around cycling, walking, e-scooter policy, and sustainable transport innovation.
Specialist software and data tools: Training in transport modelling and data analysis using industry-standard packages (e.g., GIS and statistical tools taught in Analysing Transport Data).
Group projects and collaborative learning: Modules like Transport Policy and Politics and Streets, Places and Active Transport involve team-based assignments, encouraging you to tackle real transport problems collectively.
Research dissertation with professional relevance: Your dissertation is supported by the Active Travel Academy, often linked to live transport issues in London, giving you the chance to produce work with direct industry impact.
Guest lectures and industry engagement: Regular sessions with professionals from the Department for Transport, Transport for London, Arup, AECOM, and Network Rail, ensuring you learn from current practitioners.
Marylebone Campus facilities: Access to Westminster’s Marylebone library, digital learning resources, and collaborative study spaces, all located in central London near major transport hubs.
Field trips and site visits: Opportunities to observe transport systems and urban planning in action across London, connecting classroom learning to the city’s infrastructure.

This section emphasizes how students gain practical, employable skills through Westminster’s unique combination of research institutes, London-based fieldwork, and industry-standard tools.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Westminster’s Transport Planning MSc are highly sought after in both public and private sectors. Many move into roles such as Transport Planner, Urban Mobility Consultant, Logistics Analyst, or Policy Advisor, applying their expertise to shape sustainable transport systems across the UK and internationally. With over 50 years of history, the program has a proven track record of preparing students for impactful careers in transport and logistics.

Here’s how Westminster supports your career progression:

Dedicated employability services: The University’s Careers and Employability Service offers tailored support, including CV workshops, interview preparation, and access to exclusive job boards for transport and logistics graduates.
Employment stats and salary figures: Westminster consistently ranks among UK universities with strong graduate employability; transport planning graduates typically progress into roles with starting salaries in the £28,000–£35,000 range, rising significantly with chartered status and consultancy positions.
University–industry partnerships: The course benefits from close ties with Transport for London, Arup, AECOM, and Network Rail, alongside guest lectures from the Department for Transport. These partnerships often lead to internships, project collaborations, and direct recruitment opportunities.
Long-term accreditation value: Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) and approved by the Transport Planning Professional (TPP) Standards Committee, the MSc meets the educational requirements for the TPP qualification, giving graduates a clear professional pathway.
Graduation outcomes: Alumni have gone on to senior roles in consultancy, government agencies, and research institutes, contributing to major infrastructure projects and sustainable mobility initiatives across Europe and beyond.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the MSc, students may continue into doctoral research (PhD) in Transport Studies or Urban Planning at Westminster or other leading universities. The program’s strong research foundation, particularly through the Active Travel Academy, provides an excellent platform for advancing into academic careers, policy research, or specialized professional qualifications such as full Chartered Membership of CILT.