MScEng Transport Planning and Engineering

12 Months On Campus Masters Program

University of Leeds

Program Overview

The MSc (Eng) Transport Planning and Engineering is tailored for ambitious engineering graduates from civil, mechanical, computing, or electronic backgrounds who want to shape the future of transport systems. It suits students aiming for careers in consultancy, infrastructure design, and public policy, offering advanced training in engineering design, modelling, and sustainable transport planning.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 (Core Modules – Autumn & Spring):
You’ll start with Transport Planning and Policy and Transport Modelling, where you’ll explore the fundamentals of transport systems, demand forecasting, and policy evaluation. Alongside this, Transport Data Collection and Analysis equips you with practical skills in survey design, data interpretation, and econometric techniques, while Foundations of Transport Engineering introduces the principles of infrastructure design and environmental impacts.

Year 1 (Core Modules – Spring & Summer):
The focus shifts to Traffic Management and Transport Investment Appraisal, where you’ll apply engineering and economic evaluation frameworks to real-world projects. You’ll also study Road Geometry and Infrastructure Design and Railway Signalling and Control, gaining specialist knowledge in transport engineering systems.

Final Stage (Integrated Project & Dissertation):
You’ll complete the Transport Integrated Project, a multidisciplinary group project with students from other ITS degrees, solving a real-world transport problem posed by Leeds City Council or industry partners. Finally, your dissertation allows you to specialise in a chosen area, often supported by industry, applying advanced modelling and engineering techniques to deliver evidence-based solutions.

Focus Areas

Transport engineering, modelling, traffic management, infrastructure design, investment appraisal, railway signalling, sustainability.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to design and evaluate transport infrastructure, apply advanced modelling techniques, integrate engineering with policy objectives, and deliver consultancy-style recommendations for governments, consultancies, and international organisations.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This program is professionally accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) on behalf of the Engineering Council. It meets the requirements for Further Learning for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status for candidates with a partial CEng-accredited undergraduate degree.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Leeds is ranked among the Top 5 most targeted universities by UK graduate recruiters (High Fliers 2024).
The Institute for Transport Studies (ITS) is internationally recognised, with alumni working in organisations such as AECOM, Arup, Atkins, Jacobs, Mott MacDonald, Transport for London, and the Department for Transport.
Leeds is a member of the prestigious Russell Group, known for research excellence and strong industry partnerships.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The MSc (Eng) Transport Planning and Engineering at Leeds is designed to immerse you in applied, hands-on learning through the internationally recognised Institute for Transport Studies (ITS). You won’t just study transport systems in theory—you’ll gain practical skills by working with specialist software, participating in live consultancy-style projects, and engaging with industry partners. With access to advanced modelling tools, dedicated laboratories, and collaborative group projects, you’ll graduate with both technical expertise and professional readiness.

Here’s how experiential learning is embedded into your MSc journey:

Specialist Software Training – You’ll gain proficiency in industry-standard transport modelling and appraisal tools, including packages for traffic simulation, discrete choice modelling, and cost-benefit analysis.
Transport Integrated Project – A multidisciplinary group project where you collaborate with students from other ITS degrees to solve a real-world transport problem, often set by Leeds City Council or industry partners.
Data Collection and Analysis – Modules such as Transport Data Collection and Analysis involve designing surveys, gathering real transport data, and applying econometric techniques to evaluate travel behaviour.
Laboratories and Facilities – As part of ITS, you’ll have access to dedicated modelling suites, research hubs, and engineering laboratories that support infrastructure design and traffic management studies.
Library and Digital Resources – The University of Leeds Library provides extensive collections of transport, engineering, and policy journals, alongside specialist databases to support your applied projects.
Industry Engagement – ITS has strong partnerships with organisations such as Arup, Atkins, AECOM, Jacobs, and Transport for London, giving you opportunities to learn from guest lectures, employer projects, and applied dissertation topics.
Dissertation with Real-World Impact – Your final dissertation often involves working with live transport issues, applying engineering and modelling techniques to produce evidence-based recommendations.

This combination of specialist software training, integrated group projects, industry partnerships, and access to ITS facilities ensures you graduate with both academic knowledge and the practical skills to thrive in transport engineering and consultancy leadership roles.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc (Eng) Transport Planning and Engineering are equipped to take on specialist roles in consultancy, infrastructure design, and public policy. Typical career paths include Transport Engineer, Traffic Management Consultant, Infrastructure Planner, and Transport Policy Advisor. With the University of Leeds’ internationally renowned Institute for Transport Studies (ITS) and professional accreditation, you’ll graduate with both technical expertise and global recognition.

Here’s how Leeds supports your career progression and future opportunities:

University Services for Employability: You’ll benefit from the Leeds University Business School Careers Centre and ITS-specific career support, including one-to-one coaching, employer networking events, and access to internships and graduate roles.
Employment Stats and Salary Figures: Leeds is ranked among the Top 5 most targeted universities by UK graduate recruiters (High Fliers 2024). Transport engineers and planners typically earn between £30,000–£55,000 annually, with senior consultancy and infrastructure roles exceeding this range.
University–Industry Partnerships: ITS collaborates with leading organisations such as Arup, Atkins, AECOM, Jacobs, Mott MacDonald, Transport for London, and the UK Department for Transport, giving students opportunities to engage with guest lectures, employer projects, and applied dissertation topics.
Long-Term Accreditation Value: This program is professionally accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) on behalf of the Engineering Council. It meets the requirements for Further Learning for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status for candidates with a partial CEng-accredited undergraduate degree.
Graduation Outcomes: Alumni have progressed into leadership roles in consultancy firms, government agencies, and international organisations, contributing to transport planning, infrastructure design, and policy evaluation worldwide.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the MSc (Eng) Transport Planning and Engineering at Leeds, students can continue their academic journey by pursuing a PhD in Transport Studies, Engineering, or Infrastructure Planning at the University of Leeds. This pathway allows graduates to deepen their expertise, contribute to cutting-edge research, and prepare for careers in academia, consultancy, or high-level engineering leadership.