Transport Planning and the Environment MSc

12 Months On Campus Masters Program

University of Leeds

Program Overview

The MSc Transport Planning and the Environment at Leeds’ world-leading Institute for Transport Studies (ITS) is designed for students who want to shape sustainable transport systems and policies. It suits graduates aiming for careers in consultancy, government, and international organisations, offering advanced training in transport planning, environmental policy, and sustainable infrastructure design.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 (Core Modules – Autumn & Spring):
You’ll begin with Transport Planning and Policy and Transport Data Collection and Analysis, where you’ll learn how to evaluate transport systems and gather evidence for policy decisions. Alongside this, Principles of Transport Modelling introduces you to the fundamentals of modelling travel demand and forecasting transport impacts, while Environmental Policy and Transport explores the relationship between transport systems and sustainability goals.

Year 1 (Core Modules – Spring & Summer):
The focus shifts to Transport Investment Appraisal and Traffic Management, where you’ll apply cost-benefit analysis and operational strategies to real-world transport projects. You’ll also study Environmental Science and Sustainability in Transport, critically assessing how transport systems interact with climate change, air quality, and long-term environmental planning.

Final Stage (Dissertation):
You’ll complete a substantial dissertation, often linked to live transport and environmental issues, where you apply planning and policy analysis to investigate a challenge. Many students work with industry partners or government agencies, producing evidence-based recommendations with real-world impact.

Focus Areas

Transport planning, environmental policy, sustainability, modelling, investment appraisal, traffic management, climate change impacts.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to design and evaluate transport policies, integrate sustainability into planning, apply modelling and appraisal techniques, and deliver evidence-based recommendations for governments, consultancies, and international organisations.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Delivered by the Institute for Transport Studies (ITS) within Leeds University Business School, which is triple accredited by AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS, ensuring global recognition of your qualification.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Leeds’ Institute for Transport Studies is internationally recognised, with alumni working in organisations such as the World Bank, OECD, UK Department for Transport, Arup, and Atkins.
The University of Leeds is a member of the prestigious Russell Group, known for research excellence and strong industry partnerships.
Leeds University Business School is consistently ranked among the top 10 in the UK for Business and Management (QS 2025).

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The MSc Transport Planning and the Environment at Leeds’ internationally recognised Institute for Transport Studies (ITS) is designed to give you more than just theoretical knowledge. You’ll gain practical skills by working with real transport and environmental datasets, applying specialist modelling software, and engaging in consultancy-style projects. With access to ITS facilities, digital tools, and industry partnerships, you’ll graduate with both the technical expertise and professional readiness to tackle sustainability challenges in transport planning.

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

Specialist Software Training – You’ll use industry-standard tools for transport modelling, environmental appraisal, and data analysis, including packages for discrete choice modelling and traffic simulation.
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.
Environmental Policy and Transport Applications – Modules such as Environmental Policy and Transport and Transport Investment Appraisal involve applied case studies where you evaluate the sustainability and efficiency of transport projects.
Data Collection and Analysis – You’ll design surveys, collect transport and environmental data, and apply econometric techniques to assess travel behaviour and environmental impacts.
Institute for Transport Studies (ITS) Facilities – As part of ITS, you’ll benefit from access to one of the world’s leading centres for transport research, with dedicated modelling suites, research hubs, and laboratories supporting environmental transport studies.
Library and Digital Resources – The University of Leeds Library provides extensive collections of transport, environmental science, and policy journals, alongside specialist databases to support your applied projects.
Industry Engagement – ITS has strong partnerships with organisations such as the World Bank, OECD, UK Department for Transport, Arup, and Atkins, 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 and environmental issues, applying modelling and policy analysis to produce recommendations that mirror consultancy practice.

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 planning and environmental consultancy leadership roles.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc Transport Planning and the Environment are well-prepared to take on roles that address the pressing challenges of sustainable transport. Typical career paths include Transport Planner, Environmental Policy Advisor, Sustainability Consultant, and Infrastructure Analyst. With the University of Leeds’ internationally recognised Institute for Transport Studies (ITS), you’ll gain both the academic expertise and practical credibility to shape greener transport systems worldwide.

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 tailored 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 planners and sustainability consultants typically earn between £30,000–£50,000 annually, with senior consultancy and policy roles exceeding this range.
University–Industry Partnerships: ITS collaborates with leading organisations such as the World Bank, OECD, UK Department for Transport, Arup, and Atkins, giving students opportunities to engage with guest lectures, employer projects, and applied dissertation topics.
Long-Term Accreditation Value: Delivered by a triple-accredited business school (AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS), the program ensures global recognition of your qualification, enhancing career mobility across industries and countries.
Graduation Outcomes: Alumni have progressed into leadership roles in consultancy firms, government agencies, and international organisations, contributing to sustainable transport planning, environmental policy evaluation, and infrastructure investment worldwide.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the MSc Transport Planning and the Environment at Leeds, students can continue their academic journey by pursuing a PhD in Transport Studies, Environmental Policy, or Sustainability 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 policy leadership.