Transport Planning MSc

12 Months On Campus Masters Program

University of Leeds

Program Overview

The MSc Transport Planning at Leeds’ internationally renowned Institute for Transport Studies (ITS) equips students to design, evaluate, and implement transport policies and systems that address global challenges. It suits graduates who want to combine technical expertise with policy insight, preparing for careers in consultancy, government, and international organisations.

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.

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 Policy and Transport, critically assessing how transport systems interact with sustainability and climate goals.

Final Stage (Dissertation):
You’ll complete a substantial dissertation, often linked to live transport 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, policy evaluation, modelling, investment appraisal, traffic management, sustainability, environmental policy.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to design and evaluate transport policies, apply modelling and appraisal techniques, integrate sustainability into planning, 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 at Leeds’ Institute for Transport Studies (ITS) is built to give you more than theory—it immerses you in applied, hands-on learning. You’ll gain practical skills through live projects, advanced modelling exercises, and exposure to real-world transport challenges. With access to specialist software, internationally recognised research facilities, and industry engagement, you’ll graduate with both the technical expertise and professional readiness to shape transport systems worldwide.

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

Specialist Software and Digital Tools – You’ll train with industry-standard transport modelling and appraisal software, including packages for discrete choice modelling, traffic simulation, and cost-benefit analysis.
Group Projects and Case Studies – Collaborative assignments in modules such as Transport Planning and Policy and Transport Investment Appraisal simulate consultancy-style projects, developing teamwork and problem-solving skills.
Transport Data Collection and Analysis – You’ll design surveys, collect real transport data, and apply econometric techniques to evaluate travel behaviour and policy 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 laboratories, modelling suites, and links to major international projects.
Library and Research Resources – The University of Leeds Library provides extensive collections of transport, economics, and policy journals, alongside digital databases to support your applied research.
Industry Engagement and Guest Lectures – ITS has strong partnerships with organisations such as the World Bank, OECD, UK Department for Transport, Arup, and Atkins, giving you opportunities to learn directly from practitioners and apply insights to your coursework.
Dissertation with Real-World Impact – Your final dissertation often involves working with live transport issues, applying modelling and policy analysis to produce recommendations that mirror consultancy practice.

This blend of specialist software training, applied data projects, group work, industry engagement, and ITS facilities ensures you graduate with both academic knowledge and the practical skills to thrive in transport planning and policy leadership roles.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc Transport Planning at Leeds are highly valued in consultancy, government, and international organisations. Typical career paths include Transport Planner, Policy Advisor, Traffic Management Consultant, and Infrastructure Analyst. With the University of Leeds’ internationally renowned Institute for Transport Studies (ITS), you’ll gain both the academic expertise and practical credibility to shape 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 one-to-one coaching, employer networking events, and access to internships and graduate roles.
Employment Stats and Salary Figures: Leeds is a member of the Russell Group and is consistently ranked among the UK’s top universities for graduate employability. Transport planners 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 transport planning, policy evaluation, and infrastructure investment worldwide.

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