Taught course

Transport Planning

Institution
University of Hertfordshire · Geography and Environmental Sciences
Qualifications
MSc

Entry requirements

The normal entry requirements for the programme are:

an Honours degree in a cognate discipline, for instance geography, normally with a minimum classification of second-class (2.2) or higher
graduates with an Honours degree in any discipline who have otherwise demonstrated potential to succeed at postgraduate level will be considered for admission.
All international students are required to demonstrate English Language capability of IELTs 6.5 or equivalent English language qualification.
The programme is subject to the University's Principles, Policies and Regulations for the Admission of Students to Undergraduate and Taught Postgraduate Programmes (in UPR SA03), along with associated procedures.
These will take account of University policy and guidelines for assessing accredited prior certificated learning (APCL) and accredited prior experiential learning (APEL).

Months of entry

January, September

Course content

Why choose Herts

  • Work placement option: The course gives you the opportunity to explore a range of specialised modules and pathways, including a placement year and advanced research route
  • Industry-informed teaching: Explore current developments in the field to ensure you develop the essential skills to meet the needs of employers and respond to challenges both now and in the future
  • Industry software and research expertise: Take advantage of access to specialist online software, including NVivo and SPSS, and Geographical Information Systems (GIS), as well as the University of Hertfordshire’s expertise in the Smart Mobility Unit

Professional Accreditations

Accreditation is currently being sought from the Transport Planning Professional (TPP) bodies, including:

  • Transport Planning Society (TPS)
  • Chartered Institute of Highways and Transport (CIHT)
  • The course is designed to satisfy the requirements of the accrediting bodies.

About the course

The MSc Transport Planning 180 credits (including postgraduate diploma 120 credits and postgraduate certificate 60 credits) will provide you with both the theoretical grounding and practical skills that you’ll need to satisfy the requirements of employers both now and in the future.

Driven by the demand for the delivery of zero carbon interventions, poor air quality and wider social exclusion problems, there is an increasing demand for highly skilled and multi-disciplined professionals within transport planning.

The climate change imperative has shaken central and local government. It has caused authorities to declare climate emergencies and seek practical solutions to these new and important challenges.

Many have introduced transport policies and invested significant funding for transport programmes. They’re also rethinking how transport is delivered to include projects focussed specifically on achieving zero carbon and intelligent transport networks.

So, whether you have an interest in transport planning, or if you’re a professional who wants to gain a transport planning qualification, it’s an exciting time to explore transport planning and discover the impact you can have on communities for years to come.

You’ll also have the opportunity to explore a range of specialised modules, pathways and learning outcomes.

Why choose this course

You’ll develop a broad knowledge base and understanding of transport provision in relation to planning and place-making, environmental climate change and its mitigation, and designing transport systems to support sustainable economic development.

You’ll be equipped with the knowledge to address the current challenges within the field. The course is delivered within an overarching framework which focuses on key issues within the transport sector ensuring you are able to future-proof your knowledge and career. Current topics which the course addresses include:

  • decarbonisation
  • place-making
  • operational transport planning
  • transport and behavioural change
  • travel planning
  • transport data modelling and analysis.

Throughout the course, you’ll also have access to specialist online software, including NVivo and SPSS, and Geographical Information Systems (GIS). You’ll also have the opportunity to go on field trips e.g., the European Planning Transport Practice module includes a 6 day trip to Europe to explore transport planning systems of European cities. There are also a number of field trips within various modules, including Operational Transport Planning and Community Engagement in the Planning Process.

What will I study

The postgraduate diploma is offered full-time only as a semester A September intake for one year or semester B January intake for 15 months.

The majority of teaching is delivered through lectures, workshops, field trips and masterclasses. You’ll be assessed through a variety of methods, including:

  • oral presentations
  • reflective journals
  • written reports and essays.

You’ll explore a range of exciting and current topics within the field. Core modules on the course, include:

  • European Planning and Transport Practice
  • Understanding and Managing Change
  • Sustainable Energy
  • Transport Policy, Strategy and Law
  • Community Engagement and the Planning Process.

The course content aims to equip you with highly desirable skills and knowledge, including:

  • a detailed knowledge of transport policy and the administrative frameworks within which transport schemes are developed, assessed, financed, monitored and reviewed
  • an understanding of the framework of laws, regulations and guidance in which transport planners work
  • skills for collecting, collating, analysing and interpreting the types of data used in the development and assessment of transport policies, plans, projects and services
  • knowledge and understanding relating to the principles of community involvement, stakeholder engagement and public consultation in the identification of transport needs and the development of transport policies, plans, projects and services (including alternative approaches and their relative effectiveness)
  • an understanding of the operational management of commercial and public transport systems and services using real world examples.

You’ll also have the opportunity to explore an area of transport planning which is of personal interest by undertaking a research project. You’ll be supported by an experienced dissertation supervisor based within the geography, environment and planning subject group. The research project is an individual in-depth research project that will critically explore a relevant transport related topic in a research and/or professional setting. The aim of the project is for you to develop detailed knowledge and greater understanding of how planning issues are researched, monitored, and evaluated.

Fees and funding

UK students
£9750
International students
£14750

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

  • MSc
    flexible
    15 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
    • Distance learningis available for this qualification
    part time
    24 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
    • Distance learningis available for this qualification
    full time
    12 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
    • Distance learningis available for this qualification

Course contact details

Name
Ms Sue Walsh
Email
s.j.walsh@herts.ac.uk