Course Overview
Course summary
This course develops your ability to initiate and implement advanced analysis and research in transport policy, planning and management. You'll learn the techniques and methodologies you need to take decisions, or to provide the necessary information for others to take policy decisions. This MSc course has been running successfully since 1970. The course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT). This course is also approved by the TPP Professional Standards Committee as meeting the educational requirements for the Transport Planning Professional (TPP) qualification.
This course will enable you to understand the causes and motivations of personal travel and goods movement; to analyse transport problems and develop, and implement policies and measures for resolving such problems; to evaluate transport projects, plans and policies, taking into account the need for stakeholder participation and recognising the political, social, health, environmental and economic issues involved.
The course balances theoretical and practical applications in the three separate components: core modules, option modules and a research dissertation.
If you're unable to study for a full Master's course, we also offer a Transport Planning Postgraduate Diploma and a Transport Planning Postgraduate Certificate. More information on these courses is provided at the bottom of this page.
Learn more about the course and why you should choose to study at Westminster in the Transport Planning MSc – Q&A with Course Leader, Dr Tom Cohen blog.
Top reasons to study with us
- A link between research and practice – You’ll receive an in-depth, academically-informed preparation to the professional practice of transport planning
- Industry engagement – You’ll gain valuable contact with the transport planning industry through expert-led workshops, seminars, and field trips, that will provide you with the technical knowledge, expertise, and transferable skills you'll need for a successful career in the sector
- Collaborative field trip - Usually a visit to place outside London over three to six days. This option is offered to students as an additional activity that does not contribute to their degree credits. As a non-credit bearing option, this activity attracts a non-standard fee. Please note, dependent on resource, we cannot guarantee the field trip will be offered every year
- Excellent employment prospects – There’s currently a growing demand for our graduates from a wide range of private and public employers within the transport planning profession. Graduates from this course have therefore been successful in gaining subsequent employment
Course climate action statement
Our vision is to empower future transport planning professionals to lead the way in addressing the climate crisis and driving the transition towards sustainable mobility. Across our curriculum, we foster a holistic understanding of the impact of transport systems on greenhouse gas emissions and wider environmental issues. Our goal is to equip students with the knowledge and skills to pursue transport systems that mitigate climate change and promote a greener future.
Course structure
The following modules are indicative of what you will study on this course.
Core modules
This module is designed to equip transport planners and managers with the basic concepts used in statistics and market research methods, and their application in the transport context, illustrated by suitable examples. You will analyse real-life transport datasets, using advanced Excel techniques and specialist statistics and GIS software, and learn how to interpret and present your results.
20 credits.
Your dissertation will draw on techniques and background material introduced on the Masters course, and incorporate original analysis. This module provides you with an opportunity for an in-depth study on a topic within the transport sector. Lectures are provided on research methods in Semester One, interlinked with the Statistics and Survey Methods for Transport module which provides a background in relevant techniques, including an introduction to GIS. Work is undertaken in Semester Two of the full-time course, or in the case of part-time students in Semester Two of Year 2 or Year 3. Final submission is in early September.
60 credits.
Through this module you will examine the application of relevant economic principles to the transport sector, including fundamental topics of transport economics and new frontiers in the field. Topics you will explore include economic principles and assessment techniques used in transport planning, pricing and costing of transport, monitoring the performance and impacts of transport schemes and plans, elements of operational and commercial management of transport system and services.
20 credits.
This module introduces you to debates within transport policy and politics past, present and future. It draws on material from different disciplines in placing a range of relevant controversies, ideas and issues within their theoretical, policy and political contexts. You will cover specific levels of decision-making for different topics, and learn about non-governmental organisations, including lobby groups, that influence transport policy making.
20 credits.
Option modules
The module explores the nature of demand for air travel and prospects for the future. It considers the role of economic regulation and impact of deregulation. Governance, economic and commercial characteristics of both the airline and airport industries are investigated and different airline models such as low-cost airlines, charter carriers and airline alliances are examined. The airline-airport relationship together with the role of marketing is evaluated. The scope for airports in developing commercial (non-aeronautical) sources of revenues, including those related to events and conferences, is also assessed. In addition, the broader impacts of air travel on the economy and the environment are explored.
20 credits.
This module provides background on environmental policy and climate change. It sets out the theoretical framework to start with, and then the international context for sustainable development, energy efficiency and climate change.
It explores implications for the built environment in a range of development contexts, includes analysis of key policy concerns and planning and design responses comparatively across different institutional and cultural contexts.
20 credits.
In this module you will examine the changing market for freight transport and logistics services in a European and increasingly global context. You will evaluate economic principles in terms of costs and revenues, and assess the changing demands for new services. You will investigate fleet operations and warehouse management in relation to technology and market requirements, and you will also explore strategic options for service providers.
20 credits.
The module focuses on the interaction between transport and land-use, including the effect of land-use on travel patterns and the contribution of transport to development. Topics you will explore include the transport and land use feedback cycle, framework of laws and regulations of land use planning, land use strategies to promote sustainable mobility, principles of LUTI modelling, sustainable accessibility planning, perspectives on planning major transport infrastructure.
20 credits.
This module will provide a compelling insight into the state of the art of modifying behaviour in transport, from well-established interventions (such as speed limits) to relatively new ones (such as personal travel planning).
20 credits.
This module focuses on traffic and streets, where traffic refers to a range of urban transport modes. It covers movement and place functions in urban contexts, including tensions within and between each. You will analyse approaches to evaluating urban street environments, particularly focused on walking and cycling. This incorporates comparisons of methodological approaches used within different streetscape contexts and within different countries.
20 credits.
Professional accreditation
The course normally gives full exemption from the examination requirement for membership of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), and also forms part of the pathway to the Transport Planning Professional (TPP) qualification. We are currently in the process of renewing the course’s accreditation with the relevant professional bodies.
Once accreditation has been granted, students who successfully complete the Transport Planning MSc course will be exempt from the examination requirements for membership to the CILT.
Students are encouraged to join as Student Members while studying on the course, progressing to full membership once the eligibility requirements are met. Membership of the CILT provides access to online forums and sectors, regular meetings and seminars, the monthly journal, the institute’s library, etc.
For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).
To request an accessible version please email [email protected]
Get your copy of the University of Westminster prospectus and browse the range of courses on offer.
Contact us for general course enquiries:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
Live chat with us
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
Open evenings
Join us at an open evening online or on campus. Get a feel for student life at the University of Westminster and talk to course leaders and our support teams.
Can't attend? See more open events
Careers
Students on this course will develop a critical, in-depth understanding of key transport issues, along with the technical knowledge, expertise, and transferable skills they'll need to progress in their careers within the sector.
Graduates from this course have progressed to senior levels in management and policy-making, within transport operators, public bodies, consultancy companies and non-governmental organisations. Some regularly return to the University to give guest lectures and/or to attend our alumni events.
Excellent employment prospects
Graduates from this course have been successful in gaining employment due to a growing demand for our graduates from a wide range of private and public employers within the transport planning profession.
Industry engagement
You’ll gain valuable contact with the transport planning industry through expert-led workshops, seminars, and field trips.
Employers around the world
The University’s Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers.
Industry links
We work closely with employers and industry to provide you with the technical knowledge, expertise, and transferable skills you'll need for a successful career in the sector. You’ll gain valuable contact with the transport planning industry through expert-led workshops, seminars, and field trips.
We have worked with organisations such as the Transport Planning Society, and WSP, sponsor of our annual Best Dissertation Prize.
Employability and networking opportunities
We're in regular contact with key employers, some of whom offer transport planning graduate schemes to our students. Part-time job opportunities within our research projects are also available to our students.
You'll be encouraged to participate in networking opportunities, such as applying for free or reduced-price membership of relevant professional societies and attending the wide range of events that take place at the University and across London.
Job roles
This course will prepare you for roles such as:
- Sustainable mobility planner
- Transport analyst
- Transport planner
- Transport planning and development officer
- Walking and cycling officer
Graduate employers
Graduates from this course have found employment at organisations including:
- AECOM
- Arup
- Living Streets
- Network Rail
- Transport for London
Our graduates
Lucy Marstrand
Transport Planning MSc - 2016
The focus of Westminster's Transport Planning MSc is policy, which aligned closely with my work as cycling officer on local transport policy at Bournemouth Council. Furthermore, being based in London the course leader manages to secure a range of great lecturers.
Shevaughn Phillips
Transport Planning MSc
This MSc has given me the opportunity to learn alongside experienced practitioners, developed my skillset and knowledge base allowing me to successfully apply for strategic planning positions within my organisation.
Max Hemmerle
Transport Planning MSc - 2016
The course was instrumental in helping me understand how transport shapes all aspects of our lives I am now putting my learning into practice, working for one of London's most prestigious international consultancies.
MORE 2023 Degree Show
MORE is an annual exhibition of our postgraduate students' thesis projects. It showcases students’ talent, creativity, and strategic work. You can see the latest online collection at MORE 2023.
Image: student work by Shada Elmagri
Westminster Employability Award
Employers value graduates who have invested in their personal and professional development – and our Westminster Employability Award gives you the chance to formally document and demonstrate these activities and achievements.
The award is flexible and can be completed in your own time, allowing you to choose from a set of extracurricular activities.
Activities might include gaining experience through a part-time job or placement, signing up to a University-run scheme – such as mentoring or teaching in a school – or completing online exercises.
Read more about our Westminster Employability Award.
Course Leader
Dr Tom Cohen
Reader
Tom spent a decade in transport consultancy before pursuing a doctorate at UCL. He led a transport research network there for three years then moved into research and, later, teaching. He joined University of Westminster in early 2020 and spreads his time between teaching on the MSc and conducting research and outreach. Tom’s interests include improving the experience of walking/wheeling and transport justice. Tom actively research ways of improving transport policy by providing clearer and more balanced analysis and better decision-support tools.
Our Transport Planning MSc is London’s leading course for equipping people to enter or advance in the transport profession. Plus: it’s interesting, challenging and fun!
Course Team
Why study this course?
A link between research and practice
You’ll receive an in-depth, academically-informed preparation to the professional practice of transport planning.
Learn from experts
Our academic staff are leading researchers and experts in their field.
Central London location
You'll study in the heart of central London where you'll be perfectly placed to access work experience and networking opportunities.
Entry Requirements
A minimum of a lower second class honours degree (2:2) in a relevant subject area. Any relevant transport experience would further enhance your application. Part-time students should normally be employed within a relevant sector of transport for the duration of the course.
If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.5 in writing and no element below 6.0.
Applicants are required to submit one academic reference.
Recognition of prior learning and experience
If you have previously studied at university level, or have equivalent work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your course at Westminster. For more information, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning page.
Application process
Visit our How to apply page for more information on:
- the application process
- what you need to apply
- deadlines for applications
A minimum of a lower second class honours degree (2:2) in a relevant subject area. Any relevant transport experience would further enhance your application. Part-time students should normally be employed within a relevant sector of transport for the duration of the course.
If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.5 in writing and no element below 6.0.
Applicants are required to submit one academic reference.
Recognition of prior learning and experience
If you have previously studied at university level, or have equivalent work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your course at Westminster. For more information, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning page.
Application process
Visit our How to apply page for more information on:
- the application process
- what you need to apply
- deadlines for applications
More information
University preparation courses
Our partner college, Kaplan International College London, offers Pre-Master’s courses that may help you gain a place on a postgraduate degree at Westminster.
To find out more, visit University preparation courses.
Industry expertise
Our academic staff are leading researchers in their field and comment in the media on current issues.
View Dr Rachel Aldred's interviews about cycling and cycle safety.
Learn new skills
Volunteer and gain new skills
We offer a number of different volunteering opportunities for you to learn new skills, create connections, and make a difference in the community.
Develop your entrepreneurial skills
Our award-winning Westminster Enterprise Network offers industry networking events, workshops, one-to-one business advice and support for your start-up projects.
Get extra qualifications
We provide access to free online courses in Adobe and Microsoft Office applications, as well as thousands of specialist courses on LinkedIn Learning.
Fees and Funding
UK tuition fee: £1,125 (Price per 20-credit module)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Paying your fees
If you don't wish to pay the whole amount of your fees at once, you may be able to pay by instalments. This opportunity is available if you have a personal tuition fee liability of £2,000 or more and if you are self-funded or funded by the Student Loans Company.
Find out more about paying your fees.
Alumni discount
This course is eligible for an alumni discount. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply by visiting our Alumni discounts page.
Funding
There is a range of funding available that may help you fund your studies, including Student Finance England (SFE).
Find out more about postgraduate student funding options.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Brian Large Bursary Fund
The Brian Large Bursary Fund provides financial support to UK students that are studying full-time and part-time on the Transport Planning MSc.
Find out about the Brian Large Bursary Fund.
The Rees Jeffreys Bursary
The Rees Jeffreys Road Fund provides financial support to students who would not be able to afford to study without the bursary and have a strong commitment to developing a new career or further developing their existing career centred in the Transport Sector in the UK. Applications are welcome from students of any age and background, including applicants who are mid- career. Bursaries are available for both full and part time studies and are intended to cover course fees.
Find out about the Rees Jeffreys Bursary.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
International tuition fee: £1,785 (Price per 20-credit module)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Paying your fees
If you don't wish to pay the whole amount of your fees at once, you may be able to pay by instalments. This opportunity is available if you have a personal tuition fee liability of £2,000 or more and if you are self-funded or funded by the Student Loans Company.
Find out more about paying your fees.
Alumni discount
This course is eligible for an alumni discount. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply by visiting our Alumni discounts page.
Funding
There are a number of funding schemes available to help you fund your studies with us.
Find out more about funding for international students.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
Teaching and Assessment
Below you will find how learning time and assessment types are distributed on this course. The graphs below give an indication of what you can expect through approximate percentages, taken either from the experience of previous cohorts, or based on the standard module diet where historic course data is unavailable. Changes to the division of learning time and assessment may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions.
How you’ll be taught
Teaching methods across all our postgraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into two broad categories:
- Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
- Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, dissertation/final project research, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
How you’ll be assessed
Our postgraduate courses include a variety of assessments, which typically fall into two broad categories:
- Practical: examples include presentations, podcasts, blogs
- Coursework: examples include essays, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Data from the academic year 2023/24
Research groups
Our research achieves real-world impact and we are proud to claim a rich and diverse profile of high-quality research and knowledge exchange in a wide range of disciplines.
Find out more about our research groups related to this course:
Supporting you
Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.
- Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
- Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
- Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
- Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more
Course location
In the heart of London, our Marylebone Campus is home to the Westminster Business School and our Architecture, Planning and Tourism courses. Specialist workshops, dedicated digital and architecture studios, and our extensive Marylebone Library offer students everything they need for academic success.
Marylebone Campus is opposite Baker Street tube station and within easy walking distance of Regent's Park and Marylebone High Street.
For more details, visit our Marylebone Campus page.
Other Transport Planning courses
We also offer a Transport Planning Postgraduate Diploma and a Transport Planning Postgraduate Certificate.
If you take the Transport Planning Postgraduate Diploma you take modules totalling at least 120 credits from the MSc course (listed above), and this must include all the core modules with the exception of the Dissertation. The Postgraduate Diploma usually takes one year to complete full-time and two years to complete part-time. Apply for the Postgraduate Diploma full-time or the Postgraduate Diploma part-time now via the Westminster online application form.
If you take the Transport Planning Postgraduate Certificate you take the modules Transport Policy and Politics, Transport Economics, and one other 20 credit module from the MSc course (listed above). The Postgraduate Certificate usually takes one year to complete part-time. Apply for the Postgraduate Certificate now via the Westminster online application form.
Contact us
Call our dedicated team on:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
More information
Your Westminster
Book an open day. Order a prospectus. Sign up for newsletters.