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).
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| Institution code |
H36 |
| School of study |
School of Life and Medical Sciences |
| Course length |
|
| Location |
- University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield
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- Employability
Careers
The course has been developed with input from local authorities and industry experts in order to address current challenges within the field, including climate change and decarbonisation. The diverse range of topics addressed throughout the course will ensure that you are well-equipped to stand out from the crowd upon graduation.
What job can I get?
Throughout the course you’ll develop highly relevant and desirable skills and knowledge to be able to excel in a career in transport planning. Examples of future career paths and roles, include:
- transport planning consultant
- transport manager
- central and local governments (management and officer level)
- spatial and data analyst
- travel planner.
Work placement
The course includes a one-year industry placement.
You’ll have the opportunity to work for one-year, full-time in a highly professional and stimulating environment. You’ll develop an understanding of the real-world applications of your skills and knowledge and use them to address challenges.
The University’s Careers and Placements Service will help you find a placement which aligns to your personal and professional interests.
You must pass 105 credits in order to be eligible to undertake the placement year. If you are unsuccessful in finding a placement or are unable to progress onto the placement year due to academic failure, you’ll be transferred to another pathway.
Find out more about the MSc Transport Planning (with Advanced Research).
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 with Placement Year 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.
Find out more about the MSc Transport Planning.
Find out more about the MSc Transport Planning (with Advanced Research).
If you have any questions about the course, please email Ms Sue Walsh.
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. You’ll future-proof your knowledge. 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.
You’ll have access to the expertise of staff based within the University’s Smart Mobility Unit (SMU). You’ll actively engage with the research activities and meetings of the SMU including engaging with the wider activities of the SMU’s industry collaborators and partners. The areas of interest of the SMU, include:
- travel planning
- change Management
- transport-related behaviour change
- intelligent transport systems
- operational transport planning
- smart ticketing
- automatic number place recognition (ANPR)
- big data analysis
- spatial mapping.
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?
This course is offered full-time only as a semester A September intake for two years.
The majority of teaching is delivered through lectures, workshops, field trips and master classes. 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 an Extended Research Project. You’ll be supported by an experienced dissertation supervisor based within the Geography, Environment & Planning subject group. The Extended 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.
Throughout your learning journey, you’ll be supported by a team of dedicated professionals. You’ll be given a personal tutor for academic and pastoral support, as well as guidance from a programme leader to help you navigate the course structure and content. You’ll also have the opportunity to become a part of vibrant, student community and be entitled to join the GEPSoc (Geography, Environment and Planning Student Society).
Find out more about GEPSoc (Geography, Environment and Planning Student Society).
- Level 7
| Module |
Credits |
Compulsory/optional |
| Place-making and Spatial Mediation |
15 Credits |
Compulsory |
| Research Methods |
15 Credits |
Compulsory |
| Sustainable Energy |
15 Credits |
Compulsory |
| Study Skills |
0 Credits |
Compulsory |
| Understanding and Managing Change |
15 Credits |
Compulsory |
| Operational Transport Planning |
15 Credits |
Compulsory |
| Transport Policy, Strategy and Law |
15 Credits |
Compulsory |
| Transport, Development and Viability |
15 Credits |
Compulsory |
| Research Project Transport Planning |
45 Credits |
Compulsory |
| European Planning and Transport Practice |
15 Credits |
Compulsory |
| Transport Data Collection and Analysis |
15 Credits |
Compulsory |
| Work Placement |
0 Credits |
Compulsory |
Further course information
| Course fact sheets |
|
| MSc Transport Planning |
Download |
| Programme specifications |
|
| MSc Transport Planning |
Download |
| Additional information |
|
| Sandwich placement or study abroad year |
Mandatory |
| Applications open to international and EU students |
Yes |
Student experience
At the University of Hertfordshire, we want to make sure your time studying with us is as stress-free and rewarding as possible. We offer a range of support services including; student wellbeing, academic support, accommodation and childcare to ensure that you make the most of your time at Herts and can focus on studying and having fun.
Fees 2022
UK Students
Full time
- £9750 for 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 inclusive
EU Students
Full time
- £16500 for 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 inclusive
International Students
Full time
- £16500 for 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 inclusive
Deadlines
15 January
