Institute for Transport Studies (ITS)

The Institute for Transport Studies offers five Masters programmes:

• MA Transport Economics
• MSc Sustainability (Transport)
• MSc Transport Planning
• MSc Transport Planning and the Environment
• MSc(Eng) Transport Planning and Engineering

Programme structure

Programmes start in the third week of September and last for 12 months full-time or 24-32 months part-time. The academic year begins with an induction week and is then divided into semesters. Students spend the first semester studying the principles of the subject. The second semester involves specialist topics chosen from a list of optional modules, and the summer is spent completing a dissertation. The range of options and dissertation topics is a particular strength of ITS, reflecting both the size of the student cohort and the number of specialist staff. 

All the programmes have a credit-based modular system. Taught modules are each 15 credits and the dissertation is 60 credits. Students take 180 credits for a Masters, or alternatively 120 credits for a Postgraduate Diploma or 60 credits for a Postgraduate Certificate.

Part-time study

Part-time students are an important group within ITS and contribute valuable life and sector experience to the cohort. Most already work in transport and are often sponsored by their employer. Part-time students can complete a Masters in two years, but we usually recommend up to three years, to allow for a detailed focus on the dissertation. The timetable is organised to enable part-time students to complete two modules on a single day of the week, although the precise day will vary according to the semester and the student’s choice of options. For further flexibility, some optional modules are delivered intensively over 2-5 whole days. These modules can alternatively be taken as individual short courses, thus providing a flexible and incremental route, for those with work or other commitments which preclude attending the full Masters programme.  Studying alongside a full-time job is a serious commitment - in addition to time spent at the University, part-time students need to find time for private study and to undertake research for the dissertation. It is expected that part-timers' dissertations will be closely related to their employment and in general it is very important to ensure that the employer is fully supportive.

Accreditation

The programmes are recognised by all the major professional bodies. They all fulfil the educational requirements for membership of CILT (UK) and IHT and provide a pathway towards the Transport Planning Professional (TPP) qualification. The MSc (Eng) programme is an ICE accredited civil engineering course.

Links with industry

All programmes are practically orientated and ITS staff provide close links with industry. Guest lectures are also given by experts from across the private and public sectors, providing an insight to the various professions within transport. The industry also facilitates site visits, provides dissertation topics and sponsors prizes for the best students each year. ITS is a key member of the Universities Transport Partnership (UTP), a group of eight UK universities which offer postgraduate courses in transport. The UTP provides a framework for the members to work collaboratively and liaises with employers to ensure that the evolving needs of the market are met.

Careers

A Masters from ITS provides a range of opportunities to develop a challenging and rewarding career.  Transport consultancies are the largest employers of ITS graduates, but other destinations include local and central government, operators, logistics, construction, not-for-profit and regulatory bodies.  The transport sector continues to demand highly skilled individuals, meaning that those with a postgraduate qualification are well placed for employment and rapid career progression. ITS has close working relationships and an excellent reputation with employers. Many of them visit Leeds on recruitment drives each Spring, during which ITS arranges initial interviews for students.

Transferable skills

One of the reasons why ITS students are highly employable, is the skills-set they develop during their studies.  Alongside transport-specific learning, students also develop a range of transferable professional skills:

Leeds welcomes international students

The University of Leeds is one of the most popular destinations in the UK for high quality international students, who select Leeds due to its reputation for excellence. We pride ourselves in providing a relaxed, friendly and supportive environment and back this up with extensive student services.  The International Student Office  brings together the international community, providing information and guidance as well as being a great place to make new friends. A team of dedicated staff are on-hand to help international students make the most of their time in Leeds. They provide support in several ways including pre-arrival guidance, help with immigration and visas, welcome and orientation, drop-in advice and social activities. The University also offers a wide range of other support services including a medical centre, welfare & counselling, careers, childcare, sports facilities, language and study skills. International students are guaranteed a place in University accommodation, provided they apply on-time.

Students come from countries across the globe to study at ITS and together with the UK students, both full and part-time, create a uniquely diverse learning community.  Students bring their experience of transport issues from many countries and the programmes are designed to build on this via project work conducted in groups which bring together students from different backgrounds. In a typical year around a third of our 80 Masters students are from overseas.