Institute for Transport Studies (ITS)

Overview

The way the world thinks about transport has changed. We now take a more holistic and longer-term view about the future of transport and its relationship with the development of sustainable communities.

Bringing together the expertise of the Institute for Transport Studies and Sustainability Research Centre, this programme considers the interactions between the economy, society, the environment and governance. You’ll examine drivers such as climate change policies and corporate governance initiatives and develop the skills to help deliver integrated transport solutions.

You’ll learn to conduct strategic reviews of transport and land-use policy, undertake sustainability assessments and conduct land-use zoning and development control exercises. You’ll consider the roles of governments, markets and communities in encouraging sustainability and evaluate policy interventions across sectors and spatial scales. Optional modules also allow you to specialise in topics that interest you.

We have redesigned our suites of courses following close consultation with Industry and academia.

With a strong focus on industry needs, our degrees will prepare you for employment in your chosen field. They will also address the multi-disciplinary nature of transport – enabling you to make effective decisions for clients, employers and society.

And to experience what it’s really like to work in the transport sector, collaborate with a project team of students from our other degrees through our new Transport Integrated Project module.

Research environment

The Institute for Transport Studies (ITS) was established as the UK’s first multi-disciplinary transport department, and we continue to lead the field with our research.

Our reputation allows us to invest in world-class facilities, such as the University of Leeds Driving Simulator – one of the most sophisticated in any university in the world, allowing us to research driver behaviour in controlled lab conditions. We also have access to a variety of specialist software tools including those we’ve developed in-house such as SATURN, PLUTO, DRACULA, MARS and KonSULT.

You’ll also be supported by the Sustainability Research Centre (SRC), an interdisciplinary centre for cutting-edge research in this dynamic field. SRC works with partners and funders such as Marks & Spencer and Asda to address key challenges facing businesses and governments alike.

Part-time study at ITS

This programme is also available to study part-time over 24 months, though the programme is flexible and we advise you to allow for taking between 24 and 36 months.

Find out more about Part-time study in ITS.

You can also study this programme as a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) qualification full or part-time – this means you’ll study the same content as the MSc but you won’t complete a dissertation.

Course content

Alongside specialist modules, study common modules that will address key issues currently facing transport industry professionals. These provide you with a holistic overview of transport problems and approaches to policy formulation.

Our new Transport Integrated Project module enables you to employ project management scenario-based learning. You will cover a range of transport disciplines and be supervised by experts in the field. Join forces with a project team of other students from our other degrees to develop a solution to a ‘real-world’ transport problem, identifying how your own interests need to interact effectively with others to achieve an effective solution.

You’ll gain a range of specialist knowledge and advanced research skills throughout the programme. In your dissertation, you’ll apply these to a project chosen from a wide range of topics. Some topics are suggested and supported by industry, giving you the chance to address a real-world problem and gain experience of working with industry. Your supervisor will support you throughout the process of developing your dissertation topic.

If you choose to study part-time, you’ll study over a longer period and take fewer modules in each year. The part-time programme is flexible – the quickest route takes 24 months, but you can take up to 36 months if you choose to spend longer working on your dissertation.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

• For more information on typical modules, read Sustainability in Transport MSc Full Time in programme catalogue
• For more information on typical modules, read Sustainability in Transport MSc Part Time in programme catalogue

Learning and teaching

Postgraduate study involves a range of teaching methods, supported by independent learning. In addition to the traditional lecture and seminar formats, you’ll experience a blend of workshops, computer exercises, practical sessions, directed reading, reflective journal, student-led discussions, fieldwork and tutorials.

Assessment

Assessment is equally varied and can include coursework essays, case-study reports, group assignments, posters, presentations and exams.

Applying, fees and funding

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in a relevant subject such as geography, town planning, earth and environment, architecture, sustainability, logistics, business and management, psychology, social policy, history, politics or public administration.

Graduates from other disciplines and those with professional qualifications plus experience in the sector will also be considered.

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For information contact the ITS admissions team.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

If English is not your first language, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course before you begin your studies. This can help if you:

• don't meet the English language requirements for your course or
• want to improve your understanding of academic language and practices in your area of study.

Our pre-sessional courses are designed with a progression route to the degree programme and are tailored to the subject area. For information and entry requirements, read Language for Science and Engineering B (6 weeks) and Language for Science and Engineering A (10 weeks).

How to apply

APPLY

This link takes you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.
 
If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Documents and information you’ll need

• Two references
• Your degree certificate and transcript, or a partial transcript if you’re still studying
• Evidence of your English language qualifications, if English is not your first language.

Please also refer to our FAQs.

Visas and immigration

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

Link to admissions policy document

Fees

UK/EU fees: £7,000 (total)
International fees: £17,750 (total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

Part-time fees are normally calculated based on the number of credits you study in a year compared to the equivalent full-time course. For example, if you study half the course credits in a year, you will pay half the full-time course fees for that year.

Additional cost information

Students wishing to attend the optional European Field Trip are advised to allow a minimum of £500 for accommodation and travel during the week-long trip.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs

Scholarships and financial support

The Institute, the University of Leeds and other organisations administer a number of scholarships each year for UK, EU and international students.

Read more about specific funding available for Institute for Transport Studies students.

Find out more about help in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government by visiting Postgraduate funding.

Career opportunities

Links with industry

ITS has close working relationships with a number of organisations and many employers visit ITS each year to interview our students for graduate schemes and other vacancies. ITS also regularly circulates specific job vacancies to students.

Our students are highly sought after and have a good reputation with transport consultants, and may receive a job offer before or shortly after graduation.

The organisations that have advertised and/or recruited directly from ITS include Arup, Mott MacDonald, AECOM, Capita, Transpennine Express, Transport for London, Pell Frischmann, Leigh Fisher, JMP, Amey and Hyder among many others.

Read more about Graduate Employability at the Institute for Transport Studies.

Graduate destinations

A degree from ITS opens up a range of opportunities to develop a challenging and rewarding career. Transport consultancies are the largest employers of ITS graduates, but other common careers include those in government, academia, regulatory bodies, transport operators, logistics companies, not-for-profit and international agencies.

ITS graduates work across the private and public sectors. Many work abroad, whether for UK companies with overseas offices, for international organisations or for national governments.

Careers support

You’ll be provided with a wide range of support geared towards helping you secure the right employment after graduation.

Each year there are a number of events provided both by ITS and the University’s Careers Centre. We have a dedicated Careers Consultant from the Careers Centre who works with ITS students, delivering bespoke presentations and one-to-one consultations with students on their career plans.

We also invite former students back to ITS to share their experiences of developing a career in the transport sector.

Find out more about Employability at ITS

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

Field trips

Transport at ITS is an applied subject. We offer plenty of opportunities for students to experience transport systems in action, both within the UK and Europe, allowing you to meet and hear directly from transport professionals and see what you’ve learned in practice.

For many of our students, the highlight of their year is the European Field Trip. This week-long trip which takes place after the summer exams and has been a fixture in the ITS calendar since 1987. The itinerary varies from year to year, but has often included Belgium, The Netherlands and Germany.

Stops en-route have included Pedestrian Centres and Docklands Transport in Rotterdam; Cycle and Traffic Calming Facilities in Delft; the Motorway Traffic Control Centre in Amsterdam; the Guided Bus System in Essen; the Wuppertal Monorail; Town Planning features in Duisburg and Dusseldorf; research talks at the University of Hasselt, and visit to the Brussels Metro.