Course Overview
Course summary
The Transport Planning MSc is a highly practical course that equips practitioners with the technical and critical thinking skills to help shape healthier, safer, more sustainable transport systems and policies.
Running for over 50 years, the course can be taken full or part-time and is designed both for people already working in transport planning and those who are looking to enter the sector.
Transport is an integral part of our everyday lives, and a central focus in the world’s fight against climate change, which is why decarbonisation is at the heart of the course. We encourage you to reflect on current practice, challenging the status quo, and to examine why transport policies exist and what it would take for them to change.
Taking a holistic view that encompasses social, health, environmental and economic issues, you will learn how to conduct advanced analysis and research in transport policy, planning and management. You will develop your data skills, employing the latest techniques and methods, and using them to evaluate real transport policies and plans.
A key benefit of the course is its breadth: you can choose option modules in topics such as air transport and logistics, and take a deep-dive into an area that fascinates you for your dissertation, gearing your study experience to your interests and ambitions.
The course draws on cutting-edge research within Westminster’s Active Travel Academy, and is taught by academics who are leading projects in topics ranging from participatory planning to the health impacts of active travel infrastructure. You’ll also hear from guest lecturers in senior roles in policy-making and within transport operators and campaigning organisations – allowing you to learn about the most cutting-edge practice in London and beyond.
Top reasons to study with us
- Learn to think critically – if you already work in the transport sector, you’ll get to reflect critically on your own experiences. If you’re looking to enter the sector, you’ll learn directly from other early career professionals, as well as industry leaders and tutors
- Study in a living laboratory – our London location enables field trips to progressive transport schemes and access to inspiring guest lecturers from organisations such as Department for Transport, Phil Jones Associates, Arup and London Cycling Campaign
- Excellent employment prospects – with a pressing need for skilled transport planners, our graduates progress into roles or gain promotions in transport authorities such as TfL, consultancies and transport providers
- Industry-respected – the course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport and Transport Planning Professional, a joint venture between the Transport Planning Society and the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation – please see the ‘professional accreditation’ section on this page for more information.
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
You will study four core modules including a dissertation which will involve conducting a piece of in-depth research on a topic within the transport sector. You will also study three option modules. You will learn through a lively mix of tutorials, seminars, workshops, group projects and independent research – with a focus on interactive discussion. You will develop statistics and data analysis skills in our well-equipped computer labs.
The following modules are indicative of what you’ll study on this course.
Core modules
This module introduces you to the use of secondary quantitative data in the transport context. You will analyse real-life transport datasets, such as police injury data, travel surveys, and Census travel-to-work data, using advanced Excel techniques and specialist statistical software, learning how to interpret and present your results.
20 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
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
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
This course is approved by the TPP Professional Standards Committee as meeting the educational requirements for the Transport Planning Professional qualification.
Students who successfully complete the Transport Planning MSc course will be exempt from the examination requirements for membership of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT).
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 BST)
Live chat with us
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm BST)
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.
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Careers
Our graduates are in demand in public and private organisations across the transport sector. Many progress to senior roles in management and policy-making within transport operators, public bodies, consultancy companies and non-government organisations.
You could follow in the footsteps of alumni who now occupy roles such as Design Policy Lead for Streets at TfL, Change Manager at TfL, Senior Consultant at DB InfraGO (part of Germany’s Deutsche Bahn), Senior Transport Planner at London Borough of Hackney, Senior Transport Planner at Hampshire County Council, and Senior Strategic Transport Planner at London Borough of Hounslow.
Get industry insights
Hear from expert speakers. Previous examples of guest speakers include TfL, Phil Jones Associates, Arup and London Cycling Campaign.
Gain research experience
Get under the skin of real-world transport issues by working with academics on your own research project.
Employers around the world
The University’s Careers and Employability Service has a network of over 3,000 employers around the world.
Industry links
We have strong connections with a wide range of organisations across the transport industry and a network of eminent course alumni. Students get the chance to connect with these inspiring experts via workshops, seminars and field trips. Recent guest lecturers on the course have included representatives from TfL, Department for Transport, consultancies such as Arup and Phil Jones Associates, and campaigning organisations such as London Cycling Campaign and Living Streets.
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/senior transport planner
- Head of transport strategy and projects
- Transport planning and development officer
- Walking and cycling officer
Graduate employers
Graduates from this course have gone on to work at companies including:
- AECOM
- Arup
- InfraGO
- London Borough of Hackney
- Living Streets
- Network Rail
- Transport for London
- Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation
- Phil Jones Associates
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.
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?
Informed by research
Learn about the latest research into active travel and associated topics from the academics leading this work.
Central London location
Study in the heart of the capital, in close proximity to some of the UK’s most progressive transport schemes.
Industry-respected
Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport and Transport Planning Professional.
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.
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 interview about changing the policy mindset on cycling.
MORE 2024 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 2024.
Image: Oreinab Khoshbakht, Architecture MA (2024) – Roots & Roofs: Reimagining multi-generational co-living
Student work
You can view work below from students at our end-of-year postgraduate and research exhibition for the School of Architecture and Cities, and have a look through our MORE 2024 catalogue on ISSUU.com. You can also look through our OPEN 2024 exhibition which showcases the work of undergraduate students from the School of Architecture and Cities.
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: £9,700 (Price per academic year)
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: £15,500 (Price per academic year)
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.
UK tuition fee: £9,700 (Price per academic year)
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: £15,500 (Price per academic year)
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.
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 2024/25
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
The Transport Planning Postgraduate Certificate requires you to complete the modules on Transport Policy and Politics, Transport Economics, and one additional 20-credit module from the Transport Planning MSc course. This Postgraduate Certificate typically takes one year to complete on a part-time basis.
If you take the Transport Planning Postgraduate Diploma, you will need to complete six modules (totalling at least 120 credits) from the Transport Planning MSc. These must include Transport Policy and Politics, Transport Economics, and Analysing Transport Data. The Postgraduate Diploma typically takes one year to complete if studied full-time or two years if studied part-time. Those completing the Postgraduate Certificate can complete the Postgraduate Diploma by taking a further three modules.
If you take the Transport Planning MSc (detailed on this page) you will need to complete six modules (totalling 120 credits) from the available options as well as the Dissertation (60 credits). The modules must include Transport Policy and Politics, Transport Economics, and Analysing Transport Data. The MSc typically takes one year to complete if studied full-time, or two years if studied part-time. Those completing the Postgraduate Diploma can complete the MSc by taking the Dissertation.
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
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