MSc Transportation Planning & Engineering
1 year FT, 2-4 years PT
Planning effective transportation systems presents exciting challenges, as does their engineering, both in developed and developing countries. Issues include: the widespread use of private cars, the effects of transport on all aspects of the environment, congestion on roads, new towns and industrial estates, old towns and urban renewal, the economics of transport, the movement of freight, the difficulties of public transport, the potential of new systems and operations on transport, and national and international interaction.
Challenges like these have led to an increasing demand for transportation professionals across the world. Our MSc in Transportation Planning and Engineering (TPE), which has been running since 1969, is designed to help meet this demand.
As a student on the programme, you will gain a sound knowledge of the theory and concepts involved in transportation planning and engineering. You will benefit from the expertise available within our 25-strong Transportation Research Group, as well as from some 20 Transport professionals from external organisations who contribute to the programme.
To Apply
You can do this through the University of Southampton's online postgraduate application system. The deadline for new applications to this course is the 31st July 2012. Please note that applicants may be invited to attend an interview. For more background and detailed information, see How to Apply.
Accreditation
This degree is accredited as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for a Chartered Engineer (CEng) for candidates who have already acquired an Accredited CEng (Partial) BEng(Hons) or an Accredited IEng (Full) BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree. The degree is also accredited by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT).
Funding
Bursaries may be available from the Rees Jeffreys Road Fund and other charitable organisations on a competitive basis.
Contact
For more general information, you should contact the Postgraduate Admissions Office for Engineering and the Environment, tel +44 (0)23 8059 4651, email masters@civil.soton.ac.uk.
Career opportunities
We have extensive links with transport consultancies, industry and the public sector, offering exciting careers where you can make a real difference.
Our student employment record is well in excess of 90%.
Accredited by the leading professional institutions, giving you career acceleration.
Key facts
This popular and effective programme has been running since 1969.
Dedicated Transportation Research Group within the faculty
Southampton is a member of the Universities Transport Partnership, a group of 8 leading British universities collaborating to provide the best postgraduate education and training in transport.
Typical entry requirements
General entry requirements
Our minimum entry requirement is normally an upper second-class honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject, such as engineering, science/mathematics, planning or geography. However, all applications are assessed individually and we encourage candidates with relevant experience and alternative qualifi cations to apply.
English language
If your first language is not English, we need to ensure that your listening, written and spoken English skills would enable you to enjoy the full benefit of your studies. For entry onto our programmes, you will need an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.5 or an equivalent qualification.
Selection process:
Intake: 30-40
Average applicants per place: 6
All individuals are selected and treated on their relative merits and abilities in line with the University's Equal Opportunities Policy. Disabled applicants will be treated according to the same procedures as any other applicant with the added involvement of the Disability Office to assess their needs. The programme may require adaptation for students with disabilities (e.g. hearing impairment, visual impairment, mobility difficulties, dyslexia), particularly any practical laboratory sessions, and we will attempt to accommodate students wherever possible.
Visit our International Office website or the NARIC website for further information on qualifications.
Typical course content
The MSc TPE programme can be undertaken full-time over one year or part-time on a day-release basis over 2-4 years, starting in October each year. The full MSc programme consists of 9 taught modules and one individual project. Four of the taught modules are core, two compulsory and three optional. Two optional modules are required to be selected (in addition to the Core and Compulsory Modules).
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if s/he takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information can be found in the programme handbook (or other appropriate guide).
Programme aims
- To enable you to gain a sound knowledge and understanding of the key issues and processes in transportation planning and engineering
- To provide education and training relevant to students from developed and less-developed countries
- To develop your skills in critical appraisal and analysis of transport options and systems, in independent research and in oral and written communications
- To achieve an integrated, multi-disciplinary coverage of transport education and training at postgraduate level
- To provide relevant in-career postgraduate training for professionals working in transportation planning and engineering.
Research project
All students progressing on the MSc programme undertake an individual research project. For part-time students this is often undertaken in collaboration with their employer.
The project involves independent, original and critical research on any transportation topic, and the communication of the research and its findings both orally and in a written dissertation. You can choose a topic from a list we provide, generated either from current research in our Transportation Research Group or from outside organisations who offer topics. Alternatively, you can suggest your own topic, in agreement with an academic supervisor. This development of your research skills is an important component of the MSc, taking up about one third of your time on the Programme.
Assessment Methods
This is through a mix of coursework, examination and dissertation. Most modules involve individual or group-based coursework to help students to become practised in the application of the theories introduced in lectures. Much of this coursework uses ‘real’ situations and case studies that draw together different elements of the programme. Computer modelling applications can include:
- CUBE for transportation planning
- 'microscopic’ traffic models, such as PARAMICS and VISSIM
- CONTRAM for network modelling
- ARCADY and OSCADY for junction design.
The tutorial system.
Every student is assigned a personal tutor when they start their university degree. Your personal tutor will meet you when you enrol, and you will see him/her several times during your studies for academic as well as pastoral support. He or she is accessible throughout your time in Southampton.
Administration
The Faculty of Engineering and the Environment has a team of administrators who act as a point of contact for day-to-day advice and information for undergraduate students. They are also responsible for collecting assignments and issuing the documents and forms which are required during your period of study.