About this course
Study the design, engineering and operation of land transport systems, with our MSc Transportation Planning and Engineering: Infrastructure. With a focus on transport infrastructure, this full-time course looks in detail at traffic engineering, and railway engineering and operations.
If you want a career in the transport industry or you're an experienced transport professional interested in enhancing your skills, this degree is ideal.
This course covers everything from the fundamentals of modelling and economics through to the application of software and planning tools using real life examples from around the world. It’s the perfect way to improve your knowledge and employability in the transport sector.
Your course highlights include field trips and a mock public inquiry, where you'll learn about public engagement and the role of public opinion in the transport planning process.
You taught learning includes modules on:
- transport economics
- transport data analysis and techniques
- transport planning: policy and governance
- transport modelling
- highway and traffic engineering
- railway engineering and operations
You’ll also have the chance to choose from a range of modules including:
- transport, energy and the environment
- human factors in engineering
- transport management and safety
- logistics systems operations
You’ll gain experience using a range of transport-related software and you’ll be able to hear directly from a range of industry guest speakers. You’ll also carry out an individual research project on a topic of your choice.
This degree is accredited as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for a Chartered Engineer (CEng) for candidates who have already acquired a partial CEng accredited undergraduate first degree.
Visit the Joint Board of Moderators website for more information.
For all students this degree is accredited by:
- Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT)
- Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT) for the Transport Planning Professional qualification
Flexible study
If you prefer, you can apply to study this course as:
- a part-time master's - study the same course content over 2 or more years
Your modules and fees may vary if you choose a different study option.
Course lead
Dr Simon Blainey is an Associate Professor in Transportation. His interests lie in modelling the relationship between transport and other human and natural systems. He has researched nearly all major transport modes and is an expert in rail demand modelling and appraisal. He provides guidance to government bodies in the UK and overseas. Find out more on Dr Blainey's staff profile.
Related pathways
If you'd prefer to study a different specialism, you can apply for one of our other MSc Transportation Planning and Engineering pathways:
- MSc Transportation Planning and Engineering: Behaviour: Explore the relationships between transport systems, the people who use and run them, and the wider world
- MSc Transportation Planning and Engineering: Operations: Learn about the issues relating to the operation and management of transport systems
Accreditations






“Transport is not only about civil engineering; it integrates knowledge from various areas such as geography, economy, urban planning, management, and even politics. It is really fascinating and I’ve enjoyed discovering it as my passion.”
Course locations
This course is based at Highfield and Boldrewood.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
In light of COVID-19, we’ve made changes to some elements of course delivery for 2020-21. For details as to how this has changed delivery for this course, please view the Addendum to the Programme Specification PDF.
Entry requirements
You’ll need a 2:1 degree in:
- engineering
- maths
- geography
- planning
- a physical science
If you have a 2:1 degree in another subject please contact the programme lead to discuss whether you are eligible to apply.
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need an overall score of 6.5 and the following scores for reading, writing, listening and speaking:
IELTS score requirements
- reading
- 5.5
- writing
- 5.5
- speaking
- 5.5
- listening
- 5.5
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
Recognition of professional experience
If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning.
Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
COVID-19: we've made some changes to the structure of the course for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
The course is made up of 2 semesters of taught modules and a summer period devoted to your individual project, from which you produce your dissertation.
Your lectures take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays each week.
The course includes a 2 day residential field trip. In the past this has featured behind-the-scenes site visits, museum trips and a 'transport challenge' competition.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
COVID-19: we've made some changes to our modules for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules:
You must also choose from the following modules:
Learning and assessment
COVID-19: we've made some changes to our learning and assessment methods for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
Learning
As well as lectures and tutorials your learning will include:
- individual and group planning exercises
- practical work
- group discussion to exchange ideas
- one-to-one tutorials
- access to dedicated research groups
Our Boldrewood Innovation Campus is home to the National Infrastructure Laboratory (NIL). The NIL is part of the UK Collaboratorium for Research on Infrastructure and Cities, a network of 13 universities in the UK.
The NIL finds ways to improve and upgrade infrastructure. It contains 5 engineering labs that you'll use to learn the latest testing and analysis techniques.
Boldrewood Innovation Campus is also home to the Southampton University Driving Simulator, and the Transportation Research Group’s instrumented car and instrumented bicycle.
Assessment
We assess your experimental, research and design skills using a combination of techniques including:
- examinations
- presentations
- problem solving exercises
- design exercises
- essays
- individual and group projects
- dissertation
Dissertation
As part of this master’s in transportation planning you’ll carry out a research project and complete a dissertation.
Your research project can focus on any of the areas covered in the course. It brings together all the skills you’ve learned and allows you to demonstrate in-depth knowledge.
The research project involves:
- sourcing and gathering information
- critical analysis
- evaluation skills
- presentation skills
It should include your own original ideas. It should also exceed the existing standard of technical design, and address a novel problem that needs new research applied to it.
Academic Support
We’ll assign you a personal tutor, and you’ll have access to a senior tutor.
Careers
This transportation planning and engineering: infrastructure degree gives you everything you need to secure roles in logistics, transport planning, transport management and transport consultancy, in the UK and overseas.
Employers could include:
- local authorities
- national government organisations
- engineering consultants
You'll also be well prepared for further study, such as postgraduate research.
Careers services at Southampton
We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV/resume and interview skills workshops
- networking events
- careers fairs attended by top employers
- a wealth of volunteering opportunities
- study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:
- our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
- a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
- our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £24,400.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
10% alumni discount
If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.
Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)
This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.
Funding your postgraduate studies
A variety of additional scholarships, grants and bursaries may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
- Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
- Search for the course you want to apply for.
- Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
- Submit your application.
Application deadlines
UK students
Applications must be received no later than 4 weeks before the start of the course. You must supply all supporting documentation at least 2 weeks before starting your course.
International students
We recommend you apply at least 6 weeks before the start of the course to ensure you're able to meet our requirements and apply for a visa in time.
We cannot guarantee students who do not meet these deadlines will be able to begin their course.
Application assessment fee
We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for any postgraduate taught course that starts in or after September 2021.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.
If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you're applying for a Master of Research (MRes) degree, you will not need to pay the fee. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.
Supporting information
When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.
You’ll need to include information about:
- your knowledge of the subject area
- why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
- how you intend to use your qualification
You'll also need to send 2 academic references.
Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.
Learn more about how to apply with our postgraduate application guide.
What happens after you apply
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We'll assess your application on the strength of your:
- academic achievements
- relevant professional experience
- personal statement
- academic references
We'll get back to you within 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000