Ranking
17th
in the UK (QS 2025)
Ask us a question
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please speak to our team.
Course overview
Our MSc in Sustainable Transport Planning emphasises practical and real world learning. You'll acquire essential skills valued by employers to design sustainable, equitable, and data-driven transport systems. You will learn mobility management, behavioural analysis, and planning techniques to address global challenges including climate change and equitable urban development through efficient public and city transport networks.
Taught by leading academics across Engineering, Geography, and Business, this course explores transport policy, travel behaviour, urban planning, intelligent transport systems, modelling techniques, and data analytics.
You will dive into the core principles of sustainable cities and transportation, while mastering specialist techniques in transport modelling, forecasting, and intelligent transport systems. Through hands-on learning and expert-led sessions, you’ll gain the skills to shape smarter, greener mobility solutions.
Course Structure
This course will run over 12 months in a full-time-mode. There is also scope to undertake the programme on a part-time basis. While the exact content may change, here’s what you can expect to study each semester. This is based on a full time Masters course.
Semester 1
Semester 1
During the first semester, you’ll dive into the core principles of sustainable cities and transportation, while mastering specialist techniques in transport modelling, forecasting, and intelligent transport systems. Through hands-on learning and expert-led sessions, you’ll gain the skills to shape smarter, greener mobility solutions.
Semester 2
Semester 2
In this semester, you take core modules that develop your expertise in quantitative methods and your understanding of transport policy. You will also choose an optional module that enables you to deepen your understanding of transport engineering and design, supply chains and logistics, or planning policy and practice.
Semester 3
Semester 3
During the final semester, you will apply your learning to lead an independent research dissertation, supervised by the programme team.
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Course highlights
Fuel your future with insights from world-leading transport research—delivered by experts across our Schools of Engineering, Geography, and Business. You will be equipped with the latest thinking in sustainable transport planning to shape you into a leader ready to tackle global mobility challenges.
On this programme, you’ll gain practical experience using specialist industry software and apply up-to-date methodology to tackle real-world transport planning challenges. You’ll also benefit from expert guest lectures delivered by leading academics and industry professionals—bringing fresh insights and global perspectives directly into the classroom.
You will:
- Develop real-world skills and the experience employers are looking for
- Join a specialist cohort and build lasting connections with experts and peers in a supportive, personalised learning environment
- Collaborate with industry partners on real-world challenges, working with live data to solve pressing transport problems to make a tangible impact.
- 7th
in the UK for Civil Engineering
Complete University Guide 2026
- 6th
in the UK for Town and Country Planning
Complete University Guide 2025
- 76th in the QS World Ranking
Birmingham is ranked 76th in the WS World Rankings 2026, maintaining our position in the top 100 universities globally and placing us 11th amongst UK universities.
Course delivery
The MSc in Sustainable Transport Planning will provide you with a thorough knowledge of transportation planning, policy, engineering and logistics management. It will equip you with the knowledge and skills for careers in the transport planning sector by building on our joint strengths in transport engineering, planning and management drawing on expertise from across the university.
- Taught modules – these include lectures, seminars, interactive class discussions and workshops.
- Assessments - these will include individual and group reports, group presentations and exams.
- Dissertation Project - you will have the opportunity to work with industry partners using real data to address a problem, enjoy regular supervision and directed research work.
Lecture
Tutorial
Seminar
Projects
Practical assignments
Module information
The course consists of a series of taught core and optional modules. The core modules are designed to promote development of skills in experimental design, analysis, and scientific writing.
The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.
As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.
Full time
Full time
Year: 1
2026/27 Session
The following must be taken:
Optional modules:
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| LM Highway Engineering and Design | 20 |
| LM Place-making in Practice | 20 |
| LM Supply Chain Technology and Innovation | 20 |
Part-time
Part-time
M.Sc. (Taught) Sustainable Transport Planning Part-time.
Year: 1
2026/27 Session
The following must be taken:
Optional modules:
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| LM Highway Engineering and Design | 20 |
| LM Place-making in Practice | 20 |
| LM Supply Chain Technology and Innovation | 20 |
Year: 2
2027/28 Session
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LM Dissertation/Research Paper | 60 | Semester 1 |
| LM International Road Traffic Safety and Sustainable Highways Policy | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Quantitative Research Methods | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Traffic Control, Management and Intelligent Transport Systems | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Transport Modelling and Forecasting | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Sustainable Cities | 20 | Semester 1 |
Optional modules:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LM Highway Engineering and Design | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Place-making in Practice | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Supply Chain Technology and Innovation | 20 | Semester 2 |
Teaching staff
Dr Dilum Dissanayake
Associate Professor in Human Geography and Transportation Planning
Dr Dilum Dissanayake has a particular interest in transport planning and human Geography.
Professor Yufeng Zhang
Chair in Operations Management
Yufeng Zhang is a Chair in Operations Management at Birmingham Business School, University of Birmingham.
Dr Andrea Frank
Senior Lecturer in Urban Planning
Dr Andrea Frank is an urban planning scholar regarded for her work on community engagement in planning as well as researching and advancing planning education and pedagogies.
Dr Mehran Eskandari Torbaghan
Lecturer in Infrastructure Asset Management
Staff profile for Dr Mehran Eskandari Torbaghan
Dr Gethin Davison
Associate Professor of Urban and Regional Planning
Dr Gethin Davison is an interdisciplinary researcher and educator with a background in human geography, planning and urban design.
Dr Harry Evdorides
Lecturer
Entry requirements
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
- A 2:1 honours degree or equivalent from a UK academic institution
in Civil Engineering/Geography/ Planning/Environmental Sciences or a related discipline.
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.
For this course we require IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 80 overall with no less than 19 in Reading, 19 Listening, 21 Speaking and 19 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 64 with no less than 59 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 169, with no less than 162 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 25 in each skill
English presessional programmes
If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September including additional online courses in the summer term. Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.
Fees and scholarships
- £11,250
Full-time
- £5,625
Part-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2026 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Paying your tuition fees
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
Tuition fee deposits for international students
International students undertaking a postgraduate taught degree are required to pay a tuition fee deposit before an electronic Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) can be issued.
Postgraduate Masters loan
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
Scholarships
To help you afford your studies, we have put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
- 28 August 2026
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
How to apply to our taught courses
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
Career opportunities
Graduates of our Sustainable Transport Planning MSc will go on to shape the future of mobility through impactful careers in transport planning and allied professions. The design of the programme has drawn on input from by employers across consultancy, policymaking, business, and industry—opening doors to diverse and meaningful opportunities. Our students stand out as exceptional candidates for research-focused roles in both public and private sectors, due to the programme's emphasis on analytical thinking, statistical expertise, and professional communication. With strong foundations in data analysis, presentation, and report writing, this MSc also provides an excellent springboard for PhD study or other advanced academic pathways.
Your careers toolkit
Gain skills, confidence and experiences ready for the world of work with your dedicated careers toolkit. With Careers Network, your dedicated careers service, and the variety of opportunities available at Birmingham, you can build your own toolkit of skills and experiences to get you ready for an ever-changing world after graduation.
Your careers toolkit connects you with the opportunities, support and experiences across the university, including:
- Careers support services and Careers Network
- Work experience and placements
- Enterprise and entrepreneurship
- Alumni and employer connections
- Global opportunities and life experience
- Careers in the curriculum
We are consistently one of the top universities targeted by graduate employers
We are one of the most consistently targeted UK universities by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2026). Read more about the achievements of our alumni and the way their university experience shaped their journey.
Student experience
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation will allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Living in Birmingham
As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham is a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Campus life
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Take a virtual tour
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.