Transport and Mobility Systems MSc

London, Bloomsbury

Discover our MSc Transport and Mobility Systems programme where we empower future leaders in transport and mobility with skills to craft sustainable, secure, and equitable systems. Addressing challenges from local to global scales, the programme merges technical and social insights, preparing graduates to shape the future of transportation. From micro street-level intricacies to macro-level concerns like climate change, innovative approaches are nurtured. Equip yourself to create solutions that promote well-being, safety, and accessibility for all, while embracing the evolving landscape of transport and mobility.

UK students International students
Study mode
Full-time
UK tuition fees (2024/25)
£17,300
Overseas tuition fees (2024/25)
£37,500
Duration
1 calendar year
Programme starts
September 2024
Applications accepted
Applicants who require a visa: 16 Oct 2023 – 28 Jun 2024
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Applicants who do not require a visa: 16 Oct 2023 – 30 Aug 2024
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Entry requirements

A minimum of an upper second-class UK Bachelor's degree in a relevant subject or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 1

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree

The Transport and Mobility Systems MSc programme at UCL Civil, Environmental & Geomatic Engineering offers a comprehensive and dynamic educational experience. The programme is dedicated to cultivating the future leaders of the transport and mobility sector. Designed to address the multifaceted challenges within transportation, this programme empowers students to shape sustainable, safe, secure, accessible, equitable, and resilient transport systems that promote well-being for all. Whether grappling with micro street-level issues or macro-level global concerns like climate change, this innovative programme blends technical expertise and social insights to prepare students for the evolving landscape of transport and mobility.

The programme builds upon the legacy of the Intercollegiate MSc Transport, jointly delivered by UCL and Imperial College London for over four decades. Developed in response to emerging industry demands, this programme is delivered by UCL's prestigious Centre for Transport Studies, renowned for its pioneering research and education in the field. Through a multidisciplinary approach, students engage with the breadth of transport and mobility challenges, bridging Engineering, Geography, Psychology, and the Arts and Humanities.

At the heart of the programme is a commitment to fostering a holistic understanding of transport and mobility systems. By combining theoretical insights, research-based evidence, and systems-thinking, students are equipped to address the intricate interplay of socio-technical systems and behaviours. Through project-based work, studio learning, community engagement, and research involvement, students gain practical experience in tackling real-world problems. Graduates emerge not only as adept problem-solvers and decision-makers but also as visionaries poised to navigate the ever-changing landscape of new transport technologies and business models. This programme also offers a strong foundation for those aspiring to pursue doctoral research in the realm of transport and mobility.
 

Who this course is for

This programme is tailored for individuals who are aiming to bolster their qualifications with a comprehensive taught Master's degree in transport. This step is instrumental in advancing towards full professional engineering recognition, both in the UK and internationally. If you seek to elevate your expertise and position yourself as a qualified professional engineer, this programme aligns perfectly with your aspirations.

What this course will give you

Discover unparalleled educational opportunities at UCL Civil, Environmental & Geomatic Engineering. Located in the vibrant hub of London, our esteemed multidisciplinary department boasts a rich history of excellence in teaching and research.  

Engage with cutting-edge research projects and networks in environmental engineering, urban resilience, and more. Gain the adaptability and reflective prowess needed for a successful transport career, navigating complex socio-technical systems and rapidly evolving landscapes of new transport technologies. Be equipped to make informed decisions with a forward-looking vision, addressing uncertainties and future needs while contributing to the well-being of society and the planet.

Benefit from UCL's strong industry links, collaborating on real-world projects with businesses, charities, and utility companies in the dynamic heart of London. The programme's multidisciplinary approach equips you to address transport challenges on various scales, from local intricacies to global concerns like climate change. 

With the guidance of the Centre for Transport Studies at UCL, renowned for its expertise in the field, you'll be primed to lead transformative change in the transport and mobility sector. Whether you're pursuing a thriving career or contemplating further research, the MSc empowers you to drive positive impact in the evolving world of transportation. 

The foundation of your career

Upon completing our programme, graduates unlock a multitude of promising pathways. They seamlessly integrate into the workforce, finding placements in esteemed consultancies, construction giants, and influential government bodies. The programme lays a robust foundation for their journey towards becoming a highly regarded professional achievement that solidifies their expertise. 

With a comprehensive skill set and in-depth knowledge, graduates are poised to excel across various sectors, spearheading projects, influencing decisions, and contributing to the advancement of the engineering landscape. This degree not only opens doors to an array of prestigious employment opportunities but also sets a well-defined trajectory for a fulfilling and impactful career.

Employability

Graduates of the MSc Transport and Mobility Systems programme emerge as adaptable and reflective transport professionals, adept at navigating intricate socio-technical systems and effectively managing the dynamic landscapes of emerging transport technologies and business models. Equipped with the skills to make informed decisions with a forward-looking perspective, they excel in addressing challenges spanning a 10-20 year horizon, even amid uncertainty and future unknowns.

Graduates acquire a practical skillset encompassing systems-thinking, communication, leadership, critical thinking, and more. This diverse range of abilities empowers multifactorial evidence-based decision-making, enabling them to confidently tackle complexity and collaborate seamlessly within teams. Equipped with the capability to apply futuristic technologies to create sustainable, accessible, equitable, safe, and secure transport and mobility systems, they play a pivotal role in shaping the future of transportation. Moreover, this programme establishes a strong foundation for those aspiring to embark on doctoral research journeys within the realm of transport and mobility. Graduates emerge as visionary leaders prepared to drive positive change while prioritizing societal and environmental needs.

Networking

UCL offers an enriching environment for networking and professional growth. Engage with peers, industry experts, and faculty members who share your passion for engineering excellence. Through collaborative group projects, seminars, workshops, and industry partnerships, you'll forge connections that extend beyond the classroom. 

These networking opportunities provide insights into real-world challenges, offer chances to learn from industry leaders, and pave the way for potential internships and job placements. Your interactions within this vibrant community will not only enrich your learning experience but also establish a valuable network that can shape your future in the transport arena.

Teaching and learning

Throughout the programme, a diverse range of teaching and learning strategies foster comprehensive skill development and intellectual growth. Graduates emerge with an array of capabilities:

Advanced knowledge and contextual understanding: Gain a deep conceptual and practical grasp of transport and mobility systems, discerning their contextual implications, challenges, and opportunities. Delve into components that shape their design and function across various scales, appreciating the role of different agents within these systems. Foster an appreciation for systems that are sustainable, equitable, secure, and accessible, and cultivate the ability to address complex problems through cross-sectoral lenses.

Practical proficiency and collaboration: Develop adeptness in communicating intricate technical concepts across diverse disciplines and sectors, catering to audiences with varying levels of expertise. Cultivate leadership skills, fostering stakeholder engagement and collaborative synergy. Refine your capacity to present independent viewpoints persuasively and effectively manage time, ensuring timely project completion.

Intellectual, academic, and research excellence: Master analytical tools and planning methodologies, critiquing their capabilities and limitations while adeptly applying them. Create comprehensive, multidisciplinary solutions, critically evaluating the enabling factors and barriers to change within intricate systems. Develop proficiency in devising future scenarios for informed decision-making under varying uncertainties.

Practical and innovative aptitude: Elevate your ability to defend perspectives through compelling arguments and navigate a spectrum of communication media. Unleash creativity in problem-solving, embracing innovative approaches and leveraging your skills in collaborative endeavours.

These multifaceted teaching and learning methods imbue graduates with the prowess to thrive in research, industry, and various professional domains.

Assessment in the programme encompasses a diverse array of methods tailored to evaluate your multifaceted skills. From technical reports featuring design drawings and calculations to comprehensive business cases, learning portfolios, essays, and dynamic presentations including oral, poster, and video formats, the assessment landscape reflects the multifaceted nature of the transportation field. Additionally, the culmination of your learning journey is a research dissertation, allowing you to showcase your research prowess and demonstrate a deep understanding of the subject matter. This comprehensive approach to assessment ensures that you develop a well-rounded skill set, ready to excel in the intricate world of transport and mobility systems.

Students engaging in the programme can expect a workload of approximately 40 hours per week. This allocation encompasses a mix of structured learning and teaching activities, including lectures, seminars, and tutorials. Additionally, students are encouraged to dedicate time to self-directed study, a crucial aspect of their educational journey that complements formal instruction and enhances comprehension. This balanced approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of the material and fosters the development of independent learning skills.

Modules

Students will take five core modules, two optional modules and one or two research projects leading to a final dissertation(s).

Compulsory modules cover topics such as transport system transitions, mobility, transport and society, transport and environment, infrastructure and operations, policy, governance and economics.

Students are encouraged to select pairs of optional modules to fit one of the following themes:

  • Health and Behaviour Change
  • Shared and Mass Transport Systems
  • Sustainability and Resilience
  • Intelligent Mobility

Students will take either one long or two shorter research project modules

Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MSc in Transport and Mobility Systems.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing team.

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time
Tuition fees (2024/25) £17,300
Tuition fees (2024/25) £37,500

Additional costs

Potential additional costs within the programme encompass various aspects. Expenses related to course materials, such as books, are contingent on the selected modules. Some modules may entail charges for field trips. In laboratory settings, specialised protective gear like lab coats and safety boots might be necessary, contributing to potential costs. Project-specific necessities can also incur additional expenses. 

While not an exhaustive list, it underscores the potential financial considerations. Material and project costs depend on individual choices. Moreover, short local visits, integral to the program, could involve public transport costs. Being cognizant of these potential costs aids in prudent financial planning throughout the programme.

For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs.

Funding your studies

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.

Brown Family Bursary

Deadline: 20 June 2024
Value: £15,000 (1 year)
Criteria Based on both academic merit and financial need
Eligibility: UK

UCL East London Scholarship

Deadline: 20 June 2024
Value: Tuition fees plus £15,700 stipend ()
Criteria Based on financial need
Eligibility: UK

Next steps

There is an application processing fee for this programme of £90 for online applications and £115 for paper applications. Further information can be found at Application fees.

In addition to fulfilling the necessary academic prerequisites, the personal statement serves as a pivotal aspect of your application. It offers a platform to align your motivations for selecting this program with its offerings. When evaluating your application, we are interested in understanding:

  • Your rationale for pursuing graduate-level studies in transport and mobility systems.
  • What specifically draws you to study this programme at UCL.
  • The unique aspects of this program that resonate with you.
  • How your personal, academic, and professional background aligns with the programme's challenging requirements.
  • Your envisioned professional trajectory upon attaining your degree.

While applications are accepted until the deadline, it is advisable to submit your application early due to the competitive nature of placements. The process typically takes around four weeks from submission to receiving an offer letter. For international applicants seeking visas, we recommend applying in advance to secure the necessary CAS number within the required timeframe. Your application journey is a significant step towards a rewarding educational experience at UCL.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2024-2025

UCL is regulated by the Office for Students.