Transport and Planning (MSc)

How will I be taught?

The MSc Transport and Planning programme offers you a dynamic, future‑focused learning experience shaped by cutting‑edge research and delivered by internationally recognised specialists. You’ll learn from academic staff who are actively advancing knowledge in transport analysis, economics, policy, and modelling, ensuring that teaching reflects the latest developments in the field.

We blend academic depth with practical application, equipping you to engage confidently with real transport challenges. Field study visits provide direct exposure to contemporary practice, while modules make use of live data, examine operational systems and investigate real policy problems.

Learning takes place through a mix of lectures, seminars, workshops, computer labs, and project‑based tasks. A practical transport project and an applied dissertation enable you to understand professional contexts, developing the analytical, technical and evaluative skills needed to shape sustainable and effective transport systems. 

How will I be assessed?

Assessments are selected and sequenced to reflect the real analytical, technical and professional demands in transport planning practice, ensuring you demonstrate knowledge and capability in ways that mirror industry.

You’ll engage with a diverse mix of summative assessments, such as applied analytical work, policy evaluation tasks, project‑based assignments and a focused dissertation, which form the basis of the final degree classification while enabling students to evidence their competence across written, oral, technical, and practical dimensions. The dissertation provides an opportunity to apply appropriate methods and tools to a substantial transport planning challenge.

Alongside these major assessments, formative activities play a crucial developmental role. While they won’t count towards your final degree classification, they give you the opportunity to practice the skills required for summative tasks, receive early feedback and monitor your progress. These vary by module but may include written coursework, workshop discussions, computer lab drop-in sessions, or individual presentations. 

How will I be supported?

You’ll have access to a range of practical facilities to support your studies. These include a dedicated computer laboratory equipped with an industry-relevant transport modelling package. The planning library collection holds a wide range of books, journals and digital resources, alongside the University’s online databases and campus‑wide library network.

Course materials are available through our virtual learning space, Learning Central, making it easy to stay organised and access resources.

If English is not your first language, then our Academic English Skills for International Students team offer classes and one-to-one tutorials to support your studies including reading, writing and presentation skills. If you need additional help, there are services for dyslexia support and the option to submit work or be assessed through the medium of Welsh. A wide range of professional skills workshops are offered across the university and include sessions on using University systems, presenting confidently, CV writing, and approaching coursework.

Your wellbeing is supported too. You’ll be assigned a Personal Tutor, who can support you with academic and pastoral matters in a confidential and informal manner. Additional support is available through our Student Life teams, based in the Centre for Student Life. These teams include Advice and Money, Counselling services, Health and Wellbeing, the Student Disability Service including dyslexia support, and Student Visa Support.

Together, these facilities and services provide steady, practical support throughout your studies, helping you build confidence and keep on track academically.

What skills will I practise and develop?

Computer-based statistical analysis of transport and mobility data and interpretation; using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to visualise and analyse spatial transport data; understanding and using strategic transport models and related software to assess scenarios of future travel demand and policy impacts; professional presentation (written and verbal) and analytical skills; project management skills on real-world projects.

"I'm so happy that I got the opportunity to study at Cardiff University. Lecturers and fellow students of the MSc Transport and Planning were so nice to get along with. The experience made my future career much clearer, which was far beyond my expectations."