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MSc Transport Engineering
Find postgraduate programs in TRANSPORT ENGINEERINGTransportation engineers are an integral part of the way in which people, products and everything in between are able to move and have access to the world! Earning a masters in transportation engineering gives students the knowledge and skills needed to design, develop, and improve highways, streets, transit systems, airfields, harbours, ports and railways. Students gain an understanding of transportation technology, global economics, politics, planning, and social-related factors that will have an impact on each of their projects. The integration of these fields of study with transport systems and traffic design result in highly qualified graduates who are able to implement change and improvement in the transportation industry.
Masters in Transport Engineering study modes
Full-time programs in transport engineering can typically be completed in one year, and the part-time options are usually designed to be completed in two to three years. A masters in transport engineering can also be completed online through some universities as well as the more common method of studying on campus.
Most coursework will require either a dissertation or field project, or both, for the masters in transport engineering to be completed. Modules are delivered through a variety of methods, including seminars and on-site work.
When choosing their transport engineering course, prospective students also need to consider the various specialisations on offer. For example, some universities include planning, civil engineering, structural engineering and air transport specialisations in their masters in transport engineering programs.
MSc in Transport Engineering modules
Common modules include engineering material related to ground water, soil-structure, highway and railway, and civil operations and theories. Other modules include analysis of transport systems, design of transport systems, project appraisal, asset management, quantitative methods, stress analysis, transport planning, urban design, property development, and sustainability. Significant module work is also completed in studying and designing transport infrastructure and systems.
In addition to the completion of the required modules, postgraduate students will also have to complete a dissertation or field project, or sometimes both. In the dissertation track, students complete an in-depth research and analysis project under the direction of an academic mentor and supervisor.
Field work at many universities is offered in conjunction with top-rated employers in the field of transportation and transport engineering. Postgraduate students who complete field work projects are able to tailor the course of the project to their particular experience or interest.
To get information on some specific programs for transport engineering and related fields, see our additional information on transport engineering.
Masters in Transport Engineering admissions & applications
For most university programs, prospective students should have a 2:1 bachelors degree minimum in a related field such as engineering, scientific, mathematic, statistical, geographic, economics or planning. Other degree subjects and lower grades might be acceptable depending on the evaluation of the individual institution.
Additionally, international students will likely need to have test scores illustrating proficiency in speaking and writing English to gain entry into a program.
Funding your postgraduate Transport Engineering course
Funding a masters degree is always going to be a consideration. In addition to bursaries specifically awarded for engineering majors in postgraduate programs, some universities have individual funding awards available. For more general funding information, see our information on Funding your postgraduate program.
Top tips for Transport Engineering postgraduate students
• Portfolio: Throughout the modules taken during masters study, keep projects and design work in a portfolio to use for reference and to use after graduating when looking for employment.
• Network: As a student, join the organisations that are relevant in the transportation engineering field. In the UK it’s a good idea to get involved with the Royal Academy of Engineering and the United Kingdom Association of Professional Engineers. Consider joining international organisations such as the Institute of International Engineers as well. These associations will help to build networks, creating more opportunities for masters project ideas and mentors, as well as improving employability.
• Teamwork: Transportation engineers work in teams to make the improvements and create the designs access and availability through transportation. By getting involved in team situations as much as possible, transportation engineers can gain this skill during their educational studies.
• Business Studies: In addition to the engineering modules and program specific work future transportation engineers will do, taking personalised courses that build a foundation in basic business operations is also helpful for transportation engineering students.
• Be Aware: Other engineering and scientific fields have a great impact on what transportation engineers will be doing in the future. To be ready for gaining employment after graduation, be sure to know how new developments in electric cars will influence the transportation industry, and gain an understanding of how these types of developments will change the design of transportation infrastructure and design.
Transport Engineering salaries & careers
After earning a masters in transport engineering, graduating students have opportunities to work as traffic engineers, highway engineers, pavement engineers, transport planners, site managers, ITS consultants, and infrastructure engineers, among other positions.
With a masters degree, depending on experience, students educated in the transport engineering field can expect a salary of between £25,000 and £40,000 per year at the beginning of their careers, earning more as experience is accumulated. As experience and professional designations are acquired, potential salary increases, and some transport engineers can earn up to £65,000 or more per year, particularly in management positions.
Find postgraduate programs in TRANSPORT ENGINEERING
