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This programme is designed for individuals who are passionate about transport systems, modelling, and engineering. We welcome applications from those with a strong foundation in Science, Maths, or Engineering, as well as experienced practitioners looking to specialise in the dynamic field of transport.

The programme is career-focused, blending essential theory with practical design and analysis skills. You’ll explore key principles like efficiency, safety, security, and sustainability, while gaining hands-on experience with tools and models used to design and manage ground, air, and maritime transport systems. Our curriculum equips you with the knowledge and flexibility to shape the future of passenger and freight transportation.

Graduates join a global network of transport professionals and have gone on to work for leading organisations across the public and private sectors, including top transport consultancies, operators, tech firms, government bodies, and international agencies. Many also pursue research careers, earning PhDs and contributing to innovations in the field.

Our MSc Transport students benefit from direct access to leading industry voices throughout their studies. External experts regularly join the classroom, bringing real-world experience and practical insights that complement academic learning. This includes experts from the Transport Strategy Centre.  A selection of our recent speakers and lectures are outlined below. 

Service Planning and Timetabling 

, Former Head of Bus Network Development, Transport for London 

John develops and implements bus networks in cities. Previously he led this in London. He now works as a consultant in Ireland, Albania, and Canada. He is an Honorary Research Fellow at CEE, supporting the International Bus Benchmarking Group. 

In this lecture, John shares insights into bus service planning and timetabling, drawing on his experience developing London’s bus network over a 20-year career at London Transport, the predecessor to Transport for London. He reflects on how bus use in London has evolved through five distinct eras, from the early period of public ownership and growth, through decades of decline as the cost of driving fell, to stabilisation in the 1970s and 1980s, rapid growth in the 1990s and 2000s, and more recent decreases in ridership. The lecture explores what passengers value most in a bus network, highlighting the importance of reliability and consistent journey times rather than simply reducing travel time. Students are also introduced to practical service planning guidelines, including designing simple and frequent routes, planning services around reliability, and ensuring routes are located as close to homes as can be justified. Examples from cities such as London and Manila illustrate how bus networks respond to different urban contexts and street layouts. 

Rail Operations and Management 

, Associate Director of the Transport Strategy Centre (TSC) 

As Head of Rail, Ben leads the TSC's international railway benchmarking groups. Ben has over 20 years' experience in rail and other public transport and has worked on projects with the London Overground and High Speed 1 rail link. 

In this lecture, students gain insight into how different railway systems operate around the world and what drives their performance. The session unpacks how geography, demand and journey length shape the structure and costs of railways, from dense urban commuter networks to long-distance passenger and freight services. You’ll explore how staffing, facilities and technology vary across contexts, how mixed-traffic networks manage competing demands, and why measures such as load factor and traffic density are central to efficiency and cost recovery. You will also learn how different countries prioritise passenger and freight services, giving you a practical understanding of the operational and strategic decisions that underpin modern railways. 

Service Planning and Timetabling 

, Senior Associate at the Transport Strategy Centre (TSC) 

Nigel is a career railway planner and Managing Director of The Railway Consultancy, a Specialist railway planning consultancy with expertise in commercial planning, operational planning, and the link between the two. He has 20 years' experience as a consultant, having worked for most British train operators, and on every continent except Antarctica.  

In this lecture, students explore how the design and operation of railways are shaped by wider policy objectives and engineering constraints. The speaker discusses how railways can be planned to serve different goals, including military strategy, economic development, social benefit and profit. The session then examines the factors that determine railway capacity, including signalling systems that ensure trains can safely stop before reaching the one ahead, the spacing between trains on busy lines, and how train length can influence network performance. Students are also introduced to concepts such as Scott’s formula for estimating 24-hour railway capacity, and how infrastructure choices, including junction design and intersections with roads, affect the efficiency and reliability of railway operations. 

Emerging Trends and the Future of Public Transport 

, Head of Bus Benchmarking and an Associate Director of the Transport Strategy Centre 

Since 2005 John has worked with the International Bus Benchmarking Group (IBBG), which he directs and he co-founded the American Bus Benchmarking Group (ABBG) in 2011 and the Benchmarking Group of North American Light Rail Systems (GOAL) in 2016. His academic research is focussed on improving benchmarking methodologies, data normalisation techniques and development of key performance indicators. 

In this lecture, Mark explores how innovation and policy are shaping the future of urban bus systems. The session examines key developments including zero-emission fleets, autonomous bus services and on-demand flexible transport. A central focus is the Vision Zero strategy, which aims to eliminate road deaths by taking a systems approach to safety that includes driver training, vehicle design, speed management and infrastructure planning. Drawing on case studies from London and Lisbon, the lecture highlights practical examples such as angled bus front designs to reduce pedestrian fatalities, the use of rear-view cameras in place of mirrors, and the introduction of external sounds for electric buses. Students also consider the broader goal of achieving zero local emissions through the adoption of zero-emission bus technologies. 

 

Lectures will form a significant component of the teaching approach. They will be delivered by a mix of academics and external speakers from industry with relevant expertise. Tutorials will enable the students to test their understanding of the lecture material, ask specific questions and consolidate their knowledge. There will be a good balance of theory and practice throughout the programme. This is achieved with laboratory investigations and demonstrations as well as during the design projects. Finally, the research project will enable students to learn skills essential for independent research. The project may be undertaken at College or in collaboration with industry. The module content provided is indicative and is subject to annual update. 

The programme covers a variety of skills and topics and is structured to help you excel, whatever your background. To complete the MSc, all students registered for the MSc in Transport must undertake all modules (see below for further detail on modules).

The programme of study is made up of:

• 11 taught modules
• 1 group design project
• 1 research project

The first term is more theoretical and focuses on the core fundamentals of transport, analysis, and modelling.
The second term will focus on specific transport modes, applications, and technologies.

The final part involves a design project and a dissertation, where you will have an opportunity to carry out research and develop knowledge on topics of particular interest to you.

There is an extensive focus on technical writing, oral presentations and team working. We have designed these modules to be complementary and teach a wide range of the skills required by modern transport engineers and practitioners whilst providing you with lots of exposure to theory, modelling, and research.

Syllabus

Modules by course

The syllabus below is indicative and subject to change. Students should consult the programme specification for the confirmed list of modules in a given academic year. Select from the modules linked in the left-hand column below to scroll directly to their description.

 

	MSc Transport (course code H2UR)	MSc Transport with Data Science (course code H2B5)
Autumn term modules
CIVE70119 Transport Infrastructure and its Context	Core	Core
CIVE70107 Analytical Methods	Compulsory	Not available
CIVE70116 Statistical Modelling	Not available	Compulsory
CIVE70015 Traffic Engineering	Compulsory	Compulsory
CIVE70118 Transport Economics and Demand	Compulsory	Compulsory
CIVE70111 Machine learning	Not available	Compulsory
CIVE70120 Transport Planning and Policy	Compulsory	Elective
CIVE70115 Safety, Security and Human Factors	Compulsory	Elective
Spring term modules
CIVE70117 Sustainable Transport	Compulsory	Compulsory
CIVE70113 Rail and Mass Transit Systems	Compulsory	Compulsory
CIVE70108 Freight Transport and Logistics	Compulsory	Compulsory
CIVE70106 Air Transportation	Compulsory	Elective
CIVE70110 Intelligent and Autonomous Transport	Compulsory	Elective
CIVE70122 Data Engineering	Not available	Compulsory
Summer term modules
CIVE70109 Group Design Project	Compulsory	Compulsory
CIVE70114 Research Project	Compulsory	Compulsory

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Module details and descriptions

Autumn term modules

CIVE70119 Transport Infrastructure and its Context

Gain a thorough understanding of key principles underlying transportation systems, including their operation, context, and relationship with the built environment. This foundational module provides the foundation for the topic that will be covered throughout the MSc programme.

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CIVE70107 Analytical Methods

Explore analytical methods extensively used in transport research, encompassing both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The module covers theories, methodologies, and computational techniques with applications in optimisation, survey analysis, and geospatial data. It is delivered with a balanced focus in theoretical concepts as well as practical skills and their applications.

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CIVE70116 Statistical Modelling

Develop fundamental skills in statistical modelling from both theoretical and applied perspectives. The module covers essential theory, methodology, and computational techniques for constructing statistical models to represent real-world scenarios, supported by practical training in R and RStudio.

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CIVE70015 Traffic Engineering

Understand traffic engineering fundamentals, including macroscopic fundamental diagrams, shockwaves, queueing theory, and traffic microsimulation. Practical applications focus on solving real-world traffic problems, including signal control, congestion management, speed limits, parking management, and safety standards.

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CIVE70118 Transport Economics and Demand

Build a rigorous mathematical understanding of travel demand and transport supply models. The module covers aggregate and disaggregate modelling techniques, including discrete choice and stated preference methods, equipping you to evaluate transport policies through market analysis, cost-benefit assessment, and welfare maximisation using specialised software.

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CIVE70111 Machine learning

Gain comprehensive expertise in machine learning tailored to civil engineering applications. Key areas include supervised learning (regression, classification), unsupervised learning (clustering), large language models, and reinforcement learning. Hands-on training in Python using NumPy, scikit-learn, and PyTorch will enhance your practical skills. It will help you put theory into practice across a set of case studies in the civil engineering sector.

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CIVE70120 Transport Planning and Policy

Master key methods and concepts in transport planning and policy through the study of the four-stage travel demand model: trip generation, trip distribution, mode choice, and traffic assignment. You will apply these models practically, enhancing your skills in data handling, estimation, and interpretation while addressing contemporary policy issues and advanced modelling techniques.

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CIVE70115 Safety, Security and Human Factors

Investigate the complexities of safety and security in transportation systems, examining interactions among technology, procedures, and human factors within organisations. The module integrates quantitative analyses of crash data and system vulnerabilities with qualitative evaluations of legislative impacts on transport safety.

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Spring term modules

 

CIVE70117 Sustainable Transport

Examine how transportation affects energy use, climate change, air quality, and noise pollution. Specific transport modes, such as active travel, road, aviation, and shipping, are discussed alongside critical innovations that promote sustainability.

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CIVE70113 Rail and Mass Transit Systems

Discover detailed insights into rail and mass transit operations, planning, infrastructure, and policy, informed by international case studies. This module addresses public transport principles, specific service requirements, economic drivers, and the historical and future contributions of mass transit to sustainable urban development.

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CIVE70108 Freight Transport and Logistics

Gain a thorough understanding of freight transport operations and the mathematical modelling techniques associated with efficient supply chain management and distribution strategies. Topics encompass analytics, decision models, optimisation tools, and specialised logistics applications (healthcare, humanitarian, disaster response).

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CIVE70106 Air Transportation

Explore the air transportation system comprehensively, from aircraft operations and key technologies to essential human factors ensuring flight safety. You will study the influence of international aviation regulations and governance, as well as the safe integration of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) into urban airspace.

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CIVE70110 Intelligent and Autonomous Transport

Explore intelligent and autonomous transportation technologies driven by vehicle connectivity, automation and artificial intelligence. Learn how these innovations influence transport planning, infrastructure use, and decision-making, and gain practical skills in designing and operating intelligent transport systems with AI-driven data analysis.

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CIVE70122 Data Engineering

Develop practical experience constructing, validating, and deploying machine learning models and algorithms in Python. This module covers key areas including reinforcement learning, computer vision, developer tools, version control, cloud computing, visual analytics, data modelling, database management, and advanced data manipulation and visualisation techniques.

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Summer term modules

 

CIVE70109 Group Design Project

Building upon the knowledge covered by the programme throughout the year, this module allows you to consolidate your knowledge and understanding through practical application in the context of a transport design project. The module delivered over 4 weeks full-time provides you with an opportunity to work in teams on a significant piece of transport engineering design. Industrial partnership on the projects enables you to gain real-world insight into the design process. Emphasis is placed on effective team working, creativity, design understanding and practicality, the appropriate use of technical knowledge, and the ability to present effectively in written, poster and oral presentation forms.

You will work with clients to develop the briefs into projects, exploring design proposals in an iterative manner, building towards the effective presentation of a comprehensive feasibility and outline design study.

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CIVE70114 Research Project

In this module, students choose a project from a list of topics provided by staff (further guidance
to be provided during the first week of the year). Students will be required to complete an independent piece of research under the direct supervision of a member of academic staff and may involve supervision from external parties. Students will also be required to work full-time on their Research Dissertation commencing in the summer term immediately following completion of the MSc examinations through to the end of August (a date to be advised).

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Contact the Education Office

For current students, prospective students, applicants, and offer holders regarding: questions and advice relating to MSc application, basic eligibility, supporting documentation required, and information on entry to our postgraduate taught (MSc) programmes, and general information pre-registration.

Tel: +44 (0)207 594 5932
Email: cvpgo@imperial.ac.uk  

Contact the MSc Transport Course Director (Professor Panagiotis Angeloudis)

For all queries related to the academic content of this programme.  

Email: p.angeloudis@imperial.ac.uk 

Contact the Programme Administrator (Maya Mistry)

For all other queries.

Email: m.mistry@imperial.ac.uk