Sustainable Transport Systems MSc

Postgraduate

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Equip yourself with the expertise to design, manage and optimise sustainable and integrated transport systems that align with the United Nations (UN’s) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Year of entry

2025-26 2026-27

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
With Professional Placement

Duration

1 year full-time
Up to 2 years full-time with professional placement

Course code

EEST002

Start date

September 2026
November 2026
January 2027
March 2027
May 2027
July 2027

How to apply

Book an Open Day

Postgraduate events

Course overview

This course aims to teach you the skills and knowledge needed to address key challenges in sustainable transport, such as decarbonisation, smart mobility and transport systems integration, through a multi-disciplinary approach.

Sustainable and innovative transport solutions: explore eco-friendly technologies, including zero-emission transportation methods and next-generation mobility solutions such as uncrewed aerial systems and autonomous vehicles.
Multimodal transportation: understand the principles of integrating various transport modes for a cohesive system.
Global connectivity: examine how integrated transport systems connect cities, regions and countries globally, promoting sustainable development.
Strategic transport policy development: focus on developing and leading policies that drive sustainable transport innovation.

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Voted 1st in West Midlands for Postgraduate

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2025

Ranked 4th for Overall Satisfaction in PTES

Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 2025

Why you should study this course

Multidisciplinary approach - this programme adopts a multidisciplinary approach, combining insights from engineering, computing, management science, and sustainable planning and design.
Transport innovation focus - explore innovations that enhance transportation efficiency and integrate various transport modes.
Leadership career preparation - course content aims to equip you with the skills necessary for leadership roles in next-generation transport management, transport consultancy, sustainable transport planning and policy advising.
Professional placement opportunity - gain practical experience and boost your CV with an additional professional placement. See the modules for more details.²

Ranked 17th

for overall satisfaction in Engineering and Technology

Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 2025 (ranked out of 42 HEIs)

Accreditation and professional recognition

Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

The module Strategic Transport Management and Leadership meets the criteria set by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) for the CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice. Students who successfully pass this module will be eligible to gain the award as an additional qualification at no additional cost.

What you'll study

Modules

Integrated Transport Systems - 30 Credits

This module introduces theories and concepts of integrated and sustainable transport systems. Critically analyse sustainability challenges and apply multidisciplinary approaches to implement better-integrated, more sustainable transport operations. Explore future trends and technologies, such as autonomous vehicles and smart cities to be at the forefront of transport innovation and gain a robust foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects of transport systems.

Compulsory

Sustainable Transport Planning and Design - 30 Credits

This module covers sustainable transport planning, focusing on environmentally friendly, economically viable and socially inclusive systems. It emphasises the link between land use and transport planning, and it aims to equip you with skills to address complex sustainability challenges in transport systems. Aligned with industry standards and frameworks, this module aims to equip you with skills directly applicable to the transport sector.

Compulsory

Safety and Security in Transportation - 30 Credits

This module examines the challenges of maintaining safety and security in integrated transport systems, with an emphasis on regulatory frameworks, emerging technologies, and sustainability issues. Critically assess vulnerabilities and explore strategies to enhance cyber and biosecurity in modern transportation. Engage with frontline topics such as biosecurity, artificial intelligence and advanced risk management strategies. This module emphasises ethical considerations within a regulatory framework, helping you to navigate the complex legal and moral landscape of transport safety and security.

Compulsory

Strategic Transport Management and Leadership – 30 Credits

This module aims to equip you with knowledge and skills to strategically lead transport businesses, focusing on management, leadership, marketing, finance and strategic decision-making. It emphasises the principles of strategy and change management, preparing you to lead strategic change in response to global challenges. Learn to analyse the business environment using relevant tools, design corporate plans and communicate strategies effectively. Additionally, it fosters the development of people skills and behaviours necessary for leading diverse teams towards a sustainable transport system.

This module is designed to include the criteria set out by the CMI for the CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice¹.

Compulsory

Master’s with professional placement

If you successfully secure a placement in industry within your first semester, this master’s with professional placement option allows you to extend your 12-month master’s course up to an additional year to complete the placement before starting your final two 30-credit modules.

Gain valuable industry insights and skills as you apply your academic knowledge and skills to a professional placement.
The placement must be sourced and secured by you during your first semester. Our careers and employability team are available to support you with the sourcing process.
Start your professional placement after completing the first 120 credits of your course.
The professional placement will be integrated into your course learning and outcomes. This will take the form of a reflective diary demonstrating your learning and engagement with the placement experience.
The professional placement option is subject to additional fees, living costs, visa requirements, availability, competitive application and university approval of the placement.² For full terms and conditions please visit the enhanced master’s landing page.

Optional

Transport Research Methods – 30 Credits

This module aims to provide you with a thorough understanding of research methods applicable to transport disciplines. Learn to construct comprehensive literature reviews, identify research gaps, and formulate relevant research questions and/or hypotheses. Develop your ability to critically evaluate and apply various research methodologies, including qualitative and quantitative approaches. Enhance your skills in designing research projects, collecting and analysing data.

Compulsory

Transport Dissertation – 30 Credits

This dissertation module aims to develop your ability to creatively address complex transport business problems by critically applying relevant theories and principles. Design a robust research framework, employ appropriate research methods and conduct ethical research to derive evidence-based conclusions. Emphasis is placed on professional behaviour, sustainable solutions to global challenges within the transport industry and interdisciplinary collaboration. By the end of this module, you should enhance your skills in critically analysing and synthesising existing research, identifying research gaps, and contributing to the advancement of knowledge in your field.

Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

Teaching and learning methods may include:

lectures - builds a strong understanding of sustainable transport principles, policy, systems design and emerging mobility technologies.
seminars - encourages critical discussion of real-world transport challenges, sustainability issues and global case studies.
tutorials - provides focused support to deepen your understanding of complex modelling, planning and analytical concepts.
presentations - develops confidence in communicating transport strategies and policy recommendations to professional audiences.
group projects - reflects multidisciplinary industry practice, strengthening collaboration and transport planning problem-solving skills.
workshops - offers hands-on experience with transport modelling tools, data analysis techniques and system design approaches.
practical laboratory sessions - enables you to apply analytical and simulation methods to real transport data, building technical confidence and practical expertise.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time postgraduate student, you will study modules totalling 180 credits each academic year. A typical 30-credit module requires a total of 300 hours of study. Study hours are made up of teaching contact hours, and guided and independent study.

Teaching hours

Teaching hours may vary, depending on where you are in your studies, but on average you will have between 8 and 12 teaching and learning hours each week. You will also have the opportunity to attend optional sessions including time with a Success Coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback.

Guided and independent study

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You will be digging deeper into topics, reviewing what you’ve learnt and completing assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress to the end of your studies, you’ll spend more time on independent learning.

Online learning

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods, including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which could vary depending on the module. Assessment methods may include:

reports
tests
essays
exams
practical coursework
assignments
viva voce
presentations.

The Coventry University assessment strategy aims to ensure that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

An honours degree 2:2 or above in a relevant discipline, or international equivalent.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications; speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

Typical entry requirements

An honours degree 2:2 or above in a relevant discipline, or international equivalent.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5.

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

Fees and funding

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	£11,700 £1,575 professional placement fee (if placement secured)	Not available
EU	£11,700 per year with EU Support Bursary £1,575 professional placement fee (if placement secured) per year with EU Support Bursary £19,500 per year without EU Support Bursary £1,900 professional placement fee (if placement secured) per year without EU Support Bursary	Not available
International	£19,500 £1,900 professional placement fee (if placement secured)	Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees³ and student loans visit our Postgraduate Finance page and see the University's Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our international scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee, such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

Any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Postgraduate Master's Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We assess your fee status using the information in your application. This status determines your tuition fees and the scholarships or financial support you can get. The Department for Education sets the rules for who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees in England.

The regulations list which students can pay the home fee rate. Because these rules are complex, the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) provides fee status guidance to help you find the right category. If you meet all the criteria for one category, your institution must charge you the home rate.

Facilities

This course is studied in two buildings: the Frank Whittle Building and Beatrice Shilling Building, both of which are equipped with specialist equipment to support your studies. This includes access to a full-size Harrier jet, flight simulators and other equipment which you may have access to depending on the learning needs of modules.

You will also have access to leading aviation intelligence and transport process design simulation software.

People walking in front of a building which has a big library sign

Lanchester Library

The library is usually open 364 days a year. It’s where you can access your course’s specialist Academic Liaison Librarian. It’s also home to specialist teams which can support you with your academic writing and maths and statistics questions.

Glass modern building with a spire in the background

The Hub

The Hub is the centre of student life on campus. Facilities include a food court, convenience store, multi-faith centre, medical centre, hairdresser, coffee shops and the Your SU offices. It has fully licensed function spaces and a bar.

Two people working together with a laptop in front of them

Careers and employability

Get one-on-one guidance lasting up to 18 months from the end of your course. We’ll help you find placements and graduate roles, offer CV and application checks, mentoring, skills workshops, employer events and more.

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Careers and opportunities

Graduates of this course could find employment globally in a variety of transportation management, consultancy and academic roles.

Graduates may be considered for employment in the following positions:

Transport Planner
How the course helps:
Develop skills in transport modelling, system design and sustainable mobility planning, preparing you to design efficient, low-carbon transport networks for cities and regions.
Sustainable Transport Consultant
How the course helps:
Through case studies, group projects and policy analysis, you learn how to evaluate transport systems and provide evidence-based recommendations to public and private sector clients.
Transport Policy Advisor
How the course helps:
Build your understanding of regulatory frameworks, sustainability strategies and data-driven decision-making, equipping you to support local or national transport policy development.
Mobility or Smart Transport Analyst
How the course helps:
Training in data analysis, simulation and integrated transport systems prepares you to assess new mobility technologies and optimise multi-modal transport solutions.
Infrastructure or Transport Project Manager
How the course helps:
Gain leadership, planning and systems-thinking skills through collaborative projects and applied learning, preparing you to manage complex transport initiatives from design to delivery.

How to apply

UK students

To apply to study for a postgraduate course at Coventry University, you can apply online. Please read the entry criteria page before applying.

Start your application

For further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 6565

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form.

International students

Full-time international students should apply directly to the university. Please read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for postgraduate degrees view our International hub.

You can also download our international mini guide for an overview of study options and why you should study with us.

Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.

+44 (0)24 7765 6565

applications.io@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form.

Disclaimers

Coventry University, Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations, partnerships and memberships

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply. See the relevant body website for more details). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships are subject to successful renewal in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery. If the accreditation, recognition or membership of this course changes, we will seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, guest speakers, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first academic year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees annually, but such increases will be no more than 5% above the inflation rate. If you defer your course start date or extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (for example, to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

⁴Facilities

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the current 2025/2026 contract is available on the website for information purposes however the 2026/2027 contract will apply for the 2026/2027 intake. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the University.