The programme is studied on a day-release basis where 8 modules are delivered to students over two years. A further and final year is required to complete the dissertation. (See 'programme structure' below for further information.)
The academic year is split into two semesters. Semester 1 runs from September to December and Semester 2 from January to May,. Taught modules are undertaken in the two semesters of each year and the dissertation in the third; students do not attend tutored sessions in their dissertation year. Each module is of 6 weeks duration with lectures taking place on one day for each of these weeks. Two modules are followed in each semester, involving a period of 12 weeks study, excluding statutory holidays. In addition, two half-days are set aside in each semester for module exams.
Only four modules in total will be offered each year, so students who begin the programme in 2011 and subsequent "odd" years will start with the second four modules and then do the first four in their second year. Those starting in 2012 and subsequent "even" years will do the first four modules in their first year and the second four in their second year. Thus first and second years will always be taught together. It is anticipated that each module will be studied by up to 35 students.
The taught elements of the programme have been developed on a module-based system of study. The modules are listed below, with fuller detail given under the 'Core Modules' webpage. All students must pass the following core modules and, to be eligible for the award of MSc must also successfully complete a research dissertation. Each module only runs either in Semester 1 or Semester 2.
Semester 1 modules - autumn term
- Public Transport
- Traffic Engineering & Control
- Highway Planning and Design
- Transport Policy
Semester 2 modules - spring term
- Transport Economics & Appraisal
- Transport Research Methods
- Traffic Management
- Transport Models
For students not pursuing the full 8 modules of the course, they may study a limited number of single module courses that could stand alone or eventually build up to a full MSc. Where selected modules have been studied, students will receive a certificate of completion as verification of their study.
See also 'Core Modules'