MSc Transport and Urban Planning

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Application fee: £60

Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent.

English language proficiency:

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 7.0 with no individual component below 6.5.
• TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 100.
• PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 76.
• Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

The University of Manchester offers a range of scholarships to support international students in funding their education and making their academic journey more accessible. These scholarships are designed to reward academic excellence, support students from diverse backgrounds, and help ease the financial challenges of studying abroad.

Global Futures Scholarship: The Global Futures Scholarship is a prestigious award for international students who demonstrate academic excellence and potential. This scholarship offers a £5,000 contribution towards tuition fees, providing financial assistance for undergraduate and postgraduate students. This scholarship is open to students from specific countries and disciplines, so it is essential to check eligibility criteria and deadlines.

Manchester Master’s Bursary: The Manchester Master’s Bursary is a financial aid program aimed at helping postgraduate students who come from lower-income backgrounds. This bursary offers support for UK, EU, and international students who wish to pursue a master’s degree at the university. The bursary can cover a significant portion of tuition fees and is awarded based on financial need.

Subject-Specific Scholarships: Many departments at the University of Manchester offer subject-specific scholarships for students enrolling in their programs. For example, students applying for programs in engineering, business, life sciences, and the arts may be eligible for additional funding based on academic performance and their future potential. These scholarships are often offered to high-achieving students who demonstrate exceptional skills and dedication to their field of study.

Chevening Scholarships: The Chevening Scholarship is a fully-funded award provided by the UK government, open to outstanding international students from over 160 countries. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living costs, travel expenses, and other related costs. The University of Manchester is a proud participant in this global program and welcomes applications from students wishing to pursue a master's degree in a variety of disciplines.

Commonwealth Scholarships: The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission offers fully funded scholarships for international students from Commonwealth countries. These scholarships support students pursuing postgraduate studies in fields such as engineering, health sciences, and education. They cover the full cost of tuition fees, travel, and living expenses during the duration of the program.

Regional Scholarships: The university also offers regional scholarships for students from specific countries or regions, including Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. These scholarships are designed to make studying at the University of Manchester more accessible to students from these regions and offer both partial and full financial support depending on the scholarship type.

Graduates of the MSc Transport and Urban Planning program at the University of Manchester have a wide range of career opportunities in transport planning, urban mobility, and sustainable development. With the expertise gained from the program, they are well-equipped to tackle pressing urban transportation challenges, contributing to the development of efficient, sustainable, and inclusive transport systems. 

Transport Planner: Graduates can work as transport planners, designing and implementing transport policies and systems that ensure efficient, safe, and sustainable mobility. Transport planners work on the development of infrastructure projects, public transportation networks, and traffic management systems, all aimed at improving the overall transport experience for cities and communities.

Urban Mobility Specialist: Urban mobility specialists focus on creating and optimizing transportation solutions that improve the movement of people and goods within urban areas. They develop strategies for integrating various transport modes (such as buses, trains, and cycling) into cohesive, sustainable systems. This role involves analyzing transport trends, user behavior, and emerging technologies to improve urban mobility.

Sustainable Transport Consultant: As sustainable transport consultants, graduates advise local governments, organizations, and urban developers on strategies for reducing the environmental impact of urban transport systems. They focus on designing low-carbon, energy-efficient transport solutions, promoting the use of green transport options such as electric vehicles, cycling, and walking.

Urban Planner: With an understanding of both transport and urban planning, graduates can pursue careers as urban planners. They work with local authorities to develop land use policies and transportation strategies that enhance urban living, integrating transportation planning with broader urban development goals such as sustainability, housing, and infrastructure.

Public Transport Systems Manager: Graduates can take on roles as public transport systems managers, overseeing the operations, maintenance, and development of urban transport networks. They are responsible for ensuring the efficiency and accessibility of public transportation systems, working closely with local governments, transit operators, and passengers to improve service delivery.

Transport Policy Advisor: Graduates can work as transport policy advisors, helping shape public transportation policies and strategies at the local, national, or international level. They analyze data, trends, and urban needs to guide decisions related to infrastructure development, funding, and transportation regulations that support sustainable urban growth.

Smart Mobility Specialist: As the world moves toward digital solutions for urban transport, graduates may specialize in smart mobility. Smart mobility specialists focus on the integration of technology with transport systems, including the development of intelligent traffic management systems, autonomous vehicles, and data-driven solutions for better urban transport planning.

Traffic Engineer: Traffic engineers work on optimizing the flow of vehicles and pedestrians in urban areas. They design and implement traffic management systems, analyze traffic patterns, and assess the impact of transportation policies on traffic congestion, safety, and mobility. Graduates in this field use data and modeling tools to ensure the efficient functioning of urban transport networks.

Environmental Consultant (Transport Focus): Environmental consultants specializing in transport help assess the environmental impact of transport systems and provide recommendations for improvements. They focus on sustainable practices, such as reducing air pollution and promoting cleaner transportation options. Graduates in this role often work with both private firms and public sector agencies.

International Development Specialist (Urban Transport): Graduates with a focus on international planning can work as urban transport specialists in international development organizations, NGOs, or government agencies. They contribute to the design and implementation of transport solutions in developing countries, addressing challenges such as rapid urbanization, mobility inequalities, and infrastructure gaps in growing cities.