Professional course Sustainable Transport Management and Operations
Page last updated 29 July 2025
Introduction
This course can count towards the MSc Transport Engineering and Planning
In this module, you will consider the scale of the transport decarbonisation challenge and think critically about how transport systems and new technologies can contribute to addressing this challenge. You will explore how different forms of passenger and freight transport systems operate, are managed and inter-relate; considering the role of traditional modes like rail, coach, bus, and tram, as well as disruptive innovations like e-scooter and bicycle sharing systems. Students will also examine sustainability issues as they arise in the aviation and freight sectors.
A cross-cutting problem that you will be asked to grapple with is the complex trade-offs required to improve the environmental performance of transport systems (e.g. through electrification, or new operational practices) whilst at the same time maintaining their financial viability.
Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for participants wishing to undertake this course as a stand-alone CPD course without the optional module assessment.
If you wish to complete the course assessment you are expected to have a first degree at 2.2 level or above (or equivalent) or alternatively have industrial experience.
We strongly recommend that you speak to the course tutor prior to the course if you are unsure about your suitability to complete the assessment.
If you are a non-UK student you will need to show your passport on entry to the UK. Please check your eligibility to visit and study in the UK here. If you are a non-Irish EU national currently resident in Ireland please contact us directly for further advice.
If English is not your country's first language, you will be required to provide evidence to show you meet the UK Border Agency and the University's minimum English Language requirements. Further details are available on our English Language Requirements webpage
Careers / Further study
This module can be taken as a stand-alone CPD course, or used to build up credits towards a named postgraduate qualification (PG Certificate, PG Diploma or Masters) in Transport Engineering and Planning by completing the module assessment.
Structure
Content
On completion of this module, students are able to:
- Evaluate how innovations in passenger and freight transport systems can contribute to sustainability goals, including transport decarbonisation
- Explain how passenger and freight transport systems are regulated, managed and operated, recognising the differences between public and private provision and how they interface
- Explain the requirement for and the challenge of achieving integration between different passenger and freight transport systems
- Evaluate the trade-offs required by transport operators to address sustainability objectives, at the same time as maintaining financial viability
Learning and Teaching
The course will be delivered through a series of interactive lecture classes combined with workshops designed to support students with the development of their own coursework projects. In previous years, projects have involved students acting as entrepreneurs, developing a business proposal for a transport operation of their choosing.
Study time
This module will involve 6 hours direct contact time, every other week, for one semester.
Each 15 credit course (module) is expected to take 150 hours to complete.
- 36 hrs directed contact learning
- 36 hrs independent study
- 78 hrs assessment, including preparation
Assessment
The assessment for this course includes a report and a portfolio.
Features
Professional accreditation
Our Engineering courses can also contribute to your portfolio of evidence for Chartered Engineering registration. Please refer to the Benefits of Professional Study for more information.
View our Centre for Transport and Society (CTS) pages for further information on activity including upcoming events and opportunities in transport.
Study facilities
UWE Bristol is superbly equipped with libraries and computer labs, and an excellent campus environment.
Find out more about the facilities and resources UWE Bristol has to offer.
Take a personalised virtual tour of the Geography and Environmental Management facilities and experience what a typical day could look like here for you.
Prices and dates
Supplementary fee information
Course dates
| Cohort - February 2026 | Time | Location |
| Tuesday 3rd February 2026 | 10:00-17:00 | Frenchay Campus |
| Tuesday 17th February 2026 | 10:00-17:00 | Frenchay Campus |
| Tuesday 3rd March 2026 | 10:00-17:00 | Frenchay Campus |
| Tuesday 17th March 2026 | 10:00-17:00 | Frenchay Campus |
| Tuesday 31st March 2026 | 10:00-17:00 | Frenchay Campus |
| Tuesday 28th April 2026 | 10:00-17:00 | Frenchay Campus |
Course fees
All prices are VAT exempt.
| Cohort | February 2026 |
| UK participants | £896 |
| International participants | £1,438 |
For information on fees, managing your money and determining your fee status, please go to our fees and funding pages.
Course location
UWE Bristol, Frenchay Campus, Coldharbour Lane, Bristol BS16 1QY.
How to apply
To Book a place: Booking Now
To make an enquiry: Enquire Now
As this module carries university accreditation, please note that once you have submitted your booking form, you will be required to provide the following supporting information to the administration team for the module tutor to be able to review and formally accept your application as required by the university:
- An up-to-date copy of your Curriculum Vitae (including contact details of a work or academic reference)
- A brief personal statement to support your application
- A copy of your highest qualification certificate and transcript of modules studied
- A copy of photographic proof of ID (i.e. driver's licence/passport). For non UK students, this must be a copy of your passport
For further information
- Email: For all queries regarding administration aspects of registration, i.e. dates, fees, etc. please contact us using the online enquiry form link or telephone number below.
- Telephone: +44 (0)117 32 81043 (option 1, then option 3)