Professional course Transport Modelling and Scenario Planning
Page last updated 24 October 2023
Introduction
This course can count towards the MSc Transport Engineering and Planning
National and local governments need to make decisions about how to efficiently invest public money in transport interventions to address policy goals. This module introduces you to transport modelling and scenario planning as two contrasting approaches to supporting decision making in the transport sector.
Transport models involve understanding, quantifying and predicting people's travel choices (e.g. whether, where, when and how to travel) and assessing the outcomes of these choices for transport networks and for society in general. The purpose of models is to estimate the likely impacts of an intervention more quickly and at a lower cost and risk than is possible through scheme implementation and monitoring. A transport model, for example, might be used to assess the impacts of a road widening scheme or the introduction of a city-wide light rail system.
It has become clear in recent years that predictions from transport models can diverge greatly from outcomes. Emphasis is now being placed on recognising uncertainty in forecasting and employing other methods, alongside modelling, which explicitly recognise uncertainty like scenario planning.
Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements if you wish to undertake this course as a stand-alone CPD course without the optional course 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 the following named postgraduate qualification by completing the module assessment:
- PG Diploma or Masters in Transport Engineering and Planning
Structure
Content
On completion of this module, students are able to:
- Explain the need for transport models and forecasting methods to support decision making in transport planning.
- Explain the principles underlying different types of modelling, forecasting and visioning methods, evaluating: (i) their suitability for different applications and (ii) how to deal with uncertainty.
- Develop and apply transport models to explain travel patterns and forecast the impact of proposed interventions.
- Explain the principal sources of data used in transport planning and be able to design effective travel surveys.
Learning and Teaching
The module is delivered through a series of interactive classes and computer workshops. During and between classes students participate in solving example problems and discuss different analysis approaches. The workshops are linked to a coursework project based on a real-world transport planning scenario. The project involves the analysis of travel data and the use of transport modelling software to examine the impacts of different transport interventions.
During the module, tutors provide assistance and guidance on core mathematical skills as appropriate.
Study time
This module will involve 3 hours direct contact time, every 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 an exam and a project report.
For more details, see our full glossary of assessment terms.
Features
Professional accreditation
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 has to offer.
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Prices and dates
Supplementary fee information
Course dates
| Cohort October 2023 | Time | Location |
| Wednesdays 04, 18 October, 01, 15, 29 November, 13 December 2023 | 14:00-17:00 | Frenchay Campus |
| Wednesdays 11, 25 October, 08, 22 November, 06 December 2023, 10 January 2024 | 14:00-18:30 | Frenchay Campus |
Course fees
All prices are VAT exempt.
| Cohort | October 2023 |
| UK participants | £792 |
| International participants | £1,333 |
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
How to apply
To book your place please click on the Apply Now banner
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)