Professional course Transport Economics and Appraisal
Page last updated 24 October 2023
Introduction
This course can count towards the MSc Transport Engineering and Planning
Much of our economic activity and output relies on the efficient movement of people and goods. In this module you will be engaged with debates over the relationship between transport, the economy and sustainability and examine how foundational economic principles apply to the transport sector. For example, you will explore the relationship between transport supply and travel demand, the nature of different types of transport market and economic models of how people make transport choices. This will equip you with the ability to critique economic arguments for policy levers such as road pricing as a means of addressing issues like congestion.
The second part of the module examines economic appraisal as a method to support decision making. You will learn how to apply economic appraisal methods to assess the costs and benefits of transport interventions and think critically about the strengths and limitations of this technique.
Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements if you wish to undertake this course as a stand-alone short 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 Programme Leader 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:
- Use economic principles to evaluate transport markets, travel behaviour and policy interventions like congestion pricing.
- Explain and critique the relationship between economics and concepts of sustainability.
- Critically evaluate the principles of welfare economics that underpin cost benefit analysis and the economic appraisal of transport investments.
- Apply the principles of UK transport appraisal to assess proposed interventions.
Learning and Teaching
The course will be delivered through a series of lectures and workshops. The interactive lectures will seek to explain the economic and appraisal concepts and these will be supported by practical exercise in the workshops. The lectures will prepare participants for a culminating session in which they are requested to present and critique the results of an economic appraisal for a proposed transport scheme.
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 a report and a presentation.
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, 11, 18, 25 October, 01, 08, 15, 22, 29 November, 06, 13 December 2023, 10 January 2024 | 10:00-13:00 | 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.
- Telephone: +44 (0)117 32 81043 (option 1, then option 3)