Transport Management BSc

Nothing can happen without transport - it’s a fundamental part of our society, enabling people to do the things they want and need to do.

On our dedicated transport management course, you’ll gain the knowledge, skills and experience you need to work on some of the biggest transport infrastructure projects around. Whether you want to be part of the transformational HS2 project or are thinking about using your skills to work on some of the biggest sustainability challenges we face, you’ll be well equipped by the time you graduate.

Our Transport Management programme, which is part of the civil engineering and infrastructure cluster here at Aston, examines the economic, operational, societal and environmental issues related to the transport and distribution industries.

The skills you will gain are in high demand and, as a graduate, you will be able to work on developing and building transport solutions that are more efficient, more sustainable and future-proof.

What you’ll learn

Health and safety considerations are implicit throughout, and the science and mathematical skills behind infrastructure will underpin your studies. Gaining project management knowledge and building professional relationships are other key areas of your studies.

The course includes examples, illustrations, visits and case studies from the transport sector, with your studies incorporating all the relevant management skills: accounting, marketing, human resources and operations management. All are set within the context of the transport related industries, with a focus on including passenger and freight modes.

In addition, you’ll be learning and living in the middle of Britain’s second city, giving you real life, every day experience of the challenges faced by the people and organisations responsible for keeping people and products moving.

Modules

Year 1

•    Transport and Engineering Economics 
•    Introduction to Transport
•    Law for Engineers
•    Study and Research Skills 
•    Building Professional Relationships
•    Introductory Accounting for Business 
•    Introduction to Business Management 
•    Design & Management of Transport Facilities  

Year 2

•    Rail Transport 
•    Development Leadership and Management Capability through Enquiry (Part 1) 
•    Services Marketing 
•    Transport Infrastructure Engineering
•    Managing Engineering Projects
•    Simulation Modelling for Transport
•    Building Professional Relationships (2) 
•    Contemporary Issues in Transport 

Year 3 - Placement year

Find out more about the Aston placement year. 

•    EPS Industrial Placement Year  

Final Year 

•    Final Year Project 
•    Empathy & Human Factors in Transport
•    Passenger Service Provision 
•    Transport Planning for Sustainable Futures
•    Traffic and Transport Engineering 
•    Leadership and Human Resource Management 
•    Transport Through the Window 

International students

Aston University is a diverse, close community and welcomes international students on many of our undergraduate programmes. Students from over 120 countries choose to study with us every year and Aston is not only a great place to study, based in the centre of Birmingham, it’s also a great place to live. Aston’s professional work placements can improve your chance of securing a graduate job. Placements give you experience, confidence and opportunities and as an Aston student, you’ll be better prepared for your future career.

One of the great things about Aston is our focus on employability and our close links with businesses, industries and professions make this possible.

Choosing to start your Aston journey with one of our foundation programmes will help you develop specialist knowledge to ensure that you are fully prepared to study your chosen undergraduate course. During your foundation year, you’ll have excellent support from academics and group projects will give you the chance to meet new people, make new friends and build a network of peers who will share your university journey.

We also have a Learning Development Centre that can provide additional support and offer pre-sessional English language programmes. 

For International Students intending to do a foundation year, visit ONCAMPUS.

Typical offers:

A Levels

ANY SUBJECTS: BBC
Standard offer BCC: If the student is also presenting either Core Maths or Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) grade B
BCC: Contextual offer*. 

OR

INCLUDING A SCIENCE OR TECHNICAL SUBJECT: BCC
Standard offer CCC: If the student is also presenting either Core Maths or Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) grade B
CCC: Contextual offer*. 

Science or technical subjects include: Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Biology Further Maths, Design Technology, Engineering Science and Electronics, Geography and Geology.

*For details on our Aston Ready contextual offer scheme, please see here.

IB

• 28 points overall and above with 5, 4, 4 in higher level subjects including a science or technical subject.
   
• 29 points overall and above with 5, 5, 4 in higher level subjects if no science or technical subject studied.

BTEC, Access & other

BTEC

• Extended Diploma and National Extended Diploma: DDM
   
• Extended Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering with an overall grade of Distinction
   
• National Diploma and Diploma: DM plus 1 A-level at minimum Grade B
   
• Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering with an overall grade Distinction plus an A-Level in any subject at grade C 
  OR achieve an overall grade Distinction in BTEC Sub Dip/ Extended National Cert grade in any subject at grade Merit
   
• Foundation or 90 credits Diploma: DM plus 2 A-levels at minimum grade B
   
• Extended Certificate or Subsidiary Diploma: M plus 2 A-level minimum Grade B
   
• Certificate/ National Certificate Level 3: Not accepted
   

Access to Higher Education
 

• Access (science or technical subject preferred but not essential) with at least 30 Distinctions and 15 Merits at level 3

Non-standard qualifications

Degree: 

• Year 1 entry: We may consider applicants for year 1 entry who are undertaking a 1st year degree elsewhere. You must meet the GCSEs and A level (or equivalent) requirements as listed. In order to be considered you will need to submit a UCAS application as we do not accept direct applications and this must include an academic reference.
   
• Year 2 entry: Please note that second year transfers are not part of the standard admissions process and is up to the discretion of the admissions team and tutor. Applications are only considered if there is space on that year of the programme.
  
  Typically, applicants for second year entry must meet the GCSEs and A level (or equivalent) requirements as listed. Alongside this you must have gained (or be expected to gain) 65% overall and 120 credits  on an equivalent programme at another recognised university. The equivalency of the programme is reviewed by the Admissions Tutor and you will be required to provide an official copy of the programme specification of this. In order to be considered you will need to submit a UCAS application as we do not accept direct applications and this must include an academic reference.
   
• Year 3: We will not be able to consider any application for Year 3.

 

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and the whole application is reviewed which includes previous and predicted qualifications, any experience, references and motivation.

T Levels

The following T levels are accepted qualifications for this course:

Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction Grade D

Digital Production, Design and Development Grade D

Education and Childcare Grade D

Building Services Engineering for Construction Grade D

Onsite Construction Grade D

Digital Business Services Grade D

Digital Support Services Grade D

Health Grade D

Healthcare Science Grade D

Science Grade D

Design and Development for Engineering Manufacturing Grade D

Engineering Manufacturing Processing and Control Grade D

Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering Manufacturing Grade D

GCSEs

Additionally to our Level 3 requirement, you will also need to have achieved:

GCSE Maths grade C/4 and above and English Grade C/4

Our Admissions Policy

View our Admissions Policy

Whilst the grades listed here are our entry requirements, we understand that predicted grades are only an estimate. We will therefore consider applicants with predicted grades that fall below these entry requirements if the application is of a high standard (however, initial offers will not be lower than stated above).

Entry onto our Foundation Year maybe offered as an alternative to the degree course if lower entry grades are achieved.

*For details on our Aston Ready contextual offer scheme, please see here.

The information contained on this website details the typical entry requirements for this course for the most commonly offered qualifications. Applicants with alternative qualifications may wish to enquire with the relevant admissions teams prior to application whether or not their qualifications are deemed acceptable. For less commonly encountered qualifications this will be judged on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the academic admissions tutor.

International students

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of an English language qualification. Find out more about our English language requirements. For more information about qualifications view our Aston in your country webpage.

Teaching won’t just be lectures, you’ll have workshops, guest lectures and visits to relevant sites to make sure your understanding is grounded in industry, ensuring you are ready for the working world when you graduate.

You’ll also have a year in industry, giving you the opportunity to put your learning into practical use, gaining invaluable work experience too. We have excellent links with a wide range of transport and distribution companies and your placement, which can be taken in the UK or abroad, will be arranged with support from the placement tutor.

Your final degree classification is determined by your performance in the second and final year. 

Fees and scholarships

More information

Please note that the international tuition fees stated are for 2023 entry. 2024 tuition fees are presently unavailable and will be published on this website at the earliest opportunity.

*Tuition fees are reviewed annually and may increase in subsequent years in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI) to take account of the University’s increased costs of delivering the Programme. When undertaking a placement year a placement year fee applies.

More information on fees

Scholarships

At Aston University we are committed to supporting the most talented and hardworking students to achieve their potential by providing a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs. Find out more about our scholarships here.

Our transport management graduates are in high demand, with many securing permanent positions with the companies they worked with during their degree.

Recent graduates have joined companies including the Faber Group, Accenture, Arriva Rail, Cross Country, Network Rail, Stagecoach UK and TNT Logistics. 

Why study transport management at Aston?

It’s the only dedicated transport management course in the country this year and produces graduates that have the skills, knowledge and experience they need to lead successful and fulfilling careers in transport or infrastructure. 

What will I be doing on the transport management course at Aston? 

You will learn about the importance of transport and infrastructure to the success of the country as a whole. You’ll gain knowledge and experience based on real life examples and companies, giving you the skills you need to begin your career in this exciting area. 

Why must I take a year in industry? 

The knowledge you gain through your studies are best applied to real life and the most effective way to do this is by working in a company. As well as the opportunity to apply what you’ve learned, you’ll also gain invaluable communication and team skills. 

We have excellent links with industry and will help to arrange this placement for you. 

Why should international students choose Aston University? 

Aston University is a diverse, close community and welcomes international students on many of our undergraduate programmes. Students from over 120 different countries chose to study with us every year and Aston is not only a great place to study, based in the centre of Birmingham it’s also a great place to live. 

Aston’s professional work placements can improve your chance of securing a graduate job. Placements give you experience, confidence and opportunities and as an Aston student, you’ll be better prepared for your future career.  

Choosing to start your Aston journey with our foundation programme will help you develop specialist knowledge to ensure that you are fully prepared to study your chosen undergraduate course.