Transport Planning BSc Degree Apprenticeship

For students

Transport and distribution are of crucial importance to our economy and society. This has been brought sharper into focus with issues such as congestion and public transport being in the news frequently, as well as distribution of supplies during the current coronavirus pandemic. 

We’ve worked in partnership with specialist transport consultancies, local authorities and governing bodies on the trailblazer group to create a degree apprenticeship tailored to the needs of the industry. 

You will be immersed in the economic, operational, societal and environmental issues related to the transport profession as you study for your degree and learn on the job simultaneously. 

For employees

Transport and distribution are of crucial importance to our economy and society. This has been brought sharper into focus with issues such as congestion and public transport being in the news frequently, as well as distribution of supplies during the current coronavirus pandemic. 

We’ve worked in partnership with specialist transport consultancies, local authorities and governing bodies on the trailblazer group to create a degree apprenticeship tailored to the needs of the industry. 

You will be immersed in the economic, operational, societal and environmental issues related to the transport profession as you study for your degree and continue to learn within your full-time job simultaneously. 

For employers

We’ve worked in partnership with specialist transport consultancies, local authorities and governing bodies on the trailblazer group to create a degree apprenticeship tailored to the needs of the industry. 

Your apprentices will be immersed in the economic, operational, societal and environmental issues related to the transport profession as they study for a degree and learn on the job simultaneously. 

Who is this apprenticeship for?

This degree apprenticeship is for aspiring transport planners who are looking to learn on the job. Transport planners design and develop travel systems that work safely, sustainably and efficiently to cater to the needs of the public. The course is suitable for school leavers and learners on the Level 3 Transport Planning Technician apprenticeship.

Course content

This apprenticeship is taught at undergraduate level through a set of core modules that will provide the theory you need in your day-to-day role.

Stage one

• Introduction to Transport 
• Study and Research Skills 
• Transport and Engineering Economics 
• Mathematics for Transport Planners 
• Law and the Regulatory Environment 
• Modelling and Optimisation 
• Application of Transport Models. 

Stage two

• Managing Engineering Projects 
• Sustainable Transport Planning 
• Managing Data in Transport Projects 
• Impact Assessment 
• Understanding People 
• Advanced Transport Modelling 
• Transport Infrastructure Engineering. 

Final Stage

• Designing Transport Solutions 
• Empathy and Human Factors in Transport 
• Developing Leadership 
• Transport Design Project 
• Synoptic Project. 

Real-world learning

You will spend most of your time doing a full-time job as well as studying for your degree part-time through a combination of online seminars outside of office hours and occasional sessions on campus. Everything is structured to fit around your job and is designed in partnership with employers.

You will need to apply for a degree apprenticeship role or already be employed in a job in England with responsibilities aligned with the degree content. Please see the how to apply section below for more information.

Entry requirements are set by the hiring business and not Aston University so they vary between organisations. Apprentices are selected based on their applications, an interview and an assessment process which is tailored to your apprenticeship position.

You will need:

• Three A Levels (or equivalent) – Maths, Geography or Economics would be advantageous
• At least Grade 4 or C GCSE English and Grade 5 or C GCSE Maths.

*Please note:

• Employers may specify their own entry criteria that can exceed this.
• Candidates who do not have three A Levels at CCC may be considered on a case by case basis with aptitude and experience taken into consideration.

You will also need to meet the government's eligibility criteria:

• Have been a UK/EU/EAA resident for the past three years or more prior to starting the course.
• Have left full time education when the apprenticeship you are applying for is due to start.
• Be aged at least 16 years old to meet government funding criteria.

How to apply

If you are already employed in this industry, you should discuss with your manager if your organisation is working in partnership with Aston University. If they are, you will make an application through your employer.

If your employer is not yet an Aston partner, they can get in touch with our Apprenticeships Team to find out more information about working with us.

Apprenticeships are structured differently to a traditional degree. You'll spend the majority of your time in the workplace doing a real full-time job as well as studying for your degree part-time.

Study time is structured to fit around your job. Your apprenticeship is designed in partnership with your employer, so you don't need to worry about your work and study commitments clashing. They work hand in hand.

Your learning will take place through regular on-campus sessions at Aston University which will be complemented by online learning. You’ll have access to our Virtual Learning Environment, Blackboard, for online learning including webinars and assessments.

Assessment

By successfully completing this programme, you'll be awarded a BSc in Transport Planning. You will also achieve an apprenticeship certificate that is graded at pass, merit or distinction.

You are assessed throughout your apprenticeship through coursework, exams, presentations and a final project.

Your apprenticeship also includes an End Point Assessment, which consists of a review of your final project, followed by an interview with representatives from Aston University, your employer, and an independent assessor.

After the interview, based both on your performance and complete portfolio, the assessors consider what grade you should be awarded for your apprenticeship – fail, pass, merit or distinction.

You will not have to pay tuition fees as a degree apprentice as the costs are met by the UK government and your employer*. In addition to your fees being paid, you will also earn a salary while you study, so there is no need to apply for Student Finance.

The funding band for this degree apprenticeship is £23,000. This is the full cost of your apprenticeship which will be paid for using your employer's apprenticeship levy.

*Employers may require students to pay the fees for resits.

Why study a Transport Planning Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship at Aston? 

Aston’s great links with industry and experienced teaching staff will help you to develop the specialist professional skills alongside your practical work experience in order for you to excel your career.  

This is an exciting new degree apprenticeship that has been designed in close collaboration with leading industry experts. This means, we ensure that the knowledge, skillset and behaviours developed on this course, closely match the needs and expectations of the transport sector.  
Graduate with experience, a formal degree qualification and no-debt, whilst propelling your future career. 

Why Aston University for an apprenticeship? 

Aston University has been ranked 13th in a Top 50 list of the UK’s best apprenticeship training providers (RateMyApprenticeship Awards, 2022-2023). We also have a history of providing our students with skills that help them to excel in their chosen careers, as well as really value our network of employer links which inform and shape our courses and teaching.  

Why partner with Aston University for a degree apprenticeship?

At Aston we work really closely with our employer network, not only to ensure courses fit around the roles that apprentices have, but also to ensure the skills and knowledge they develop fit the needs of their organisation and add value to their business. 

Aston University has been ranked 13th in a Top 50 list of the UK’s best apprenticeship training providers (RateMyApprenticeship Awards, 2022-2023).  We also have a history of providing our students with skills that help them to excel in their chosen careers, as well as maintain good working relationships with employers.