Transport Management

Course overview

Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport our dedicated transport management course is designed to provide you with the essential skills and knowledge required to tackle the challenges within transport infrastructure. The curriculum is developed with industry experts to ensure it is both relevant and practical which will allow you to solve real-world transport management issues. Our transport management course is part of the civil engineering and infrastructure cluster and examines the economic, operational, societal, and environmental issues related to the transport and distribution industries.

"I would definitely undertake this course if you are thinking about a career in the transport industry. It gives you a great overview of everything in transport and the business environment that you need to have, it also helps you make a start in the industry through the placement year".

Joel Crannis

BSc Transport Management

Train Planning Support at South Western Railway

Why Transport Management at Aston University?

Accredited

Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT)

Gold standard teaching

Aston University was awarded Gold- the highest possible rating for Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF, 2023)

Excellent student experience

Building was ranked 1st in the UK for student experience 2023 Sunday Times

Excellent teaching quality

Building was ranked 5th in the UK for teaching quality 2023 Sunday Times

Transport Management at Aston University

Hear from our Alumus David about his experience studying at Aston.

Careers and Placements

Whatever your Aston University journey, we're here to help. Discover what's possible with Careers and Placements.

50 years of transport at Aston University

Professor Stephen Garrett, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean for The College of Engineering and Physical Sciences celebrates 50 years of teaching transport at Aston University

Course description

BSc (Hons) Transport Management

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.

What we will provide
Our industry focused programme and specialist academics will ensure you have the fundamental knowledge in key areas of transport management. You will be taught in a supportive and engaging learning environment with practical learning opportunities including guess lectures, site visits and real-life case studies. You will have the opportunity to learn and live in the heart 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, making your learning experience more practical and insightful.

We are an Adobe Creative Campus meaning you will have access to top-notch software licenses, including Adobe and Solidworks, commonly used in industry. To find out more, visit here.

What you will provide
You must have a genuine passion for transport and be open-minded about the diverse possibilities and opportunities that are available in the field.

What skills we teach
There will be a strong emphasis on health and safety, while the science and mathematical principles supporting infrastructure will form the foundation of your course. Additionally, you will acquire project management expertise and develop professional relationships management skills.

Placement year
The placement year will allow you to gain valuable practical experience, applying the course knowledge you have learned to the sector. It will also give you the opportunity to build your professional network, understand transport industry dynamics and explore potential career paths. Previous students have undertaken placement within large transport groups, with many securing graduate employability.

Career prospects
Our transport management graduates are highly sought-after, often securing roles with their placement companies. Many of our graduates are excelling in notable companies like Cross Country, Network Rail and South Western Railway.

How you will learn

Our teaching style incorporates larger group sessions for group teaching and smaller sessions for more personalised interaction. You will engage in student-led activities, working on various projects and discussing them in subsequent sessions. You will also have the opportunity to participate in trips to observe theoretical concepts in real-life scenarios, developing a deeper understanding through hands-on experiences and discussions. Furthermore, weekly guest speakers from the transport industry who will offer new perspectives and insights to enrich your learning experience.

You will also have the opportunity to join our dedicated transport society which will allow you to build connections, and explore shared interests with other students who have the same passion for the transport sector. There is also opportunities for you to attend conferences and networking events.

What you will learn

Driven by the needs of industry and individuals, our course provides you with a comprehensive understanding of key transport management concepts and an ability to critically analyse these, alongside the opportunity to specialise in areas of transport management that interest you.

First year

You will be introduced to foundational concepts of transport systems including transport and engineering economics, design and management, building professional relationships and business fundamentals. This will allow you to gain a strong understanding of the fundamentals within transport.

Second year

You will delve deeper into contemporary issues within transport, which will allow you to stay up to date with developments within the industry. By studying modules relating to rail transport, development leadership and management capabilities, infrastructure engineering, and services marketing, the technical knowledge gained will help prepare you for industry engagement during your placement year.

Placement year

Mandatory placements will enrich your degree and knowledge. Past students have completed successful placements at renowned companies such as National Express and West Midland Trains. This immersive industry experience establishes connections and gains you a competitive edge for your career.

Final year

In the final year you will build on the knowledge you have gained from your placement and focus on advanced and specialised topics in the field including traffic and transport engineering, passenger service provision and sustainability in the transport industry. The curriculum will prepare you to transition into the professional world providing you will the expertise and confidence to tackle complex issues within the transportation sector.

My degree in Transport Management

We spoke to BSc Transport Management graduate Jack Hope about why he chose to study Transport Management at Aston University, and advice he would give to students interested in the area.

Find out more

Facilities

You will have access to a range of facilities that will support your academic and personal development. You will gain both practical and theoretical experience in our lecture theatres and seminar rooms where you will be able to conduct any research. You will also have access to a comprehensive library with a wide range of transport-related literature and online databases.

Course objectives

Provide you with opportunities to realise your academic potential through appropriately conceived learning experiences.
Develop an understanding of the physical (engineering) and economic processes involved in the movement of people and goods.
Enable you to gain specific academic and professional skills demanded by transport employers both in the UK and internationally.
Offer you with the opportunity to obtain relevant industrial experience, fully integrated with your academic studies.
Introduce you to the principles of research processes, and their relevance to management within the context of transport engineering.

Modules

Modules and learning outcomes

Year 1 modules

In your first year you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Transport and Engineering Economics	15
Introduction to Transport	15
Law for Engineers	15
Study and Research Skills	15
Building Professional Relationships	15
Introductory Accounting for Business	15
Introduction to Business Management	15
Design & Management of Transport Facilities	15
Total	120

Year 1 outcomes

On successful completion of the first year, you will be able to:

Apply the basic business, transport and engineering terminology and theory underpinning the academic study of transport management.
Demonstrate knowledge of the organisation of transport policy and provision in the UK, UK, and other contexts, and how that affects delivery.
Explain and analyse the broader societal context within which transport systems operate.
Demonstrate knowledge of the legal framework in the UK, and its relevance to transport operators.
Manage a portfolio to record evidence of professional behaviors and skills, relevant to employment in the transport profession.
Have the necessary study and research skills to work independently to complete assessments to a high academic standard.

Year 2 modules

In your second year you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Understanding People	15
Land Transport	15
Services Marketing	15
Transport Infrastructure Engineering	15
Managing Engineering Projects	15
Simulation Modelling for Transport	15
Air and Maritime Transport	15
Contemporary Issues in Transport	15
Total	120

Year 2 outcomes

On successful completion of the second year, you will be able to:

Identify and explain factors which must be considered when specifying infrastructure standards, and be able to apply them.
Analyse and solve transport problems, evaluating engineering and other approaches, in the light of the environmental, societal and economic factors which must be considered.
Explain the role of transport professionals in society, the stakeholders they must work with, and the ways in which those relationships can be managed.
Apply theoretical knowledge to “real world” challenges in a collegiate and constructive way, through successful completion of group projects.
Source, organise and analyse relevant data to understand the current situation, and predict how systems might change in the future.
Explain the ways in which key business functions such as marketing and HRM underpin the transport industry, and the ways in which they are different in transport compared to other industries.

Placement year modules

You will spend your third year on placement. You will be fully supported throughout the process by our award-winning Careers and Placements team.

Placement Year

Module Title	Credits
Integrated Placement Year	120

Placement year outcomes

On successful completion of the placement year, you will be able to:

Gain knowledge of key aspects of good practice relevant to industry and/or intercultural study context.
Develop new knowledge and understanding appropriate to the industrial, business, study or research sector related to degree programme.
Communicate effectively in a variety of ways in a professional and industrial environment and/or in an intercultural study context.

Final year modules

In your final year, you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Final Year Project	30
Empathy & Human Factors in Transport	15
Passenger Service Provision	15
Transport Planning for Sustainable Futures	15
Traffic and Transport Engineering	15
Transport Leadership	15
Transport Through the Window	15
Total	120

Final Year Outcomes

On successful completion of the final year, you will be able to:

Plan and undertake a substantial piece of original research, collecting & analysing data, finding & synthesising material, and drawing appropriate conclusions.
Demonstrate a detailed understanding of the transport sector and its challenges.
Demonstrate the ability to work independently to a high standard, managing workload, sourcing appropriate study resources, and citing them accurately.
Propose practicable and appropriate solutions to transport challenges, showing an appreciation of the limitations and implications of different approaches, and their advantages and disadvantages.
Design appropriate responses to the broader societal challenges that affect and are affected by transport decision-making.
Draw on a network of established professionals, built on continued industrial engagement throughout their time at Aston.
Demonstrate an awareness of commercial reality, as it applies to the transport sector, and be able to formulate and implement innovative business responses.

We may update our courses to reflect best practices and academic developments. If we do, we’ll let you know of any changes at the earliest opportunity by updating our course webpages. If you have already received an offer, we’ll write to you directly to let you know of the changes.

Entry requirements

A Levels
With any subjects:
BBC (standard offer)
BCC (with an EPQ or Core Maths at Grade B)
BCC (contextual offer)

With 1 science or technical subject:
BCC (standard offer)
CC (with an EPQ or Core Maths at Grade B)
CCC (contextual offer)
Science or Technical subject: Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Biology, Further Maths, Design Technology, Engineering Science, Electronics, Geography, Geology and Computer Science.
Contextual offers
Aston Ready is our contextual offer scheme that could reduce your undergraduate offer by one or two grades. Assessed at the point of application, there are no additional forms to fill in.

Contextual offer criteria

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

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.

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.

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
Management and administration Grade D
Accounting Grade D
Legal Services Grade D
Finance Grade D
Agriculture, Land Management and Production Grade D
Animal Care and Management Grade D
Catering Grade D
Craft and Design Grade D
Media, Broadcast and Production Grade D
Hairdressing, Barbering and Beauty Therapy Grade D

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

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. Based in the centre of Birmingham, Aston is not only a great place to study, it’s also a great place to live.

Qualifications in your country

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of an English language qualification.

English language requirements

International students can enter at Year 2 of this course having completed an undergraduate year one programme at the required academic level with approved teaching partners ONCAMPUS Aston or NCUK.

Aston University provides a range of opportunities for international students to join our community and study on our campus. A key part of our strategy is our relationships with teaching partners, providing multiple pathways to Aston.

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. Our close links with businesses, industries and professions make this possible.

Find out more about applying

Post-study work visa

Aston University welcomed the creation of a new Graduate Immigration Route which enables international students to remain in the UK for two years after you complete your studies to find work. This new post-study work visa applies to international students completing full-time undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Graduate Immigration Route

Fees and scholarships

Course fees

UK students
(2024/25)

Annual tuition fees:	£9,250
During placement year:	£1,250

International students
(2024/25)

Annual tuition fees:	£18,150
During placement year:	£2,500

More information on fees

For Home students: Tuition fees for UK/Home students may change in line with government policy.

For International students: The International students fee is a fixed annual fee for the duration of the Programme, except whilst on placement when a placement year fee applies.

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.

Explore our scholarships

Assessment

The way we assess you will be diverse, blending exams with coursework, portfolio submissions, and peer reviews. Assessing you through different practices will help gain an overall understanding of your knowledge.

Career prospects

Our transport management graduates are in high demand, with many securing permanent positions in a variety of sectors including logistics, public transportation, and consultancy. Some of our recent graduates have joined companies including the Faber Group, Accenture, Arriva Rail, Cross Country, Network Rail, Stagecoach UK and TNT Logistics.

Be part of our community

Once you have joined us at Aston University, you’ll always be part of our community, even beyond graduation.

Alumni Services

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

How will a placement year benefit me?

The knowledge you gain through your studies is 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 within the transport industry and will help to arrange this placement for you, many of our graduates have also secured roles with the same companies they have undertaken their placement year in.

Is Birmingham a good place to study?

Our campus is based in the centre of Birmingham, the youngest major city in Europe and a great place to live, work and study.

Great music and entertainment with a vibrant nightlife. Bars, clubs, pubs, live music, festivals, concerts. Whatever your tastes, there's something here for everyone.
Fantastic food. Birmingham's diverse community means you can try anything from the famous Balti triangle, the Chinese Quarter, high street chains, halal and vegan food, and Michelin-star dining.
World-class shopping. The Bullring and Grand Central is a shopper's paradise. From the world's biggest Primark to luxury brands at the Mailbox.
Arts and culture. Museums, galleries, theatres, concerts and Birmingham's art collection is as wide as it is impressive - not to be missed.
Green, open spaces. One of the greenest cities in Europe, Birmingham has hundreds of publicly accessible parks and green spaces across the city.
Sporting action. Birmingham has some of the most exciting venues for watching or participating in sport in the UK.

Discover Birmingham