Transport with Data Science
Specialise in analysing large volumes of transport data and in developing models for efficient, sustainable, and resilient transport systems.
Develop your core knowledge and analytical skills to address challenges across the transport landscape
Enhance your technical skills through exposure to cutting-edge transport models, algorithms and tools
Specialise in methods used to analyse, interpret and act upon large volumes of transport data
Course key facts
Qualification
MSc
Duration
1 year
Start date
September 2026
Study mode
Full-time
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Fees
£19,400 Home
£45,000 Overseas
Delivered by
Location
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South Kensington
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Minimum entry standard
First-Class Honours in Civil Engineering, Natural Sciences, Earth Sciences or other numerate subject
Course overview
Understand the fundamental concepts and techniques for the planning, design, management and delivery of transport infrastructure on this one-year course.
You will develop an understanding of machine learning and statistical optimistation to solve complex engineering design problems, working effectively as a group.
You'll learn how to evaluate transport projects and policies, taking into account the political, social, environmental, commercial and financial issues involved.
Utilising data science and optimisation skills, you will conduct a piece of independent research that demonstrates a contribution to knowledge in a research area of interest.
Further develop your understanding on road and rail transport in industrialised countries. You'll also consider contexts in less industrialised countries where transport problems persist.
This course will equip you for further PhD research in this specialist area, or a future career in transport planning, engineering, operations, management, policy or research.
Choosing your stream
You have the option of choosing between two streams. You should consider which stream is right for you according to your career aims and background. If an offer of admission is made, it will correspond to a specific stream. Switching streams is not possible once you have commenced your studies.
- MSc Transport
- MSc Transport with Data Science (this stream)
Structure
This page is updated regularly to reflect the latest version of the curriculum. However, this information is subject to change.
Find out more about potential course changes.
Please note: it may not always be possible to take specific combinations of modules due to timetabling conflicts. For confirmation, please check with the relevant department.
This course assumes a suitable grounding in programming principles and mathematical concepts expected from degree holders in numerate subjects. See our entry requirements for further details.
You’ll take all of these core modules.
Core modules
Gain a thorough understanding of key principles underlying transportation systems, including their operation, context, and relationship with the built environment.
This foundational module provides the foundation for the topic that will be covered throughout the MSc course.
Develop fundamental skills in statistical modelling from both theoretical and applied perspectives.
This module covers essential theory, methodology, and computational techniques for constructing statistical models to represent real-world scenarios, supported by practical training in R and RStudio.
Understand traffic engineering fundamentals, including macroscopic fundamental diagrams, shockwaves, queueing theory, and traffic microsimulation.
Practical applications focus on solving real-world traffic problems, including signal control, congestion management, speed limits, parking management, and safety standards.
Gain comprehensive expertise in machine learning tailored to civil engineering applications.
Key areas include supervised learning (regression, classification), unsupervised learning (clustering), large language models, and reinforcement learning.
Hands-on training in Python using NumPy, scikit-learn, and PyTorch will enhance your practical skills. It will help you put theory into practice across a set of case studies in the civil engineering sector.
Build a rigorous mathematical understanding of travel demand and transport supply models.
This module covers aggregate and disaggregate modelling techniques, including discrete choice and stated preference methods, equipping you to evaluate transport policies through market analysis, cost-benefit assessment, and welfare maximisation using specialised software.
Examine how transportation affects energy use, climate change, air quality, and noise pollution.
Specific transport modes, such as active travel, road, aviation, and shipping, are discussed alongside critical innovations that promote sustainability
Discover detailed insights into rail and mass transit operations, planning, infrastructure, and policy, informed by international case studies.
This module addresses public transport principles, specific service requirements, economic drivers, and the historical and future contributions of mass transit to sustainable urban development.
Develop practical experience constructing, validating, and deploying machine learning models and algorithms in Python.
This module covers key areas including reinforcement learning, computer vision, developer tools, version control, cloud computing, visual analytics, data modelling, database management, and advanced data manipulation and visualisation techniques.
Gain a thorough understanding of freight transport operations and the mathematical modelling techniques associated with efficient supply chain management and distribution strategies.
Topics encompass analytics, decision models, optimisation tools, and specialised logistics applications (healthcare, humanitarian, disaster response).
Building upon the knowledge covered by the programme throughout the year, this module allows you to consolidate your knowledge and understanding through practical application in the context of a transport design project.
This module, delivered over 4 weeks full-time, provides you with an opportunity to work in teams on a significant piece of transport engineering design. Industrial partnership on the projects enables you to gain real-world insight into the design process. Emphasis is placed on effective team working, creativity, design understanding and practicality, the appropriate use of technical knowledge, and the ability to present effectively in written, poster and oral presentation forms.
You will work with clients to develop the briefs into projects, exploring design proposals in an iterative manner, building towards the effective presentation of a comprehensive feasibility and outline design study.
You'll choose at least one optional module from Group A, and at least one from Group B.
Group A
Master key methods and concepts in transport planning and policy through the study of the four-stage travel demand model: trip generation, trip distribution, mode choice, and traffic assignment.
You will apply these models practically, enhancing your skills in data handling, estimation, and interpretation while addressing contemporary policy issues and advanced modelling techniques.
Investigate the complexities of safety and security in transportation systems, examining interactions among technology, procedures, and human factors within organisations.
This module integrates quantitative analyses of crash data and system vulnerabilities with qualitative evaluations of legislative impacts on transport safety.
Group B
Explore the air transportation system comprehensively, from aircraft operations and key technologies to essential human factors ensuring flight safety.
You will study the influence of international aviation regulations and governance, as well as the safe integration of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) into urban airspace.
Explore intelligent and autonomous transportation technologies driven by vehicle connectivity, automation and artificial intelligence.
Learn how these innovations influence transport planning, infrastructure use, and decision-making, and gain practical skills in designing and operating intelligent transport systems with AI-driven data analysis.
You will be required to complete an independent research project under the direct supervision of a member of academic staff and may involve supervision from external parties.
You will also be required to work full-time on your Research Dissertation commencing in the summer term, immediately following completion of the MSc examinations through to the end of August.
Professional accreditation
This MSc degree has accreditation pending from the Engineering Council by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM), comprising:
- Institution of Civil Engineers
- Institution of Structural Engineers
- Institute of Highway Engineers
- Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation
- Permanent Way Institution
Registering as a Chartered Engineer will improve your career prospects and provide higher earning potential. It will also help to demonstrate your commitment to professional standards, the engineering profession and sustainable development.
Our accreditation agreement with members of the Joint Board of Moderators is renewed every five years. The current accreditation agreement is due to be renewed in 2026.
Testimonials
Teaching and assessment
Teaching and learning methods
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Lectures
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Tutorials
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Group work
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Computer sessions
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Online quizzes
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Presentations and seminars
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Workshops
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Individual research project
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Team building projects
Balance of assessment
This is an example of how assessments are usually divided, based on a typical pathway through the course. The actual breakdown may be different depending on the modules you choose.
Key
- Coursework
- Examinations
- 60% Title 1 goes here
- 40% Title 2 goes here
Assessment methods
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Individual and group coursework
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Written exams
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Research dissertation and poster
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Group projects and presentations
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Lab report summaries
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Design projects
Entry requirements
We consider all applicants on an individual basis, welcoming students from all over the world.
How to apply
Apply online
You can submit one application form per year of entry. You can choose up to two courses.
Application deadlines – Round 2 closes on Wednesday 7 January 2026
We operate a staged admissions process with several application rounds throughout the year.
Apply by 23.59 (UK time) on the closing date of an application round, to ensure you receive a response on your application by the relevant decision date.
Round 1
Business School courses only.
Round 2
- Applications open on Monday 29 September 2025
- Applications close on Wednesday 7 January 2026
- Decision by Wednesday 4 March 2026
Round 3
- Applications open on Thursday 8 January 2026
- Applications close on Wednesday 11 March 2026
- Decision by Wednesday 6 May 2026
Round 4
- Applications open on Thursday 12 March 2026
- Applications close on Wednesday 29 April 2026
- Decision by Thursday 2 July 2026
We recommend applying as early as you can – we cannot guarantee that places will be available, or that courses will remain open, in later rounds.
There is no application fee for Postgraduate Certificates, Postgraduate Diplomas, or courses such as PhDs and EngDs.
If you are applying for a Master’s course, you will need to pay an application fee before submitting your application.
The fee applies per application and not per course.
The application fees for postgraduate courses are:
- £90 for all Master's applications, excluding those to Imperial Business School
- £125 for MSc applications to Imperial Business School
- £150 for MBA applications to Imperial Business School
If you are facing financial hardship and are unable to pay the application fee, we encourage you to apply for our application fee waiver.
Find out more about how to apply for a Master's course, including references and personal statements.
An ATAS certificate is not required for students applying for this course.
Fees and funding
Home fee (CEE 1YFT only)
2026 entry
£19,400
Fees are charged by year of entry to the university and not year of study.
You should expect and budget for your fees to increase each year.
Your fee is based on the year you enter the university, not your year of study. This means that if you repeat a year or resume your studies after an interruption, your fees will only increase by the amount linked to inflation.
Find out more about our tuition fees payment terms, including how inflationary increases are applied to your tuition fees in subsequent years of study.
Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out how we assess your fee status.
If you're a UK national, or EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you may be able to apply for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan from the UK government, if you meet certain criteria.
The maximum value of the loan is £12,858 for courses starting on or after 1 August 2025.
The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
Please note:
- The loan is only available if you’re studying a full Master’s course from the start.
- If you start on a Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) or Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) and later move on to the Master’s, you won’t be eligible for this loan.
Overseas fee (CEE 1YFT only)
2026 entry
£45,000
Fees are charged by year of entry to the university and not year of study.
You should expect and budget for your fees to increase each year.
Your fee is based on the year you enter the university, not your year of study. This means that if you repeat a year or resume your studies after an interruption, your fees will only increase by the amount linked to inflation.
Find out more about our tuition fees payment terms, including how inflationary increases are applied to your tuition fees in subsequent years of study.
Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out how we assess your fee status.
If you're a UK national, or EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you may be able to apply for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan from the UK government, if you meet certain criteria.
The maximum value of the loan is £12,858 for courses starting on or after 1 August 2025.
The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
Please note:
- The loan is only available if you’re studying a full Master’s course from the start.
- If you start on a Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) or Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) and later move on to the Master’s, you won’t be eligible for this loan.
Scholarships
View all scholarshipsRees Jeffreys Road Fund Bursaries
Value per award
- £10,000
Who it's for
- Applicants to this MSc programme with a commitment to pursuing a career in the UK transport sector.
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering MSc Tuition Fee Scholarship
Value per award
- Partial tuition fee waiver
Who it's for
- All candidates for MSc courses in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.
How will studying at Imperial help my career?
Learn essential communication, management, and problem-solving skills while pursuing this degree.
Develop the skills necessary to research a PhD.
Our graduates often pursue further study in master's programs or doctoral research.
Graduates are highly sought after for employment in areas as diverse as transport planning, engineering, and operations.
Other potential career paths are in management, policy and research.
Further links
Contact the department
- Telephone: +44(0) 20 7594 5932
- Email: cvpgo@imperial.ac.uk
Course Director: Professor Panagiotis Angeloudis
Visit the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering website.
Request info
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Events, tasters and talks
Meet us and find out more about studying at Imperial.
Terms and conditions
There are some important pieces of information you should be aware of when applying to Imperial. These include key information about your tuition fees, funding, visas, accommodation and more.
You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.
Programme specifications



