Information
MSc EUROPEAN TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION
The Course
The MSc European Traffic and Transportation is a joint venture between Nottingham Trent University (UK) and The Noordelijke Hogeschool Leeuwarden (NL) in association with The Budapest University of Technology and Economics (H) and Université Montesquieu Bordeaux IV (F). The course was validated in June 1996 and operated for the first time in 1997/98. The first students graduated in July 1999. In May 2000 the course was revalidated by a panel of experts at The Nottingham Trent University. The master's programme is designed to be of 3 years duration by part-time study. It is delivered predominantly by distance-learning with week-long Residential Blocks. You can enrol on the master's programme at the start of any semester (usually September and January) and will spend your first two years studying eight taught modules (two modules per semester). Six of these eight modules are core and you will choose a further two from the four optional modules. It is proposed to introduce new optional modules in the new future. Before the start of your final year you will undertake the Project Introduction module before commencing your Project.
For Whom?
The MSc European Traffic and Transportation has been developed as a professionally oriented course for people working in the field of traffic and transportation and/or those wishing to change or enhance their career. The course offers a broad range of modules covering general professional knowledge of transport in Europe, including contemporary transport issues, social and environmental impacts and future developments. The course aims to develop awareness, understanding and competence in the processes associated with European traffic and transportation.
Unique Course
Whilst there are many Transport Planning courses on offer in the UK and elsewhere in Europe, this Course is unique in that:
It focuses on EuropeanTraffic and Transportation
It is taught by Module Leaders from around Europe rather than just ones based in single EU Member States
It includes a one-week Residential Block each semester (half year), the location of which rotates between Budapest (H), Bordeaux (F), Leeuwarden (NL) and Nottingham (UK) over the first two years of the Course
Each Residential Block includes a Study Tour during which students learn about, and can see, current best practice in solving transport problems in the particular country
Students are encouraged to travel to and around the host city for the Residential Block by public transport, private transport (such as coaches) being hired only when absolutely necessary. This gives them an excellent view of public transport from the passenger's viewpoint
Travelling to the Residential Block gives students an added insight into the relative ease of travel to different European countries
Students experience developments in European public transport at first hand
Students from different European countries exchange information about transport problems, solutions and strategies
Residential Blocks
Midway through each semester when you are taking the taught modules, you are required to attend one-week Residential Blocks. The Residential Blocks are organised on a two-year cyclic programme and are held, in turn, at each of the major participating institutions: The Noordelijke Hogeschool Leeuwarden (NL), Nottingham Trent University (UK), the Budapest University of Technology and Economics (H) and the Université Montesquieu Bordeaux IV (F).
Accreditation
In 1999 the course was accredited by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport as meeting their academic requirements for Chartered Membership. This was again confirmed at the validation in May 2000.
COURSE STRUCTURE
To gain the MSc you must successfully pass the six core modules, two optional modules and the Project (including the Project Introduction), accumulating 180 credit points.
Core modules (under review)
C1 Environmental & Economic Studies
C2 European Transportation
C3 Road User Behaviour
C4 Logistics Management
C5 Public Transport Integration
C6 Traffic Management & Control
Optional Modules (one from two)(under review):
O1 Road Safety
O2 Traffic Surveys & Modelling
O3 Highway Network Planning & Design
O4 Intelligent Transport Systems
Student workload for each of the eight modules is typically 150 hours. The Project Introduction module consists of about 60 hours directed learning followed by a one-week residential course with an associated workload of about 40 hours. For the Project, about 500 hours of independent learning and formal assessment time is envisaged, giving a total of approximately 1800 hours of total study involvement.
DISTANCE LEARNING
The teaching methods adopted for this course are not only educationally sound but they meet the needs and constraints of both students and employers. The use of distance learning materials ensures that you are involved in, and given responsibility for, your own learning. The use of case studies and real support materials provided by employers, together with group work, allows reinforcement of the distance learning materials and provides work-related situations relevant to your present or future employment.
The major advantage of distance learning lies in the fact that you can undertake the work at the time and in the place that you choose. However, the major disadvantages of distance learning are procrastination and the sense of loneliness. For these reasons the distance learning materials have been specifically designed to operate with module programmes specifying regular targets. In addition there is a system of peer, employer, and lecturer support.
Student Support
Helpdesk
You will be encouraged to contact module leaders direct or via the EUROconnect office operated by the Noordelijke Hogeschool Leeuwarden (NHL - the organising institution). Your queries can be submitted by telephone, fax, mail, or e-mail.
Employer Tutors
When you register for the course you will nominate an Employer Tutor. This will probably be a line manager who will be willing to act as your mentor during the course.
Peer Support
At the start of each semester the Course Coordinator circulates the telephone/fax/e-mail numbers of the students so forming a self-support group. In addition each new student is assigned a second year student to act as a Buddy. Your Buddy will contact you usually within one week of the semester starting.
Module Programme
Each module study guide includes contact details for the Module Leaders. In addition, Module Leaders will provide feedback on draft assignments.
LEARNING OUTCOMES OF THE PROGRAMME
Academic Development and Competencies
To gain the Masters qualification, you will have developed (depending on your choice of option modules) the following in terms of competencies and academic development:
An understanding of planning processes and integrated transport policy making in the European Union together with the problems of international mobility for passenger and freight transport.
An understanding of the processes and techniques for the integrated planning and design of highway networks and public transport systems together with their economic and environmental evaluation.
An understanding of the principles and application of traffic management and control in the operation of transport networks.
An understanding of the role of logistics management in a competitive European market.
Skills to measure, analyse and influence human behaviour in traffic and transportation matters.
Skills to analyse, develop and influence road traffic safety and the use of possible measures and policies.
An understanding of data collection and traffic modelling techniques to facilitate the evaluation of changes in land use or transport networks.
An understanding of research processes and their application.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Course Management
The Course is managed by a Course Manager, from the School of the Built Environment ,Nottingham Trent University and a Course Coordinator, from EUROconnect, which forms part of the School of the Built Environment, The Noordelijke Hogeschool Leeuwarden and was established especially for the day to day running of the course. It also organises short courses in the field of Traffic and Transportation in the Netherlands, and is broadening its activities to other fields.
Entry requirements
First degree (BA or BSc) in a relevant subject area or equivalent academic achievement, OR
Proven experience in relevant fields of traffic and transportation at a relevant level, OR
Nottingham Trent University Certificate in Professional Studies in Highway and Traffic Engineering or equivalent academic achievement.
Acceptable level of the use of English (the course language). Exceptionally you may be asked to demonstrate this.
If you feel that you are deficient in basic traffic and transportation theory and practice, you may choose to undertake a totally distance-learning bridging module, ‘the Basic Elements’, before starting the course (425 euros or £300 if you live in the UK).
Course fees 2005-2006
Course fees are structured on the modular scheme and payment for each module is made halfway through each semester. The price per module is 950 euros (£670 if you live in the UK). Module fees do not include travel and accommodation expenses, which could be somewhere in the region of 600 euros per Residential Block.
Contact details
The Course Manager:
John Abbiss
School of the Built Environment
Nottingham Trent University
Burton Street
NG1 4BU Nottingham, UK
Phone: +00 44 115 848 2608
Fax: +00 44 115 848 4467
E-mail: john.abbiss@ntu.ac.uk
The Course Coordinator:
Merel Laferte
EUROconnect
Tesselschadestraat 12
8913 HB Leeuwarden, NL
Phone: +00 31 58 2961 185
Fax: +00 31 58 2961 184
E-mail: m.laferte@tech.nhl.nl
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