Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

To introduce students to the grand challenges, the process of policy formulation, stakeholder engagement and policy evaluation, using appropriate and relevant case studies from the UK, Europe and Worldwide.
To introduce students to the nature and orientation of post-war traffic growth and possible future scenarios, and how policy has evolved to attempt to match the demand for and supply of road space.
To describe the local, regional and national government structures relating to the delivery of transport services.
To orientate transport and transport policy within the wider context of sustainability, for example in terms of economic growth, climate change, health, social exclusion and education.
To introduce students to key policy documents and legislation relevant to transport at the local, national and international level in areas such as planning, policy and finance; alternative transport modes; environmental issues; health and safety; and energy and fuels.

Outline Of Syllabus

Grand challenges, the historical context and the need for transport policy; future targets for climate change; how to formulate policy and the key processes involved; gathering information for evidence-based policy making; stakeholder engagement; understanding public attitudes and policy acceptance; policy scrutiny and impact monitoring and evaluation (for example CODIA and FESTA evaluation criteria); case studies of policy formulation from the UK, Europe and Worldwide; formulating transport policy in times of economic austerity; key national and international policy and legislative documents; funding of national and international transport projects; best practice in allocating roles and responsibilities for the delivery of transport services (to cover road, rail, air and maritime transport with examples from the UK and elsewhere).

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

An understanding of the grand challenges, and the ability to apply the processes of policy formulation, stakeholder engagement and policy evaluation.
An understanding of the nature of traffic growth in the post-war period and possible future scenarios.
An awareness of governmental structures and the roles and responsibilities of relevant organisations in the planning and delivery of transport services.
An understanding of key national and international policy documents and legislation.

Intended Skill Outcomes

To be able to advise on the grand challenges and develop policy for effective transport solutions.
The ability to advise on changes in the nature of travel demand during the post-war period in the UK and elsewhere, and on growth scenarios in the future.
The ability to discuss and review critically key national and international policy and legislative documents relevant to the planning and management of transport and travel.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Specialist knowledge, understanding and skills are primarily imparted via lectures. Students are encouraged and expected to learn through independent reading and reflection which is supported by an extensive list of relevant literature.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The examination is to test the students’ knowledge and understanding of the underlying issues in the module through written communication.

The group presentation is to test students’ ability to present effectively the findings of a critical review of a key transport policy document to the rest of the class.

The ministerial report is designed to test students’ ability to convey in a concise and informative manner the key points in a transport policy document through written communication.

General Notes

N/A