Programme Specifications

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

• To provide an undergraduate programme in transport and business management appropriate to the needs of students.
• To provide an undergraduate programme that offers opportunities for learning, reflection, scholarship and relevant research.
• To enhance the learning experience of students by means of a range of appropriate methods.
• To develop involvement with the principal sectors of the transport industry.
• To equip students with a thorough and practical knowledge of the economic, social and technological aspects of transport, so that they will be able to play a full part in its future development.

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

There is at present no nationally agreed subject benchmark statement for transport programmes.  The benchmark standards which have been devised for undergraduate transport programmes have been based on the relevant accreditation requirements of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, the professional body with chartered status, as well as the Self-Assessment Document produced for the QAA's recent External Subject Review of Transport Studies programmes (November 2000), the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications and the University's current Learning and Teaching Strategy.

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of: 

• The context in which transport operates, including the functions and sectors allied to transport, their operation and the links between them;
• The key concepts, theories and principles in transport operations, and business management;
• The linkages and inter-relationships between the elements which constitute the study of transport operations, business management, and the relationships between them and related subjects;
• One or more areas of specialist knowledge associated with transport operations, management and/or planning;
• The principles and skills used in transport operations, and business management in the solution of problems including an ability: to collect, analyse and interpret data and information; to use appropriate analytical tools; and to use standard and relevant ICT applications; and
• The skills to identify options, to question conventional wisdom, to provide advice in oral and written form, and to apply professional judgement in making recommendations and solving problems.

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:  

• Display and utilise academic knowledge and understanding appropriate to the study of transport operations, and business management;
• Collect, analyse and interpret a range of data and information, and apply them to specific situations;
• Understand, integrate and synthesise a range of complex concepts and disciplines appropriate to the study of transport operations, and business management; and
• Define problems, provide solutions and offer a critical appraisal of the outcomes.

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to: 

• Communication skills, both orally and in writing;
• Planning and making oral presentations;
• Research skills - including the preparation of a substantial dissertation;
• Interpersonal situations including working in groups;
• The use and application of ICT; and
• The collection, analysis and synthesis of numerical information and the application of numerical and statistical techniques.

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to demonstrate: a highly developed comprehension of the interaction and relative importance of personal skills and attributes within transport and business management, including: decision-making, self development, reflective practice and self management skills together with personal planning skills, integrity, flexibility and recognition of the need for life-long learning.

4. Programme structure

4.1       Part A  -  Introductory Modules 

4.1.1    Semester 1 

(i)         COMPULSORY MODULES (total modular weight 60) 

(ii)        OPTIONAL MODULES (none)

4.1.2    Semester 2 

(i)         COMPULSORY MODULES (total modular weight 50)  

 (ii)       OPTIONAL MODULES

One 10 credit module from

4.2       Part B  -  Degree Modules 

4.2.1    Semester 1 

(i)         COMPULSORY MODULES (total modular weight 50) 

(ii)       OPTIONAL MODULES

One 10 credit module from

4.2.2    Semester 2

(i)         COMPULSORY MODULES (total modular weight 50) 

(ii)       OPTIONAL MODULES

One 10 credit module from

In place of (i) and (ii) above students may take the SOCRATES module CVB066, which has a modular weight of 60. 

4.3 Part C – Degree Modules 

4.3.1    Semester 1

(i)         COMPULSORY MODULES (total modular weight 30) 

(ii)        OPTIONAL MODULES

Modules with a total weight of 30 credits from

4.3.2    Semester 2 

(i)         COMPULSORY MODULES (total modular weight 40)  

(ii)          OPTIONAL MODULES

Modules with a total weight of 20 credits from

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

5.1  In order to progress from Part A or Part B, or to qualify for the award of an Honours Degree in Part C, candidates must not only satisfy the minimum requirements set out in Regulation XX but also accumulate 120 credits in each Part.

5.2  Candidates cannot progress from Part B to the DIS year until Part B progression requirements have been met.

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the Purposes of Final Degree Classification

6.1     Candidates' final degree classification will be determined on the basis of their performance in degree level Module Assessments in Parts B and C.  The percentage mark for each Part will be combined in the ratio Part B 40: Part C 60 to determine the final percentage mark.