Overview
Apply NowThe MSc Transport system is a revamp of the previous MSc Road and Transport Engineering Programme. The revamping made room for new courses and specializations to be introduced to accommodate the needs of non-technical students without requisite engineering background but are qualified and desirous to pursue a career in Transport. Upon completion, the learners will be awarded one of the two specializations depending on their background and the courses undertaken.
The overall aim of the programme is to provide a multidisciplinary approach to transport planning and engineering training that leverages advanced knowledge and skills in relevant disciplines to enable students apply a systems approach in the planning, analysis and development of transport infrastructure and operations for all modes of transport.
The programme also seeks to provide students with the needed foundation in transport infrastructure design, drainage, optimization, operations research, statistical modelling, transport simulation and modeling as well as transport asset management. Specifically, the MSc programme will provide students with:
- An understanding of the transport system as a whole as well as its various modes and evolution.
- An understanding of the principles that underpin transport demand, landuse and policy;
- The ability to critically analyse, evaluate and interpret qualitative and quantitative data related to the transport system for different modes.
- The ability to apply knowledge in transport for simulation and modeling and supply management;
- Knowledge in the selection and design of appropriate transport infrastructure systems, logistics networks, their integration and optimization;
- Knowledge of spatial analysis and modelling as a toll for system integration and assessment.
- Knowledge in safety and sustainability issues and their management;
- Skills needed to work in groups (work with other professionals) in the field of transport systems planning, design and operation.
- Ability to research, analyse, and synthesize solutions of contemporary transport-related issues with a multi-disciplinary dimension.
The minimum requirements for entry into the programme shall be in accordance with the requirements specified and stated on the KNUST web site or printed handbook as well as in the Statute and Regulations for masters’ degrees of KNUST. Candidates must possess any of the following:
- A minimum of Second Class (Upper Division) degree or its equivalent in a relevant Engineering, Management, or Planning discipline, or a recognised equivalent qualification from a reputable University and good mathematical skills.
- A minimum of Second Class (Upper Division) degree or its equivalent in Sciences (Mathematics, Statistics, Physics), Geography, Planning, Architecture, Building Technology and Construction Management, Development Studies and any field of specialization relevant to the programme from a recognized University;
- Candidates with BTech with, at least, a two-year work experience in relevant disciplines may be admitted after passing an interview.
Applicants whose qualification may not align with directly any the above will have their transcripts assessed by the selection committee and if found to be acceptable invited to attend an interview. In addition, applicants may be asked to meet additional requirements such as submission of a statement of purpose and/or a written essay to evaluate their language skills. Moreover, applicants whose first language is not English may be required to take an English Language course prior to embarking on the programme.
The MSc Transport systems has two Specializations as follows
a) MSc Transport Systems – Infrastructure and Engineering
This will be for students who have undergraduate degree in any of the following: Civil Engineering, Geological Engineering, Geomatic Engineering, Any other engineering discipline related to transport.
b) MSc Transport Systems - Urban Transport and Operations
This will be for students who have undergraduate degree in any of the following: Planning, Geography, Any discipline related to transport
| Infrastructure and Engineering Specialisation | |
| Session 1 | Applied Statistics and Modelling tools |
| GIS for Transport | |
| Optimization and Simulation Techniques in Transport | |
| Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) | |
| Transport Economics and Finance | |
| Elective | |
| Session 2 | Transport Infrastructure Design and Drainage |
| Transport Safety and Sustainability | |
| Research Methods | |
| Pavement Engineering and Materials | |
| Transport Demand Modelling | |
| Elective | |
| Session 3 | Industrial Internship |
| Thesis/Project Work | |
| Urban Transport and Operations Specialisation | |
| Session 1 | Applied Statistics and Modelling tools |
| GIS for Transport | |
| Optimization and Simulation Techniques in Transport | |
| Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) | |
| Transport Economics and Finance | |
| Elective | |
| Session 2 | Transport Safety and Sustainability |
| Research Methods | |
| Urban Mobility, Urbanization and Planning | |
| Transport Project Management | |
| Urban Public Transport Design and Operations | |
| Elective | |
| Session 3 | Industrial Internship |
| Thesis/Project Work | |
| Electives Courses (Both Specialisations | |
| Session 1 | Traffic Flow Modelling |
| Transport and Society | |
| Transport Logistics Engineering and Management | |
| Rural Transport Infrastructure and Services | |
| Session 2 | Urban Public Transport Design and Operations |
| Transport Asset Management | |
| Data Science for Transport | |
| Transport Project Procurement and Law | |
The MSc. Transport systems programme is designed to equip students with the skills required to pursue a successful career in various sectors of the transport industry. Graduates from this programme can strengthen their career in an existing company or have a career change in the transport industry. Graduates from the programme may take up high paid employment in a variety of positions in a wide range of careers/organisations worldwide such as:
- Public sector organisations
- Road transport sub sector
- Railway sector
- Private organisations in transport services
- Private consultancies
- Non-governmental organisations
- Development partners
- Metropolitan and Municipal assemblies
- Urban public transport organization
- Financial institutions
- Academic and research institutions
Mode of Assessment
Students pursuing the Master of Science Transport Systems will be assessed through:
- Preparatory assignment
- Post course week assignment
- Group project works
- Seminar presentations
- Written exercises
- Written examinations
- Thesis
An examination will be conducted for each taught course in a module. The mode of weighting for continuous assessment and final examination depends on the content of the courses as defined in the course description. In the case of the non-taught courses, assessment shall be by continuous assessment and course presentations. In both the taught and non-taught courses, the pass mark shall be 50%. Any student who fails a course shall re-sit it until a pass mark of 50% or more is attained. Individual course assignments will be assessed by Course Instructors. Group Projects will be assessed through written reports and oral presentations before a panel. The MSc thesis shall be assessed by External and Internal Examiners together with an oral examination.
The following details the weight for different assessment components.
Continuous Assessment:
Continuous assessment will take 50% of the overall assessment and comprises preparatory assignments (15%), group work (10%), and a post course week individual assignment (25%). Some modules may also offer graded take home assignments and a mid-semester examination.
Examination:
This will form 50% of the overall assessment and will be written under formal examination conditions immediately after the course week.
Graduation Requirements
A candidate shall be deemed to have qualified for the award of the Master of Transport Systems degree when he/she has:
- Passed all required courses and obtained a minimum of 36 credit hours,
- Achieved a minimum cumulative weighted average of 55%,
- Completed a research work leading to an examinable thesis, and
- Satisfied all other requirements of the Department, College and University.
- Submitted and successfully defended a thesis.
Additionally, candidates shall qualify for the appropriate specialization of the programme by completing the elective options required.
Facilities, Laboratory & Equipment
The program has very excellent classroom and laboratory facilities. Each student has access to computer facilities connected to the internet. A new storey facility for soils and material testing and Asphalt concrete pavement testing and research is under construction. Some of the equipment available for the course include the following;
- Asphalt Testing Equipment
- Soil Testing Equipment
- Traffic counts and measurement Equipment
- Software for Transport Planning and traffic modelling