Institute for Transport Studies
Here you’ll find everything you need to know about starting or returning to your studies at the Institute for Transport Studies.
Find the section that applies to you – new student or returning student. There are also some helpful links at the bottom of the page to direct you to anything else you might need.
If you’re a postgraduate researcher, find your faculty welcome and induction information to help you get started.
Information for all students (whether you are new/returning)
Where can I go for support?
In the first instance, you should email the Student Information Points (SiP) at studentinfo@leeds.ac.uk or by visiting the Student Information Service on campus.
You can also ask the following staff:
- Student Education Service Office
- Personal tutor
- Programme leaders
- Module leaders
Your Student Education Service Office team are:
- Nicky Whitehead, Student Education Service Officer
- Robin Hamon, Student Education Service Assistant
- Helen Jones, School Education Service Manager
Will I be required to attend face to face sessions?
Yes, unless you have a valid reason (such as illness). Report an absence online.
What is the role of course representatives and how do I volunteer?
As a Course Rep you will work in a community alongside your school’s staff, School Reps, and other students to effectively create change. By representing students on your course you will enhance the student learning experience by voicing and challenging academic issues. Your role can influence major changes.
To find out more about becoming a Course Rep and how to apply please read the course rep role information (PDF) and then apply via the Course Rep application form by Monday 9th October (12pm). Further information will be given to you during induction week.
What previous course reps have said:
- ‘I loved being able to bridge the gap between the university and students - by both relaying feedback and responding to it by taking action. One of these ways was improving communications between students through a faculty instagram page which shared events, opportunities and updates for students. This was a casual and informal way for students to be updated on what's happening around them.’
- ‘I really enjoyed feeling like a part of the university community and getting to learn about its inner workings and feeling like I was making a difference’.
- ‘Being a course rep allowed me to get to know my coursemates more. It is also a great opportunity to improve the course experience’
- ‘I enjoyed the presence of being part of an exclusive team that catered to the welfare of transport studies and their students. [...] There are a good amount of interactions with school reps, faculty members and other course reps which helps with the exchange of ideas.’
- ‘It was such a rewarding experience, especially because I got to understand each individual in my cohort so much better, making lasting connections.’
If you have any questions in the meantime please email the Faculty Student Experience Officer at foe-studentexperience@leeds.ac.uk.
Interested in a leadership role? Find out more about the role of a School Rep and how to apply
Academic Representation at The University of Leeds - Become a School Rep (luu.org.uk)
Are there any societies I can join for the school/programme?
Faculty of Environment Sustainability Society
The sustainability society is the newest society within the Faculty of Environment, and we are open to all who would like to get involved and socialise with new people. We aim to provide opportunities for members to meet each other through fortnightly socials, faculty sports teams as well as via trips and volunteering opportunities.
Leeds has one of the largest students’ unions in the country. Leeds University Union (LUU) exists to represent, support and entertain you throughout your student years. The union has a range of clubs and societies to choose from – you can get involved in anything from football to chess, wine tasting to skydiving, dance to ‘a cappella’. You can even try your hand at Quidditch! Through the Global Community you can connect with students from over 140 different countries and take part in a range of international activities.
We do not currently have a specific ITS Society but we would be happy for our students to set one up, contact LUU for more information and support on setting up a society.
Are there any peer mentoring schemes operating in my school?
At the beginning of term we will allocate study groups for all ITS students, these are not programme specific but will include students from different programmes within the school to give you the opportunity to share knowledge and bring different expertise. We recommend students meet with their study groups every 1-2 weeks but this is entirely down to personal preference. The study groups are student-led so it is up to you how you choose to use them.
There is also an industry mentoring scheme which runs in ITS, more information about this will be given to you in induction week.
How does assessment work on my programme?
You will be assessed using a variety of methods from written assessments and exams to presentations, group work, podcasts and posters. The assessment method will depend on your programme and modules. Your module leaders will be able to provide more information on how the module will be assessed. You can also check the module catalogue for more information on the module content and assessment method.
I’m a new student
What do I need to do before I arrive?
For international students, there is a detailed ‘preparing for Leeds’ section of our website.
For home students, there isn’t anything you need to prepare specifically for arriving at ITS. You will be given all the information you need before you come with regards to registration, setting up a bank account if you don’t have one for example. Getting prepped for the induction – just turn up and we will let you know what needs to be done.
What does my induction timetable look like?
Your induction timetable consists of different talks and activities that are designed to introduce you to the Institute for Transport Studies, explain more about your course and let you meet other students. You should prioritise attendance at all induction activities so that you can meet one another, meet the staff and create a sense of belonging and community within ITS. You can find the rooms that the sessions are in on your University timetable.
How will I meet my academic personal tutor? How will academic personal tutoring work?
Personal tutors will be allocated within the first couple of weeks of term. Once you have had a personal tutor allocated to you they will contact you to make an appointment. You will meet with your personal tutor at least 3 times over the academic year, semester 1, semester 2 and before dissertation submission but you can request additional meetings if you require support.
Where do I turn if I need extra academic support?
You have access to a range of tutors who are there to support you; your personal tutor can help with any questions or your module leader and programme leader can talk you through aspects of your module that you don’t understand
We also have an online platform supplied by the Royal Literary Fund (RLF) to run sessions with students. RLF Writing Fellows are professional writers who offer individual appointments where students can discuss all aspects of their writing, such as structuring an argument, making the essay clearer and improving style. The sessions are free, confidential and independent of the university.
How will I find out more about my programme?
During induction week you will meet your programme leader who will tell you all about the programme you are on, how it works, how it fits together and the modules assigned to it. You will also meet the other students on that programme, we plan to run these sessions face to face so you get chance to meet your tutors and the other students on your course.
How will I get to know other students?
Check out all of your School and Faculty run welcome week socials and activities including a scavenger hunt, a wellbeing session and much more!
You can also join the Institute for Transport Studies Taught Postgraduate Buddy programme, which is open for applications (links below) and has been designed to help you make connections with other students in your year group, based on your preferences including hobbies and interests. You can choose to be matched one to one or in a small group.
Find a buddy in Transport Studies!
The deadline is Friday 7th October so that we can match you quickly, in your first few weeks. Look out for an invitation to the Meet Your Peers Socials in October, which will be an opportunity to meet your buddy, other students and join the programme!
If you have any questions, please email the Faculty Student Experience Officer at foe-studentexperience@leeds.ac.uk.
University Buddy Scheme
The University Buddy Scheme offers friendship and peer support to help you feel at home and part of our community, as well as enjoying getting involved in student life. The scheme is open to all students and you can apply at any point during your student journey. You'll be matched with a new or returning student from anywhere in the University at the same study level as you and with someone who has similar interests.
Faculty of Environment student-run Instagram
Join the Faculty of Environment Student-run Instagram
Workshops and socialising
You will also find opportunities to attend sessions such as employability workshops, as well as informal social get-togethers where you can meet other students in the network. Previous socials have included trips to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, social darts at Flight Club, Junkyard Golf and Ten Pin.
Eligible students will be contacted with more details, or you can submit your details via the Mature Student Network registration form (Microsoft Form).
Are there any specialist software or systems that I need for my programme and where do I find out information about it?
The majority of our teaching will be through Minerva. Certain modules use specific software and you will be taught how to use this software in those modules.
Leeds University students also have access to LinkedIn Learning: Recommended content for students.
Where can I access resources for my degree?
There is a large amount of useful information on the School’s Minerva Organisation.
Do I need to provide my core reading texts?
A list of the core reading texts for each module is on the module catalogue. You can check if your core reading texts are available in the library using the online search function.
What facilities are available for my course, and how can I take advantage of them?
Read the Institute for Transport Studies list of facilities for more information.
There are also lots of University-wide facilities available, including study spaces, computer clusters and the libraries. See campus facilities for more information.
I’m a returning student
How will my learning experience be different to last year?
It is intended that all teaching will be in person on campus.
What do I need to do before I arrive?
For international students, there is a detailed ‘preparing for Leeds’ section.
For home students, there isn’t anything you need to prepare specifically for arriving at ITS. You will be given all the information you need before you come with regards to registration, and setting up a bank account if you don’t have one, for example. Getting prepped for the induction – just turn up and we will let you know what needs to be done.
Where can I access resources for my degree?
There is a large amount of useful information on the School’s Minerva Organisation.
How will I get to know other students?
Check out all of your School and Faculty run welcome week socials and activities including a scavenger hunt, a wellbeing session and much more!
You can also join the Institute for Transport Studies Taught Postgraduate Buddy programme, which is open for applications (links below) and has been designed to help you make connections with other students in your year group, based on your preferences including hobbies and interests. You can choose to be matched one to one or in a small group.
To apply, read the participant agreement and then complete the Taught Postgraduate Buddy Programme application form. There is no application deadline, however we encourage you to apply by Friday 7th October so that we can match you quickly, in your first few weeks.
Look out for an invitation to the Meet Your Peers Socials in October, which will be an opportunity to meet your buddy, other students and join the programme!
If you have any questions, please email the Faculty Student Experience Officer at foe-studentexperience@leeds.ac.uk.
The University Buddy Scheme offers friendship and peer support to help you feel at home and part of our community, as well as enjoying getting involved in student life. The scheme is open to all students and you can apply at any point during your student journey. You'll be matched with a new or returning student from anywhere in the University at the same study level as you and with someone who has similar interests.
Join the Faculty of Environment Student-run Instagram