Are you interested in transportation and infrastructure? Do you have an understanding of transport’s impact upon business? Do you want to pursue a career within the British transport system? If this is the case, then studying a course in transportation could be the perfect solution.

However, as well as passion for the subject matter, it is also important for students to have strong analytical skills. As part of the course, students will be expected to use various sources of information and independent research to submit reports which will be graded as part of the assessment criteria.

Some courses may expect applicants to gain related work experience before graduating. If this is the case, students will need to be self-motivated and time efficient.

There are a number of opportunities available to those who have studied for a qualification in transportation. Many graduates end up working in local and/or national government departments as transport researchers, or as a transport planner. With an average salary of £22,000 - £24,000 per year for a newly qualified graduate, this can be a particularly lucrative career field. Those with many years of experience also have the option to work freelance, or take on consultancy work in their future careers.

Private firms also look to hire graduates with transportation experience to assist with the distribution of goods and services from one destination to the next, ensuring that they reach the right destinations at the right time.

Similarly, those who also take specialised modules in sustainability and transport may be in demand by not-for-profit organisations, such as environmental charities, or even by businesses seeking advice on how to reduce their carbon footprints.

The majority of courses available to study are at postgraduate level. In order to pursue this line of study, applicants should have a minimum of a 2:1 degree as well as relevant work experience in a similar field. Your course will last a minimum of a year, but if you wish to study on a part-time basis, some universities will allow students to pursue this option.; however, it may cost more in the long run.

There are also some undergraduate programmes which lead to students achieving an honours degree. Such courses will last at least 3 years, although some courses will be extended by a year to allow graduates the opportunity to gain experience within a working environment. Those wishing to apply for positions on these particular courses should have a minimum of 3 A-levels in related subjects. There is nothing stopping non-native speakers of English from applying to study on a Retail and Distribution course. However, it is worth noting that Universities will require potential applicants to study for an IELTS test and score a minimum of 6.0.

Irrespective of which course you decide to study, the location of the university itself should also be taken into consideration. You will be studying for up to three years, so you should choose a location that suits your personality. Are you a social butterfly, or do you prefer to socialise in smaller groups? Some students prefer to study in big cities with a more out-going social scene whereas others prefer smaller establishments so you should really consider what you’re looking for socially. Discovering new cultures and meeting new people is a huge part of student life and it is vital that you make the most of your time as a student; after all it won’t last forever!

You should always look at the entry requirements and your own finances before submitting an application to your university of choice. Do you have the right grades and experiences to enter, and are you able to afford the fees? If you’re still struggling to secure funding there are a number of options available to you including scholarships and bursaries.

Compulsory modules are similar between courses, but the optional modules offered may differ depending upon the institution. Do you want to specialise in production? Or is retail of more interest to you? It is always worth investigating whether your university of choice offers you module choices that are specific to your interests and will benefit your career post-graduation.

It is important to ensure that you attend a University that is both prestigious and has strong links within the industry you are interested in. Many top firms cultivate relationships with certain academic establishments from which they will recruit the majority of their entry level staff.