The Trustees of the Fund are hoping to encourage more people to study for a transport related MSc – both those who are new to the transport sector and people who are currently employed in the sector who may wish to add to their professional skills or knowledge.

Up to 8 bursaries of £10,000 each are available and are aimed at students who would not be able to afford to study without the bursary.  

The Fund prioritises applicants with a strong commitment to developing a new career or further developing their existing career centred in the highways and transport sector in the UK.  Applications are welcome from students of any age and background, including applicants who are mid-career.  Bursaries are available for both full and part time studies and are intended to cover course fees.

People interested in studying for a transport related MSc should initially speak to one of the 12 universities who run transport related MSc programmes. They are listed on our website www.reesjeffreys.co.uk/bursaries.

The deadline for universities to apply for a Bursary on behalf of students is Friday 3rd July 2026.

Chair of Trustees Andy Graham said, “At Rees Jeffreys Road Fund we believe roads really matter to all of us, whether we’re making journeys as drivers, passengers, wheelers or walkers.  The professionalism, knowledge and expertise of those working in the highways sector is therefore vital to ensure that roads work well for everyone.”
 
“We are keen to continue the life work of our founder William Rees Jeffreys by supporting today’s highways professionals to have access to high quality professional education, by continuing to fund the Transport MSc Bursary scheme and look forward to hearing how this supports people to progress their careers.”

Find inspiration from a past MSc Bursary recipient; Seren Rayment was awarded a Rees Jeffreys Road Fund Bursary to study for an MSc in Transport and City Planning at University College London in 2024.

Seren refers to her MSc as,

One of the most rewarding and transformative decisions of my academic and professional journey.

Seren goes on to say,

Through a combination of theoretical modules and practical, consultancy-style group projects, I have gained a comprehensive understanding of Transport Planning and solidified my aspiration to build a career in this field.”

“For anyone considering a career in transport planning, I would highly recommend undertaking a specialised degree in the field. It is an exciting, interdisciplinary, and impactful area of work that offers both intellectual challenge and the chance to make a meaningful contribution to the future of our cities and societies.

About Rees Jeffreys Road Fund:

Rees Jeffreys Road Fund is a grant making charity, funded by a legacy from William Rees Jeffreys. The Fund’s objects are to foster improvements in the engineering, management, design and use of roads to deliver safer, more environmentally sensitive, more aesthetically pleasing and more enjoyable outcomes for all road users.  We do this principally by funding projects, research and events; and awarding bursaries to individuals pursuing relevant professional qualifications. 

About William Rees Jeffreys

The Fund was founded by William Rees Jeffreys (1872-1954), the first Secretary of the Road Board, which was the precursor of the Department of Transport. He was a lifelong campaigner and was known as ‘the British Ambassador for Good Roads’. 

Photo Credit: Rees Jeffreys Road Fund Bursary recipient Seren Rayment who was awarded a bursary to study for a MSc in Transport and City Planning at University College London in 2024. Photo Credit: Seren Rayment