Studying at the National Motorsport Academy: Brutal questions, honest answers…

You don’t have to put your life on hold to improve your motorsport career prospects. Whether you are a motorsport mechanic looking for the next promotion or a skilled automotive engineer looking to get a break in the industry, our professional motorsport qualifications have been designed to fit in around your job and family life.

Returning to education can be a bit daunting and we know that many of you will still have questions about our courses, tuition fees and how studying online differs to studying in a classroom. So, we’ve put together a small Q&A which may help you to get your career back on track!

Do people really go on to get a career in motorsport?

Yes! We currently have students working in 9 of the 10 Formula 1 teams, World Rally Championship and many other racing series’ as well as for some leading suppliers and manufacturers in the industry.

Is it a ‘proper’ degree?

Our degree programmes are taught by our motorsport experts and awarded by De Montfort University. This means you get the best teaching and learning experience, as well as a degree by a world-renowned University. You even get an NUS card and DMU student card, enabling you to access student discounts on a range of products, including Microsoft Office 365 and deals at lots of highstreet shops and restaurants.

How can you deliver a practical subject like motorsport engineering online?

Online learning systems have come on leaps and bounds over the last 5 years. Our world-leading Virtual Learning Studio allows you to access video tutorials and online resources which aren’t available on other motorsport courses at ‘physical’ universities. Each module has been designed by our motorsport tutors who have practical and professional experience in the field they teach. They know the skills and level you’ll be required to reach in the workplace.

You work through each module at your own pace, you can watch videos again and again and pause your progress to speak with a tutor directly at any stage in the process. How many other Universities offer ‘round the clock support to their students?

Becoming an NMA student also means you become part of the NMA Team. Racing in the GT Cup, Team NMA are the current GTO champions and all students get the opportunity to attend race weekends. Be warned, you’ll not be a spectator – you’ll be required to get involved in race set up, data acquisition and fast fixes, sometimes mid-race. Although our tutors are always on hand to give leadership, the success of the NMA Race Team is down to our student body and the hard graft they put in each year. You don’t get more hands-on practical experience than that!

I’m already working in motorsport. How can this course help me?

If you’re lucky enough to already be working with a team, motorsport manufacturer or supplier you may think there’s nothing we can’t teach you that you won’t learn on the job. The world of motorsport moves at a rapid rate, and whether you have been in your job six months or 16 years, there are always new skills to be learnt. Many of our students are experienced motorsport mechanics and decide to study for a motorsport degree to round out their experience in other areas. For instance, a data analyst wanting to understand more about aerodynamics, or a race mechanic looking to expand his knowledge on engine development and simulation. All of our courses are also available as individual CPD modules but we recommend most experienced motorsport mechanics study on our Top-Up degree which coverts previous qualifications or experience to a full BSc degree in as little as a year.

Completing a specific motorsport qualification also helps improve your career prospects. Almost all senior level positions require either a BSc or BEng to be considered, regardless of how many years’ experience you have.  Many employers will also fully support you gaining your qualification while you work so you can start applying for those top jobs right away.

Watch this interview with professional Racing Driver, Martin Plowman to find out why he decided to go back to school at the same time as driving in the British GT4 Championship.

I work full time. How will I fit it in?

Simple – our courses have been designed specifically for people with full time jobs, families and other commitments. We offer the only truly flexible motorsport qualifications where you don’t have to put your life on hold to improve your career prospects. Here are 3 ways NMA help you to keep earning while you learn.

1. Start at a time of year which suits you. We don’t run according the traditional academic calendar. Have more time on your hands in the winter months? Start then. You can choose your own start date to fit in around your lifestyle.
2. Learning online means that there are no formal lectures to attend and you can access all the resources and course materials from home, work, even at the track – Wi-Fi-access permitting of course. You can learn in the morning, evening or middle of the night.
3. When we say flexible learning, we mean it. All of our courses can be studied full or part-time, depending on how many hours you can fit in around your other commitments. Although some of students complete a full motorsport degree course in 3 years, you can take up to 7 years to finish the course if needed. Those studying the final year Top-Up course usually complete within 15-18 months but if you need more time, you have up to 3 years to finish all modules.

I’m not sure I can afford it

We try to make our courses as affordable as possible and offer 40% lower fees than any other University who offer similar courses. Student loans can be used to cover all your fees or you can choose to pay by instalments throughout the year.

Many employers are now committed to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) – you never know, yours may be able to help contribute towards the cost.

Still Have Questions?

We have compiled a list of FAQs covering even more questions. You can view it here on our website. Alternatively, our admissions team are a friendly bunch who are more than happy to talk you through the student loans process, course material or any other questions you may have. Just drop them an email!

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