Why Industry Software Skills Matter
Motorsport engineering has changed.
It’s no longer just about understanding how a car works. It’s about being able to design, simulate and improve it using advanced software.
From Formula 1 to endurance racing, decisions are driven by data, modelling and virtual testing long before a car reaches the track.
That means one thing for aspiring engineers, knowing the theory isn’t enough.
You need to know the tools.
At the National Motorsport Academy, students develop these skills from the ground up. Whether you’re starting with basic knowledge or building on existing experience, you’ll learn how to use industry-standard software step by step, applying it to real motorsport scenarios throughout your degree.
Even better, access to this software is included as part of your course – representing a saving of thousands of pounds each year while giving you experience that employers actively look for.
“Understanding engineering theory is essential, but being able to apply it using industry-standard software is what really prepares students for a career in motorsport. That’s why we place such a strong emphasis on developing practical software skills throughout our programmes.”
Dr. Kieran Reeves – NMA’s Director of Motorsport
Here are some of the key software tools you’ll use as an NMA student:
Autodesk AutoCAD & Inventor
Every idea starts as a design
What is it?
Autodesk AutoCAD and Inventor are industry-standard design tools used across engineering and manufacturing.
AutoCAD is used for precise 2D technical drawings, while Inventor allows engineers to create detailed 3D models, assemblies and simulations.
How will you use it?
At NMA, you’ll use AutoCAD and Inventor to design and develop components, moving from initial concepts through to fully realised digital models.
You’ll learn how to create technical drawings, build 3D assemblies and test how parts perform using simulation tools such as finite element analysis (FEA).
Why does it matter in motorsport?
In motorsport, every component is designed with performance, weight and reliability in mind.
Using CAD software allows engineers to refine designs quickly, reduce errors and test ideas before manufacturing. This speeds up development and ensures components perform as expected when they reach the track.
These tools are widely used across the global engineering industry, making them essential for any design-focused role.
What skill level do you need?
No prior CAD experience is required.
You’ll start with the fundamentals of design and modelling, then progressively build towards more advanced assemblies and simulation as your skills develop.
Cost vs value
Typical cost: Up to £4,000 per year depending on your plan
At NMA: Included
Find out more about AutoCAD by clicking the video above!
GT-Suite
Performance is engineered before it’s built
Modern race engines aren’t developed through trial and error. They’re built through simulation.
What is it?
GT-Suite is an advanced multi-physics simulation platform used to model complete vehicle systems, not just individual components.
It allows engineers to analyse how airflow, heat transfer, mechanical systems and hybrid technologies all interact within a single environment, giving a realistic picture of how a design will perform before it’s ever built.
How will you use it?
At NMA, you’ll use GT-Suite to model and simulate powertrain systems, exploring how different variables affect performance.
You’ll learn how to interpret results, test design changes and understand how complete systems behave under real operating conditions.
Why does it matter in motorsport?
Modern motorsport relies heavily on simulation to reduce development time, lower costs and improve performance.
GT-Suite allows engineers to move from early concepts to detailed analysis quickly, making it a key tool in research, development and performance engineering across the industry.
What skill level do you need?
You don’t need prior experience.
You’ll start with the fundamentals of simulation and gradually build towards creating and refining your own models as your understanding develops.
Cost vs value
Typical cost: Prices vary, depending on your plan, but it’s often thousands of pounds per year
At NMA: Included
ChassisSim
Small setup changes make big performance differences
What is it?
ChassisSim is a professional vehicle dynamics simulation tool used to model how a race car behaves on track.
It focuses on how key elements such as suspension geometry, tyre characteristics, aerodynamics and weight distribution interact to influence handling and performance.
Rather than testing changes physically, engineers can simulate different setups and predict how the car will respond in various conditions.
How will you use it?
At NMA, you’ll use ChassisSim to explore how setup changes affect vehicle behaviour and performance.
This includes analysing factors such as grip, balance, cornering performance and overall lap time, helping you understand how engineering decisions translate into real-world results.
You’ll move from understanding core vehicle dynamics principles to applying them through simulation, building confidence in making data-informed setup decisions.
Why does it matter in motorsport?
In motorsport, performance gains often come from small adjustments. A change in suspension setup or tyre behaviour can be the difference between winning and losing.
ChassisSim allows engineers to test these changes virtually before applying them on track, making development faster, more efficient and more precise.
This type of simulation is widely used in categories ranging from touring cars to endurance racing, particularly in roles focused on race engineering and performance optimisation.
What skill level do you need?
No prior experience is required.
You’ll begin by learning how different vehicle parameters affect performance, then progress to using simulation to test and refine setups as your understanding develops.
Cost vs value
Typical cost: Premium licensing or per-use fees depending on access
At NMA: Included
StarCCM+
Aerodynamics can’t be seen, but it defines performance
What is it?
Star-CCM+ is a leading computational fluid dynamics (CFD) platform developed by Siemens, used to simulate how fluids and gases behave in real-world conditions.
In motorsport, this means modelling how air flows around a vehicle, allowing engineers to analyse aerodynamic performance, cooling systems and airflow interactions in a fully virtual environment.
It combines multiple types of physics, including fluid flow, heat transfer and aerodynamics, into a single simulation platform, giving engineers a complete picture of how a design performs.
How will you use it?
At NMA, you’ll use Star-CCM+ to explore and develop aerodynamic concepts.
You’ll analyse airflow over different parts of a vehicle, investigating how design changes influence downforce, drag and overall efficiency. As your skills develop, you’ll begin applying these principles to more complex simulations, building a deeper understanding of aerodynamic performance.
Why does it matter in motorsport?
Aerodynamics is one of the most critical areas of performance in modern motorsport.
Because real-world testing is expensive and limited, teams rely heavily on simulation tools like Star-CCM+ to develop and refine designs before they ever reach the track.
From Formula 1 to endurance racing, CFD is used to improve speed, stability and efficiency, making it an essential tool for engineers working in aerodynamic and performance-focused roles.
What skill level do you need?
No prior CFD experience is required.
You’ll start by learning the fundamentals of fluid dynamics and simulation, then progressively build your ability to analyse results and refine designs as your understanding grows.
Cost vs value
Typical cost: Prices vary, depending on your plan, but it’s often thousands of pounds per year
At NMA: Included as part of your course
A video explaining how STARCCM+ works | Credit: Siemens.com
MATLAB (MSc only)
Data is only useful if you know what to do with it
What is it?
MATLAB is a high-level programming and numerical computing platform developed by MathWorks, used for data analysis, modelling and simulation.
It allows engineers to process large datasets, build mathematical models and develop algorithms to solve complex engineering problems, all within a single environment.
How will you use it?
On the MSc Advanced Motorsport Engineering, you’ll use MATLAB to analyse motorsport data and model vehicle behaviour.
This could include working with telemetry, simulating performance scenarios and exploring how different variables influence results. You’ll learn how to turn raw data into clear, actionable insights that support engineering decisions.
Why does it matter in motorsport?
Modern motorsport generates huge amounts of data, from lap times and tyre performance to driver inputs and vehicle dynamics.
Engineers rely on tools like MATLAB to interpret this data quickly and accurately, helping teams optimise performance, refine setups and develop race strategies.
It’s widely used across the engineering industry, not just in motorsport, making it a highly transferable skill for a range of technical roles.
What skill level do you need?
No advanced programming experience is required.
You’ll start with the fundamentals and gradually build your ability to work with data, create models and apply analytical techniques to real engineering problems.
Cost vs value
Typical cost: Varies between £500–£2,000 per year depending on licences and toolboxes
At NMA: Included for MSc students
A video explaining the basics of MatLab – Credit: Matlab
Build the Skills the Industry Uses
Motorsport engineering is no longer just about theory – it’s about knowing how to apply it using the same tools used by professional teams.
At the National Motorsport Academy, you’ll develop hands-on experience with industry-standard software throughout your studies, building the skills employers expect from day one.
If you’d like to explore this in more detail, you can arrange a chat with a member of our tutor team. They’ll be happy to walk you through the software, how it’s used on the course, and how it links directly to real motorsport engineering roles.
Online BSc (Hons) Motorsport Engineering
course – Flexible Study.
Applications from non-NMA students and mature students welcome.
