BSc (Hons) Motorsport Engineering

START DATE

Enrol at any time & choose your
own start date. No term times
or semesters.

DURATION

Online Part-time
Approx 3 years
flexible learning

ASSESSMENT

No exams — Tutor assessment
and Moderation by
De Montfort University

AFFORDABLE

Low fees, and monthly payments for all self paying students (student loans available for UK students)

About the Course

Study flexibly online with NMA for a BSc (Hons) Motorsport Engineering and open the door to an exciting career in motorsport. Study around work and family and choose your own start date. This course will teach you the specialist skills required by this competitive global industry.

Not only will you be highly competent using the latest industry software included with your course, you will also have extensive practical motorsport engineering experience, with opportunities to join the NMA Race Team for race weekends.

At the end of your Bachelor’s degree, you will be a fully qualified motorsport engineer with the highly sought-after skills, experience and specialist knowledge demanded by today’s top teams and employers. There is a worldwide shortage of qualified motorsport engineers; enrol today to secure your future career in motorsport.

The BSc (Hons) Motorsport Engineering is awarded by our academic partner De Montfort University Leicester (DMU).

View our BSc (Hons) Course Guide now!

What will you study?

You will study eleven modules for the BSc (Hons) Motorsport Engineering

Mathematics for Motorsport

30 Credits
It is an essential skill for Motorsport Engineers to be able to calculate, transpose and develop mathematical formulae to enable them to problem solve, fault find and analyse race vehicle data. This module enables you to develop your mathematical skills from basic transposition of formula to complex calculus for the engine, chassis and complete vehicle development.
BSc Module 1

Race Car Design & Preparation

30 Credits
Current race vehicle design, manufacture and preparation follow a complex homologation process. The decision of final race vehicle concept and product are determined by race rules and regulations alongside choice of appropriate components and vehicle behaviour. This module has been developed to encompass all aspects of the design process and the preparation of the vehicle prior to track use.
BSc Module 2

R & D Simulation & Analysis

30 Credits
Simulation software has become an important part of the engineer’s “toolbox”. Computational Fluid Dynamics, Finite Element Analysis and Vehicle Dynamic modelling are used by the industry to cut research and development time and cost. During this module, you will learn the skills to utilise several industry-standard CAD and simulation packages to enable you to produce, analyse and validate appropriate models and components essential in future modules.
BSc Module 3

Fundamentals of Motorsport Technology

30 Credits
The aim of this module is to investigate a number of major scientific and engineering principles that underpin the skill sets required to succeed in the Motorsport engineering industry. The module will provide you with an overview of engineering science, physics and electrical fundamentals. You will also be introduced to engineering design material selection and failure principles through CAD design.

BSc Module 4

Fluid Mechanics & Thermodynamics

30 Credits
Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics encompass the majority of engineering physics. This module allows you to develop the knowledge to apply standard formulae and principles in relation to heat transfer, over body flow dynamics and internal fluid flow both in a static and dynamic context. These will be essential for future aerodynamic and engine design modules.

BSc Module 5

Engine Design, Development & Simulation

30 Credits
1D and 3D engine simulation and modelling provides research and development engineers with a platform help to design and develop high performance engines from initial mathematical concepts to fully-validated virtual models. This module teaches you the mathematics and theoretical knowledge utilised to design race engines. You will then use this knowledge to develop, simulate and analyse engine performance characteristics.
BSc-Module-6

Vehicle Dynamics & Data Acquisition

30 Credits
This module teaches the fundamentals of longitudinal and lateral vehicle dynamics, suspension systems, tyre modelling and race car set-up, enabling you to determine vehicle interaction with circuit and driver. You will be taught industry-standard data logging techniques and software, as utilised by race engineers, allowing you to directly correlate vehicle physics with measured vehicle handling behaviour.
BSc Module 7

Work Experience & Research Project

30 Credits
You are expected to complete a minimum of 40 hours of work experience during your programme of study. As part of this remit, you will produce a research study within the industry that includes project management, health and safety within the workplace and the development of a personal development portfolio.
BSc Module 8

Advanced Engine Development

30 Credits
Physical engine testing and development is imperative to ensure you maintain the winning edge. Race teams spend large budgets and staff resources to find small percentage gains over the competition. To ensure successful validation of simulated models, engine test facilities are utilised creating a plethora of data from flow bench tests to dynamometer combustion analysis. This module allows you to develop higher level analytical skills required to be competent within the industry. You will have access to large data files allowing you to analyse test results and determine correct development paths.
BSc Top-Up Module 1a

Aerodynamics

30 Credits
A race vehicle’s handling and stability can be greatly improved by the addition of aerodynamic devices. This module develops your mathematical and analytical skills to enable you to design and develop aero packages for specific race vehicles. You will have the opportunity to design, test and analyse, through computational fluid dynamics, appropriate devices ensuring that you can solve complex industry problems.
BSc Top-Up Module 1b

Hybrid & Electric Vehicles

30 Credits
The future of motorsport is with hybrid and electric vehicles and the harnessing/regeneration of electric power. This module begins with the fundamentals of hybrid and electric vehicle architecture and regeneration techniques and as you progress through the module you will be able to develop hybrid models through simulation and then analyse the results enabling you to determine appropriate component choices.
BSc Module 10

Final Motorsport Project

60 Credits (Double Credits)
As a final module to your programme, you have the chance to show your knowledge and skills through a final year project. This project allows you to choose the content and development path to fully explore a research area that will enhance your future job prospects in your chosen career. The project must include research skills, simulation and software skills gained through the programme so that you fully showcase your analytical skills at Level 6.
BSc Module 11
Module 1

Mathematics for Motorsport

30 Credits
It is an essential skill for Motorsport Engineers to be able to calculate, transpose and develop mathematical formulae to enable them to problem solve, fault find and analyse race vehicle data. This module enables you to develop your mathematical skills from basic transposition of formula to complex calculus for the engine, chassis and complete vehicle development.
BSc Module 1
Module 2

Race Car Design & Preparation

30 Credits
Current race vehicle design, manufacture and preparation follow a complex homologation process. The decision of final race vehicle concept and product are determined by race rules and regulations alongside choice of appropriate components and vehicle behaviour. This module has been developed to encompass all aspects of the design process and the preparation of the vehicle prior to track use.
BSc Module 2
Module 3

R & D Simulation & Analysis

30 Credits
Simulation software has become an important part of the engineer’s “toolbox”. Computational Fluid Dynamics, Finite Element Analysis and Vehicle Dynamic modelling are used by the industry to cut research and development time and cost. During this module, you will learn the skills to utilise several industry-standard CAD and simulation packages to enable you to produce, analyse and validate appropriate models and components essential in future modules.
BSc Module 3
Module 4

Fundamentals of Motorsport Technology

30 Credits
The aim of this module is to investigate a number of major scientific and engineering principles that underpin the skill sets required to succeed in the Motorsport engineering industry. The module will provide you with an overview of engineering science, physics and electrical fundamentals. You will also be introduced to engineering design material selection and failure principles through CAD design.

BSc Module 4
Module 5

Fluid Mechanics & Thermodynamics

30 Credits
Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics encompass the majority of engineering physics. This module allows you to develop the knowledge to apply standard formulae and principles in relation to heat transfer, over body flow dynamics and internal fluid flow both in a static and dynamic context. These will be essential for future aerodynamic and engine design modules.

BSc Module 5
Module 6

Engine Design, Development & Simulation

30 Credits
1D and 3D engine simulation and modelling provides research and development engineers with a platform help to design and develop high performance engines from initial mathematical concepts to fully-validated virtual models. This module teaches you the mathematics and theoretical knowledge utilised to design race engines. You will then use this knowledge to develop, simulate and analyse engine performance characteristics.
BSc-Module-6
Module 7

Vehicle Dynamics & Data Acquisition

30 Credits
This module teaches the fundamentals of longitudinal and lateral vehicle dynamics, suspension systems, tyre modelling and race car set-up, enabling you to determine vehicle interaction with circuit and driver. You will be taught industry-standard data logging techniques and software, as utilised by race engineers, allowing you to directly correlate vehicle physics with measured vehicle handling behaviour.
BSc Module 7
Module 8

Work Experience & Research Project

30 Credits
You are expected to complete a minimum of 40 hours of work experience during your programme of study. As part of this remit, you will produce a research study within the industry that includes project management, health and safety within the workplace and the development of a personal development portfolio.
BSc Module 8
Module 9a (option 1)

Advanced Engine Development

30 Credits
Physical engine testing and development is imperative to ensure you maintain the winning edge. Race teams spend large budgets and staff resources to find small percentage gains over the competition. To ensure successful validation of simulated models, engine test facilities are utilised creating a plethora of data from flow bench tests to dynamometer combustion analysis. This module allows you to develop higher level analytical skills required to be competent within the industry. You will have access to large data files allowing you to analyse test results and determine correct development paths.
BSc Top-Up Module 1a
Module 9b (option 2)

Aerodynamics

30 Credits
A race vehicle’s handling and stability can be greatly improved by the addition of aerodynamic devices. This module develops your mathematical and analytical skills to enable you to design and develop aero packages for specific race vehicles. You will have the opportunity to design, test and analyse, through computational fluid dynamics, appropriate devices ensuring that you can solve complex industry problems.
BSc Top-Up Module 1b
Module 10

Hybrid & Electric Vehicles

30 Credits
The future of motorsport is with hybrid and electric vehicles and the harnessing/regeneration of electric power. This module begins with the fundamentals of hybrid and electric vehicle architecture and regeneration techniques and as you progress through the module you will be able to develop hybrid models through simulation and then analyse the results enabling you to determine appropriate component choices.
BSc Module 10
Module 11

Final Motorsport Project

60 Credits (Double Credits)
As a final module to your programme, you have the chance to show your knowledge and skills through a final year project. This project allows you to choose the content and development path to fully explore a research area that will enhance your future job prospects in your chosen career. The project must include research skills, simulation and software skills gained through the programme so that you fully showcase your analytical skills at Level 6.
BSc Module 11

Entry Requirements

GCSE Maths grade C or above (or equivalent) or industry experience is required, plus ONE of the following:

Qualifications

Level 3 Diploma (or extended Diploma) apprenticeship or equivalent in ONE of the following:

    • Motorsport Engineering or Technology
    • Automotive Maintenance or equivalent
    • Automotive Engineering or equivalent
    • Another Engineering Discipline

OR

A level in Maths and/or Physics (Minimum equivalent to 100 UCAS points)

Plus: A CV showing evidence of automotive or motorsport practical engineering experience or some involvement with motorsport e.g. as a team volunteer etc. If you do not have this practical experience you may be asked to volunteer for a team as a condition of your place on the course.

Working in Motorsport Without a Degree?

We welcome applications from mature students aged 21+ without qualifications but with practical motorsport or automotive engineering experience.

  • Apply by using our online application form, showing current evidence of relevant practical experience of automotive and/or motorsport engineering plus a good standard of Maths

International Students

  • NMA recognises equivalent international qualifications and these will be considered on an individual basis
  • Applications are welcome from all International Students with a good standard of English
  • If English is not your first language an IELTS certificate with a score of 6.5 (minimum) or equivalent qualification is required. However, all applications are considered on an individual basis as we are aware that for many international students their school or college curriculum has been taught in English.

If you would like to discuss your equivalent qualifications or experience please Contact Us or Request a Call Back later.