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BEng (Hons) Motorsport Engineering

Drive your passion for innovation with our hands-on motorsport engineering degree. Gain the technical skills and practical knowledge to design high-performance vehicles and prepare for an exciting career in the global motorsport industry.

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92% satisfaction for academic support (NSS, 2024, based on the average of Q15-16)

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Brand new School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science building

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Opportunity to join the Formula Student and Formula Student AI Team

Course overview

A degree in motorsport engineering will equip you with the technical expertise and practical experience needed to design, develop, and optimise high-performance vehicles that compete at the cutting edge of global motorsport. You’ll learn from world-class academics and industry professionals, using industry-standard facilities and workshops to explore advanced topics such as vehicle dynamics, aerodynamics, and powertrain engineering. Alongside your studies, you have the opportunity to gain invaluable hands-on experience by working with other students to design, build, and compete with a Formula Student car, developing the teamwork, innovation, and problem-solving skills essential for success in this fast-paced international industry.

This course gives you the opportunity to take a placement year or study abroad for a semester or a full year. In your second year, you can explore options for a placement year or a study abroad experience, both of which take place between your second and third year of study.

Why choose this course?

Industry-standard facilities: On this motorsport degree you will access Spectra, our new home for the School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science, furbished with industry-standard equipment and simulation labs that provide real-world experiences, preparing you with hands-on engineering skills in a cutting-edge learning environment. You’ll have access to an automotive workshop which houses vehicles used for build labs, setup and vehicle dynamics labs, and the Formula Student team. You’ll also have access to engine test cells, an electric motor test bench, and a large closed-return wind tunnel.

Our industry connections will provide you with additional expertise and career-defining opportunities: Students and graduates have secured placement and employment opportunities at top companies such as Rolls-Royce, Multimatic, Mercedes High Performance Powertrains, Toyota, Safety Devices, Cummins and Williams Racing.

You will study at one of the largest engineering schools in the UK: Ranked 10th in the UK for production and manufacturing engineering (Daily Mail University Guide, 2025), the University of Hertfordshire has a strong and proven reputation in the field of engineering.

Conceive Design Implement Operate (CDIO) Framework: Herts students benefit from our membership in the CDIO initiative, an innovative educational framework supporting the next generation of engineers to ensure they are better equipped to enter and succeed in industry.

Strong employment prospects: Over 90% of undergraduates in work/further study (Graduate Outcomes, 2025)1.

Professional accreditations

The Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)

Our BEng (Hons) Motorsport Engineering degree meets the academic requirement to be IMechE accredited, an independent professional association representing the engineering profession.

Chartered Engineers (CEng)

Opportunities to register to CEng, an industry recognised title in the UK with many engineers and technicians achieving professional registration.

Your future career

Motorsport engineering graduates are well-prepared for fulfilling careers in STEM, with skills highly valued in the industry. Over 90% of undergraduates in work/further study (Graduate Outcomes, 2025)1. As one of the top UK motorsport schools, we have strong industry links, providing good placement and employment prospects. Almost every Formula 1 racing team has a University of Hertfordshire graduate in its design team.

Typical areas of work for motorsport graduates include:

  • motorsport engineer
  • automotive design engineer
  • powertrain engineer
  • vehicle dynamics engineer
  • test and development engineer
  • manufacturing engineer

We will get you ready to stand out in the graduate job market. This motorsport engineering degree is specifically designed to ensure you leave with the skills and knowledge to succeed in your career. You will benefit from CV-boosting opportunities and optional modules that further enhance your employability.

See what recent graduates are up to

SENDplan Business owner and Test and Development Engineer at Ballard Motive Solutions

The inspiration behind SENDplan

Kim's winning business, SENDplan, is a special education needs and disability support service, that helps parents with their children’s development outside of school by finding answers to their questions and offering structured support with information and resources.

The University’s Flare awards give budding students and alumni entrepreneurial support and training to bring their business ideas to life. Kim won the 2021 Flare award for social impact, which is designed to support a business that is ethical and socially impactful, with the aim of improving the world we live in.

Kim’s business inspiration grew from volunteering. She says, ‘Over the years I have worked with my mother whose long-term career has covered a variety of SEND educational opportunities and I got involved as a volunteer with playschemes and other activities. I felt inspired by the families I worked with and wanted to find a way that I could help. The pandemic taught me to make the most of every moment, and as the restrictions started to ease, I decided to go for the opportunity in setting up the idea for my business.’

Upskilling with Flare

Kim really enjoyed taking part in the Flare competition and said, ‘Completing my business model allowed me to really push myself and see the validity of my idea and how it could all come to fruition. The business advisors on hand were excellent and encouraging. The support sessions provided information that enabled me to upskill my business knowledge and offered insight into each competition stage. The opportunity to practice my pitch in advance really helped with my confidence in going into the pitching stage of the competition too.’

The day job - a sustainable engineer

Kim’s day job is an engineer with Ballard Motive Solutions. ‘I am a Test and Development Engineer, where my key duties so far have been to create test procedures and plan vehicle level testing. I am building on my knowledge of Hydrogen Fuel Cell technology as well as learning more about high voltage systems and new areas. Already I have supported testing a Hydrogen Fuel Cell RCV on track at HORIBA-MIRA, UK which was a fantastic way to get familiar with Hydrogen vehicles at the start of my career at Ballard Motive Solutions.

‘I have always been fascinated by the evolution of technology and the potential of alternative fuels. My first interaction with sustainable technology was when I attended the Formula E testing event for fans in August, 2016 at Donington Park Circuit. This was inspiring, and encouraged me to learn about vehicle networks, software and controls systems. Throughout my career I have enjoyed testing a variety of vehicle platforms, and when I saw the opportunity to utilize my existing knowledge and develop it for sustainable applications -  I had to apply. Working at Ballard Motive Solutions there are opportunities to work with the latest technology, contribute to the greater community and focus on professional development’

Supported to succeed

Kim had a great student experience at Herts, she says, ‘What I learnt as a student has provided the foundations for my career and I will always be grateful for the University’s support throughout my studies. It’s because of this support that I felt confident and comfortable enough to enter the Flare competition as a graduate and challenge myself to make SENDplan a reality.’

‘My favourite memory from my time at Herts is from my final year of study during the Shell Eco-marathon projects where I was able to push myself as an engineer. This is where I started to believe in my ability and see results from my work, and my friends taught me to embrace the notion that anyone can achieve anything they want to if they work hard and believe.’

‘I enjoyed many aspects of my studies, I developed skills in mechanical engineering all throughout and have fond memories of studying engineering mathematics with Kuldeep Singh as my Lecturer. Studying Automotive Engineering at Herts provided me with the freedom to research into areas that I was interested in, whilst also developing the skill set to adapt to a variety of upcoming and existing technologies. Since I have graduated I have continued this approach by acting on ideas and seeking out opportunities to learn.’

Extended route into higher education

Kim entered Herts through an extended engineering degree with a foundation year. She says, ‘The foundation year provided me with the fundamentals and in-depth engineering knowledge, as well as new friendship groups. It was during that year that I met one of the best mechanics/physics teachers in my entire life and found inspiration through his teaching. The class collectively upskilled quickly in a short space of time where we became close friends and were competitive with our results aiming for 100%. The course overall has led me to exactly where I dreamed of being and I would highly recommend the extended route. This programme is an ideal alternative route to higher education as it prepares you for progression to an engineering-related honours degree’.

Future aspirations

Kim’s aspiration for the future is to not only set up her business SENDplan as a fully functional support service to families, but to continue to apply herself as an engineer and pursue her career in the automotive industry.

Advice for other students and graduates

Kim’s advice for other women wanting to pursue a career in engineering, ‘I would highly recommend joining the Women's Engineering Society (WES). WES is a fantastic charity that supports women engineers throughout their career and provides the opportunity to form friendships and contacts, through their events and networking. I would recommend applying for all the opportunities that you see that spark your interest, and to gain as much experience as possible during your studies.’

Vehicles Dynamic Engineer at Ferrari

Meet Lee Stretch who has achieved great success in motorsport engineering since graduating in 2011. He currently works as a Vehicles Dynamic Engineer for Ferrari's Formula One team.

Facilities and experience

Lee made his decision to study at the University of Hertfordshire when he attended an open day, which included a visit to the Formula Student automotive workshop. 'The students had designed and built a single seat racing car which they raced against other universities. It blew me away!' His love of Formula Student became the catalyst for where he is today.

Lee felt the course itself was well rounded, covering all aspects of engineering, with a focus on design, which he enjoyed. Crucial moments of Lee's studies, from submitting his final year project, to designing a racing car in parallel with his full-time sandwich year job, taught him what is possible with determination, and a deadline.

This culminated in second place at Formula Student Germany - the best result ever for a UK team. 'Without these experiences, perhaps I wouldn't have had the guts to move to Italy.' He says, 'I've applied so many of the topics I studied at Herts to my career at Formula One. I regularly find myself reaching for my student notes from five years ago!'

Exciting career

After graduating, Lee worked with Mercedes GP as a Performance Simulation Engineer where he worked with some of the most sophisticated lap simulation tools in the industry. 'It was a very hard three years at Mercedes but equally rewarding, with the 2014 World Championship being the icing on the cake.'

Lee's passion and commitment was recognised by the only other team that he would have considered moving to - Ferrari. Lee moved to Italy and spent time learning Italian. After only six months in the role, he had contributed to the next year's cooling system, and developed the team's lap simulation tools.

Despite working in a relatively specialised group of vehicle performance, Lee's role demanded sound mechanical understanding, thermodynamics, practical design considerations and even pure mathematics in simulation. 'Communication is paramount, so all the report writing, presentation and team working skills necessary in the final two years of my degree have proved hugely beneficial.'

Since then, Lee has decided he wants to explore something new. He says, ‘Haas F1 offered me an opportunity to lead an Advanced Simulation team, harnessing my experience to expand the capabilities of their Vehicle Science Group. I'm now creating specialised tools for studying car performance and being fully prepared for the new 2026 regulations.’

What you'll study

Motorsport is not just exciting, it provides a proving ground for young engineers to innovate at the highest level. The competitiveness of the sport drives engineers to conceive creative ideas and take advantage of recent developments in technology. The motorsport engineering degree will give you the combination of skills necessary to strive in this fast-paced, highly competitive industry.

In your first year, you will gain a strong foundation in the fundamental principles of engineering and motorsport. You will study core modules in mathematics and modelling, statics, thermofluids, and engineering fundamentals, while being introduced to computer-aided design (CAD) and dynamics and systems modelling. You will also explore the fundamentals of automotive and motorsport engineering, learning how vehicles are designed, built, and tested. Through Applied Design (CDIO) and Electrical and Electronics (CDIO) projects, you will begin developing practical design, teamwork, and problem-solving skills essential for modern motorsport engineers.

In your second year, you will build on your technical foundation and begin applying engineering science to real-world motorsport challenges. You will develop your understanding of materials, aerodynamics, thermodynamics, and computer-aided engineering, while learning programming and control systems relevant to vehicle performance and automation. Through group and individual projects—including Motorsport Design (CDIO) and Electronics and Control Systems (CDIO)—you will gain valuable experience in the design, testing, and optimisation of vehicle systems.

In your third year, you will focus on advanced and specialised aspects of motorsport engineering, including race car vehicle dynamics, motorsport powertrain, and motorsport engineering. You will apply your accumulated knowledge and skills to an individual project, which may involve experimental testing, simulation, or design of a motorsport system.

You can also tailor your studies through optional modules that allow you to deepen your expertise in areas such as advanced motorsport design, business of motorsport, motorsport structures, or advanced materials and manufacturing. Throughout this year, emphasis is placed on professional practice, teamwork, and communication, preparing you for careers in motorsport, automotive design, performance engineering, or related fields

What if I need support?

You’ll have a personal tutor to guide you throughout your course, all the way to graduation. If you need additional support during your time with us, rest assured that we’ve got you covered. For help with study skills, including referencing, essay writing and presentations, you’ll have access to our academic support services. You can attend workshops, 1-to-1 sessions and online tutorials. Both our LRCs run drop-in study skills sessions. And the best thing is, it’s all free.

Optional placement year

You’ll have the opportunity to develop key professional and teamwork skills through CDIO modules, helping you build the confidence, communication, and problem-solving abilities valued by employers and essential for successful work placements.

Graduate with invaluable work experience alongside your degree and stand out from the crowd. This course offers you the opportunity to enhance your study and CV with a year in industry, typically between your second and third years of study. It’s a chance to explore career possibilities, make valuable contacts and gain sought after professional skills.

Research shows that over 70% of employers prefer students with work experience, which is why we believe work placements are career gold. Our Careers and Employment Team is here to support you as you explore your options and make valuable contacts for your future career. Students have previously undertaken placements in organisations such as:

  • Multimatic
  • Rolls-Royce
  • Mercedes High Performance Powertrains
  • Toyota
  • Safety Devices
  • Cummins
  • Williams Racing

You’ll pay no tuition fee for this year and won’t need to worry about the details of your placement until your second year of study.

Study Abroad offers the opportunity for an amazing experience, which will help make you stand out from the crowd. With more and more companies working internationally, experience of living in another country can make a great impression on future employers.

This automotive engineering course offers you the opportunity to enhance your study and CV with a sandwich year abroad. The University has partnerships with over 150 universities around the world, including the USA, Canada, Asia, Africa, Australia, South America and closer to home in Europe.

If you study abroad between your second and third year of study, you’ll pay no tuition fee to the partner university and no tuition fee to us either. We’ll ask you to make your decision in your second year, so there is plenty of time to think about it.

You’ll have the opportunity to develop key professional and teamwork skills through CDIO modules, helping you build the confidence, communication, and problem-solving abilities valued by employers and essential for successful work placements.

Graduate with invaluable work experience alongside your degree and stand out from the crowd. This course offers you the opportunity to enhance your study and CV with a year in industry, typically between your second and third years of study. It’s a chance to explore career possibilities, make valuable contacts and gain sought after professional skills.

Research shows that over 70% of employers prefer students with work experience, which is why we believe work placements are career gold. Our Careers and Employment Team is here to support you as you explore your options and make valuable contacts for your future career. Students have previously undertaken placements in organisations such as:

  • Multimatic
  • Rolls-Royce
  • Mercedes High Performance Powertrains
  • Toyota
  • Safety Devices
  • Cummins
  • Williams Racing

You’ll pay no tuition fee for this year and won’t need to worry about the details of your placement until your second year of study.

Find out more about work placements

Study Abroad offers the opportunity for an amazing experience, which will help make you stand out from the crowd. With more and more companies working internationally, experience of living in another country can make a great impression on future employers.

This automotive engineering course offers you the opportunity to enhance your study and CV with a sandwich year abroad. The University has partnerships with over 150 universities around the world, including the USA, Canada, Asia, Africa, Australia, South America and closer to home in Europe.

If you study abroad between your second and third year of study, you’ll pay no tuition fee to the partner university and no tuition fee to us either. We’ll ask you to make your decision in your second year, so there is plenty of time to think about it.

Find out more about study abroad options

Where you'll study

Your main campus is College Lane, this is where the creative arts, science and health-related subjects are based. This means you’ll share the campus with future nurses, doctors, scientists, artists and more. You can use the common rooms to relax with friends, work out in the 24-hour gym or have a drink in our on-campus cafes. We also have restaurants for you to eat in or grab something on the go. Our Learning Resources Centres are open 24/7, which means you can study whenever suits you best. Want to pop over to the other campus?  You can take the free shuttle bus or walk there in just 15 minutes.

Learn in our new state-of-the-art building called Spectra, where you’ll experience a range of experiential learning zones. You will have access to modelling, simulation and research labs, our Racing Simulator and automotive workshop (complete with electric vehicle facility), wind tunnels, welding bay and controls testing suite. Specialist facilities include Q-Cars (QCar – Quanser systems), as well as engine test cells, and an electric motor test bench for hands-on experimentation and performance analysis.

Spectra also provides space to collaborate, with plenty of workshops, social and meeting spaces available. Even better, the building has been designed with the University’s net zero carbon target in mind, and forms part of our plan to replace or upgrade older sites that are energy inefficient.

Who you'll learn from

The School has a reputation for innovation in teaching and learning with most modules delivered through a combination of traditional face to face teaching and distance learning through the university's StudyNet web based facility. StudyNet allows students to access electronic learning resources, electronic discussion with staff and other students, and, for some modules, submit coursework 24/7 from anywhere in the world! With a heavy emphasis on Computer Aided Engineering, the school has a policy of using industrial standard software wherever possible. The school also operate an open access laboratory policy of when possible students doing experiments in their own time.

You will be taught by our team of highly qualified academics, experienced in the field of motorsport engineering. Additionally, you will have access to an academic support team, a well-being team, and a personal tutor who will help you navigate university learning and living. Working together, your teaching and support team is committed to assisting you in realising and achieving your full potential.

How we support our students

At the University of Hertfordshire, we want to make sure your time studying with us is as stress-free and rewarding as possible.

We offer a range of support services, from childcare to counselling, ensuring that you make the most of your time at Herts and can focus on studying, having fun, and have the support you need.

Entry requirements

The University of Hertfordshire is committed to welcoming students with a wide range of qualifications and levels of experience. The entry requirements listed on the course pages provide a guide to the minimum level of qualifications needed to study each course. However, we have a flexible approach to admissions and each application will be considered on an individual basis.

Ready to apply?

UK and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK
Start date Study typeApply
September 2026 Full time Apply via UCAS
Full time with placement year Apply via UCAS
Full time with study abroad year Apply via UCAS
September 2027Full timeApply via UCAS
Full time with placement yearApply via UCAS
Full time with study abroad yearApply via UCAS

International and EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Apply through our international/EU application portal

Fees and funding

At Herts, we’re dedicated to providing world-class teaching supported by industry-level facilities and incredible social spaces. We believe cost shouldn’t be a barrier to higher education, and we strive to keep both our standard and additional costs as low as possible.

Study typeFees
UK studentsFull time£9,790 for the 2026/2027 academic year
EU studentsFull time£17,450 for the 2026/2027 academic year
International studentsFull time£17,450 for the 2026/2027 academic year

Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University’s Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed “When tuition fees change”), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.

Scholarships, grants  and bursaries

Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for a non-repayable scholarship, grant or bursary to support your studies.

Disabled Students' Allowance

The Disabled Students’ Allowance can cover any study-related costs you have because of a mental health problem, long term illness or any other disability.

Student loans

Find out about securing a student loan, from how much you could be eligible for to when you need to start making repayments.

Accommodation costs

We offer a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

Additional course fees

Read more about additional fees in the Programme Specification.

More about the course

Programme specifications
PEAU - BEng (Hons) Motorsport Engineering with Placement Year - Full Time Sem A Download PDF
PEAU - BEng (Hons) Motorsport Engineering - Full Time, Sem A Download PDF
PEAU - BEng (Hons) Motorsport Engineering with Study Abroad - Full Time, Sem A Download PDF
PEAU - BEng (Hons) Motorsport Engineering with a Year Abroad - Full Time Sem A Download PDF
Additional information

Applications open to international and EU students

Yes

Course length

Full Time, 3 YearsSandwich, 4 Years

Not ready to apply?