Course Overview
This full-time, one-year course provides a specialist practical pathway into motorsport engineering. If you have a strong interest in motorsport and/or performance vehicles, this bespoke course allows you to combine theory and applied practical learning in an immersive workshop environment, to take your skills to the next level. While on this vocational Level 3 course, you’ll also have the option to take an AS/A-Level in maths to enable you to progress onto university-level courses such as the Motorsport Foundation Degree that we offer at our specialist centre for motorsport engineering at Castle Combe. The course is timetabled over three days per week at our Chippenham campus, which features a dedicated motorsport workshop equipped with a variety of performance vehicles, ramps, a racing simulator and a range of industry-standard equipment. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit our specialist training centre at Castle Combe race circuit, where the College’s motorsport race team is based.
What will I learn?
While on this course, you’ll build your knowledge of motorsport vehicles through classroom and hands-on learning. This includes chassis systems, engines, transmission and electrical/electronic systems. You’ll also cover engineering subjects relating to tools, measuring equipment, materials and fabrication, and your practical learning will be complemented by a thorough understanding of the relevant applied maths and science.
You will also study health and safety and motorsport event regulations, giving you a broad picture of the industry.
Study, Assessment and Qualifications
You will be assessed via online, written and practical assignments throughout the year.
Your final qualification will be a Level 3 BTEC Diploma in Advance Manufacturing Engineering (Motorsport).
Entry Requirements
• Candidates are required to have successfully completed the Level 2 qualification in Motorsport Engineering and hold a grade 5 in Maths and English.
• Alternatively, applicants who are 17 and over can be considered for direct entry onto the programme provided they have achieved a Level 3 qualification, e.g. AS/A-Levels or other such Level 3 qualifications.
Additional Costs and Information
You will be required to wear a Wiltshire College & University Centre Motorsport polo shirt whilst at college. When engaged in workshop activities, you must also be wearing College motorsport overalls and safety footwear. You will be supplied with eye protection and work gloves, as required.
In January we will visit Autosport International at the NEC; this is an important part of your introduction to the motorsport industry, and you will be required to cover the cost of transport and entry to the event.
All clothing can be ordered and paid for in the College’s online shop, together with payment for the Autosport International visit.
Many of our students choose to live in our accommodation, which is available for everyone over 16 at our Lackham campus. Lackham is three miles from Chippenham; the College cannot provide transport, but there are regular public buses between Lackham and Chippenham.
What Could I Do Next?
After completing this course, you could progress onto a two-year Foundation Degree, followed by a one-year top-up, to achieve a BSc (Hons) Motorsport Engineering, taught at our specialist Castle Combe Centre for Motorsport Engineering. You could also enter the motorsport or automotive industry directly as a technician or junior engineer.
