Course Level
Level 3
Duration
1 year FT
Placement
Opportunities available
Entry
September
Fees
View fees
The motorsport industry generated a staggering €160 billion in global economic output in 2019, combining both direct and indirect activities
The UK’s motorsport and engineering services sector saw a turnover of £16 billion in 2023, employing around 50,000 people across roughly 4,500 companies
Turn your passion for speed into a career. This Motorsport Diploma puts you right in the action - whether it’s drift cars, saloon racing, bike racing single-seaters, or working on powerful sports car engines. Located in the heart of Motorsport Valley, we’re ideally placed in a region world-famous for racing innovation and opportunity.
Alongside classroom learning, you’ll get extensive hands-on training, covering engineering essentials. You’ll also dive deep into motorsport systems - engines, chassis, suspension, brakes, steering, electronics, diagnostics, oscillloscope and transmissions - all in professional-style workshops with race-spec cars, dynos and data-logging gear. From engine rebuilding and vehicle prep to fault-finding and trackside systems, you’ll gain the skills to work in real motorsport environments.
With assessments through practical tasks, written work, presentations and exams, you’ll build both technical knowledge and hands-on expertise. And with the UK motorsport industry worth over £9 billion and employing more than 40,000 people, the opportunities are huge -from race technician and engine builder to trackside support, higher education, and even careers at the pinnacle of motorsport like Formula 1.
Why choose this motorsport college course?
- GAIN INDUSTRY-READY SKILLS – Learn how to strip and rebuild engines, set up chassis and suspension, and diagnose faults across braking, steering, transmission and electrical systems
- BOOST YOUR EMPLOYABILITY – A Level 3 motorsport qualification is highly valued across the industry and can lead to roles in race teams, specialist workshops, and performance engineering, with opportunities to progress into areas such as data analysis, hybrid technology and F1 development
- TRAIN IN NEW FACILITIES – Gain practical experience in modern workshops equipped with up-to-date tools, diagnostic equipment, and specialist resources designed to match industry standards
- KICK-START YOUR CAREER - Join a £9 billion UK motorsport sector that employs over 40,000 people, with pathways into roles like race technician, engine builder or even Formula 1 engineering.
Our facilities
Students on our automotive courses will learn in brand new real-world training environments under development at University College Birmingham. Our brand new automotive workshop at our Camden House campus will offer state-of-the-art facilities specifically designed to develop skills that support employers. These will include:
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Electrical/electronic fault diagnosis
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Engine control systems and ECUs
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Data acquisition and wiring looms
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Engine strip-down and rebuild
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Fixed dynamometer testing
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Motorsport transmission and driveline systems
Course breakdown
Topics you will study:
- Health and Safety in the workshop and professional conduct
- Setting up motorsport vehicles
- Diagnosis and rectification of engine and ancillary components
- Diagnosis and rectification of transmission and driveline faults
- Diagnosis and rectification of chassis system faults
Optional modules:
- Diagnosis and rectification of electrical/electronic equipment faults
- Constructing, installing and testing cable forms and looms
- Installing, setting up and testing electrical/electronic engine/transmission control units
- Installing, setting up and testing visual display, computer and data acquisition systems
- Stripping and rebuilding engines for motorsport vehicles
- Testing engines for motorsport vehicles (fixed dynamometer)
- Dressing engines for motorsport vehicles
Students also have the opportunity to gain additional knowledge of:
- Electrically propelled vehicles
- Inspection, repair and replacement of tyres
- Assessing and securing the roadside situation
- Introduction to low-carbon technologies in the automotive industry
Please note: Units/topics of study are subject to change
You will also have an individual study programme to help you build the skills and experience you need to progress onto higher education or gain employment.
Essentials you will need (also for parents and carers)
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
One of the most important things on our automotive courses is Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
PPE stands for Personal Protective Equipment and without the correct PPE, you cannot participate in practical activities - it's to keep you safe.
Firstly, all students must have steel toe capped boots, which you can buy once you have enrolled. These boots must be worn in all practical lessons.
Students on these courses must also have mechanics overalls.
Don't forget, you need to get your essential PPE bought and ready before your induction day.
Uniform, kit and tools
This course requires steel-toe boots, mechanic overalls, and tools, costing approximately £100*, depending on the items you purchase. Prices are subject to change each year – exact costs and information on how to order required items will be provided to you prior to enrolment.
Financial support with study costs (including PPE)
University College Birmingham offers a bursary scheme to help enrolled students cover costs, including:
- Kit (including PPE)
- Travel to college
- Uniform
- Other course materials
For more information, please visit our Financial Support for College Students page.
“The Motorsport Level 3 course at UCB takes your skills to a professional standard. The UK motorsport industry is worth over £9 billion annually and employs more than 40,000 people, offering significant opportunities for skilled technicians and engineers. You’ll train in modern facilities, work with specialist tools and equipment, and develop the expertise that sets you apart for advanced roles in race teams, performance engineering, and progression towards elite motorsport careers.”
Entry requirements
Our lecturers are looking for students who are enthusiastic and passionate about the automotive sector together with a keen determination to succeed in the sector, so please contact Admissions if you do not have the specific requirements outlined below.
If you are unsure if your qualification is equivalent or if you wish to check if you meet the entry requirements for this course, please call 0121 214 2919, email feadmissions@ucb.ac.uk or use our live chat.
Academic requirements
- A relevant Level 2 qualification in Motor Vehicle.
- 5 GCSEs at grade 4 (grade C) including English (Language or Literature) and Maths, and a Science, or equivalent.
Work experience admissions pathway
2 years’ relevant automotive industry experience. Admissions will be based on your interview performance alongside a reference stating the roles and responsibilities held during your period of employment
Supporting documents required
- School applicants will be required to provide a good school report, which must include attendance. This will be assessed in conjunction with your qualifications and application during the confirmation of your place at University College Birmingham.
- If you are a school leaver (over 19), you will be required to provide a reference from a previous education provider or employer in support of your application.
Key information
Teaching and assessment
Assessments will consist of:
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Practical tasks in workshops (engine strip, chassis repairs)
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Online theory tests
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Written/provider assignments
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Portfolio evidence of real-world tasks
Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Learning and Teaching Strategy 2025-2030.
Uniform and kit costs
This course requires a uniform and kit costing approximately £50 depending on the items you purchase. Prices are subject to change each year – exact costs and information on how to order required items will be provided to you prior to enrolment. Further information is provided above under essentials.
You may be eligible for the Learner Support Fund, which assists college students with course-related costs such as essential uniform, equipment and travel. For more information, please visit our Financial Support for College Students page.
Career opportunities
On completion of this course, students can progress onto a career in the field or an apprenticeship.
Note: Some roles below may require further study/training. The roles and salaries below are intended as a guide only.
Motorsport technician
£23,000 – £35,000
Race car mechanic
£26,000 (entry) - £42,000+ (experienced)
Composite technician (F1-level)
£45,000– £50,000
Trackside mechanic/ pit crew
£50,000– £60,000+
Manufacturer technician
£26,000– £33,000
Automotive at University College Birmingham
Discover more about our range of automotive college courses, including Level 2, Level 3, and a motorsports qualification.
Our courses will support you in entering the automotive sector, building your practical and theoretical skills.
