if you haven't got practical motorsport experience then don't go straight in at degree level, it's 75% maths, 20% theory, 5% practical. Even the formula student stuff is mostly theory. Do the IMI courses first as they have a lot more scope for hands on experience in the pits. If you're not tied down to one place then go for birmingham... They've got a dw s14
thats a pretty petty reason to choose one course over another don't you think? I could brag about what Brookes offers but what I'll say is try and get in contact with lecturers, possibly some 2nd year students and make evaluations on the course itsself, not about what you get to mess around with.
the IMI courses are all virtually identical from college to college. why spend 2 years just working on formula cars if you're in to drifting? makes sense to go somewhere relevant to your interests
Im at oxford brookes now, 1st year motorsport technology. havnt looked at this thread in quite a while so il update my opinions. if you want to go to uni and do an engineering/motorsport/aerospace degree, DO A-levels. Chemistry science maths. Its true that courses like these are almost entirely theory and doing a levels before you go will help you alot. In reality what the course consists of doesnt bother me. I chose brookes because it has the best links to industry of any uni. I would argue thats much more important than what cars you get to work on. and to be honest, its already been stated, hands on spanner work is easy, anyone can be taught that. its the design and production stuff that is what these courses mould you into because ultimately thats where the money is. Edit - just realised how many people there were already going to brookes lol, i knew i saw someone with a smoking skills hoodie on the other day!
what's the format of the motorsport course? level 4 and 5 FdEng then topup to BEng? or straight 3 year BEng? i know a few places only do BSc the other thing to consider when choosing is the IMechE accreditation. some motorsport FdEng 2 year courses will get you incorporated engineer status, most won't. it's an important accreditation and a lot of employers will be looking for IEng status. most courses need BSc or BEng for you to get to that so if you can do it in 2 years instead of 3 or 3.5 and that's all you're looking for then do that instead
Full 3 year batchelor degree, or 2 years, then a year in industry and then final year back in college. I deffo think I'll be doing the year in industry as can land you with a job after!
You'll have to impress, or go with someone small. I have a job offer on the table following my degree provided I get a 2:1. There are less than 10 employees there though. 2:1 might be tricky considering how shit I did in 2nd year, but full of hope!
i did 2 year motorsport technology National Diploma (myerscough college, really hands on, more workshop time than theory) and then did my B'Eng in automotive engineering (sandwich course) and then my masters degree in mechanical engineering. Huddersfield uni has the best placement unit throughout the UK and it makes everything so much easier after you graudate.
Don't waste your life, go do something else. I know loads of people who have done 3-4 year degree courses in motorsport and can't get a job.
If I had it all again I'd be tempted to do plain ol' Automotive Engineering. Working for someone like Jag, Ford, Nissan, Toyota etc is just as rewarding, probably better paid, more chance of getting a job, get to play with just as good technology etc etc
Keep in mind this comment and Pheonixs'. If you want to work on cars and enjoy it, then keep it as a hobby and get a job where you can make some money. If you want a career in Motorsport then you have to be dedicated, lucky and very passionate (rich parents would help). Even then you will probably need a second job to put food on the table. It's not going to be fun - fun - fun - F1. Also, don't expect much more than lots of maths. If you don't enjoy being in a classroom/at home doing maths 20hrs a day then I'd look elsewhere. Also, don't forget that University is a buisness, they will take all the money they can from you, and don't particularly give a shit about what happens to you. It's up to you to put in the time and deal with the bullshit to get the bits of paper.
He's fully got a point though. You'd be much better off doing Mech. engineering, because of the range of application in the professional environment. Try get a job in Motorsport that earns more than £14k a year.....
