Program Overview

Race Car Aerodynamics (MSc)

About this course

Our unique MSc Race Car Aerodynamics degree is recognised as a world-leading course for those wanting to enter Formula 1 as aerodynamicists and computational fluid dynamics engineers. It will enhance your knowledge of the fundamentals of aerodynamics and your skills in the analysis, modelling and measurement of turbulent flows associated with high-performance race cars.

Entry requirements

You’ll need a first-class degree in engineering, maths, physical sciences or a related subject.

You'll also need a 2:1 score in two modules from the following list of topics:

• fluid dynamics
• fluid mechanics
• aerodynamics
• aeronautics
• thermofluids

Course structure

This full-time master's course lasts for 12 months. You'll study from September to the following September.

For the first 8 months (semesters 1 and 2) you’ll focus on the taught part of the course. You'll sit exams at the end of each semester.

You'll spend the last 4 months of your course working full-time on your research project. You’ll be able to do some preparation for this in semester 2.

Modules

The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.

Year 1 modules

You must study the following modules:

• Applications of CFD
• Experimental Methods for Aerodynamics
• MSc Research Project
• Race Car Aerodynamics
• Race Car Design/GDP
• Turbulence

You must also choose from the following modules:

• Advanced Aeronautics
• Advanced Computational Methods I
• Automotive Chassis and Powertrain
• Automotive Propulsion
• Computational Aerodynamics
• Data-Driven Fluid Mechanics
• Design Search and Optimisation (DSO) - Principles, Methods, Parameterizations and Case Studies
• Intelligent Mobile Robotics
• Numerical Methods

Learning and assessment

You’ll learn by a variety of teaching and learning methods. These include:

• lectures
• tutorials
• practical laboratory work
• individual and group projects

Your learning will be enhanced by our industry-standard facilities, including high-performance computers and the RJ Mitchell wind tunnel, which has been used by F1 teams, America's Cup yacht teams and Olympic athletes.

Assessment depends on the modules you take, but assessment methods may include:

• unseen written exams
• problem-solving exercises
• laboratory reports
• design exercises
• essays
• individual and group projects
• presentations

Careers and employability

Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:

• Information and Communication
• Manufacturing
• Education
• Finance and Insurance
• Public Administration and Defence
• Scientific and Technical

Careers directly related to this course:

• Aerodynamicist
• Performance engineer
• Chassis engineer
• Mechanical engineer
• Systems engineer
• CFD Engineer
• Wind tunnel technician
• Data analyst
• Design engineer
• Race engineer

Fees, costs and funding

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,250.
• EU and international students pay £33,900.

How to apply

1. Use the blue 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our postgraduate admissions system.
2. Create an account which gives you access to your own application portal.
3. Search for the course you want to apply for.
4. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
5. Pay the £50 application assessment fee, (there are some exemptions, check terms and conditions).
6. Submit your application.

Application deadlines:

• International students who require an ATAS: Tuesday 29 July 2025, midday UK time
• International students who do not require an ATAS: Tuesday 26 August 2025, midday UK time
• UK students: Tuesday 9 September 2025, midday UK time

We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.