MSc Electric Motorsport

17 Months On Campus Masters Program

Oxford Brookes University

Program Overview

The MSc Electric Motorsport at Oxford Brookes University bridges electrical engineering and high-performance racing, preparing students to design and build electric vehicles for Formula 1, Formula E, WRC, and endurance racing teams. It is tailored for students with a strong background in electrical or electromechanical engineering who want to apply their skills in cutting-edge motorsport technology.

Curriculum Structure

Initial Phase (Months 1‑6): Students develop a solid foundation in Electric Powertrain Systems, Control Systems Engineering, and Real-Time Embedded Systems. They learn to manage power delivery and regeneration, model embedded control units, and program microcontroller-based systems.
Middle Phase (Months 7‑12): Focus shifts to applying theory in real motorsport scenarios. Modules like Electric Vehicles, Electric Power Systems, and Programming and Software Tools enable students to simulate EV architectures, manage energy flows, and refine control algorithms through practical lab work.
Final Phase (Months 13‑17): Students complete a dissertation or major project, often working with the Oxford Brookes Racing Formula Student Team or Autonomous Team. They define a complex engineering challenge, conduct experiments or simulations, and deliver a prototype or detailed research report, gaining project management and advanced research experience.

Focus Areas

Electric powertrain design, embedded control systems, high-performance electric vehicle engineering, energy regeneration, motorsport system integration, and software development for racing.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to design and model high-voltage powertrain systems, program embedded control units for electric vehicles, analyse vehicle-level energy flow in racing conditions, and deliver research-driven projects demonstrating innovation in electric motorsport.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The programme is designed to meet the needs of the motorsport industry, reflecting real-world vehicle development. Graduates are equipped to work in technical roles across high-performance electric vehicle engineering.

Reputation (Employability / Rankings)

Oxford Brookes University is highly regarded for its connections to the UK motorsport industry, offering strong employability support. Graduates are well-prepared for roles such as electrical test engineer, inverter simulation engineer, and power electronics specialist in both motorsport and high-performance automotive sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Oxford Brookes’ MSc in Electric Motorsport equips students with hands-on experience in cutting-edge motorsport engineering. Students gain practical skills by designing, simulating, and racing a fully functioning electric vehicle. The program integrates real-world project work with state-of-the-art laboratories, including powertrain labs, composite labs, and materials science facilities. Students collaborate in teams, mirroring professional motorsport environments, and optionally participate in industrial placements.

Key experiential learning opportunities include:

Use of specialist labs for electric vehicle powertrains, embedded control, and real-time systems.
Engagement with Formula Student Team, designing, building, and running an electric race car.
Collaboration with the Autonomous Team to explore electric and autonomous vehicle systems.
Application of software simulation tools for powertrain modeling, control strategy, and energy recovery systems.
Completion of a dissertation or research project, using lab and simulation facilities.
Exposure to industry-standard testing and measurement techniques.
Participation in lectures, workshops, and seminars with professional engineers from the motorsport sector.

Key Modules

Electric Vehicles – Focus on vehicle architectures, battery systems, and energy regeneration.
Electric Powertrain Systems – Covers motor drives, inverters, and control system integration.
Real-Time Embedded Systems – Implementation of embedded controllers for vehicle subsystems.
Control Systems Engineering – Regulation of torque, stability, and energy recovery in EVs.
Programming & Software Tools – Simulation and control design for electric vehicles.
Business Management for Engineers – Skills for project management, entrepreneurship, and leadership in engineering.
MSc Dissertation – Independent research or design project applying practical and theoretical knowledge.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this program are prepared for roles in the electric motorsport, automotive, and high-performance engineering sectors:

University services supporting employment: The Careers and Employability Team provides tailored support including industry networking, CV and interview guidance, and employer engagement specific to automotive engineering.
Employment stats and salary figures: Many graduates secure roles with competitive starting salaries ranging from £30,000 to £50,000, with opportunities to progress rapidly in specialist engineering roles.
University–industry partnerships: Strong links with motorsport teams, electric vehicle companies, and automotive suppliers offer project collaborations, internships, and potential employment pathways.
Long-term accreditation value: The program is aligned with professional engineering standards, supporting progression toward Chartered Engineer (CEng) status for eligible graduates.
Graduation outcomes: Alumni typically move into positions such as Electric Vehicle Engineer, Motorsport Engineer, Battery Systems Specialist, or Performance Engineer, reflecting the program’s technical and industry-focused training.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates can pursue advanced research in electric vehicle systems, high-performance automotive engineering, or doctoral studies in related fields, further enhancing their expertise in cutting-edge transport technologies.