Quick facts
| Qualification type | IMI Level 3 Diploma |
| Duration | 1 year |
| Study times |
You will be expected to be in college for a minimum of 3 days per week, from 9:15 to 4:00. Your timetable will be confirmed at induction. |
| Entry requirements |
Grade 5 in English, Math and Science with successful completion of Level 2 Automotive (we can take grade 4 with successful completion of the required aptitude test but Grade 4 is an absolute minimum for this course). This course is a progression course for students who are currently studying at West Suffolk College. Applicants for the course are expected to demonstrate a positive attitude, a willingness to learn, and professional behaviours such as reliability, teamwork, and a commitment to safety and quality in the automotive industry. |
| Campus |
West Suffolk College Sixth Form campus, Bury St Edmunds |
| Work placements | 30 hours work experience |
Is it for me?
If you are an enthusiastic motorsport fan who wants to develop your knowledge and understanding of the requirements of an automotive technician within the motorsport, performance road cars and/or retail motor industries, this is the course for you.
This course offers you some amazing experiences and explorations into the subject, from experiencing live track days to seeing the latest automotive technology.
Team West Suffolk College competes in the City Car Cup/Student Motorsport Challenge, as a student on this course, you will have the opportunity build/maintain the Toyota Aygo racing car and to work track side in the pit-lane at each championship race.
You'll undertake practical tasks in our workshops equipped with industry-standard tools and equipment, on a range of vehicles from road vehicles to high-performance motorsport cars. You'll develop your knowledge and skills across a variety of specialist areas to prepare you for further studies and kickstart your chosen career in the Motorsport industries.
While learning how to work effectively and safely, you will improve your employability through the enhancement of your communication, numeracy and information technology abilities.
What you'll learn
- 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
- Stripping and rebuilding engines for motorsport vehicles
- Dressing engines for motorsport vehicles
- Motorsport transmission technology
- General aspects e.g. health and safety, legal aspects and organisational requirements
- Engineering processes (e.g., tool manufacture & technical drawing)
Equipment required for the course
You'll need to purchase the following items in advance of starting your course:
- Overalls
- Safety boots
- Safety goggles
- Torch
Work experience placements
Work experience is a big part of this course - you'll need to undertake 30 hours within a work experience placement in the automotive sector, which will give you a massive advantage when you are ready to move into employment.
Assessment
You'll be assessed via a variety of methods including practical tasks, an online test and written assignments.
Further study
- HNC or HND in Motorsport
Example careers
- Breakdown Engineer
- Car Dealer
- Racecar Driver
- Mechanic
- Mechanical Engineer
- Tyre Technician
- Auto Electrician
- Auto Body Repair Technician
- Quality Testing Engineer
- Auto Designer
- Vehicle Inspector
- Safety Development Engineer
- Vehicle Manufacturing
- Research and Development
- Formula 1 Engineer
- Product Planning Manager
Days & times
Starting September 2025