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.
This course is ideal if you:
You’ll take part in individual and group practical work as well as a critical research project, developing your expertise in race car design, and learn to evaluate and apply experimental aerodynamic concepts.
You’ll also learn advanced computational fluid dynamics and numerical procedures to counteract problems that may occur in the design process.
You’ll benefit from state-of-the-art facilities including high-performance computers and the RJ Mitchell Wind Tunnel, the largest university wind tunnel in the UK.
Recent graduates have gone on to work in Formula One teams such as Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport and Racing Point Force India.
We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.
Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).
Your course leader is Dr Zhiwei Hu, Reginald Platt Lecturer in Civil Aviation within Engineering and Physical Sciences. His research interests include turbulence simulations, computational fluid dynamics and high-speed train aerodynamics. Visit Dr Hu's staff profile to read more about his work.
This master's programme is accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) as meeting the academic requirement for Further Learning for Chartered Engineer registration. Candidates must hold a BEng/BSc undergraduate first degree that is accredited for Chartered Engineer (CEng) registration to comply with full CEng registration requirements.
This course is based at Highfield and Boldrewood.
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
You’ll need a first class degree in engineering, maths, physical sciences or a related subject.
You must also have an upper 2:1 score in the following modules:
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with ONCAMPUS. Learn more about the programmes available.
If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning.
Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
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.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
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. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.
You must study the following modules :
The basic concept of Computational Fluid Dynamics and numerical procedures (FVM/FDM) are introduced. The major focus is practical applications, including geometry and grid generation, using solvers and turbulence models in CFD packages, and interpretation...
This module is aimed at students who will be performing aerodynamic or fluid mechanic experiments in their individual project, group design project and/or in their research project. The student will gain insight on the problem associated with design, s...
Within the context of your programme of study, students will undertake independent, original and critical research on a relevant topic. Students will then communicate the research objectives, methodology, analysis, results and conclusions effectively both...
The student will gain insight on major aerodynamic features associated with vehicle and race car aerodynamics, including aerodynamics of overall car, aerodynamics of major devices, test facilities and experimental methods, test setup, etc. The most import...
Focus: Design of a hill-climb race car using CFD: In the Group Design Project (GDP) you will design an entire hill-climb race car by means of CFD analysis, with the primary goal of improving its performance over the baseline car provided to you in form...
This module will provide an introduction to the fundamentals of turbulent flow . The focus will be on understanding the equations of motion and the underlying physics they contain. The goal will be to provide you with the tools necessary to continue the s...
You must also choose from the following modules :
Advanced Aeronautics further develops student’s knowledge in aerodynamics as applied to fixed wing aircraft and rotorcraft beyond the level achieved in Part II Aerodynamics, focusing on the application of basic fluid dynamics principles to flow over exter...
The module is focussed around advanced computational methods incorporating C and compiled languages, computational modelling and software engineering techniques for science and engineering. It builds on lower level courses such as FEEG1001 and FEEG2001 an...
This module will first be offered in 2021/22. This module introduces students to the design of safe and eco-friendly vehicles for road transportation in the twenty-first century. Different aspects of design and operation of modern automobile systems wi...
Motorised transport has transformed many aspects of human life over the past 120 years. Today’s automotive engineers, however, face the unresolved challenge of continuing that transformation in a sustainable manner. Therefore this module develops the stud...
This module is concerned with the physical modelling and numerical methods required for calculations of aerodynamic forces and moments on moving objects. It is not exclusively a package-based computational fluid dynamics module. Instead, it focuses on mat...
The module will introduce contemporary computational methods for fluid flow analysis, with a specific focus on techniques that use simulation or experimental data. The module will cover aspects of flow stability, model order reduction and pattern identifi...
This module introduces students to formal design search and optimization (DSO) approaches using a mixture of lectures covering theory and practice and a series of worked case studies with student participation.
Machine Learning advances are revolutionising our world. At a fundamental level, Machine Learning deals with the extraction of useful information from large and complex datasets. There are now many applications, from the automatic understanding and proces...
Often in mathematics, it is possible to prove the existence of a solution to a given problem, but it is not possible to "find it". For example, there are general theorems to prove the existence and uniqueness of an initial value problem for an ordinary di...
You’ll learn by a variety of teaching and learning methods. These include:
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:
You'll carry out a research project and complete a dissertation, focusing on any of the areas covered by the course. The project is a chance for you to demonstrate the skills and knowledge you've gained over the first 8 months.
Past topics include:
Projects are often linked to our current research activities or supported by industry.
You’ll be assigned a personal academic tutor at the start of your degree. They’ll provide you with personal support and advice during your time at the University.
One-to-one tutorials will cater for individual learning differences.
This degree will prepare you for a career in a research and development in the race car and high performance vehicles industries.
You'll also be in a great position to continue your studies at PhD level.
We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:
Fees for a year's study:
If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.
Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.
Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.
Explore:
If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.
This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.
A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
For further details, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.
We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.
If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you’re applying for certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.
If you're an international student you'll need approval from the UK's Academic Approval Scheme before you can study this course.
The ATAS certificate is required for certain sensitive postgraduate subjects.
When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.
You’ll need to include information about:
References are not required for this programme.
Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We receive a high volume of applications for this course. This means you may not receive a response to your application for up to 12 weeks.
Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
