Applications for the 2024/25 Enhanced Diploma in Sporting Excellence – or DiSE programme for short – run by Motorsport UK and Loughborough College are now open. The DiSE programme is an amazing opportunity for emerging motorsport talent to combine competition with studies, without neglecting either.  

The two-year programme for 16–18-year-olds, which is backed by Sport England, is the equivalent of a BTEC A-Level, with UCAS points awarded to go towards higher education. The two-year course is delivered through a blended learning programme, with a mix of online and in-person tuition. As this is a flexible full-time programme, drivers will be required to be in College twice a month, four days at a time, with the remaining days used to complete coursework and attend remote tutor catch-ups, alongside the driver’s competition preparation. 

The syllabus over the two-year course includes Extended Certificates in Sporting Excellence & Performance and Vehicle Technology, plus new opportunities in the Esports sector as part of a unique partnership between Williams Esports, Motorsport UK and Loughborough College. Over the two years, student will undertake: 

• L3 Extended Certificate in Sporting Excellence & Performance 
• L3 Extended Certificate in Esports 
• L2 Extended Certificate in Vehicle Technology 
• Diploma in Sporting Excellence 

Alongside these modules, the Motorsport UK Academy delivers additional development opportunities via a network of expert practitioners, including team training sessions at iZone Driver Performance and fitness assessments with Porsche Human Performance. It also offers practical driving opportunities plus workshops with guest speakers, including ex-students who can showcase the various different avenues graduates can take within the motorsport industry. 

Katie Baldwin, Head of Competitor Development, added: “The DiSE programme is very unique in that it provides an opportunity to gain qualifications alongside driver development training. It creates an environment for individuals to become well-rounded athletes without neglecting their education, thereby giving an opportunity for drivers to build and work on developing all areas of their motorsport performance, both on and off the track. We look forward to receiving applications from those to want to unlock their sporting potential.” 

To apply for the Enhanced DiSE programme please complete this form.

Programme entry criteria are covered in full detail on the form. 

Athletes must:  

• Be aged 16-18 years old (by September of that academic year)  
• Hold a competition licence and be regularly competing in your chosen discipline at a minimum of Interclub level (Race, Rallycross, other) or National level (Kart, Rally). Ideally in Championships such as F4, Mini Challenge, GT5, Ginetta Junior, Fiesta Juniors, Junior Rally, RallyX and British Kart or recognised eSports competitions.  
• Hold, or be predicted to achieve, a minimum of five GCSE’s at grades 4-9 (A*-C), two of which must be English and Maths.  
• Able to evidence results/times that show potential to progress to elite level.  
• Ambitious and committed to furthering your motorsport education.  
• Learners should ordinarily live in England (however, learners from all home countries will be considered – please discuss with Motorsport UK)