Master'sAutomotive & Motorsport Applications open

Master’s in Sustainable Fuels (SAF/e-fuels) for Motorsport

Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in sustainable fuels (SAF/e-fuels) for motorsport. 12 modules covering fuel chemistry, combustion, engine adaptation, fuel system safety, hydrogen, emissions and carbon footprint, supply chain, race strategy and fuel homologation, with an assigned technical tutor.

Duration12–14 months
ModeOnline
LanguageEnglish
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute diploma
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Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Distinguish between biofuels, SAF and synthetic fuels.

02

Relate fuel chemistry to its in-use properties.

03

Analyse combustion and performance with sustainable fuels.

04

Adapt the engine and fuel system to new fuels.

05

Evaluate hydrogen as an energy carrier in motorsport.

06

Calculate the carbon footprint through life cycle assessment.

07

Interpret fuel homologation and control requirements.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Fuel engineers.
  • Combustion engineers.
  • Sustainability analysts working in motorsport or energy.
  • Engine calibration engineers adapting to new fuels.
  • Fuel laboratory technicians.
  • Technical homologation managers.
  • Engineering or science graduates seeking to join motorsport teams.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • ASTM D7566 (aviation turbine fuel containing synthesised hydrocarbons)
  • Directive (EU) 2018/2001 (RED II, renewable energy)
  • Regulation (EU) 2023/2405 (ReFuelEU Aviation)
  • EN 228 (automotive petrol)
  • EN 15940 (paraffinic diesel fuel)
  • ISO 14067 (carbon footprint of products)
  • ASTM D1655 (Jet aviation turbine fuel)
  • Cantera
  • GT-SUITE
  • SimaPro
  • Python (pandas)
  • MATLAB
Syllabus

12 modules

  1. 1.1Advanced versus conventional biofuels
  2. 1.2Synthetic fuels and their production process
  3. 1.3Hydrogen as an energy carrier
  4. 1.4Sustainability criteria and certification
  5. 1.5Full life cycle carbon balance
  6. 1.6European regulations and targets
  7. 1.7Availability and supply chain
  8. 1.8Cost and scalability
  9. 1.9The role of motorsport as a test bed
  10. 1.10Workshop: comparing technology pathways
  1. 2.1Composition and hydrocarbon families
  2. 2.2Octane number and knock resistance
  3. 2.3Energy density and tank volume
  4. 2.4Volatility and distillation curve
  5. 2.5Stability and storage
  6. 2.6Material compatibility
  7. 2.7Additives and their function
  8. 2.8Characterisation tests
  9. 2.9Federation specifications
  10. 2.10Lab: analysis of a sample
  1. 3.1The combustion process in a racing engine
  2. 3.2Air–fuel ratio and lambda
  3. 3.3Flame speed and ignition timing
  4. 3.4Knock and pre-ignition
  5. 3.5Thermal efficiency and losses
  6. 3.6Effect of the fuel on power
  7. 3.7Calibration maps
  8. 3.8In-cylinder pressure measurement
  9. 3.9Heat release analysis
  10. 3.10Lab: combustion analysis
  1. 4.1Compression ratio and its adjustment
  2. 4.2Injection: pressure, number of injections and spray pattern
  3. 4.3Combustion chamber and valve materials
  4. 4.4Lubrication and fuel dilution
  5. 4.5Ignition systems
  6. 4.6Associated thermal management
  7. 4.7Durability with a new fuel
  8. 4.8Modifications permitted by the regulations
  9. 4.9Bench validation
  10. 4.10Lab: calibration with an e-fuel
  1. 5.1Compatible materials in the fuel circuit
  2. 5.2Pumps, filters and seals
  3. 5.3Risks of corrosion and degradation
  4. 5.4Fuel tanks and passive safety
  5. 5.5Safe refuelling and handling
  6. 5.6Static electricity and its prevention
  7. 5.7Storage in the paddock
  8. 5.8Staff training
  9. 5.9Emergency protocols
  10. 5.10Workshop: risk assessment
  1. 6.1Compressed and liquefied storage
  2. 6.2Fuel cell versus combustion
  3. 6.3Hydrogen safety and detection
  4. 6.4Refuelling and infrastructure
  5. 6.5Fuel cell thermal management
  6. 6.6Weight and packaging
  7. 6.7Range and strategy
  8. 6.8Emerging regulations
  9. 6.9Existing projects
  10. 6.10Case study: hydrogen vehicle concept
  1. 7.1Regulated and unregulated emissions
  2. 7.2Bench measurement equipment
  3. 7.3Calculating the carbon footprint of an event
  4. 7.4Scopes 1, 2 and 3
  5. 7.5Logistics and its contribution
  6. 7.6Third-party verification
  7. 7.7Communicating results
  8. 7.8Risk of greenwashing
  9. 7.9Targets and roadmaps
  10. 7.10Lab: carbon footprint of a race
  1. 8.1Production and availability of SAF and e-fuels
  2. 8.2Transport and storage
  3. 8.3Fuel traceability
  4. 8.4Sustainability certificates
  5. 8.5Contracts and pricing
  6. 8.6Management at international events
  7. 8.7Customs and transport regulations
  8. 8.8Supply contingencies
  9. 8.9Relationship with suppliers
  10. 8.10Case study: supply plan
  1. 9.1Fuel consumption and weight
  2. 9.2Refuelling windows
  3. 9.3Performance degradation during a stint
  4. 9.4Race simulation with the new fuel
  5. 9.5Reliability risks
  6. 9.6Decisions in changing conditions
  7. 9.7Data to monitor
  8. 9.8Coordination with the team
  9. 9.9Learning between races
  10. 9.10Lab: strategy simulation
  1. 10.1Fuel sampling by the scrutineers
  2. 10.2Spectral fingerprint and verification
  3. 10.3Penalties for non-compliance
  4. 10.4Required documentation
  5. 10.5Management of batches and seals
  6. 10.6Relationship with the federation
  7. 10.7Cases of controversy
  8. 10.8Team preparation
  9. 10.9Internal audit
  10. 10.10Workshop: control protocol
  1. 11.1From motorsport to production
  2. 11.2Compatibility with the existing vehicle fleet
  3. 11.3Costs for the end user
  4. 11.4Distribution infrastructure
  5. 11.5Public policies and incentives
  6. 11.6Competition with electrification
  7. 11.7Niches where it makes sense
  8. 11.8Communication to consumers
  9. 11.9Realistic time horizon
  10. 11.10Discussion of scenarios
  1. 12.1Defining the vehicle and the category
  2. 12.2Selecting the fuel and justifying the choice
  3. 12.3Engine adaptation and validation
  4. 12.4Safety and handling plan
  5. 12.5Carbon footprint calculation and verification
  6. 12.6Supply and logistics plan
  7. 12.7Impact on race strategy
  8. 12.8Cost analysis
  9. 12.9Technical report and defence
  10. 12.10Master's Thesis: final review with the tutor
Methodology, software & labs

How you'll learn

100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within each intake, which makes the programme compatible with work.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Cantera, GT-SUITE, SimaPro, Python (pandas) and MATLAB, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures for engine bench testing with alternative fuels, life cycle assessment and physico-chemical characterisation of fuels. Assessment is continuous for each module, plus the final Master's Thesis.

Standards covered: ASTM D7566, Directive (EU) 2018/2001 (RED II), Regulation (EU) 2023/2405 (ReFuelEU Aviation), EN 228, EN 15940, ISO 14067 and ASTM D1655.

Assigned technical tutor:every module ends with a deliverable that your tutor marks individually.
Standards-based learning:guided reading of ASTM D7566, RED II (Directive (EU) 2018/2001) and ReFuelEU Aviation applied to real cases, not as a theoretical annex.
Industry software:Cantera, GT-SUITE, SimaPro, Python (pandas) and MATLAB, in free, academic or evaluation versions.
Master's Thesis with defence:a complete sustainable fuel project for a racing vehicle, from fuel selection and engine adaptation to safety, carbon footprint, supply and race strategy, defended before a panel.
Flexible format:100% online, no fixed timetables, compatible with full-time work.
Capstone project

Build it end to end

Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.

Fuel characterisation
Compare technology pathways and analyse a fuel sample against federation specifications.
Combustion and calibration
Analyse combustion data and calibrate an engine to run on an e-fuel.
Safety and carbon footprint
Carry out a fuel handling risk assessment and calculate the carbon footprint of a race.
Supply and strategy
Draw up a fuel supply plan and simulate its impact on race strategy.
Master's Thesis
Develop a complete sustainable fuel project for a vehicle and category, defended before a panel.
Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Fuel engineerCombustion engineerSustainability analystEngine calibration engineerFuel laboratory technicianTechnical homologation manager
Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

  • A university degree in engineering, science or architecture, or equivalent demonstrable professional experience.
  • An internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
  • English sufficient to read technical standards.

Ready to start?

Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The programme totals 1,900 hours over 12–14 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.

You will work with Cantera, GT-SUITE, SimaPro, Python (pandas) and MATLAB. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and your tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.

A SEIUM Institute diploma, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the Master's Thesis. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.

Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised in the higher programme. Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.

A university degree in engineering, science or architecture, or equivalent professional experience; an internet connection and a computer capable of running the software; and English sufficient to read technical standards.

Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.

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