Apply now
Master'sOff-Road, Special Vehicles & Machinery Applications open

Master’s in Advanced Off-Road Suspension Set-Up Engineering

Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in advanced off-road suspension set-up engineering, structured in 12 modules covering set-up methodology, damper internals, bypass damping, springs and wheel rate, hydraulic bump stops, geometry and alignment, suspension data acquisition, terrain-specific set-up, damper dynos, simulation and semi-active suspension, with an assigned technical tutor.

Duration1900 h
ModeOnline
LanguageEnglish
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute diploma
Enrol now View syllabus Ask an advisor
Virtual lab · try it before you enrol

Take the controls.

Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.

SIM · LIVE ●
Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Apply a systematic set-up methodology.

02

Re-valve and tune dampers and bypass shocks.

03

Calculate wheel rates and natural frequencies.

04

Interpret histograms and suspension data.

05

Adapt the set-up to each type of terrain.

06

Correlate dyno testing, simulation and track results.

07

Evaluate semi-active suspension systems.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Off-road suspension engineers.
  • Competition damper technicians.
  • Suspension data analysts.
  • Track engineers looking to deepen their off-road set-up skills.
  • Vehicle dynamics simulation engineers.
  • Test bench technicians.
  • Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter off-road competition.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • ISO 8855 (road vehicle dynamics vocabulary)
  • SAE J670 (vehicle dynamics terminology)
  • ISO 2631-1 (whole-body vibration exposure)
  • FIA International Sporting Code Appendix J (technical regulations for competition vehicles)
  • ISO 4138 (steady-state circular driving test)
  • MoTeC i2
  • MSC Adams Car
  • MATLAB/Simulink
  • Cosworth Pi Toolbox
  • AiM Race Studio
Syllabus

12 modules · 1900 h

  1. 1.1Objectives of a good set-up
  2. 1.2Communication between driver and engineer
  3. 1.3Performance metrics
  4. 1.4Adjustment variables
  5. 1.5Interactions between parameters
  6. 1.6Set-up sheets
  7. 1.7Change procedures
  8. 1.8Common set-up mistakes
  9. 1.9Workshop tools
  10. 1.10Case study: baseline set-up sheet
  1. 2.1Piston and shim stacks
  2. 2.2Shim preload
  3. 2.3Compression and rebound valves
  4. 2.4Remote reservoir and floating piston
  5. 2.5Nitrogen pressure
  6. 2.6Cavitation and how to avoid it
  7. 2.7Oils and viscosity
  8. 2.8Effect of temperature
  9. 2.9Seals and friction
  10. 2.10Lab: re-valving a damper
  1. 3.1External bypass tubes
  2. 3.2Zones and overlaps
  3. 3.3Bypass check valves
  4. 3.4Needle adjustment
  5. 3.5Internal bypass in the body
  6. 3.6Adjustment by terrain type
  7. 3.7Reading bypass data
  8. 3.8Common bypass mistakes
  9. 3.9Bypass damper maintenance
  10. 3.10Workshop: tuning a three-tube bypass
  1. 4.1Linear and progressive springs
  2. 4.2Dual and triple combinations
  3. 4.3Crossover points
  4. 4.4Spring preload
  5. 4.5Wheel rate and motion ratio
  6. 4.6Sprung-mass natural frequency
  7. 4.7Static sag
  8. 4.8Rubber bump stops
  9. 4.9Anti-roll bars and drop links
  10. 4.10Practical: wheel rate calculation
  1. 5.1Hydraulic compression bump stops
  2. 5.2Bump zones in bypass shocks
  3. 5.3Impact energy
  4. 5.4Landing management
  5. 5.5Rebound limiters
  6. 5.6Limit straps
  7. 5.7Configuration by discipline
  8. 5.8Diagnosing end-of-travel bottoming
  9. 5.9Reading impact data
  10. 5.10Lab: energy absorbed by a bump stop
  1. 6.1Camber adjustment
  2. 6.2Toe adjustment
  3. 6.3Caster and kingpin inclination
  4. 6.4Ackermann geometry
  5. 6.5Ride height
  6. 6.6Roll centres
  7. 6.7Hard-point adjustment
  8. 6.8Geometry measurement
  9. 6.9Effect of travel on geometry
  10. 6.10Practical: full alignment
  1. 7.1Linear travel potentiometers
  2. 7.2Shaft velocity histograms
  3. 7.3Compression and rebound distribution
  4. 7.4Frequency analysis
  5. 7.5Analysis software
  6. 7.6Interpreting results
  7. 7.7Correlation with driver feedback
  8. 7.8Key set-up indicators
  9. 7.9Set-up reports
  10. 7.10Practical: damper velocity histogram
  1. 8.1Set-up for dunes
  2. 8.2Set-up for rocky sections
  3. 8.3Set-up for whoops
  4. 8.4Set-up for fast gravel
  5. 8.5Set-up for mud
  6. 8.6Set-up for jumps
  7. 8.7Effect of altitude on set-up
  8. 8.8Effect of ambient temperature
  9. 8.9Terrain changes within a stage
  10. 8.10Case study: dunes versus rocks
  1. 9.1Types of dyno
  2. 9.2Force-versus-velocity curves
  3. 9.3Temperature control
  4. 9.4Test repeatability
  5. 9.5Shaft velocity
  6. 9.6Hysteresis analysis
  7. 9.7Dyno-to-track correlation
  8. 9.8Test standardisation
  9. 9.9Dyno reports
  10. 9.10Lab: dyno characterisation
  1. 10.1Quarter-car model
  2. 10.2Half-car model
  3. 10.3Full multibody models
  4. 10.4Numerical set-up optimisation
  5. 10.5Sensitivity analysis
  6. 10.6Design of experiments
  7. 10.7Validation with data
  8. 10.8Simulation tools
  9. 10.9Decision-making
  10. 10.10Practical: quarter-car optimisation
  1. 11.1Electronically controlled dampers
  2. 11.2Skyhook and groundhook control
  3. 11.3Proportional damper valves
  4. 11.4Acceleration sensors
  5. 11.5Control algorithms
  6. 11.6Regulatory restrictions in competition
  7. 11.7Series-production applications
  8. 11.8Electronics reliability
  9. 11.9Future trends in suspension
  10. 11.10Case study: skyhook controller
  1. 12.1Selection of vehicle and discipline
  2. 12.2Initial vehicle characterisation
  3. 12.3Data acquisition plan
  4. 12.4Dyno testing
  5. 12.5Model and simulation
  6. 12.6Set-up proposal
  7. 12.7Track validation
  8. 12.8Analysis of results
  9. 12.9Master's Thesis report
  10. 12.10Master's Thesis: defence before a panel
Methodology, software & labs

How you'll learn

The programme is taught 100% online 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, so you can combine it with your job.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is MoTeC i2, MSC Adams Car, MATLAB/Simulink, Cosworth Pi Toolbox and AiM Race Studio, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures for damper dyno characterisation, track set-up with data acquisition and terrain-specific set-up simulation. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final Master's Thesis.

Standards covered: ISO 8855; SAE J670; ISO 2631-1; FIA International Sporting Code Appendix J; ISO 4138.

Assigned technical tutor:every module ends with a deliverable that your tutor marks individually.
Standards-based learning:guided reading of ISO 8855, SAE J670 and ISO 2631-1 applied to real cases, not as a theoretical annex.
Industry software:MoTeC i2, MSC Adams Car, MATLAB/Simulink, Cosworth Pi Toolbox and AiM Race Studio, in free, academic or evaluation versions.
Master's Thesis with defence:A complete suspension set-up project for a chosen vehicle and discipline, from dyno testing and simulation to track validation, 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.

Vehicle characterisation
Select the vehicle and discipline and characterise its baseline set-up and wheel rates.
Data acquisition and dyno testing
Plan data acquisition and characterise the dampers on the dyno with force-velocity curves.
Model and simulation
Build a quarter-car or multibody model and optimise the set-up numerically.
Set-up proposal and track validation
Propose a terrain-specific set-up and validate it on track using velocity histograms.
Master's Thesis
A complete suspension set-up project for a chosen vehicle and discipline, from dyno testing and simulation to track validation, defended before a panel.
Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Off-road suspension engineerCompetition damper technicianSuspension data analystTrack engineerVehicle dynamics simulation engineerTest bench technician
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 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.

Apply now Scholarships
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 work with MoTeC i2, MSC Adams Car, MATLAB/Simulink, Cosworth Pi Toolbox and AiM Race Studio, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever 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 degree in engineering, science or architecture (or equivalent professional experience), a computer able to run the programme 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.

Keep exploring

Related programmes

See all in Off-Road, Special Vehicles & Machinery
Master's8,850 $

Master’s in Hydraulic Hybrids and Energy Recovery Engineering

Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in hydraulic hybrid and energy recovery engineering. 12 modules covering accumulators, reversible pump-motor units, traction hybrids, digital hydraulics, energy management…

1900 hOnlineOff-Road, Special Vehicles & Machinery
Master's8,850 $

Master’s in Waste Management and Heavy Municipal Services Engineering

Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in waste management and heavy urban services engineering. 12 modules covering urban services, refuse collection vehicles, containers, street cleaning, sewer…

1900 hOnlineOff-Road, Special Vehicles & Machinery
Master's8,850 $

Master’s in Off-Road Telemetry and Data Engineering

Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in off-road telemetry and data engineering. 12 modules covering off-road telemetry, sensors and instrumentation, acquisition and logging, signal processing, data…

1900 hOnlineOff-Road, Special Vehicles & Machinery
Master’s in Advanced Off-Road Suspension Set-Up EngineeringEnrol
Related programmes

More in Off-Road, Special Vehicles & Machinery

Master’s in Heavy-Duty Diesel Stage V/Tier 4 Final and Aftertreatment EngineeringView programme →Master’s in Off-Road Structural Durability and Fatigue EngineeringView programme →Master’s in Rescue and Wildfire Vehicles EngineeringView programme →Master’s in Autonomous Systems for Off-Highway EngineeringView programme →Master’s in Heavy Machinery EngineeringView programme →Master’s in Sector Verticals EngineeringView programme →

All Off-Road, Special Vehicles & Machinery programmes → · How to apply · Fees & financing · Scholarships

Scroll to Top
SEIUM – Institute of Advanced Engineering
Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.