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Master'sAutomotive & Motorsport Applications open

Master’s in Dynamics, Suspension and Tyres Engineering

Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in vehicle dynamics, suspension and tyre engineering: 12 modules covering racing-vehicle dynamics, vehicle and tyre models, suspension kinematics, springs and damping, set-up, data analysis, advanced simulation, rig testing and chassis electronics, with an assigned technical tutor.

Duration1900 h
ModeOnline
LanguageEnglish
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute diploma
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Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.

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Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Analyse the dynamics of a racing vehicle.

02

Build vehicle models of increasing complexity.

03

Model tyre behaviour.

04

Design suspension kinematics.

05

Select springs, anti-roll bars and dampers.

06

Analyse track data to define the set-up.

07

Correlate simulation, test rigs and track data.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Vehicle dynamics engineers in motorsport or high-performance automotive.
  • Suspension engineers at teams or suspension manufacturers.
  • Race engineers who want a stronger theoretical basis for set-up work.
  • Simulation engineers building vehicle and lap time models.
  • Data engineers analysing chassis and suspension channels.
  • Set-up engineers working trackside.
  • Engineering or science graduates looking to break into motorsport.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • SAE J670 (vehicle dynamics terminology)
  • ISO 8855 (vehicle dynamics and road-holding vocabulary)
  • ISO 4138 (steady-state circular driving)
  • ISO 7401 (lateral transient response)
  • Appendix J to the FIA International Sporting Code (technical rules for competition vehicles)
  • FIA Formula 1 Technical Regulations (technical rules for F1 cars)
  • SAE J2047 (tyre performance terminology and test methods)
  • MATLAB/Simulink
  • Adams Car
  • Lotus Suspension Analysis
  • MoTeC i2
  • OptimumLap
Syllabus

12 modules · 1900 h

  1. 1.1SAE and ISO reference systems
  2. 1.2Longitudinal and lateral load transfer
  3. 1.3Centre of gravity and moments of inertia
  4. 1.4Understeer and oversteer behaviour
  5. 1.5The g-g diagram
  6. 1.6Grip limits
  7. 1.7Influence of aerodynamics
  8. 1.8Regulations and dynamics
  9. 1.9Performance targets
  10. 1.10Case study: load transfer in a high-speed corner
  1. 2.1Linear bicycle model
  2. 2.2Understeer gradient
  3. 2.3Steady-state response
  4. 2.4Transient response
  5. 2.5Four-wheel model
  6. 2.6Multibody models
  7. 2.7Lap time simulation
  8. 2.8Simulation tools
  9. 2.9Model validation
  10. 2.10Lab: bicycle model in MATLAB
  1. 3.1Force generation in the tyre
  2. 3.2Slip angle and slip ratio
  3. 3.3Pacejka's Magic Formula
  4. 3.4Combined slip
  5. 3.5Load sensitivity
  6. 3.6Camber effects
  7. 3.7Tyre relaxation
  8. 3.8Temperature and pressure
  9. 3.9Model fitting
  10. 3.10Practical: fitting Pacejka coefficients to data
  1. 4.1Layouts: double wishbone, push-rod and pull-rod
  2. 4.2Roll centre
  3. 4.3Anti-dive and anti-squat
  4. 4.4Camber gain
  5. 4.5Bump steer
  6. 4.6Ackermann
  7. 4.7Caster and kingpin inclination
  8. 4.8Design with kinematics software
  9. 4.9Optimisation
  10. 4.10Lab: suspension design in Lotus Suspension Analysis
  1. 5.1Wheel rate and installation ratios
  2. 5.2Natural frequencies
  3. 5.3Anti-roll bars
  4. 5.4Roll stiffness distribution
  5. 5.5Chassis stiffness
  6. 5.6Third elements and heave springs
  7. 5.7Packers and bump stops
  8. 5.8Ride height and aerodynamics
  9. 5.9Spring selection
  10. 5.10Practical: calculation of frequencies and roll distribution
  1. 6.1Functions of the damper
  2. 6.2Force–velocity curves
  3. 6.3Low and high speed
  4. 6.4Critical damping coefficient
  5. 6.5Bump and rebound adjustment
  6. 6.6Inerters and track noise
  7. 6.7Damper velocity histograms
  8. 6.8Damper dynamometer
  9. 6.9Influence on tyre and grip
  10. 6.10Lab: analysis of damper histograms
  1. 7.1Alignment: camber, toe and caster
  2. 7.2Mechanical balance tuning
  3. 7.3Aerodynamic balance tuning
  4. 7.4Set-up by circuit
  5. 7.5Wet-weather set-up
  6. 7.6Differential and traction
  7. 7.7Brakes and brake balance
  8. 7.8Change methodology
  9. 7.9Driver feedback
  10. 7.10Case study: set-up sheet for a technical circuit
  1. 8.1Suspension and chassis sensors
  2. 8.2Potentiometers and strain gauges
  3. 8.3Accelerometers and IMUs
  4. 8.4Math channel analysis
  5. 8.5Cornering balance analysis
  6. 8.6Damper analysis
  7. 8.7Lap comparison
  8. 8.8MoTeC and Pi Toolbox tools
  9. 8.9Race engineer's report
  10. 8.10Practical: analysis of test data in MoTeC
  1. 9.1Quasi-static lap time simulation
  2. 9.2Transient simulation
  3. 9.3Set-up optimisation
  4. 9.4Multibody simulation in Adams
  5. 9.5Driving simulators
  6. 9.6Simulation–track correlation
  7. 9.7Driver models
  8. 9.8Uncertainty in simulation
  9. 9.9Simulation for strategy
  10. 9.10Lab: set-up optimisation with OptimumLap
  1. 10.1Kinematics and compliance rigs
  2. 10.2Seven-post rigs
  3. 10.3Damper dynamometers
  4. 10.4Flat-track tyre testing
  5. 10.5Inertia measurement
  6. 10.6Chassis torsional stiffness
  7. 10.7Rig correlation
  8. 10.8Test planning
  9. 10.9Testing costs
  10. 10.10Case study: pre-season test plan
  1. 11.1Traction control
  2. 11.2Racing ABS
  3. 11.3Active differentials
  4. 11.4Torque vectoring in electric vehicles
  5. 11.5Active suspension: history and regulations
  6. 11.6Power steering
  7. 11.7Electric vehicle dynamics
  8. 11.8Current regulations
  9. 11.9Trends
  10. 11.10Workshop: traction control strategy
  1. 12.1Definition of the vehicle and category
  2. 12.2Vehicle modelling
  3. 12.3Suspension design
  4. 12.4Selection of stiffness and damping
  5. 12.5Performance simulation
  6. 12.6Test and correlation plan
  7. 12.7Set-up proposal
  8. 12.8Conclusions
  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 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 it can be combined with your job.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is MATLAB/Simulink, Adams Car, Lotus Suspension Analysis, MoTeC i2 and OptimumLap, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures for vehicle dynamics and lap time simulation, analysis of suspension data on track and tyre model fitting. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final Master's Thesis.

Standards covered: SAE J670, ISO 8855, ISO 4138, ISO 7401, Appendix J to the FIA International Sporting Code, FIA Formula 1 Technical Regulations, SAE J2047.

Assigned technical tutor:every module ends with a deliverable that your tutor marks individually.
Standards-based learning:guided reading of SAE J670, ISO 8855 and ISO 4138 applied to real cases, not as a theoretical annex.
Industry software:MATLAB/Simulink, Adams Car, Lotus Suspension Analysis, MoTeC i2 and OptimumLap, in free, academic or evaluation versions.
Master's Thesis with defence:A complete vehicle dynamics package for a racing car, from modelling and suspension design to simulation, test plan and set-up proposal, 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 and tyre modelling
Build a bicycle model in MATLAB and fit Pacejka coefficients to tyre data.
Suspension design
Design the suspension kinematics in Lotus Suspension Analysis and size springs and anti-roll bars.
Damping and data analysis
Analyse damper histograms and test data in MoTeC to diagnose balance.
Set-up optimisation
Optimise the set-up with OptimumLap and prepare a set-up sheet for a technical circuit.
Master's Thesis
Model, design and set up a racing vehicle for a chosen category, defended before a panel.
Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Vehicle dynamics engineerSuspension engineerRace engineerSimulation engineerData engineerSet-up engineer
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.

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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 MATLAB/Simulink, Adams Car, Lotus Suspension Analysis, MoTeC i2 and OptimumLap, 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 university degree in engineering, science or architecture (or equivalent professional experience), a computer able to run 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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