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

Master’s in High-Performance Buggy/UTV Dynamics Engineering

Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in high-performance buggy and UTV dynamics engineering. 12 modules covering buggy and UTV architecture, vehicle dynamics, low-pressure tyres, suspension kinematics, damping and springs, CVT transmission, jumps and terrain, multibody simulation, data acquisition, safety and structure, and competition set-up, with an assigned technical tutor.

Duration1900 h
ModeOnline
LanguageEnglish
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute diploma
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Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Model the lateral, longitudinal and vertical dynamics of buggies and UTVs.

02

Characterise low-pressure tyres on different terrains.

03

Optimise the kinematics of long-travel suspension.

04

Calibrate dampers and CVT transmissions.

05

Simulate jumps and rough terrain with multibody models.

06

Correlate simulation with track telemetry.

07

Verify the structural safety and stability of the vehicle.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Off-road vehicle dynamics engineers
  • Suspension engineers
  • Motorsport data analysts
  • Multibody simulation engineers
  • CVT transmission calibrators
  • UTV development engineers
  • Engineering or science graduates looking to join UTV and SxS manufacturers
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • ANSI/ROHVA 1 (recreational off-highway vehicles)
  • ISO 8855 (vehicle dynamics vocabulary)
  • ISO 3471 (roll-over protective structures (ROPS))
  • ISO 4138 (steady-state circular driving test)
  • FIA International Sporting Code Appendix J (technical regulations for competition vehicles)
  • SAE J670 (vehicle dynamics terminology)
  • MSC Adams Car
  • MATLAB/Simulink
  • MoTeC i2
  • Lotus Suspension Analysis
  • OptimumKinematics
Syllabus

12 modules · 1900 h

  1. 1.1Types: SxS, UTV and sand buggies
  2. 1.2Benchmark manufacturers
  3. 1.3Mid-engine layout and mass distribution
  4. 1.4CVT transmission and drive
  5. 1.5Production tubular chassis
  6. 1.6Competition versions
  7. 1.7Recreational and professional markets
  8. 1.8Applicable product standards
  9. 1.9Electrification trends
  10. 1.10Case study: benchmark of three sports UTVs
  1. 2.1ISO 8855 reference systems
  2. 2.2Tyre forces and moments
  3. 2.3Load transfer
  4. 2.4Understeer gradient
  5. 2.5Bicycle model
  6. 2.6Transient steering response
  7. 2.7Vertical dynamics and ride comfort
  8. 2.8Pitch and roll
  9. 2.9Roll centre
  10. 2.10Laboratory: bicycle model in MATLAB
  1. 3.1Pacejka Magic Formula model
  2. 3.2Construction of UTV tyres
  3. 3.3Interaction with sand and gravel
  4. 3.4Cornering stiffness
  5. 3.5Tyre testing
  6. 3.6Processing test data
  7. 3.7Tyre models for terrain
  8. 3.8Effect of temperature
  9. 3.9Wear and service life
  10. 3.10Practical: fitting Magic Formula coefficients
  1. 4.1Front double wishbone
  2. 4.2Rear trailing arm with radius rods
  3. 4.3Anti-roll bars and their adjustment
  4. 4.4Bump steer control
  5. 4.5Camber variation
  6. 4.6Anti-squat and anti-dive
  7. 4.7Motion ratio
  8. 4.8Kinematics tools
  9. 4.9Hardpoint optimisation
  10. 4.10Workshop: rear suspension kinematics
  1. 5.1High-performance dampers
  2. 5.2Shim stacks and valves
  3. 5.3Bypass dampers
  4. 5.4Dual and triple springs
  5. 5.5Natural frequencies of the sprung and unsprung masses
  6. 5.6Critical damping ratio
  7. 5.7Travel telemetry
  8. 5.8Damper bench testing
  9. 5.9Set-up strategies
  10. 5.10Laboratory: force-velocity curve
  1. 6.1Pulley and belt CVT
  2. 6.2Primary clutch calibration
  3. 6.3Flyweights and springs
  4. 6.4Belt cooling
  5. 6.5Front and rear differentials
  6. 6.6Automatic all-wheel drive
  7. 6.7Traction control
  8. 6.8Losses and efficiency
  9. 6.9CVT failure modes
  10. 6.10Practical: calibrating a CVT
  1. 7.1Landing energy
  2. 7.2Pitch in the air
  3. 7.3Bottoming out
  4. 7.4Whoops and periodic excitation
  5. 7.5Rock crawling
  6. 7.6Dune driving
  7. 7.7Multibody terrain models
  8. 7.8Impact simulation
  9. 7.9Correlation with real data
  10. 7.10Case study: simulating a jump
  1. 8.1Modelling in Adams Car
  2. 8.2Defining 3D terrain
  3. 8.3Damper models
  4. 8.4Model validation
  5. 8.5Parametric set-up optimisation
  6. 8.6Design of experiments
  7. 8.7Co-simulation with control
  8. 8.8Hardware-in-the-loop testing of control
  9. 8.9Driving simulator
  10. 8.10Laboratory: full UTV model
  1. 9.1Travel sensors
  2. 9.2Inertial measurement units
  3. 9.3High-frequency GPS
  4. 9.4Strain gauges on suspension arms
  5. 9.5Data analysis software
  6. 9.6Correlation between simulation and testing
  7. 9.7Performance metrics
  8. 9.8Damper velocity histograms
  9. 9.9Reports for the driver
  10. 9.10Practical: analysing a test session
  1. 10.1Cage and occupant protection
  2. 10.2UTV ROPS structures
  3. 10.3ANSI/ROHVA 1 standard
  4. 10.4Seat belts and side nets
  5. 10.5Static lateral stability
  6. 10.6Rollover testing
  7. 10.7FIA competition structures
  8. 10.8Risk analysis
  9. 10.9Safety in recreational use
  10. 10.10Case study: static stability check
  1. 11.1Set-up methodology
  2. 11.2Choosing test tracks
  3. 11.3Driver feedback
  4. 11.4Adjustments by event type
  5. 11.5Iteration and change control
  6. 11.6Documenting set-ups
  7. 11.7Race strategy
  8. 11.8Maintenance between heats
  9. 11.9Race reliability
  10. 11.10Case study: set-up for a Baja-type event
  1. 12.1Selection of vehicle and objective
  2. 12.2Initial dynamic model
  3. 12.3Tyres and suspension
  4. 12.4Transmission calibration
  5. 12.5Terrain simulation
  6. 12.6Data acquisition plan
  7. 12.7Correlation and optimisation
  8. 12.8Final set-up proposal
  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 work.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is MSC Adams Car, MATLAB/Simulink, MoTeC i2, Lotus Suspension Analysis and OptimumKinematics, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures: damper bench tests, test sessions with telemetry and simulation of jumps and terrain. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final Master's Thesis.

Standards covered: ANSI/ROHVA 1; ISO 8855; ISO 3471; ISO 4138; FIA International Sporting Code Appendix J; SAE J670.

Assigned technical tutor:every module ends with a deliverable that your tutor marks individually.
Standards-based learning:guided reading of ANSI/ROHVA 1, ISO 8855 and ISO 3471 applied to real cases, not as a theoretical annex.
Industry software:MSC Adams Car, MATLAB/Simulink, MoTeC i2, Lotus Suspension Analysis and OptimumKinematics, in free, academic or evaluation versions.
Master's Thesis with defence:A complete dynamics project for a buggy or UTV, from the initial model, tyres, suspension and CVT to terrain simulation, data correlation and a final 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.

Initial dynamic model
Select the vehicle and objective and build the initial dynamic model.
Tyres, suspension and CVT
Characterise the tyres and suspension and calibrate the transmission.
Terrain simulation
Simulate the vehicle over jumps and rough terrain.
Data correlation
Plan data acquisition and correlate simulation with measurements.
Master's Thesis
Present the optimised final set-up proposal, defended before a panel.
Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Off-road vehicle dynamics engineerSuspension engineerMotorsport data analystMultibody simulation engineerCVT transmission calibratorUTV development engineer
Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

  • University degree in engineering, science or architecture, or equivalent proven professional experience.
  • 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 MSC Adams Car, MATLAB/Simulink, MoTeC i2, Lotus Suspension Analysis and OptimumKinematics, 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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