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Master’s in Hillclimb & Time Attack Engineering

Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in hillclimb and time attack engineering, structured in 12 modules covering vehicle concept and mass distribution, single-lap aerodynamics, suspension for mountain courses, engine, brakes, tyres, driver preparation, data, logistics and safety, 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

Analyse the technical demands specific to hillclimb and time attack.

02

Define the vehicle concept and mass distribution for short courses.

03

Design aerodynamic packages focused on a single fast lap.

04

Set up suspension, brakes and tyres for mountain courses.

05

Analyse data from formats with few runs to make quick decisions.

06

Apply FIA vehicle and driver safety regulations.

07

Develop the technical project for a hillclimb vehicle.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Hillclimb competition engineers.
  • Time attack aerodynamicists.
  • Motorsport data engineers.
  • Race car builders and tuners.
  • Vehicle dynamics engineers.
  • Team technical managers.
  • Engineering or science graduates aiming for a career in motorsport.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • FIA International Sporting Code Appendix J (technical regulations for vehicles)
  • FIA European Hill Climb Championship Regulations
  • FIA Standard 8862-2009 (high-performance seats)
  • FIA Standard 8856-2018 (fire-resistant clothing)
  • FIA Standard 8853-2016 (safety harnesses)
  • RFEDA hillclimb regulations (Spanish Motor Sport Federation)
  • MoTeC i2
  • OptimumLap
  • ANSYS Fluent
  • MATLAB/Simulink
  • AiM Race Studio
Syllabus

12 modules · 1900 h

  1. 1.1Competition formats and regulations
  2. 1.2A single run versus long stints
  3. 1.3Hillclimb courses and their risks
  4. 1.4Time attack circuits and fast laps
  5. 1.5Objective: performance over one lap or run
  6. 1.6Categories and technical freedom
  7. 1.7Budgets and scalability
  8. 1.8Differences from endurance racing and rallying
  9. 1.9Analysis of historic results
  10. 1.10Workshop: defining the objectives of a project
  1. 2.1Choice of base car or prototype
  2. 2.2Weight distribution and centre of gravity height
  3. 2.3Wheelbase and track widths
  4. 2.4Extreme lightness and its limits
  5. 2.5Driver position and safety
  6. 2.6Structural stiffness
  7. 2.7Regulatory compliance
  8. 2.8Modularity between venues
  9. 2.9Reliability trade-offs
  10. 2.10Workshop: vehicle concept
  1. 3.1Maximum downforce versus drag
  2. 3.2Wings, diffusers and flat floor
  3. 3.3Aerodynamic set-up by course
  4. 3.4Sensitivity to ride height and roll
  5. 3.5Effect under braking and in cornering
  6. 3.6CFD and validation
  7. 3.7Fitting and quick adjustments
  8. 3.8Trade-off with cooling
  9. 3.9Aerodynamic regulations
  10. 3.10Lab: aerodynamic configuration
  1. 4.1Uneven and bumpy surfaces
  2. 4.2High- and low-speed damping
  3. 4.3Ground clearance and underbody protection
  4. 4.4Anti-roll bars and distribution
  5. 4.5Geometry and grip in slow corners
  6. 4.6Hairpins and traction
  7. 4.7Set-up by course section
  8. 4.8Adjustments between runs
  9. 4.9Suspension instrumentation
  10. 4.10Lab: set-up for a section
  1. 5.1Usable torque curve on a climb
  2. 5.2Power loss with altitude
  3. 5.3Forced induction and thermal management
  4. 5.4Cooling on short, intense runs
  5. 5.5Fuel and detonation
  6. 5.6Maps by section
  7. 5.7Pre-run warm-up
  8. 5.8Reliability under extreme use
  9. 5.9Dyno and validation
  10. 5.10Lab: engine map for altitude
  1. 6.1Sizing for repeated braking
  2. 6.2Pad and disc materials
  3. 6.3Brake cooling
  4. 6.4Fade on descents and return runs
  5. 6.5Fluid and bleeding
  6. 6.6Brake balance and bias
  7. 6.7Temperature sensors
  8. 6.8Maintenance between runs
  9. 6.9Safety on hillclimb courses
  10. 6.10Lab: brake thermal calculation
  1. 7.1Compounds for a single lap
  2. 7.2Thermal window and warm-up
  3. 7.3Pressures and quick adjustment
  4. 7.4Mountain road asphalt and dirt
  5. 7.5Changing conditions and rain
  6. 7.6Wear on long climbs
  7. 7.7Choice by section
  8. 7.8Temperature measurement
  9. 7.9Managing the available set
  10. 7.10Lab: tyre strategy
  1. 8.1Reconnaissance and pace notes
  2. 8.2Memorising the course
  3. 8.3Visual references and braking points
  4. 8.4Risk management with no run-off areas
  5. 8.5Simulator training
  6. 8.6Pre-run routine
  7. 8.7Concentration and pressure management
  8. 8.8Communication with the team
  9. 8.9Analysis after each run
  10. 8.10Workshop: preparing a course
  1. 9.1Essential channels with few runs
  2. 9.2Analysis with limited samples
  3. 9.3Comparison between runs
  4. 9.4Identifying time losses
  5. 9.5Detecting mechanical problems
  6. 9.6Decisions with little information
  7. 9.7Report automation
  8. 9.8Correlation with simulation
  9. 9.9Time management between heats
  10. 9.10Lab: analysis of a run
  1. 10.1Checklists and pre-run verification
  2. 10.2Critical spares and tooling
  3. 10.3Times between heats
  4. 10.4Quick repairs
  5. 10.5Transport and access to the mountain
  6. 10.6Permits and insurance
  7. 10.7Minimum crew
  8. 10.8Managing the weather
  9. 10.9Plan B in case of failure
  10. 10.10Case study: weekend plan
  1. 11.1Specific mountain risks
  2. 11.2Course protection
  3. 11.3Mandatory equipment
  4. 11.4Fire suppression and rescue
  5. 11.5Flag protocols
  6. 11.6Evacuation and medical access
  7. 11.7Team training
  8. 11.8Organiser's responsibility
  9. 11.9Accident analysis
  10. 11.10Workshop: risk assessment of a section
  1. 12.1Definition of category and target course
  2. 12.2Concept and mass distribution
  3. 12.3Aerodynamic package and set-ups
  4. 12.4Engine, brakes and cooling
  5. 12.5Tyre strategy
  6. 12.6Data and analysis plan
  7. 12.7Safety and logistics plan
  8. 12.8Run time simulation
  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. No fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within each intake, making it compatible with work.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original regulations and applied exercises. The working software is MoTeC i2, OptimumLap, ANSYS Fluent, MATLAB/Simulink and AiM Race Studio, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures: reconnaissance runs with data acquisition, set-up tests on a suspension rig and measurement of aerodynamic loads with ride height sensors. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final Master's Thesis.

Standards covered: FIA International Sporting Code Appendix J, FIA European Hill Climb Championship Regulations, FIA Standard 8862-2009, FIA Standard 8856-2018, FIA Standard 8853-2016, RFEDA hillclimb regulations.

Assigned technical tutor:every module ends with a deliverable that your tutor marks individually.
Standards-based learning:guided reading of FIA Appendix J, the FIA European Hill Climb Championship Regulations and FIA safety standards applied to real cases, not as a theoretical annex.
Industry software:MoTeC i2, OptimumLap, ANSYS Fluent, MATLAB/Simulink and AiM Race Studio, in free, academic or evaluation versions.
Master's Thesis with defence:a complete hillclimb vehicle project, from category and target course to aero package, powertrain, tyre strategy, safety plan and run time simulation, 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 concept
Define the category, target course, vehicle concept and mass distribution.
Aerodynamic configuration
Configure an aerodynamic package for a fast lap and validate it with CFD.
Section set-up and engine map
Set up the suspension for a course section and tune an engine map for altitude.
Brakes and tyre strategy
Run a brake thermal calculation and plan the tyre strategy by section.
Master's Thesis
Complete hillclimb vehicle project with safety plan and run time simulation, defended before a panel.
Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Hillclimb competition engineerTime attack aerodynamicistMotorsport data engineerRace car builderVehicle dynamics engineerTeam technical manager
Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

  • University degree in engineering, science or architecture, or equivalent demonstrable 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 MoTeC i2, OptimumLap, ANSYS Fluent, MATLAB/Simulink 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 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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