Apply now
Master'sAutomotive & Motorsport Applications open

Master’s in Lap Time Simulation & Driver-in-the-Loop Engineering

Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in lap time simulation and driver-in-the-loop engineering, structured in 12 modules covering vehicle dynamics, tyre modelling, quasi-static and optimal-control simulation, DiL simulators, correlation and set-up optimisation, 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 programme. 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

Build vehicle models for lap time simulation.

02

Compare quasi-static, transient and optimal-control methods.

03

Model tyres, aerodynamics and powertrain for simulation.

04

Operate driver-in-the-loop simulators and their motion systems.

05

Correlate simulation with track data systematically.

06

Optimise set-ups through sensitivity studies.

07

Develop a complete simulation and correlation study for a circuit.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Lap time simulation engineers seeking a deeper grounding in modelling and optimal control.
  • DiL simulator engineers who run driver programmes and motion systems.
  • Vehicle dynamics engineers moving into simulation-led development.
  • Correlation engineers who reconcile simulator and track data.
  • Performance engineers working on set-up and strategy.
  • Vehicle model developers building real-time and offline models.
  • Engineering or science graduates aiming to join formula and GT teams.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • FIA International Sporting Code (sporting rules for international motorsport)
  • FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations (sporting rules for the F1 championship)
  • ISO 8855 (vehicle dynamics vocabulary and axis systems)
  • ISO 4138 (steady-state circular driving test)
  • ISO 7401 (lateral transient response test methods)
  • ISO 3888-1 (double lane-change test track)
  • SAE J670 (vehicle dynamics terminology)
  • ASAM OpenDRIVE (road network description format)
  • MATLAB/Simulink
  • IPG CarMaker
  • VI-grade DiM and VI-CarRealTime
  • rFpro
  • Python
Syllabus

12 modules · 1900 h

  1. 1.1. Coordinate systems according to ISO 8855
  2. 1.2. Longitudinal and lateral load transfer
  3. 1.3. g-g diagram and grip envelope
  4. 1.4. Bicycle model and understeer gradient
  5. 1.5. Roll centre and suspension geometry
  6. 1.6. Roll stiffness and its distribution
  7. 1.7. Influence of aerodynamics on grip
  8. 1.8. Transient response and stability
  9. 1.9. Steady-state tests to ISO 4138
  10. 1.10. Case study: balance of a single-seater
  1. 2.1. Tyre forces and moments
  2. 2.2. Pacejka Magic Formula
  3. 2.3. Tread thermal models
  4. 2.4. Effect of pressure and load
  5. 2.5. Relaxation and transient response
  6. 2.6. Degradation and wear
  7. 2.7. Fitting models with rig data
  8. 2.8. MF-Swift and FTire models
  9. 2.9. Limitations of supplier data
  10. 2.10. Lab: fitting a Pacejka model
  1. 3.1. Aerodynamic maps by ride height
  2. 3.2. Sensitivity to pitch and roll
  3. 3.3. DRS effect and wakes
  4. 3.4. Torque curves and shift strategies
  5. 3.5. Modelling ERS hybrid systems
  6. 3.6. Energy management per lap
  7. 3.7. Transmission losses
  8. 3.8. Brakes and brake balance
  9. 3.9. Fuel consumption per lap
  10. 3.10. Practical: aerodynamic map in the model
  1. 4.1. Track discretisation
  2. 4.2. Maximum speed profile from curvature
  3. 4.3. Acceleration and braking passes
  4. 4.4. Racing line and corner radius
  5. 4.5. Lap time sensitivities
  6. 4.6. Limitations of the quasi-static method
  7. 4.7. Modelling kerbs and banking
  8. 4.8. Obtaining track layouts with GPS and OpenDRIVE
  9. 4.9. Validation with lap data
  10. 4.10. Workshop: quasi-static simulator in Python
  1. 5.1. 7 and 14 degree-of-freedom models
  2. 5.2. Driver models with predictive control
  3. 5.3. Minimum-time optimal control formulation
  4. 5.4. Direct collocation and non-linear solvers
  5. 5.5. Tyre and energy constraints
  6. 5.6. Comparison of computation times
  7. 5.7. Robustness of the solution
  8. 5.8. Interpreting optimal trajectories
  9. 5.9. Use in regulation studies
  10. 5.10. Lab: optimal lap with CasADi
  1. 6.1. Architecture of a DiL simulator
  2. 6.2. Motion platforms and degrees of freedom
  3. 6.3. Motion cueing algorithms
  4. 6.4. Visual systems and latency
  5. 6.5. Steering and pedal feedback
  6. 6.6. Real-time models and hardware
  7. 6.7. Laser scanning of circuits
  8. 6.8. Simulator sickness and its mitigation
  9. 6.9. Operator and driver safety
  10. 6.10. Practical: cueing configuration
  1. 7.1. Planning simulator sessions
  2. 7.2. Preparing new circuits
  3. 7.3. Set-up testing with a driver
  4. 7.4. Developing race start and pit stop procedures
  5. 7.5. Subjective assessment and rating scales
  6. 7.6. Recording driver feedback
  7. 7.7. Driver fatigue and workload
  8. 7.8. Simulating wet conditions
  9. 7.9. Using the simulator during the race weekend
  10. 7.10. Case study: preparing for a grand prix
  1. 8.1. Sources of error in simulation
  2. 8.2. Lap-by-lap channel comparison
  3. 8.3. Fitting tyre parameters
  4. 8.4. Aerodynamic correlation with track data
  5. 8.5. Minimum corner speed analysis
  6. 8.6. Tuning the driver model
  7. 8.7. Quantitative correlation metrics
  8. 8.8. Model version management
  9. 8.9. Correlation reports for engineering
  10. 8.10. Workshop: correlating a real lap
  1. 9.1. Design of experiments in simulation
  2. 9.2. Lap time response surfaces
  3. 9.3. Multi-objective optimisation techniques
  4. 9.4. Trade-offs between qualifying and race
  5. 9.5. Sensitivity to ride height and stiffness
  6. 9.6. Brake balance and differential
  7. 9.7. Validation with a driver in the DiL
  8. 9.8. Robustness to track conditions
  9. 9.9. Communicating proposals to the race engineer
  10. 9.10. Practical: automated set-up sweep
  1. 10.1. Degradation and fuel models
  2. 10.2. Pit stop simulation
  3. 10.3. Traffic and overtaking
  4. 10.4. Safety car and probabilities
  5. 10.5. Monte Carlo applied to strategy
  6. 10.6. Energy management in the race
  7. 10.7. Optimal pit windows
  8. 10.8. Decision-making under uncertainty
  9. 10.9. Integration with pit-wall tools
  10. 10.10. Case study: strategy for a two-stop race
  1. 11.1. Restrictions on track testing
  2. 11.2. Wind tunnel and CFD hour limits
  3. 11.3. Cost cap and simulators
  4. 11.4. Security of simulation data
  5. 11.5. Simulation in esports and driver training
  6. 11.6. Trends in motion simulators
  7. 11.7. Simulation for junior categories
  8. 11.8. Ethics in driver evaluation
  9. 11.9. Managing simulation suppliers
  10. 11.10. Case study: annual simulator plan
  1. 12.1. Choice of vehicle and circuit
  2. 12.2. Building the vehicle model
  3. 12.3. Baseline quasi-static simulation
  4. 12.4. Transient or optimal simulation
  5. 12.5. DiL session or equivalent
  6. 12.6. Correlation with reference data
  7. 12.7. Set-up sensitivity study
  8. 12.8. Conclusions for race engineering
  9. 12.9. Master's Thesis report
  10. 12.10. Master's Thesis: defence before a panel
Methodology, software & labs

How you'll learn

The programme is delivered 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 fits around your job.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is MATLAB/Simulink, IPG CarMaker, VI-grade DiM and VI-CarRealTime, rFpro and Python, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Exercises are based on real procedures: correlating lap times between simulator and track, running a driver-in-the-loop session to prepare a new circuit and carrying out a set-up sensitivity study with quasi-static simulation. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final Master's Thesis.

Standards covered: FIA International Sporting Code, FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations, ISO 8855, ISO 4138, ISO 7401, ISO 3888-1, SAE J670, ASAM OpenDRIVE.

Assigned technical tutor:every module ends with a deliverable that your tutor marks individually.
Standards-based learning:guided reading of the FIA International Sporting Code, the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations and ISO 8855 applied to real cases, not as a theoretical annex.
Industry software:MATLAB/Simulink, IPG CarMaker, VI-grade DiM and VI-CarRealTime, rFpro and Python, in free, academic or evaluation versions.
Master's Thesis with defence:A complete simulation and correlation study for a circuit, 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 circuit selection
Choose the vehicle and circuit and build the vehicle model with tyres, aerodynamics and powertrain.
Baseline lap simulation
Run a baseline quasi-static simulation and then a transient or optimal-control lap.
DiL session
Carry out a driver-in-the-loop session or equivalent on the chosen circuit.
Correlation and set-up study
Correlate with reference data and run a set-up sensitivity study with conclusions for race engineering.
Master's Thesis
Present the complete simulation and correlation study in the thesis report, defended before a panel.
Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Lap time simulation engineerDiL simulator engineerVehicle dynamics engineerCorrelation engineerPerformance engineerVehicle model developer
Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

  • University degree in engineering, science or architecture, or equivalent demonstrable professional experience.
  • Internet connection and a computer able to run 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.

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 MATLAB/Simulink, IPG CarMaker, VI-grade DiM and VI-CarRealTime, rFpro and Python, 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 suitable computer and internet connection, 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 Automotive & Motorsport
Master's11,090 $

Master’s in Aeroelasticity and Composite Bodywork Structures Engineering

Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in aeroelasticity and composite bodywork structures engineering: 12 modules covering composite materials, laminate mechanics, finite element analysis, aeroelasticity, deflection and…

1900 hOnlineAutomotive & Motorsport
Master's11,090 $

Master’s in Test & Correlation Programmes (CFD↔Wind Tunnel↔Track, DoE)

Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in test and correlation programmes for motorsport. 12 modules covering CFD, wind tunnel testing, track instrumentation, CFD–tunnel–track correlation, design of…

12–14 monthsOnlineAutomotive & Motorsport
Master's11,090 $

Master’s in Platform Cybersecurity and Tactical Communications Engineering

Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in cybersecurity engineering for platforms and tactical communications. 12 modules covering NIST SP 800-53, ISO/IEC 27001:2022, ISO/IEC 15408, embedded systems…

1900 hOnlineAutomotive & Motorsport
Master’s in Lap Time Simulation & Driver-in-the-Loop EngineeringEnrol
Related programmes

More in Automotive & Motorsport

Master’s in PNT Resilience Engineering: GNSS/INS, Anti-Jamming and Secure TimingView programme →Master’s in Additive Manufacturing for Motorsport EngineeringView programme →Master’s in Routes, Terrain and Geospatial Intelligence for Land Operations EngineeringView programme →Master’s in Racing Composites EngineeringView programme →Master’s in Military-Grade Additive Manufacturing EngineeringView programme →Master’s in Chassis, Suspension and Running Gear for Land Platforms EngineeringView programme →

All Automotive & Motorsport 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.