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.
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.
What you will be able to do
Build vehicle models for lap time simulation.
Compare quasi-static, transient and optimal-control methods.
Model tyres, aerodynamics and powertrain for simulation.
Operate driver-in-the-loop simulators and their motion systems.
Correlate simulation with track data systematically.
Optimise set-ups through sensitivity studies.
Develop a complete simulation and correlation study for a circuit.
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.
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
12 modules · 1900 h
1.1Coordinate systems according to ISO 88551.2Longitudinal and lateral load transfer1.3g-g diagram and grip envelope1.4Bicycle model and understeer gradient1.5Roll centre and suspension geometry1.6Roll stiffness and its distribution1.7Influence of aerodynamics on grip1.8Transient response and stability1.9Steady-state tests to ISO 41381.10Case study: balance of a single-seater
2.1Tyre forces and moments2.2Pacejka Magic Formula2.3Tread thermal models2.4Effect of pressure and load2.5Relaxation and transient response2.6Degradation and wear2.7Fitting models with rig data2.8MF-Swift and FTire models2.9Limitations of supplier data2.10Lab: fitting a Pacejka model
3.1Aerodynamic maps by ride height3.2Sensitivity to pitch and roll3.3DRS effect and wakes3.4Torque curves and shift strategies3.5Modelling ERS hybrid systems3.6Energy management per lap3.7Transmission losses3.8Brakes and brake balance3.9Fuel consumption per lap3.10Practical: aerodynamic map in the model
4.1Track discretisation4.2Maximum speed profile from curvature4.3Acceleration and braking passes4.4Racing line and corner radius4.5Lap time sensitivities4.6Limitations of the quasi-static method4.7Modelling kerbs and banking4.8Obtaining track layouts with GPS and OpenDRIVE4.9Validation with lap data4.10Workshop: quasi-static simulator in Python
5.17 and 14 degree-of-freedom models5.2Driver models with predictive control5.3Minimum-time optimal control formulation5.4Direct collocation and non-linear solvers5.5Tyre and energy constraints5.6Comparison of computation times5.7Robustness of the solution5.8Interpreting optimal trajectories5.9Use in regulation studies5.10Lab: optimal lap with CasADi
6.1Architecture of a DiL simulator6.2Motion platforms and degrees of freedom6.3Motion cueing algorithms6.4Visual systems and latency6.5Steering and pedal feedback6.6Real-time models and hardware6.7Laser scanning of circuits6.8Simulator sickness and its mitigation6.9Operator and driver safety6.10Practical: cueing configuration
7.1Planning simulator sessions7.2Preparing new circuits7.3Set-up testing with a driver7.4Developing race start and pit stop procedures7.5Subjective assessment and rating scales7.6Recording driver feedback7.7Driver fatigue and workload7.8Simulating wet conditions7.9Using the simulator during the race weekend7.10Case study: preparing for a grand prix
8.1Sources of error in simulation8.2Lap-by-lap channel comparison8.3Fitting tyre parameters8.4Aerodynamic correlation with track data8.5Minimum corner speed analysis8.6Tuning the driver model8.7Quantitative correlation metrics8.8Model version management8.9Correlation reports for engineering8.10Workshop: correlating a real lap
9.1Design of experiments in simulation9.2Lap time response surfaces9.3Multi-objective optimisation techniques9.4Trade-offs between qualifying and race9.5Sensitivity to ride height and stiffness9.6Brake balance and differential9.7Validation with a driver in the DiL9.8Robustness to track conditions9.9Communicating proposals to the race engineer9.10Practical: automated set-up sweep
10.1Degradation and fuel models10.2Pit stop simulation10.3Traffic and overtaking10.4Safety car and probabilities10.5Monte Carlo applied to strategy10.6Energy management in the race10.7Optimal pit windows10.8Decision-making under uncertainty10.9Integration with pit-wall tools10.10Case study: strategy for a two-stop race
11.1Restrictions on track testing11.2Wind tunnel and CFD hour limits11.3Cost cap and simulators11.4Security of simulation data11.5Simulation in esports and driver training11.6Trends in motion simulators11.7Simulation for junior categories11.8Ethics in driver evaluation11.9Managing simulation suppliers11.10Case study: annual simulator plan
12.1Choice of vehicle and circuit12.2Building the vehicle model12.3Baseline quasi-static simulation12.4Transient or optimal simulation12.5DiL session or equivalent12.6Correlation with reference data12.7Set-up sensitivity study12.8Conclusions for race engineering12.9Master's Thesis report12.10Master's Thesis: defence before a panel
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.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Where this takes you
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.
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.
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