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Master'sAutomotive & Motorsport Applications open

Master’s in Lap Time Simulation & Driver-in-the-Loop (Virtual Vehicle, Sim-to-Track Correlation)

Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in lap time simulation and driver-in-the-loop. 12 modules covering vehicle and tyre modelling, quasi-static and transient simulation, set-up optimisation, DIL simulators, motion cueing, sim-to-track correlation and race strategy, with an assigned technical tutor.

Duration12–14 months
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 field. 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

Model the vehicle for lap time simulation.

02

Characterise the tyre using semi-empirical models.

03

Compare quasi-static and transient dynamic simulations.

04

Optimise vehicle set-ups through simulation.

05

Describe the architecture and motion algorithms of a simulator.

06

Correlate the virtual vehicle with real track data.

07

Simulate a complete race to define the strategy.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Vehicle simulation engineers.
  • Simulator engineers working with driver-in-the-loop rigs.
  • Vehicle dynamics engineers looking to strengthen their simulation skills.
  • Race strategy engineers.
  • Performance engineers.
  • Tyre model developers.
  • Engineering or science graduates seeking to join motorsport teams.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • ISO 8855 (vehicle dynamics vocabulary)
  • ISO 4138 (steady-state circular driving)
  • ISO 7401 (lateral transient response)
  • ISO 3888 (lane-change manoeuvre)
  • SAE J670 (vehicle dynamics terminology)
  • FIA Technical Regulations
  • VI-grade CarRealTime
  • rFpro
  • IPG CarMaker
  • MATLAB/Simulink
  • Python (NumPy)
Syllabus

12 modules

  1. 1.1Point-mass, bicycle and multibody models
  2. 1.2Degrees of freedom and level of detail
  3. 1.3Mass and inertia parameters
  4. 1.4Suspension: kinematics and elastokinematics
  5. 1.5Steering and its ratio
  6. 1.6Transmission and torque curve
  7. 1.7Aerodynamics: downforce and drag
  8. 1.8Brakes and brake balance
  9. 1.9Parameter identification
  10. 1.10Workshop: building a baseline model
  1. 2.1Lateral and longitudinal force curves
  2. 2.2The Pacejka model and its coefficients
  3. 2.3Vertical load and load sensitivity
  4. 2.4Temperature and pressure
  5. 2.5Combined slip
  6. 2.6Wear and degradation over a stint
  7. 2.7Test-rig data and model fitting
  8. 2.8Model uncertainty
  9. 2.9Effect on lap time
  10. 2.10Lab: fitting a tyre model
  1. 3.1Point-mass method and its limits
  2. 3.2Calculating the g-g diagram
  3. 3.3Maximum speed per corner
  4. 3.4Braking and acceleration profiles
  5. 3.5Track discretisation
  6. 3.6Circuit data and its quality
  7. 3.7Run times and sweeps
  8. 3.8Advantages and limits of the method
  9. 3.9Comparison with telemetry
  10. 3.10Lab: quasi-static lap time
  1. 4.1Time integration and numerical stability
  2. 4.2Driver model and path following
  3. 4.3Dynamic load transfer
  4. 4.4Suspension and damping response
  5. 4.5Effects of kerbs and bumps
  6. 4.6Coupling with control systems
  7. 4.7Validation with track data
  8. 4.8Computational cost
  9. 4.9Cases where it is essential
  10. 4.10Lab: transient manoeuvre
  1. 5.1Set-up variables and their ranges
  2. 5.2Objectives: lap time, stability and wear
  3. 5.3Design of experiments
  4. 5.4Response surfaces
  5. 5.5Multi-objective optimisation
  6. 5.6Set-ups by circuit and by conditions
  7. 5.7Sensitivity and robustness of the set-up
  8. 5.8Regulatory limits
  9. 5.9Transferring set-ups between circuits
  10. 5.10Workshop: set-up sweep
  1. 6.1Components of a DIL simulator
  2. 6.2Motion platforms and degrees of freedom
  3. 6.3Projection systems and visual latency
  4. 6.4Steering wheel and pedal feedback
  5. 6.5Audio and vibration
  6. 6.6Synchronisation between subsystems
  7. 6.7Total latency and perception
  8. 6.8Driver safety in the simulator
  9. 6.9Maintenance and calibration
  10. 6.10Lab: measuring loop latency
  1. 7.1Motion cues and scaling
  2. 7.2Classical washout filters
  3. 7.3Adaptive and predictive algorithms
  4. 7.4Limits of the motion envelope
  5. 7.5Trade-off between fidelity and travel
  6. 7.6Simulator sickness and its prevention
  7. 7.7Tuning with professional drivers
  8. 7.8Structured subjective assessment
  9. 7.9Correlation with on-track feel
  10. 7.10Lab: washout tuning
  1. 8.1Correlation protocol
  2. 8.2Channels to compare and metrics
  3. 8.3Time and distance alignment
  4. 8.4Differences by driver and by conditions
  5. 8.5Iterative model tuning
  6. 8.6Managing uncertainty
  7. 8.7Documenting the correlation
  8. 8.8Acceptance criteria
  9. 8.9Using correlation in decision-making
  10. 8.10Case study: correlating a circuit
  1. 9.1Tyre degradation over time
  2. 9.2Fuel or energy consumption
  3. 9.3Pit stops and timings
  4. 9.4Traffic and overtaking
  5. 9.5Safety car and random scenarios
  6. 9.6Monte Carlo simulation of race results
  7. 9.7Decisions under uncertainty
  8. 9.8Pit wall support tools
  9. 9.9Communicating the strategy
  10. 9.10Lab: simulating a race
  1. 10.1Using the simulator in the design cycle
  2. 10.2Evaluating concepts before manufacture
  3. 10.3Driver training and circuit learning
  4. 10.4Developing control systems with the driver
  5. 10.5Savings compared with track testing
  6. 10.6Planning simulator sessions
  7. 10.7Managing data and model versions
  8. 10.8Required team and roles
  9. 10.9Utilisation indicators
  10. 10.10Case study: a simulator programme
  1. 11.1Data formats and session management
  2. 11.2Automating sweeps and studies
  3. 11.3Computing infrastructure
  4. 11.4Visualising and comparing laps
  5. 11.5Version control of models
  6. 11.6Reproducibility of studies
  7. 11.7Documentation best practice
  8. 11.8Common errors in analysis
  9. 11.9Communication with trackside engineering
  10. 11.10Lab: automating a study
  1. 12.1Defining the vehicle and the circuit
  2. 12.2Building and validating the model
  3. 12.3Fitting the tyre model
  4. 12.4Set-up study and results
  5. 12.5Simulator session with a driver
  6. 12.6Correlation and final adjustments
  7. 12.7Race simulation and strategy
  8. 12.8Conclusions and recommendations
  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. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within each intake, which makes the programme compatible with work.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is VI-grade CarRealTime, rFpro, IPG CarMaker, MATLAB/Simulink and Python (NumPy), in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures from driver-in-the-loop simulator sessions and correlation of simulated laps with track data. Assessment is continuous for each module, plus the final Master's Thesis.

Standards covered: ISO 8855, ISO 4138, ISO 7401, ISO 3888, SAE J670 and the FIA Technical Regulations.

Assigned technical tutor:every module ends with a deliverable that your tutor marks individually.
Standards-based learning:guided reading of ISO 8855, ISO 4138 and ISO 7401 applied to real cases, not as a theoretical annex.
Industry software:VI-grade CarRealTime, rFpro, IPG CarMaker, MATLAB/Simulink and Python (NumPy), in free, academic or evaluation versions.
Master's Thesis with defence:a complete simulation project for a vehicle and circuit, from model building and tyre fitting to a simulator session, correlation and race strategy, 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 models
Build a baseline vehicle model and fit a tyre model to test-rig data.
Lap time simulation
Compute a quasi-static lap time and simulate a transient manoeuvre.
Set-up optimisation
Run a set-up sweep to find the best compromise between lap time, stability and wear.
Simulator and correlation
Measure loop latency, tune washout filters and correlate a circuit with track data.
Master's Thesis
Develop a full simulation project covering model, simulator session, correlation and race strategy, defended before a panel.
Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Vehicle simulation engineerSimulator engineerVehicle dynamics engineerRace strategy engineerPerformance engineerTyre model developer
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'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.

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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 will work with VI-grade CarRealTime, rFpro, IPG CarMaker, MATLAB/Simulink and Python (NumPy). Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and your tutor indicates the free alternative where 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; an internet connection and a computer capable of running 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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