Master’s in Rally-Raid Support and Field Operations Engineering
Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in rally-raid support and campaign operations engineering, structured in 12 modules covering support team organisation, support vehicles, spare parts planning, bivouac routines, on-stage repairs, communications, international logistics, team health and safety, support regulations and campaign budgeting under the FIA codes, with an assigned technical tutor.
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.
What you will be able to do
Plan the support operation for a rally-raid.
Organise the support crew and its shifts.
Equip and manage support vehicles.
Define spare parts lists based on failure data.
Apply repair procedures in the bivouac and on stage.
Manage international and customs logistics.
Draw up team budgets and safety plans.
Who it's for
- Rally-raid support managers.
- Off-road competition mechanics.
- Team logistics coordinators.
- Spare parts managers.
- Team managers.
- Team safety coordinators.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter off-road motorsport.
What you'll work with
- FIA International Sporting Code (international motorsport rules)
- FIA Rally-Raid Sporting Regulations (cross-country rally rules)
- ATA Convention (temporary admission of goods)
- ADR Agreement (transport of dangerous goods by road)
- Law 31/1995 (Spanish Occupational Risk Prevention Act)
- Incoterms 2020 (international trade terms)
- Microsoft Project
- Microsoft Excel
- Garmin Explore
- Trello
12 modules · 1900 h
1.1Stage and bivouac format1.2Marathon stages without assistance1.3Liaison sections and special stages1.4Logistics scale of a major rally-raid1.5Factory and privateer teams1.6Organiser services1.7Preparation timeline1.8Lessons from previous editions1.9Critical success factors1.10Case study: preparation timeline for an entry
2.1Structure of a support team2.2Roles of mechanics, engineers and logistics staff2.3Head of support and chain of command2.4Night work shifts2.5Selection and training of staff2.6Internal team communication2.7Management of technical suppliers2.8Coordination with drivers2.9Working protocols in the bivouac2.10Practical exercise: organisation chart for a two-vehicle team
3.1Fast in-race support trucks3.2Road support trucks3.3Light support vehicles3.4Mobile workshop equipment3.5Portable cranes and lifts3.6Generators and compressors3.7On-board parts storage3.8Regulations for support vehicles3.9Maintenance of the support fleet3.10Case study: equipping a workshop truck
4.1Failure analysis from previous editions4.2Spare parts lists by system4.3In-race repair kits4.4Spares carried in the competition vehicle4.5Complete replacement assemblies4.6Parts traceability4.7Tyre management4.8Consumables and lubricants4.9Spare parts budget4.10Practical exercise: spare parts list for a T3
5.1Setting up the work area5.2Night-time power and lighting5.3Vehicle arrival routine5.4Systematic post-stage inspection5.5Repair priorities5.6Preparation for the next stage5.7Team rest5.8Waste management in the bivouac5.9Bivouac security5.10Case study: overnight inspection routine
6.1Rapid fault diagnosis6.2Repairs permitted to the crew6.3On-board tools6.4Temporary suspension repairs6.5Punctures and wheel changes6.6Electrical faults en route6.7Assistance between competitors6.8Fast in-race assistance6.9Fault log6.10Practical exercise: procedure for changing a damper on a stage
7.1Satellite tracking systems7.2Team satellite communications7.3Available telemetry and restrictions7.4Classification information7.5Communication with the organiser7.6Management of in-race incidents7.7Emergency protocols7.8Social media and external communication7.9Team data management7.10Case study: protocol for a vehicle stranded in the dunes
8.1Sea freight of vehicles8.2ATA carnets and temporary import8.3Customs documentation for equipment8.4Transport of dangerous goods8.5Shipping urgent spare parts8.6Transport insurance8.7Shipping deadlines8.8Return of equipment8.9Logistics costs of the campaign8.10Practical exercise: shipping plan for a team
9.1Occupational risks in the bivouac9.2Fatigue and sleep deprivation9.3Extreme heat and hydration9.4Team nutrition9.5First-aid kit and medical care9.6Safety in mechanical work9.7Safe driving of support vehicles9.8Staff insurance9.9Stress management9.10Case study: health plan for a two-week race
10.1Assistance rules in the sporting regulations10.2Authorised service areas10.3Prohibited assistance and penalties10.4Parc fermé rules10.5Replacement of sealed components10.6Technical scrutineering during the race10.7Protests and appeals10.8Relationship with stewards10.9Recent regulatory changes10.10Practical exercise: analysis of assistance penalties
11.1Budget for a campaign11.2Sponsorship and return11.3Entry fees and service costs11.4Cost optimisation11.5Team carbon footprint11.6Renewable fuels in support operations11.7Waste reduction11.8Relationship with local communities11.9Responsible team communication11.10Case study: budget for a privateer team
12.1Definition of the team and the race12.2Staff organisation12.3Support fleet12.4Spare parts plan12.5International logistics plan12.6Health and safety plan12.7Campaign budget12.8Risk analysis12.9Master'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 the intake, making it compatible with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Microsoft Project, Microsoft Excel, Garmin Explore and Trello, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures for support planning in the bivouac, in-race spare parts management and international team logistics. Assessment is continuous by module plus the final Master's Thesis.
Standards covered: FIA International Sporting Code, FIA Rally-Raid Sporting Regulations, ATA Convention, ADR Agreement, Law 31/1995, Incoterms 2020.
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 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.
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 Microsoft Project, Microsoft Excel, Garmin Explore and Trello, 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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