Master’s in Dynamics, Suspension and Tyres Engineering
Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in vehicle dynamics, suspension and tyre engineering: 12 modules covering racing-vehicle dynamics, vehicle and tyre models, suspension kinematics, springs and damping, set-up, data analysis, advanced simulation, rig testing and chassis electronics, with an assigned technical tutor.
Master’s in Dynamics, Suspension and Tyres Engineering — studying from Australia
Australia no longer manufactures passenger vehicles at scale, but automotive engineering remains significant through component suppliers, design and engineering services, fleet operations and a strong motorsport culture. Engineers contribute to vehicle testing, powertrain development, vehicle dynamics and aftermarket product development. Motorsport activity centres on categories such as Supercars, which draws engineering talent from across the country. Employers include major global suppliers, dealership groups, fleet operators and specialist engineering consultancies working with manufacturers.
Fees for Australia: A$12,600 (AUD), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in Australia
Typical roles
Questions from Australia
Which Australian bodies matter for automotive engineering recognition?
Engineers Australia is the main professional body for engineers and sets the standards for Chartered Professional Engineer status, which generally requires an accredited qualification. Automotive standards in Australia are overseen by bodies such as the Department of Infrastructure and vehicle compliance agencies. SEIUM's private qualifications are not accredited by these bodies, so their value depends on employer assessment.
What automotive careers and employers in Australia could this support?
Australia has automotive suppliers, vehicle engineering firms, motorsport teams and fleet operators, along with a growing mobility sector. Employers typically look at demonstrated technical skills, project work and experience. A SEIUM qualification may support your application, but whether it is recognised is for each employer to decide.
Can I manage this online course alongside a full-time job in Australia?
Yes, the courses are 100% online and taught in English, so you can study around work and from home without a student visa. Specialist courses take 300 hours, postgraduate diplomas 800 hours and master's 1,900 hours. Each student has an assigned technical tutor, and employer-funded training may be possible in some cases.
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
Analyse the dynamics of a racing vehicle.
Build vehicle models of increasing complexity.
Model tyre behaviour.
Design suspension kinematics.
Select springs, anti-roll bars and dampers.
Analyse track data to define the set-up.
Correlate simulation, test rigs and track data.
Who it's for
- Vehicle dynamics engineers in motorsport or high-performance automotive.
- Suspension engineers at teams or suspension manufacturers.
- Race engineers who want a stronger theoretical basis for set-up work.
- Simulation engineers building vehicle and lap time models.
- Data engineers analysing chassis and suspension channels.
- Set-up engineers working trackside.
- Engineering or science graduates looking to break into motorsport.
What you'll work with
- SAE J670 (vehicle dynamics terminology)
- ISO 8855 (vehicle dynamics and road-holding vocabulary)
- ISO 4138 (steady-state circular driving)
- ISO 7401 (lateral transient response)
- Appendix J to the FIA International Sporting Code (technical rules for competition vehicles)
- FIA Formula 1 Technical Regulations (technical rules for F1 cars)
- SAE J2047 (tyre performance terminology and test methods)
- MATLAB/Simulink
- Adams Car
- Lotus Suspension Analysis
- MoTeC i2
- OptimumLap
12 modules · 1900 h
1.1SAE and ISO reference systems1.2Longitudinal and lateral load transfer1.3Centre of gravity and moments of inertia1.4Understeer and oversteer behaviour1.5The g-g diagram1.6Grip limits1.7Influence of aerodynamics1.8Regulations and dynamics1.9Performance targets1.10Case study: load transfer in a high-speed corner
2.1Linear bicycle model2.2Understeer gradient2.3Steady-state response2.4Transient response2.5Four-wheel model2.6Multibody models2.7Lap time simulation2.8Simulation tools2.9Model validation2.10Lab: bicycle model in MATLAB
3.1Force generation in the tyre3.2Slip angle and slip ratio3.3Pacejka's Magic Formula3.4Combined slip3.5Load sensitivity3.6Camber effects3.7Tyre relaxation3.8Temperature and pressure3.9Model fitting3.10Practical: fitting Pacejka coefficients to data
4.1Layouts: double wishbone, push-rod and pull-rod4.2Roll centre4.3Anti-dive and anti-squat4.4Camber gain4.5Bump steer4.6Ackermann4.7Caster and kingpin inclination4.8Design with kinematics software4.9Optimisation4.10Lab: suspension design in Lotus Suspension Analysis
5.1Wheel rate and installation ratios5.2Natural frequencies5.3Anti-roll bars5.4Roll stiffness distribution5.5Chassis stiffness5.6Third elements and heave springs5.7Packers and bump stops5.8Ride height and aerodynamics5.9Spring selection5.10Practical: calculation of frequencies and roll distribution
6.1Functions of the damper6.2Force–velocity curves6.3Low and high speed6.4Critical damping coefficient6.5Bump and rebound adjustment6.6Inerters and track noise6.7Damper velocity histograms6.8Damper dynamometer6.9Influence on tyre and grip6.10Lab: analysis of damper histograms
7.1Alignment: camber, toe and caster7.2Mechanical balance tuning7.3Aerodynamic balance tuning7.4Set-up by circuit7.5Wet-weather set-up7.6Differential and traction7.7Brakes and brake balance7.8Change methodology7.9Driver feedback7.10Case study: set-up sheet for a technical circuit
8.1Suspension and chassis sensors8.2Potentiometers and strain gauges8.3Accelerometers and IMUs8.4Math channel analysis8.5Cornering balance analysis8.6Damper analysis8.7Lap comparison8.8MoTeC and Pi Toolbox tools8.9Race engineer's report8.10Practical: analysis of test data in MoTeC
9.1Quasi-static lap time simulation9.2Transient simulation9.3Set-up optimisation9.4Multibody simulation in Adams9.5Driving simulators9.6Simulation–track correlation9.7Driver models9.8Uncertainty in simulation9.9Simulation for strategy9.10Lab: set-up optimisation with OptimumLap
10.1Kinematics and compliance rigs10.2Seven-post rigs10.3Damper dynamometers10.4Flat-track tyre testing10.5Inertia measurement10.6Chassis torsional stiffness10.7Rig correlation10.8Test planning10.9Testing costs10.10Case study: pre-season test plan
11.1Traction control11.2Racing ABS11.3Active differentials11.4Torque vectoring in electric vehicles11.5Active suspension: history and regulations11.6Power steering11.7Electric vehicle dynamics11.8Current regulations11.9Trends11.10Workshop: traction control strategy
12.1Definition of the vehicle and category12.2Vehicle modelling12.3Suspension design12.4Selection of stiffness and damping12.5Performance simulation12.6Test and correlation plan12.7Set-up proposal12.8Conclusions12.9Master's Thesis report12.10Master's Thesis: defence before a panel
How you'll learn
The programme is 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 can be combined with your job.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is MATLAB/Simulink, Adams Car, Lotus Suspension Analysis, MoTeC i2 and OptimumLap, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures for vehicle dynamics and lap time simulation, analysis of suspension data on track and tyre model fitting. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final Master's Thesis.
Standards covered: SAE J670, ISO 8855, ISO 4138, ISO 7401, Appendix J to the FIA International Sporting Code, FIA Formula 1 Technical Regulations, SAE J2047.
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
- A university degree in engineering, science or architecture, or equivalent demonstrable professional experience.
- An 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.
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, Adams Car, Lotus Suspension Analysis, MoTeC i2 and OptimumLap, 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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