Master’s in Transmissions and Clutches Engineering
Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in transmissions and clutches engineering. 12 modules covering motorcycle drivelines, gear calculation to ISO 6336, sequential gearboxes, clutches, final drive, automatic transmissions, electronic shifting, dynamics, bearings, NVH and racing and electric transmissions, with an assigned technical tutor.
Master’s in Transmissions and Clutches Engineering — studying from Australia
Motorcycles and two-wheeled vehicles are a significant part of Australian transport and recreation, with strong demand for motorcycles, scooters and e-bikes in urban and regional areas. Engineers working in this field contribute to chassis and powertrain design, rider safety systems and emissions compliance. National vehicle standards and rider safety initiatives shape product development and testing. Employers include motorcycle importers and distributors, component suppliers, accessory makers and e-mobility start-ups.
Fees for Australia: A$14,200 (AUD), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in Australia
Typical roles
Questions from Australia
Will a SEIUM qualification be recognised for motorcycle engineering roles in Australia?
SEIUM qualifications are private and not accredited by any Australian national body. Recognition for engineering or vehicle compliance roles is decided by individual employers and relevant bodies. Vehicle safety and compliance in Australia are governed by national design rules, which apply regardless of your qualification, so check requirements with the employer.
Which Australian employers work in motorcycle and two-wheeler engineering?
Motorcycle and scooter importers, distributors, component suppliers, dealer service networks and performance workshops are examples of Australian employers in this field. Whether they value a private qualification depends on their policies. Practical experience and a strong final project portfolio are typically persuasive in this industry.
Is the course suitable for someone working full time in Australia?
The programmes are delivered 100% online in English with an assigned technical tutor, so you can study from home at times that suit you. Fees are payable in instalments, and employers may sponsor you. Check the hours required for your chosen programme and make sure your schedule allows steady progress.
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
Calculate gears and shafts for motorcycle gearboxes.
Design multi-plate and slipper clutches.
Size chain, belt and shaft final drives.
Analyse automated and dual-clutch shifting systems.
Calibrate quickshifters and electronic shift strategies.
Evaluate transmission noise, losses and durability.
Develop a complete transmission for a motorcycle.
Who it's for
- Transmission engineers at motorcycle and drivetrain manufacturers.
- Gearbox engineers.
- Clutch engineers.
- Gear calculation engineers.
- Shift calibration engineers working on quickshifters and automated systems.
- Transmission NVH engineers.
- Engineering or science graduates aiming to join motorcycle manufacturers.
What you'll work with
- ISO 6336-1 (calculation of load capacity of spur and helical gears)
- ISO 281 (rolling bearings, dynamic load ratings and rating life)
- ISO 606 (short-pitch transmission precision roller chains)
- ISO 10823 (guidance on the selection of roller chain drives)
- AGMA 2001-D04 (rating factors and calculation methods for gear teeth)
- ISO 1328-1 (gear flank tolerance classification)
- ISO 4183 (V-belts and grooved pulleys)
- ISO 26262-12 (functional safety for motorcycles)
- KISSsoft
- Romax
- MASTA
- MSC Adams
- MATLAB/Simulink
12 modules · 1900 h
1.1Complete driveline1.2Primary gear drive1.3Gearbox integrated in the engine1.4Motorcycle final drive1.5Weight and size requirements1.6Transmissions in scooters1.7Transmissions in electric motorcycles1.8Overall transmission efficiency1.9Technological evolution of the sector1.10Case study: analysis of the transmission of a naked bike
2.1Involute tooth geometry2.2Profile shift2.3Spur and helical gears2.4Bending strength calculation according to ISO 63362.5Pitting calculation2.6Gear quality to ISO 13282.7Materials and case hardening2.8Tooth microgeometry2.9Gear lubrication2.10Practical exercise: calculating a gear pair in KISSsoft
3.1Sequential gearbox architecture3.2Shift drum and forks3.3Dog teeth3.4Shafts and bearings3.5Gear ratio staging3.6Removable racing cassette gearboxes3.7Shift failures3.8Dog tooth durability3.9Gearbox testing3.10Workshop: gear staging for a circuit
4.1Wet multi-plate clutches4.2Friction materials4.3Springs and diaphragms4.4Cable and hydraulic actuation4.5Slipper clutch4.6Low-effort assist clutch4.7Automatic centrifugal clutches4.8Clutch thermal management4.9Wear and service life4.10Laboratory: bench test of a clutch
5.1Roller chains to ISO 6065.2O-ring chains5.3Sprockets to ISO 108235.4Toothed belt drive5.5Shaft drive5.6Effect on the suspension5.7Lubrication and maintenance5.8Friction losses5.9Wear and elongation5.10Practical exercise: sizing a belt drive
6.1Belt CVT variators6.2Centrifugal clutches in scooters6.3Dual-clutch transmission in motorcycles6.4Automated clutch shifting6.5Shift strategies6.6Comfort and response6.7Efficiency versus manual6.8Variator calibration6.9In-service system reliability6.10Case study: tuning a variator
7.1Upshift quickshifter7.2Downshift blipper7.3Shift lever load sensors7.4Ignition and injection cut7.5Synchronisation with the ECU7.6Calibration per gear7.7Clutchless shifting in racing7.8System safety7.9Diagnostics and fault codes7.10Laboratory: quickshifter calibration
8.1Torsional vibrations of the transmission8.2Transmission dampers8.3Backlash and shocks8.4Interaction with traction8.5Multibody vehicle models8.6Transient system response8.7Influence on stability8.8Gearshift simulation8.9Stiffness optimisation8.10Practical exercise: torsional model of the driveline
9.1Bearing selection to ISO 2819.2Needle bearings9.3Sump lubrication9.4JASO oils for motorcycles9.5Additives and clutch friction9.6Contamination and filtration9.7Oil temperature9.8Oil analysis9.9Bearing failures9.10Case study: failure of a gearbox bearing
10.1Gear noise10.2Transmission error10.3Whine and rattle10.4Transmission noise measurement10.5Churning losses10.6Seal and bearing losses10.7Efficiency optimisation10.8Efficiency tests10.9Design improvements10.10Practical exercise: bench efficiency measurement
11.1MotoGP transmissions11.2Seamless gearboxes11.3FIM technical regulations11.4Reduction gearboxes for electric motorcycles11.5Two-speed electric transmissions11.6Motor and reduction gear integration11.7Durability under high torque11.8Advanced transmission materials11.9Sector trends11.10Workshop: reduction gearbox for an electric motorcycle
12.1Transmission requirements12.2Gear ratio staging12.3Gear calculation12.4Clutch design12.5Motorcycle final drive12.6Shift strategy12.7NVH and efficiency analysis12.8Validation plan12.9Master's Thesis report12.10Master's Thesis: defence before a panel
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. 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 KISSsoft, Romax, MASTA, MSC Adams and MATLAB/Simulink, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real procedures: gear calculation for a six-speed gearbox, a wear test on a drive chain, and bench calibration of a quickshifter. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final Master's Thesis.
Standards covered: ISO 6336-1, ISO 281, ISO 606, ISO 10823, AGMA 2001-D04, ISO 1328-1, ISO 4183, ISO 26262-12.
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'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 KISSsoft, Romax, MASTA, MSC Adams and MATLAB/Simulink, 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 programme's 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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