Postgraduate Diploma in Acceleration Data and ET/Trap Speed Optimisation
Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in Acceleration Data and ET/Trap Speed Optimisation. 8 modules covering the NHRA Rulebook, the FIA European Drag Racing Championship Regulations and Racepak DataLink II. Dedicated tutor and open enrolment.
Postgraduate Diploma in Acceleration Data and ET/Trap Speed Optimisation — 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$2,050 (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
Interpret drag racing time and speed metrics.
Install acceleration data acquisition systems.
Analyse the launch phase using data.
Calculate shift points and effective power.
Model and predict ET with atmospheric corrections.
Optimise vehicle setup.
Improve consistency in bracket competitions.
Who it's for
- Acceleration data engineer who wants to specialise in Acceleration Data and ET/Trap Speed Optimisation.
- Drag racing performance analyst who wants to specialise in Acceleration Data and ET/Trap Speed Optimisation.
- Crew chief who wants to specialise in Acceleration Data and ET/Trap Speed Optimisation.
- Data acquisition technician who wants to specialise in Acceleration Data and ET/Trap Speed Optimisation.
- Vehicle preparer who wants to specialise in Acceleration Data and ET/Trap Speed Optimisation.
- Bracket racing driver who wants to specialise in Acceleration Data and ET/Trap Speed Optimisation.
- Graduates in engineering or sciences seeking to enter drag racing.
What you'll work with
- NHRA Rulebook
- FIA European Drag Racing Championship Regulations
- SFI Spec 25.1 chassis
- SFI Spec 16.1 harnesses
- SFI Spec 3.2A fire suits
- SFI Spec 1.1 steering wheels and clutches
8 modules · 800 h
1.1Reaction time and red light1.260-foot time1.3Intermediate times at 330 and 660 feet1.4ET at 1000 feet and quarter mile1.5Trap speed and its measurement1.6ET–trap speed relationship and power1.7Performance index by class1.8Consistency between runs1.9Complete time slip1.10Practice: interpreting a series of time slips
2.1Acceleration-specific data loggers2.2Wheel speed sensors2.3Engine and shaft RPM sensors2.4Longitudinal accelerometers and their mounting2.5Chassis ride-height sensors2.6Boost and fuel pressures2.7Exhaust gas temperature2.8Appropriate sampling rate2.9Installation and wiring2.10Workshop: installing a Racepak system
3.1Tyre slip at launch3.2RPM curve after launch3.3Longitudinal acceleration over the first metres3.4Front wheel lift3.5Relationship between 60-foot time and final ET3.6Diagnosing bog and shudder3.7Influence of track preparation3.8Run comparison3.9Data-based launch adjustments3.10Laboratory: tyre slip analysis using wheel data
4.1Speed versus distance curve4.2Optimal shift points4.3RPM drop between gears4.4Effective power derived from data4.5Aerodynamic losses in the final section4.6Influence of weight on trap speed4.7Power calculation from trap speed4.8Detecting power loss4.9Comparison with simulation4.10Practice: calculating optimal shift points
5.1Longitudinal equations of motion5.2Traction and slip models5.3Aerodynamic and rolling resistance5.4Air density correction5.5Dial-in prediction5.6Regression with historical data5.7Simulating setup changes5.8Model validation5.9Limitations of prediction5.10Laboratory: ET prediction model in Python
6.1Final drive ratio6.2Rear tyre diameter6.3Weight reduction and its effect6.4Converter and clutch adjustments6.5Phased power adjustments6.6Wheelie bar and wing aerodynamics6.7Weather-based strategy6.8Structured test plan6.9Change log6.10Case study: final drive ratio optimisation
7.1Run-to-run variability7.2Statistical control of times7.3Dial-in and bracket strategy7.4Reaction time and training7.5Factors affecting consistency7.6Engine management between rounds7.7Technical test diary7.8Decisions in eliminator rounds7.9Driver psychology7.10Practice: statistical consistency analysis
8.1Vehicle selection and baseline data8.2Analysis of reference runs8.3Loss diagnosis8.4Proposed changes8.5Improvement simulation8.6Track validation8.7Technical results report8.8Development recommendations8.9Report and presentation8.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine the programme with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Racepak DataLink II, Performance Trends Drag Racing Analyzer, Python with pandas, MATLAB, Microsoft Excel, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real procedures for single-run acceleration data analysis, ET prediction through models and optimisation of gear ratios. Assessment is continuous per module plus the final integrative project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Interpret drag racing time and speed metrics.
Install acceleration data acquisition systems.
Analyse the launch phase using data.
Calculate shift points and effective power.
Model and predict ET with atmospheric corrections.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. No university degree is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient level of Spanish to follow technical standards reading.
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 800 hours spread over 6 to 8 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
You will work with Racepak DataLink II, Performance Trends Drag Racing Analyzer, Python with pandas, MATLAB and Microsoft Excel. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
An own diploma from SEIUM upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrative project. It is in-house training, not an official Ministry qualification.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or diploma in the same area are credited towards the advanced programme. Check the credit transfer policy when you enrol.
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