Master’s in Airbags, Protective Gear and Technical Textiles Engineering
Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in airbag, protector and technical textile engineering, with 12 modules covering rider protection, impact protectors, airbag systems, fall detection and deployment, EN 1621-4 airbag testing, technical textiles, garment testing and design, comfort, manufacturing and innovation, with an assigned technical tutor.
Master’s in Airbags, Protective Gear and Technical Textiles Engineering — studying from Canada
Canada's motorcycle and two-wheeler market is relatively modest compared with the car sector, but it supports a network of dealers, distributors, parts suppliers and recreational riding communities. Manufacturers and importers serve markets across provinces, with seasonal demand shaped by climate. Engineering work in this area includes vehicle homologation, component design and electric two-wheeler development. Regulation of vehicle safety and emissions involves federal and provincial authorities.
Fees for Canada: C$13,900 (Canadian dollar), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in Canada
Typical roles
Questions from Canada
Is this programme recognised by professional bodies in Canada for motorcycle engineering?
SEIUM's qualifications are private, not official state degrees, and are not accredited by any national body in Canada. Vehicle engineering roles in Canada are generally not licensed by a single title-protected body, but employers and industry associations set their own expectations. Transport Canada regulates vehicle safety standards, which is separate from any qualification. Check recognition with prospective employers directly.
What career paths in Canada could this qualification support in the 2-wheeler sector?
Potential roles include design, testing, product development and technical support with motorcycle and powersports manufacturers, distributors and component suppliers. Whether a private qualification is valued is for each employer to decide, and experience often matters most in this sector. The final project can provide a concrete portfolio piece, though it does not guarantee any position.
How can I manage this programme alongside work in Canada?
The programme is entirely online and in English, so it suits students across Canadian time zones, and no student visa is needed to study from home. Workload ranges from 300 to 1,900 hours depending on the programme chosen. Fees are payable in instalments, and employer sponsorship is possible. An assigned technical tutor provides guidance throughout.
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
Explain how motorcycle airbags work and the requirements they must meet.
Design fall detection and deployment algorithms.
Select materials for impact protectors.
Design garments with abrasion-resistant technical textiles.
Test protectors and garments to European standards.
Integrate protection, comfort and ergonomics into the product.
Develop a motorcyclist protection system with an integrated airbag.
Who it's for
- Protective equipment engineers at motorcycle clothing brands.
- Airbag systems engineers working on vests and racing suits.
- Textile engineers specialising in high-performance fabrics.
- PPE laboratory technicians testing protectors and garments.
- Technical garment designers working on motorcycle apparel.
- Detection algorithm engineers working with inertial sensor data.
- Engineering or science graduates aiming to join motorcycle equipment manufacturers.
What you'll work with
- EN 1621-4 (inflatable motorcyclist protectors)
- EN 1621-1 (limb impact protectors)
- EN 1621-2 (back protectors)
- EN 1621-3 (chest protectors)
- EN 17092-1 (motorcyclists' protective garments, test methods)
- ISO 12947-2 (Martindale abrasion resistance)
- ISO 13934-1 (fabric tensile properties)
- Regulation (EU) 2016/425 (personal protective equipment)
- CLO 3D
- LS-DYNA
- MATLAB
- Gerber AccuMark
- Python
12 modules · 1900 h
1.1Injury mechanisms1.2Critical body areas1.3Passive and active protection1.4Evolution of equipment1.5Road and racing equipment1.6Framework of Regulation (EU) 2016/4251.7Effectiveness data1.8Barriers to use1.9The equipment market1.10Case study: analysis of a product range
2.1Viscoelastic protective materials2.2Non-Newtonian foams and polymers2.3EN 1621-1 joint protectors2.4EN 1621-2 back protectors2.5EN 1621-3 chest protectors2.6Protection levels2.7Impact test with striker2.8Influence of temperature2.9Protector ergonomics2.10Lab: testing a back protector
3.1Types of airbag for motorcyclists3.2Tethered (lanyard) systems3.3Electronically triggered airbags3.4Gas generators3.5CO2 cartridges3.6Bags and materials3.7Protected body areas3.8Reuse after deployment3.9System maintenance3.10Practical: analysis of a commercial airbag vest
4.1Inertial detection sensors4.2Fall detection algorithms4.3Machine learning in detection4.4Detection times4.5Prevention of false deployments4.6Accident scenarios4.7Training data4.8Algorithm validation4.9System electronics4.10Workshop: detection algorithm with inertial data
5.1EN 1621-4 standard5.2Inflation time5.3Pressure retained after inflation5.4Absorption test5.5Environmental product tests5.6System reliability5.7Dummy tests5.8Track tests5.9Durability tests5.10Lab: inflation measurement with a high-speed camera
6.1Aramid fibres6.2Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene6.3Leather and its tanning6.4High-tenacity nylon fabrics6.5Waterproof breathable membranes6.6Laminates and coatings6.7High-strength seams6.8Use of sustainable textiles6.9Selection by application6.10Practical: fabric comparison
7.1EN 17092 standard7.2Classes AAA, AA, A, B and C7.3Abrasion test7.4Tear resistance7.5Seam strength7.6ISO 13934-1 tensile test7.7ISO 12947-2 Martindale abrasion7.8Ergonomics in testing7.9Test report7.10Case study: classification of a jacket
8.1Pattern cutting for the riding position8.2Material zoning8.3Integration of protectors8.4Integration of the airbag8.5Equipment ventilation8.6Fit and sizing8.7Design in CLO 3D8.8Prototype manufacture8.9User trials8.10Workshop: design of a jacket with airbag
9.1User thermal comfort9.2Moisture management9.3Freedom of movement9.4Equipment weight9.5Comfort in hot weather9.6Comfort in rain9.7User surveys9.8Measurement with a thermal manikin9.9Trade-offs between protection and comfort9.10Practical: garment comfort assessment
10.1Automated fabric cutting10.2Industrial garment making10.3Integration of electronics10.4Quality control10.5Component traceability10.6Conformity of production10.7Material suppliers10.8Manufacturing costs10.9Product sustainability10.10Case study: quality plan for a garment line
11.1Connected rider equipment11.2Airbags integrated into the motorcycle11.3Protection for urban mobility11.4Equipment for women11.5Circular economy in textiles11.6New protective materials11.7Racing as a laboratory11.8Consumer trends11.9Product strategy11.10Workshop: innovative product concept
12.1Product definition12.2Protection requirements12.3Material selection12.4Airbag design12.5Detection algorithm12.6Test plan12.7Manufacturing plan12.8Final prototype evaluation12.9Thesis 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. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within the intake, so you can combine it with your job.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is CLO 3D, LS-DYNA, MATLAB, Gerber AccuMark and Python, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied through real procedures: impact absorption testing of a back protector, assessment of the inflation time of an airbag vest, and abrasion testing of technical fabrics. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final Master's Thesis.
Standards covered: EN 1621-4, EN 1621-1, EN 1621-2, EN 1621-3, EN 17092-1, ISO 12947-2, ISO 13934-1, Regulation (EU) 2016/425.
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 CLO 3D, LS-DYNA, MATLAB, Gerber AccuMark and Python, 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 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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