Master’s in Rally-Raid and Adventure Racing Engineering
Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in rally-raid and adventure racing engineering, with 12 modules covering rally-raid motorcycles, fuel and range, reliability in extreme conditions, road book navigation, suspension and tyres, rider safety, service and bivouac, rally logistics, stage planning and sustainability, with an assigned technical tutor.
Master’s in Rally-Raid and Adventure Racing 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$10,800 (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
Analyse the technical requirements of rally-raid and adventure motorcycles.
Design fuel, navigation and protection systems for long stages.
Prepare the motorcycle for reliability in extreme conditions.
Plan the navigation, service and logistics of a rally.
Manage rider safety in isolated environments.
Integrate environmental and safety criteria into competition.
Develop the technical and logistics project for taking part in a rally-raid.
Who it's for
- Rally-raid engineers working with factory and privateer teams.
- Rally service mechanics.
- Rally logistics managers.
- Navigators and navigation trainers.
- Adventure motorcycle development engineers.
- Rally-raid team managers.
- Engineering or science graduates aiming to join adventure motorcycle manufacturers.
What you'll work with
- FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship Regulations (rally-raid sporting and technical rules)
- Dakar Regulations, ASO (Dakar Rally rules)
- FIM Medical Code (rider medical requirements)
- FIM Environmental Code (environmental protection at events)
- Regulation (EU) 168/2013 (L-category vehicle approval)
- ISO 16750-3 (mechanical loads on electrical equipment)
- ISO 20653 (IP protection against dust and water)
- Regulation (EU) 2016/425 (personal protective equipment)
- AiM Race Studio
- Garmin BaseCamp
- QGIS
- SolidWorks
- MATLAB
12 modules · 1900 h
1.1History of rally-raid1.2World Cross-Country Rallies Championship1.3Stage and marathon formats1.4Motorcycle classes1.5Adventure and touring rallies1.6Rider profile1.7Organisation of a rally1.8Participation costs1.9Trends in the discipline1.10Case study: analysis of an edition of the Dakar
2.1Rally frames and subframes2.2Navigation towers2.3Fairings and protection2.4Ergonomics for long stages2.5Mass and distribution with full tanks2.6450 cc and twin-cylinder engines2.7Long-travel suspension2.8Brakes and protection2.9Production adventure motorcycles2.10Practical: analysis of a rally motorcycle
3.1Front and rear tanks3.2Fuel consumption management3.3Minimum regulatory range3.4Pumps and filtration3.5Poor-quality fuel3.6Fuel mass distribution3.7Consumption by terrain3.8Range calculations3.9Tank safety3.10Workshop: sizing tanks for a stage
4.1Air filtration in sand4.2Cooling in dunes4.3Protection against water and mud4.4Vibration and fatigue4.5Electrical system reliability4.6Environmental product tests4.7Critical components for reliability4.8Repairs on the route4.9Rider tools4.10Lab: reliability plan for a rally motorcycle
5.1The road book and its interpretation5.2Approved navigation equipment5.3Tripmeter and CAP heading5.4Waypoints and validation5.5Electronic navigation systems5.6Navigation strategy5.7Common mistakes and how to avoid them5.8Navigation training5.9Safety and beacons5.10Practical: interpreting a road book
6.1Settings for dunes6.2Settings for fast tracks6.3Variable fuel load6.4Mousses and pressures6.5Desert tyres6.6Wear over long stages6.7Tyre changes at the bivouac6.8Steering damper6.9Suspension fatigue6.10Case study: set-up for a dune stage
7.1Protective equipment7.2Airbags in rally7.3Tracking systems7.4Emergency beacons7.5Medical assistance during the race7.6Heatstroke and hydration7.7Fatigue and sleep7.8Accidents in rally-raid7.9FIM Medical Code7.10Workshop: rider safety protocol
8.1Organisation of the bivouac8.2Service team8.3Service trucks8.4Spare parts and tools8.5Night-time maintenance at the bivouac8.6Marathon stages without assistance8.7Communication with the team8.8Shift management8.9Service regulations8.10Practical: bivouac maintenance plan
9.1Transport of motorcycles and vehicles9.2Customs and documentation9.3Fuel and spare parts9.4Staff and travel9.5Accommodation and bivouac9.6Satellite communications9.7Season logistics budget9.8Logistics risk analysis9.9Vehicle and activity insurance9.10Case study: logistics of an African rally
10.1Stage analysis10.2Terrain study with GIS10.3Navigation data10.4Consumption data10.5Times and pace10.6Race strategy10.7Risk management during the race10.8Post-stage analysis10.9Digital planning tools10.10Lab: stage analysis with QGIS
11.1Environmental impact of the rally11.2FIM Environmental Code11.3Sustainable fuels in rally11.4Electric and hybrid motorcycles11.5Relations with local communities11.6Responsible adventure tourism11.7Waste management11.8Emissions offsetting11.9Responsible communication of the event11.10Practical: environmental plan for a team
12.1Choice of rally and class12.2Technical preparation of the motorcycle12.3Fuel and range plan12.4Navigation plan12.5Safety plan12.6Service and logistics plan12.7Project budget12.8Sustainability plan12.9Thesis 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 AiM Race Studio, Garmin BaseCamp, QGIS, SolidWorks and MATLAB, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied through real procedures: preparation of a rally-raid motorcycle for a marathon stage, range and tank study for long stages, and service and logistics planning for a desert rally. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final Master's Thesis.
Standards covered: FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship Regulations, Dakar Regulations (ASO), FIM Medical Code, FIM Environmental Code, Regulation (EU) 168/2013, ISO 16750-3, ISO 20653, 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 AiM Race Studio, Garmin BaseCamp, QGIS, SolidWorks and MATLAB, 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.
Related programmes
Master’s in Motorcycle Engineering
Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in motorcycle engineering, structured in 12 modules covering chassis, engine and transmission, brakes, suspension, aerodynamics, electrification, NVH, safety and industrialisation,…
Master’s in Type-Approved Accessories and Aftermarket Engineering
Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in type-approved accessories and aftermarket engineering, structured in 12 modules covering the parts and equipment regulatory framework, replacement exhausts and…
Master’s in Advanced Suspension Engineering (Semi-Active, Hydraulics, Linkages, 7-Post Rig)
Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in advanced suspension engineering (semi-active, hydraulics, linkages, 7-post rig). 12 modules covering vertical dynamics, kinematics, forks, damper hydraulics, testing, semi-active…
More in Motorcycles & 2-Wheelers
All Motorcycles & 2-Wheelers programmes → · How to apply · Fees & financing · Scholarships