Master’s in Drag Racing Engineering
Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in drag racing engineering, structured in 12 modules covering acceleration physics, chassis and load transfer, tyres and track prep, engines, transmission and clutch, launch control, aerodynamics, fuels and nitrous, data, safety and team operations, with an assigned technical tutor.
Master’s in Drag Racing Engineering — studying from India
India is one of the world's largest automobile markets, with major manufacturing clusters around Chennai, Pune, Gurugram, Manesar and Sanand. Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra, Hyundai and Toyota Kirloskar anchor a dense supplier ecosystem of component makers across Chennai and Pune. Vehicle standards and type approvals are handled by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and the Automotive Research Association of India, while the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers represents the industry. Engineers work on powertrain design, vehicle dynamics, quality validation and motorsport engineering, with demand rising as the industry transitions to new technologies.
Fees for India: ₹628,000 (Indian Rupee), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in India
Typical roles
Questions from India
How are automotive engineers recognised in India, and which bodies matter?
Automotive engineering in India is recognised mainly through the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), the Society of Automotive Engineers India (SAE India) and the Institution of Engineers (India). Engineering degrees from recognised universities are the usual entry route. SEIUM's private qualifications are not state degrees and are not accredited by any national body, so their value for membership or roles depends on the employer or body concerned.
Which employers in India hire automotive and motorsport engineers?
Automotive engineers in India are hired by carmakers such as Tata Motors, Mahindra, Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai India, their component suppliers, and design and testing firms. Motorsport teams and racing series also employ engineers. A private online programme can add specialised knowledge to your profile, but employers generally judge candidates on demonstrated skills, projects and experience.
Is this programme workable with a job in India, and does it need a visa?
Yes. The programme is fully online and taught in English, so no student visa is needed to study from home. Workload depends on the format: a master's is about 1,900 hours, a postgraduate diploma about 800 and a specialist course about 300. You get an assigned technical tutor and can pay in instalments. Some employers offer sponsorship, so it is worth asking your HR team before you enrol.
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 the physics of longitudinal acceleration and load transfer.
Set up chassis and suspension to maximise traction at launch.
Select tyres and understand track preparation.
Configure clutch and transmission to control torque at launch.
Analyse data between runs to fine-tune the set-up.
Apply safety regulations and rules for handling special fuels.
Plan the operations and logistics of a drag racing team.
Who it's for
- Drag racing engineers.
- Drag team chiefs.
- High-performance engine builders.
- Motorsport data engineers.
- Transmission and clutch technicians.
- Team safety officers.
- Engineering or science graduates aiming for a career in motorsport.
What you'll work with
- NHRA Rulebook (drag racing technical regulations)
- FIA European Drag Racing Championship Regulations
- SFI Spec 16.1 (driver restraint systems)
- SFI Spec 3.2A (driver protective suits)
- FIA International Sporting Code Appendix L (drivers, equipment and conduct)
- NFPA 30 (flammable and combustible liquids)
- Racepak DataLink II
- MoTeC i2
- MATLAB
- Advanced Excel
12 modules · 1900 h
1.1Equation of motion in a straight line1.2Traction-limited and power-limited acceleration1.360-foot times and their importance1.4Relationship between weight and time1.5Longitudinal load transfer1.6Wheelstands and launch control1.7Metrics: ET and trap speed1.8Classes and regulations1.9Analysis of time slips1.10Workshop: simple acceleration model
2.1Drag chassis architectures2.2Rear frame and traction bars2.3Anti-squat and instant centre2.4Centre of gravity height2.5Weight distribution and ballast2.6Stiffness and launch behaviour2.7Roll cage and certification2.8Materials and construction2.9Geometry measurement2.10Lab: anti-squat calculation
3.1Drag slicks and their deformation3.2The wrinkle wall and its function3.3Very low pressures and their adjustment3.4Burnout and tyre preparation3.5Temperature and grip3.6Track compound and VHT3.7Grip variation by lane3.8Tyre wear and life3.9Measurement and monitoring3.10Lab: pressure adjustment
4.1Architectures and displacements4.2Forced induction: turbo, supercharger and nitrous4.3Compression ratio and fuel4.4Detonation management4.5Injection systems4.6Cooling between runs4.7Lubrication under extreme acceleration4.8Reliability and life between rebuilds4.9Engine dyno4.10Lab: engine configuration
5.1Automatic and manual drag gearboxes5.2Torque converter and stall speed5.3Multi-disc clutches and their management5.4Ratios and optimal shift points5.5Transbrake and launch5.6Differential and axles5.7Component strength5.8Maintenance between runs5.9Slip diagnosis5.10Lab: ratio selection
6.1Christmas tree and reaction times6.2Launch and rpm control6.3Power management in the first metres6.4Limiters and timer-based controls6.5Permitted traction control systems6.6Adjustment for track conditions6.7Data from the first tenths of a second6.8Typical driver errors6.9Launch training6.10Lab: 60-foot analysis
7.1Aerodynamic drag at high speed7.2Lift and stability7.3Wings and wheelie bars7.4Directional stability7.5Effect of crosswind7.6Braking parachutes7.7Bodywork and regulations7.8Simulation and wind tunnel7.9Track validation7.10Lab: drag study
8.1Race gasoline, methanol and nitromethane8.2Air–fuel ratio by fuel type8.3Fuel systems and flow rates8.4Nitrous oxide: operation and risks8.5Safe handling8.6Category regulations8.7Effect on reliability8.8Tuning by fuel type8.9Storage and transport8.10Workshop: fuel system configuration
9.1Critical channels in a run9.2Analysis of the first tenths9.3Air density correction9.4Quick adjustments between rounds9.5Logging conditions9.6Predictive ET models9.7Decision-making under time pressure9.8Managing information on the opponent9.9Documenting the race day9.10Lab: analysis of a round
10.1Roll cages and requirements by speed10.2Harnesses and seats10.3Fire suppression systems10.4Parachutes and their maintenance10.5Driver equipment10.6Licences and categories10.7Technical inspection10.8Accident protocols10.9Shutdown area and run-off10.10Workshop: safety review
11.1Organisation between rounds11.2Spares and rebuilds11.3Tooling and mobile workshop11.4Qualifying times and eliminations11.5Heat and fuel management11.6Crew and roles11.7Season budget11.8Sponsorship and communication11.9Equipment transport11.10Case study: event plan
12.1Definition of class and ET targets12.2Chassis and load transfer concept12.3Engine and transmission selection12.4Tyre and launch strategy12.5Aerodynamics and braking12.6Data and tuning plan12.7Safety plan12.8Run simulation12.9Technical report and defence12.10Master's Thesis: final 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: you progress at your own pace within each intake, making it compatible with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original regulations and applied exercises. The working software is Racepak DataLink II, MoTeC i2, MATLAB and advanced Excel, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures: test runs at a drag strip, engine dyno runs and data analysis between runs. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final Master's Thesis.
Standards covered: NHRA Rulebook, FIA European Drag Racing Championship Regulations, SFI Spec 16.1, SFI Spec 3.2A, FIA International Sporting Code Appendix L, NFPA 30.
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
- University degree in engineering, science or architecture, or equivalent demonstrable professional experience.
- 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 Racepak DataLink II, MoTeC i2, MATLAB and advanced Excel, 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.
Related programmes
Master’s in Racing Reliability Engineering
Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in motorsport reliability engineering, structured in 12 modules covering reliability statistics, failure mode analysis, fatigue, accelerated testing, component lifing and…
Master’s in Motorsport Cooling and Aerothermal Engineering
Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in motorsport cooling and aerothermal engineering. 12 modules covering thermal balance, heat transfer, radiators, ducting, CFD, coolant circuits, battery cooling,…
Master’s in Hillclimb & Time Attack Engineering
Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in hillclimb and time attack engineering, structured in 12 modules covering vehicle concept and mass distribution, single-lap aerodynamics, suspension for…
More in Automotive & Motorsport
All Automotive & Motorsport programmes → · How to apply · Fees & financing · Scholarships