Apply now
Master'sAutomotive & Motorsport Applications open

Master’s in Advanced Aerodynamic Development Engineering

Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in advanced aerodynamic development engineering: 12 modules covering the aerodynamic development process, advanced flow physics, high-fidelity simulation, adjoint optimisation, aerodynamic maps, aerodynamics in traffic, machine learning, tool correlation, aeroelasticity and regulations, with an assigned technical tutor.

Duration1900 h
ModeOnline
LanguageEnglish
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute diploma
Enrol now View syllabus Ask an advisor
Virtual lab · try it 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.

SIM · LIVE ●
Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Manage the aerodynamic development process under constraints.

02

Analyse complex flow structures.

03

Apply high-fidelity simulations.

04

Optimise shapes using adjoint methods.

05

Generate aerodynamic maps and surrogate models.

06

Apply machine learning to aerodynamics.

07

Correlate tools and manage aeroelastic deformations.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Development aerodynamicists in motorsport or high-performance automotive.
  • High-fidelity CFD engineers working with DES, LES or lattice Boltzmann methods.
  • Optimisation engineers applying adjoint and surrogate methods.
  • Aerodynamic correlation engineers comparing CFD, tunnel and track.
  • Data scientists working with aerodynamic simulation data.
  • Aerodynamic project leads planning development programmes.
  • Engineering or science graduates looking to break into motorsport.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • FIA Formula 1 Technical Regulations (technical rules for F1 cars)
  • Formula 1 Financial Regulations (ATR, aerodynamic testing restrictions)
  • WEC Hypercar Technical Regulations (technical rules for endurance prototypes)
  • SAE J1594 (vehicle aerodynamics terminology)
  • Appendix J to the FIA International Sporting Code (technical rules for competition vehicles)
  • ISO 8855 (vehicle dynamics and road-holding vocabulary)
  • Formula E Technical Regulations (technical rules for electric single-seaters)
  • Simcenter Star-CCM+
  • OpenFOAM
  • ANSYS Fluent
  • PowerFLOW
  • Python
Syllabus

12 modules · 1900 h

  1. 1.1Development cycle in a racing team
  2. 1.2Performance and lap time targets
  3. 1.3Aerodynamic sensitivities
  4. 1.4Managing CFD and wind tunnel resources
  5. 1.5ATR restrictions and the cost cap
  6. 1.6Organisation of the aerodynamics department
  7. 1.7Design-to-manufacturing workflow
  8. 1.8Configuration management
  9. 1.9Introducing upgrades on track
  10. 1.10Case study: development plan for a season
  1. 2.1Complex vortex structures
  2. 2.2Vortex interaction
  3. 2.3Three-dimensional flow in diffusers
  4. 2.4Boundary layer transition
  5. 2.5Separation and reattachment
  6. 2.6Unsteady flows
  7. 2.7Wakes and their management
  8. 2.8Local compressibility effects
  9. 2.9Topological flow analysis
  10. 2.10Lab: vortex identification with the Q-criterion
  1. 3.1DES and DDES simulations
  2. 3.2LES and mesh requirements
  3. 3.3Lattice Boltzmann methods
  4. 3.4Simulation of rotating wheels
  5. 3.5Moving and deforming meshes
  6. 3.6Simulation of the vehicle in cornering
  7. 3.7Simulation in the wake of another car
  8. 3.8Computational cost
  9. 3.9Validation
  10. 3.10Practical: DDES simulation of a wheel
  1. 4.1Continuous and discrete adjoint methods
  2. 4.2Surface sensitivities
  3. 4.3Morphing with free-form parameterisation
  4. 4.4Automated shape optimisation
  5. 4.5Flow topology optimisation
  6. 4.6Multi-point optimisation
  7. 4.7Regulatory geometric constraints
  8. 4.8Design robustness
  9. 4.9Integration with CAD
  10. 4.10Lab: adjoint optimisation with OpenFOAM
  1. 5.1Front and rear ride-height maps
  2. 5.2Sensitivity to pitch and roll
  3. 5.3Sensitivity to yaw
  4. 5.4Cornering maps
  5. 5.5Balance stability
  6. 5.6Use of maps in lap simulation
  7. 5.7Efficient map generation
  8. 5.8Design of experiments
  9. 5.9Surrogate models
  10. 5.10Practical: surrogate model of an aerodynamic map
  1. 6.1Downforce loss in the wake
  2. 6.2Regulations to facilitate overtaking
  3. 6.3Two-car simulation
  4. 6.4Aerodynamics in cornering and yaw
  5. 6.5Effect of crosswind
  6. 6.6Aerodynamics of steered wheels
  7. 6.7Cornering tests in the wind tunnel
  8. 6.8Following metrics
  9. 6.9Impact on strategy
  10. 6.10Case study: assessment of downforce loss in the wake
  1. 7.1Reduced-order models
  2. 7.2Neural networks for coefficient prediction
  3. 7.3Graph neural networks for flow fields
  4. 7.4Physics-informed models
  5. 7.5Bayesian optimisation
  6. 7.6POD dimensionality reduction
  7. 7.7Simulation data management
  8. 7.8Model validation
  9. 7.9Integration into the workflow
  10. 7.10Lab: coefficient prediction with neural networks
  1. 8.1CFD–wind tunnel–track differences
  2. 8.2Scale effect
  3. 8.3Effect of wheels and moving ground
  4. 8.4On-track deformations
  5. 8.5Data correction
  6. 8.6Correlation metrics
  7. 8.7Managing discrepancies
  8. 8.8Map correlation
  9. 8.9Lessons from teams
  10. 8.10Practical: correlation analysis of a component
  1. 9.1Deformation of components under load
  2. 9.2Regulatory deflection tests
  3. 9.3Fluid–structure simulation
  4. 9.4Designing for controlled flexibility
  5. 9.5Laminates and fibre orientation
  6. 9.6Aeroelastic vibrations
  7. 9.7Measuring deformations on track
  8. 9.8Regulatory risks
  9. 9.9Reliability
  10. 9.10Case study: deformation of a rear wing
  1. 10.1Cooling losses
  2. 10.2Optimisation of inlets and outlets
  3. 10.3Trade-offs with vehicle dynamics
  4. 10.4Aerodynamic platform and suspension
  5. 10.5Porpoising and its control
  6. 10.6Balance through the different phases of a corner
  7. 10.7Integration into the simulator
  8. 10.8Driver feedback
  9. 10.9Decision-making
  10. 10.10Workshop: cooling–downforce trade-off at a hot circuit
  1. 11.1The 2022 technical regulations
  2. 11.2The 2026 regulations and active aerodynamics
  3. 11.3Hypercar and LMDh prototypes
  4. 11.4Balance of Performance
  5. 11.5Formula E Gen3 aerodynamics
  6. 11.6Interpreting regulations
  7. 11.7Technical queries to the FIA
  8. 11.8Development strategy across regulation changes
  9. 11.9Trends
  10. 11.10Practical: analysis of a regulation change
  1. 12.1Definition of the development objective
  2. 12.2Baseline flow analysis
  3. 12.3Design proposal
  4. 12.4High-fidelity simulation
  5. 12.5Optimisation
  6. 12.6Sensitivity assessment
  7. 12.7Validation plan
  8. 12.8Conclusions
  9. 12.9Master's Thesis report
  10. 12.10Master's Thesis: defence before a panel
Methodology, software & labs

How you'll learn

The programme is 100% online 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 each intake, so it can be combined with your job.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Simcenter Star-CCM+, OpenFOAM, ANSYS Fluent, PowerFLOW and Python, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures for high-fidelity DES and LES simulations, adjoint optimisation of components and generation of aerodynamic maps. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final Master's Thesis.

Standards covered: FIA Formula 1 Technical Regulations, Formula 1 Financial Regulations (ATR), WEC Hypercar Technical Regulations, SAE J1594, Appendix J to the FIA International Sporting Code, ISO 8855, Formula E Technical Regulations.

Assigned technical tutor:every module ends with a deliverable that your tutor marks individually.
Standards-based learning:guided reading of the FIA Formula 1 Technical Regulations, the Formula 1 Financial Regulations (ATR) and the WEC Hypercar Technical Regulations applied to real cases, not as a theoretical annex.
Industry software:Simcenter Star-CCM+, OpenFOAM, ANSYS Fluent, PowerFLOW and Python, in free, academic or evaluation versions.
Master's Thesis with defence:An aerodynamic development project on a real component, from baseline flow analysis and high-fidelity simulation to optimisation and validation plan, defended before a panel.
Flexible format:100% online, no fixed timetables, compatible with full-time work.
Capstone project

Build it end to end

Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.

Baseline flow analysis
Identify vortex structures with the Q-criterion and assess the baseline flow.
High-fidelity simulation
Run a DDES simulation of a rotating wheel and evaluate the wake.
Adjoint optimisation
Optimise a component with the adjoint method in OpenFOAM within regulatory constraints.
Maps and machine learning
Build a surrogate aerodynamic map and predict coefficients with neural networks.
Master's Thesis
Develop and validate an aerodynamic upgrade from objective to validation plan, defended before a panel.
Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Development aerodynamicistHigh-fidelity CFD engineerOptimisation engineerAerodynamic correlation engineerAerodynamic data scientistAerodynamic project lead
Admissions & scholarships

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.

Apply now Scholarships
FAQ

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 Simcenter Star-CCM+, OpenFOAM, ANSYS Fluent, PowerFLOW 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 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.

Keep exploring

Related programmes

See all in Automotive & Motorsport
Master's6,610 $

Master’s in Lap Time Simulation & Driver-in-the-Loop Engineering

Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in lap time simulation and driver-in-the-loop engineering, structured in 12 modules covering vehicle dynamics, tyre modelling, quasi-static and optimal-control simulation,…

1900 hOnlineAutomotive & Motorsport
Master's6,610 $

Master’s in NASCAR and Oval Track Engineering

Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in NASCAR and oval track engineering, structured in 12 modules covering banked-corner dynamics, asymmetric set-ups, pack aerodynamics, tyres, fuel and…

1900 hOnlineAutomotive & Motorsport
Master's6,610 $

Master’s in Test & Correlation Programmes Engineering

Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in test programme and correlation engineering, structured in 12 modules covering test planning, design of experiments, vehicle instrumentation, data processing,…

1900 hOnlineAutomotive & Motorsport
Master’s in Advanced Aerodynamic Development EngineeringEnrol
Related programmes

More in Automotive & Motorsport

Master’s in Lap Time Simulation & Driver-in-the-Loop EngineeringView programme →Master’s in Kinematics & Compliance and Advanced 7-Post Rig EngineeringView programme →Master’s in Aeroelasticity and Composite Bodywork Structures EngineeringView programme →Master’s in Formula E and Electric Racing PowertrainsView programme →Master’s in Racing Reliability EngineeringView programme →Master’s in Karting & Entry-Level Formula RacingView programme →

All Automotive & Motorsport programmes → · How to apply · Fees & financing · Scholarships

Scroll to Top
SEIUM – Institute of Advanced Engineering
Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.