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Master’s in Helmet Design and Certification Engineering

Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in helmet design and certification engineering, with 12 modules covering head biomechanics, helmet architecture and materials, energy absorption, impact simulation, UNECE Regulation No. 22.06, FMVSS 218 and other standards, test laboratories and production conformity, with an assigned technical tutor.

Duration1900 h
ModeOnline
LanguageEnglish
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute diploma
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Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Explain the biomechanics of brain and skull injuries.

02

Design shells and energy-absorption systems.

03

Simulate linear and oblique impacts with headform models.

04

Plan certification tests under different standards.

05

Interpret injury criteria and their application in homologation.

06

Manage conformity of production for helmets.

07

Develop and certify a motorcycle helmet.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Helmet design engineers at motorcycle helmet manufacturers.
  • Certification engineers handling ECE 22.06, FMVSS 218 or FIM approvals.
  • Impact simulation engineers working with FE head and helmet models.
  • Helmet test laboratory technicians.
  • Protective materials engineers working with foams and composites.
  • Biomechanics researchers focused on head injury.
  • Engineering or science graduates aiming to join helmet manufacturers.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • UNECE Regulation No. 22, 06 series (motorcycle protective helmets)
  • FIM Racing Homologation Programme for Helmets FRHPhe-02 (racing helmet approval)
  • FMVSS 218 (US motorcycle helmet standard)
  • Snell M2020 (voluntary helmet standard)
  • JIS T 8133 (Japanese motorcycle helmet standard)
  • ISO 6220 (headforms for helmet testing)
  • EN 960 (headforms for protective helmet tests)
  • Regulation (EU) 2016/425 (personal protective equipment)
  • LS-DYNA
  • Abaqus
  • THUMS
  • Simpleware
  • SolidWorks
Syllabus

12 modules · 1900 h

  1. 1.1Anatomy of the skull and brain
  2. 1.2Skull fracture mechanisms
  3. 1.3Focal brain injuries
  4. 1.4Diffuse axonal injury
  5. 1.5Linear and rotational acceleration
  6. 1.6HIC and BrIC criteria
  7. 1.7Human impact tolerance
  8. 1.8Associated cervical injuries
  9. 1.9Accident data
  10. 1.10Case study: injury analysis of real accidents
  1. 2.1Helmet outer shell
  2. 2.2Impact-absorbing liner
  3. 2.3Helmet interior comfort
  4. 2.4Retention system
  5. 2.5Visors and peaks
  6. 2.6Helmet types
  7. 2.7Mass and centre of gravity
  8. 2.8Helmet interior ventilation
  9. 2.9Accessories integrated into the helmet
  10. 2.10Practical: teardown of a full-face helmet
  1. 3.1Injection-moulded thermoplastic shells
  2. 3.2Glass fibre
  3. 3.3Carbon and aramid fibre
  4. 3.4Expanded polystyrene foams
  5. 3.5EPP and multi-impact foams
  6. 3.6Graded-density foams
  7. 3.7Optical polycarbonate visors
  8. 3.8Helmet interior textiles
  9. 3.9Material ageing
  10. 3.10Lab: EPS foam characterisation
  1. 4.1Impact mechanics
  2. 4.2Shell deformation
  3. 4.3Foam compression
  4. 4.4Optimum foam density
  5. 4.5Rotational reduction systems
  6. 4.6Slip layers against rotation
  7. 4.7Cellular absorption structures
  8. 4.8Behaviour under multiple impacts
  9. 4.9Thickness optimisation
  10. 4.10Workshop: sizing the absorbing liner
  1. 5.1Finite element helmet models
  2. 5.2Hybrid III headforms
  3. 5.3Human head models
  4. 5.4Foam material models
  5. 5.5Simulated linear impact
  6. 5.6Simulated oblique impact
  7. 5.7Validation against tests
  8. 5.8Design optimisation
  9. 5.9Limitations of the models
  10. 5.10Practical: impact simulation in LS-DYNA
  1. 6.1Scope and categories
  2. 6.2Linear impact tests
  3. 6.3Rotational impact tests
  4. 6.4Impact points
  5. 6.5Sample conditioning
  6. 6.6Retention test
  7. 6.7Roll-off test
  8. 6.8Visor tests
  9. 6.9Approved helmet accessories
  10. 6.10Case study: homologation test plan
  1. 7.1FMVSS 218 in the United States
  2. 7.2Snell M2020 standard
  3. 7.3FIM helmet programme
  4. 7.4Japanese JIS standards
  5. 7.5SHARP rating programmes
  6. 7.6Comparison of requirements
  7. 7.7Racing helmets
  8. 7.8Multiple certification across several markets
  9. 7.9Future regulatory trends
  10. 7.10Practical: comparison of requirements across standards
  1. 8.1Drop towers
  2. 8.2Flat and kerbstone anvils
  3. 8.3EN 960 headforms
  4. 8.4Accelerometers and data acquisition
  5. 8.5Oblique impact test
  6. 8.6Rigidity tests
  7. 8.7Vision tests
  8. 8.8Laboratory calibration
  9. 8.9Test laboratory accreditation
  10. 8.10Lab: linear impact test
  1. 9.1Field of vision
  2. 9.2Optical quality of the visor
  3. 9.3Anti-fog and Pinlock
  4. 9.4Noise in the helmet
  5. 9.5Ventilation and temperature
  6. 9.6Fit and sizing
  7. 9.7Mass and neck fatigue
  8. 9.8Modular and flip-up helmets
  9. 9.9Communications integration
  10. 9.10Workshop: comfort assessment of a helmet
  1. 10.1Shell moulding processes
  2. 10.2EPS moulding
  3. 10.3In-line quality control
  4. 10.4Conformity of production
  5. 10.5Sampling and periodic testing
  6. 10.6Component traceability
  7. 10.7Labelling and user information
  8. 10.8Non-conformity management
  9. 10.9Audits by the approval body
  10. 10.10Case study: conformity plan for a factory
  1. 11.1Smart helmets with electronics
  2. 11.2Impact sensors
  3. 11.3Head-up display in the helmet
  4. 11.4Airbag helmets
  5. 11.5Sustainable materials in equipment
  6. 11.6Additive manufacturing of foams
  7. 11.7Customisation through scanning
  8. 11.8Helmets for urban mobility
  9. 11.9Current lines of research
  10. 11.10Practical: innovative helmet concept
  1. 12.1Helmet specification
  2. 12.2Material selection
  3. 12.3Shell design
  4. 12.4Absorption design
  5. 12.5Impact simulation
  6. 12.6Certification plan
  7. 12.7Manufacturing plan
  8. 12.8Evaluation of results
  9. 12.9Thesis report
  10. 12.10Master's Thesis: defence before a panel
Methodology, software & labs

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 LS-DYNA, Abaqus, THUMS, Simpleware and SolidWorks, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied through real procedures: linear impact testing on flat and kerbstone anvils, oblique impact simulation with a headform model, and helmet retention and roll-off testing. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final Master's Thesis.

Standards covered: UNECE Regulation No. 22 (06 series), FIM Racing Homologation Programme for Helmets (FRHPhe-02), FMVSS 218, Snell M2020, JIS T 8133, ISO 6220, EN 960, Regulation (EU) 2016/425.

Assigned technical tutor:every module ends with a deliverable that your tutor marks individually.
Standards-based learning:guided reading of UNECE Regulation No. 22.06, FRHPhe-02 and FMVSS 218 applied to real cases, not as a theoretical annex.
Industry software:LS-DYNA, Abaqus, THUMS, Simpleware and SolidWorks, in free, academic or evaluation versions.
Master's Thesis with defence:The development and certification plan of a motorcycle helmet, from specification and materials to impact simulation and manufacturing, 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.

Helmet specification
Define the helmet type, target market and certification requirements.
Shell and liner design
Select materials and design the shell and energy-absorbing liner.
Impact simulation
Simulate linear and oblique impacts in LS-DYNA and assess injury criteria.
Certification and manufacturing plan
Plan homologation tests and conformity of production.
Master's Thesis
The full development of a certifiable motorcycle helmet, defended before a panel.
Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Helmet design engineerHelmet certification engineerImpact simulation engineerHelmet test laboratory technicianProtective materials engineerBiomechanics researcher
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.

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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 LS-DYNA, Abaqus, THUMS, Simpleware and SolidWorks, 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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