Master’s in Competition Cockpit and SimRacing Design Engineering
Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in racing cockpit design engineering and SimRacing: 12 modules covering FIA Appendix J safety, driver ergonomics, steering wheels and controls, data acquisition with MoTeC i2, driving simulators, vehicle modelling and the SimRacing business, with an assigned technical tutor.
Master’s in Competition Cockpit and SimRacing Design Engineering — studying from Malta
Product and interface design in Malta is closely tied to the island's digital economy, where software companies, gaming studios and online service providers require skilled designers. Human-machine interface work is relevant to aviation, maritime and industrial clients who need clear and safe control systems. Engineers and designers often collaborate with multinational teams, so fluency in English and familiarity with international design standards are advantageous. The sector values practical experience in user research, prototyping and usability testing.
Fees for Malta: €6,920 (Euro), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in Malta
Typical roles
Questions from Malta
Is there a professional body in Malta that regulates design, HMI or product roles?
Design and HMI are not regulated professions in Malta, so there is no licensing title. Professional networks and associations may offer membership, but these are not statutory. SEIUM qualifications are private, not state degrees and not accredited by a national body, so employers judge them according to the portfolio and experience you bring.
Which employers in Malta hire designers with HMI and product skills?
Demand comes from software and app developers, gaming and digital firms, financial services, and product companies, many of which serve international markets. Hiring tends to focus on portfolios and user-research experience. A private qualification can complement a strong portfolio but is unlikely to replace it.
Can I study this alongside a job, and what should I know about language and support?
Yes. Courses are fully online and taught in English, with an assigned technical tutor and a final project. You can study from Malta without a student visa. Choose between 300-hour specialist courses and longer diplomas or master's programmes depending on your time. Ask about instalment payments and employer sponsorship.
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
Design racing cockpits in compliance with FIA regulations.
Apply ergonomics to the driving position under extreme loads.
Design steering wheels and controls for competition use.
Integrate homologated passive safety systems.
Develop simulators and SimRacing cockpits.
Model and correlate vehicles in simulation.
Analyse telemetry data to improve driver performance.
Who it's for
- Racing cockpit designers looking to deepen their expertise in safety, ergonomics and controls.
- Driving simulation engineers who want to master simulator hardware and vehicle modelling.
- Motorsport data engineers working with telemetry and driver performance.
- SimRacing hardware designers developing cockpits, wheels and pedals.
- Motorsport safety engineers dealing with FIA-homologated equipment.
- Driver performance coaches who use simulators and data in their work.
- Engineering or science graduates aiming to break into motorsport.
What you'll work with
- FIA International Sporting Code Appendix J (technical regulations for competition cars)
- FIA 8862-2009 (advanced racing seats)
- FIA 8860-2018 (advanced racing helmets)
- FIA 8853-2016 (racing safety harnesses)
- FIA 8858-2010 (frontal head restraint systems)
- ISO 7250-1:2017 (basic human body measurements for technological design)
- MoTeC i2
- rFactor 2
- SOLIDWORKS
- VI-CarRealTime
12 modules · 1900 h
1.1Evolution of the racing cockpit1.2Single-seaters, GT cars and endurance prototypes1.3FIA Appendix J safety requirements1.4Survival cell and structure1.5Reclined driving position1.6Visibility and the Halo device1.7Emergency driver extraction1.8Cockpit weight and centre of gravity1.9Integration with the single-seater chassis1.10Case study: analysis of an LMP2 cockpit
2.1Anthropometry of racing drivers2.2Custom-moulded seat2.3Lateral G-forces and the neck2.4Physical fatigue in long races2.5Heat stress and driver cooling2.6Reach to steering wheel controls2.7Pedal box and braking force2.8Field of view with a helmet2.9Hydration and drink systems2.10Lab: seat moulding with expanding foam
3.1Multifunction racing steering wheel3.2Gearshift and clutch paddles3.3Rotary controls for maps and differential3.4Integrated display and shift lights3.5Button layout by frequency of use3.6Quick-release connectors3.7Steering wheel electronics and wiring3.8Controls usable with gloves3.9Carbon fibre manufacturing3.10Workshop: button layout for a GT steering wheel
4.1Frontal head restraint devices4.2Homologated six-point harnesses4.3Seats to the FIA 8862-2009 standard4.4Helmets to the FIA 8860 standard4.5Energy-absorbing foams4.6On-board extinguishing systems4.7Window nets and side protection4.8Seat impact testing4.9Accident data recorders4.10Practical exercise: safety specification for a GT3
5.1Driver data displays5.2Data acquisition systems5.3Real-time telemetry5.4Chassis and engine sensors5.5Driver alarms and warnings5.6Radio and communication with the pit5.7Data analysis with MoTeC i25.8Comparing laps and drivers5.9Math channels and metrics5.10Lab: lap analysis with real data
6.1Professional and consumer simulators6.2Motion platforms from 2 to 6 DOF6.3Screens, projection and virtual reality6.4Direct drive wheels and force feedback6.5Load cell pedals6.6rFactor 2, iRacing and Assetto Corsa software6.7Physical vehicle and tyre models6.8Total system latency6.9Simulator sickness and mitigation6.10Practical exercise: force feedback tuning
7.1Aluminium profile structures7.2Stiffness and flex under load7.3Adjustable GT and formula positions7.4Steering wheel and pedal box mounts7.5Screen and monitor mounting7.6Integration of tactile transducers7.7Simulator cable management7.8Aesthetics and product language7.9Manufacturing and kit assembly7.10Workshop: CAD design of a simulator cockpit
8.1Pacejka tyre model8.2Aerodynamic maps in simulation8.3Suspension kinematics8.4Drivetrain and differential8.5Laser scanning of circuits8.6Correlation with track data8.7Virtual setup adjustments8.8Simulation in the development loop8.9Driver-in-the-loop in engineering8.10Lab: correlating a model with telemetry
9.1Official SimRacing competitions9.2Structure of esports teams9.3From the simulator to the real track9.4Hardware approved for competition9.5Virtual sporting regulations9.6Broadcasting and data overlays9.7Market and business model9.8Sponsorship and personal branding9.9Sporting integrity and anti-cheat9.10Case study: plan for a SimRacing team
10.1Physical preparation of the driver10.2Cognitive training and concentration10.3Reaction times and starts10.4Biometrics and heart rate10.5Eye tracking through corners10.6Data-driven coaching10.7Fatigue management in the simulator10.8Circuit visualisation routines10.9Psychology of competition10.10Practical exercise: simulator training protocol
11.1Simulation hardware market11.2SimRacing user segments11.3Product design for enthusiasts11.4Pricing strategy and product ranges11.5Manufacturing and Asian suppliers11.6Community and digital content11.7Software ecosystem and licensing11.8Online distribution channels11.9After-sales support and firmware11.10Workshop: concept for a mid-range pedal set
12.1Definition of the real or virtual cockpit12.2Driver and use-case requirements12.3Ergonomic study of the driving position12.4Structural design and CAD12.5Controls and steering wheel design12.6Integration of electronics and data12.7Validation with drivers12.8Technical presentation of the project12.9Master's Thesis 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 each 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 MoTeC i2, rFactor 2, SOLIDWORKS and VI-CarRealTime, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures for simulator sessions with drivers and data logging, seat moulding and ergonomic trials, and correlation of vehicle models with track telemetry. Assessment is continuous for each module, plus the final Master's Thesis.
Standards covered: FIA International Sporting Code Appendix J, FIA 8862-2009, FIA 8860-2018, FIA 8853-2016, FIA 8858-2010, ISO 7250-1:2017.
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 MoTeC i2, rFactor 2, SOLIDWORKS and VI-CarRealTime, 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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