Diploma in Simplified Aerodynamics for Buggies
Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in simplified aerodynamics for buggies. 8 modules covering basic vehicle aerodynamics, buggy-specific flows, simple experimental methods, accessible CFD, cooling and internal flows, practical aerodynamic improvements, and integration and validation, with an assigned technical tutor.
Diploma in Simplified Aerodynamics for Buggies — studying from New Zealand
Vehicle restoration and classic engine work in New Zealand is supported by an active enthusiast community and a well-established network of specialist workshops, particularly around the main centres. Historic vehicle registration and compliance fall under the New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, and the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand promotes preservation of historic vehicles. Restoration professionals often combine fabrication, engineering and heritage conservation skills.
Fees for New Zealand: NZ$3,550 (New Zealand dollar), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in New Zealand
Typical roles
Questions from New Zealand
Is restoration engineering recognised by a professional body in New Zealand?
There is no specific statutory register for classic vehicle or heritage restoration engineers in New Zealand. Heritage matters can involve Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, and vehicle roadworthiness is governed by the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi. SEIUM's qualifications are private and not accredited by any national body, so their value depends on the employer or client.
Where do classic restoration specialists work in New Zealand?
Work is found in independent restoration workshops, classic car dealers, museums, and specialist fabrication businesses, many clustered around the main centres. Clients and employers usually judge by workmanship and a portfolio of completed restorations. A private qualification may complement that evidence but is rarely a deciding factor on its own.
Can I study this while running or working in a workshop here?
Yes. The course is fully online and taught in English, so you can study from home in New Zealand without a student visa. Specialist courses total 300 hours, postgraduate diplomas 800 hours and master's programmes 1,900 hours. An assigned technical tutor supports you, and fees can be paid in instalments.
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
Understand the fundamentals of vehicle aerodynamics.
Identify the aerodynamic specifics of buggies.
Apply simple experimental methods on track.
Carry out basic CFD simulations.
Design efficient cooling flows.
Propose practical aerodynamic improvements.
Validate improvements through comparative tests.
Who it's for
- Off-road vehicle engineers.
- Applied aerodynamics technicians.
- Buggy preparers.
- CFD simulation engineers.
- Lightweight body designers.
- Amateur motorsport engineers.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter off-road motorsport.
What you'll work with
- SAE J1263 (road load measurement using coast-down techniques)
- ISO 10521-1 (road load determination by coast-down)
- FIA Appendix J, Article 283 (safety equipment for cross-country vehicles)
- SAE J2263 (road load measurement using onboard anemometry)
- SAE J1594 (vehicle aerodynamics terminology)
- OpenFOAM
- SimScale
- ParaView
- Ansys Fluent
- SolidWorks
8 modules
1.1Aerodynamic forces: drag and lift1.2Drag coefficient and frontal area1.3Dynamic pressure and Reynolds number1.4Boundary layer and separation1.5Wakes and vortices1.6Power absorbed by the air1.7Typical buggy speeds1.8Effect of crosswind1.9Differences from passenger cars and single-seaters1.10Workshop: calculating the aerodynamic power of a buggy
2.1Open bodies and exposed roll cages2.2Occupants and helmets in the airflow2.3Exposed wheels and their drag2.4Radiators and air intakes2.5Dust, sand and ingestion2.6Aerodynamics during jumps2.7High-speed stability2.8Protective panels2.9Applicable regulations2.10Case study: drag analysis of a two-seater buggy
3.1Coast-down tests3.2SAE J1263 and ISO 10521 standards3.3Wool tufts and flow visualisation3.4Pressure measurement with tappings3.5Anemometers and speed sensors3.6Track data acquisition3.7Repeatability and corrections3.8Scale wind tunnels3.9Uncertainty analysis3.10Lab: coast-down test on track
4.1Simplified geometry in CAD4.2Meshing for beginners4.3RANS turbulence models4.4OpenFOAM step by step4.5SimScale in the cloud4.6Post-processing with ParaView4.7Validation against tests4.8Limitations of simulation4.9Good practice4.10Practical: simulation of a simplified buggy
5.1Radiator location5.2Ducts and deflectors5.3Pressure drop across the radiator5.4CVT and brake cooling5.5Engine air intake5.6Hot air extraction5.7Dust protection5.8Balancing cooling and drag5.9Track verification5.10Case study: redesign of the radiator air intake
6.1Front and side panels6.2Roofs and cab protection6.3Fairing of exposed components6.4Wings and their real effect6.5Lift reduction6.6Directional stability6.7Weight versus benefit6.8Composite construction6.9Cost–benefit6.10Workshop: design of a front panel
7.1Aerodynamic improvement plan7.2Rapid prototyping7.3Comparative tests7.4Analysis of fuel consumption and top speed7.5Behaviour during jumps7.6Safety and detachment of parts7.7Documentation of results7.8Application in competition and leisure7.9Lessons learned7.10Practical: before-and-after comparative report
8.1Selection of the vehicle8.2Initial analysis8.3Baseline tests8.4CFD model8.5Proposed improvements8.6Prototyping8.7Track validation8.8Conclusions8.9Report and presentation8.10Final project: 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, so the programme fits around your job.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is OpenFOAM, SimScale, ParaView, Ansys Fluent and SolidWorks, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures for coast-down tests on track, CFD simulation of simplified geometries and redesign of cooling intakes. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final project.
Standards covered: SAE J1263, ISO 10521-1, FIA Appendix J, Article 283, SAE J2263, SAE J1594.
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
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. No university degree is required.
- 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 800 hours over 6–8 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.
You work with OpenFOAM, SimScale, ParaView, Ansys Fluent 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 final project. 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 are recognised in a higher programme in the same area (postgraduate diploma or master's). Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.
Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector (no university degree required), 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.
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