Diploma in UTV Preparation for Rally-Raid and Baja
Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in UTV preparation for rally-raid and Baja. 8 modules covering competition UTV categories, chassis and safety structure, long-travel suspension, engine and CVT transmission, wheels, tyres and brakes, auxiliary and navigation systems, and testing and service under FIA Appendix J Article 286A (T4 vehicles), FIA Appendix J Article 283 and the SCORE International Rulebook, with an assigned technical tutor.
Diploma in UTV Preparation for Rally-Raid and Baja — 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$2,960 (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
Know the UTV categories and regulations in competition.
Reinforce the chassis and integrate the safety structure.
Prepare long-travel suspensions.
Optimise the engine and CVT transmission for reliability.
Select wheels, tyres and brakes for each terrain.
Integrate auxiliary and navigation systems.
Plan testing and race service.
Who it's for
- Competition UTV preparers.
- Rally-raid mechanics.
- Suspension engineers working on off-road vehicles.
- Service crew chiefs.
- UTV drivers who want to understand and set up their own vehicle.
- Navigation technicians.
- Engineering or science graduates looking to enter rally-raid competition.
What you'll work with
- FIA Appendix J, Article 286A (T4 vehicles)
- FIA Appendix J, Article 283 (general safety requirements for cross-country vehicles)
- SCORE International Rulebook (Baja-type desert racing)
- FIA Standard 8853-2016 (safety harnesses)
- FIA Standard 8862-2009 (high-performance racing seats)
- FIA FT3-1999 (safety fuel tanks)
- Regulation (EU) 168/2013 (approval of two- or three-wheel vehicles and quadricycles)
- SolidWorks
- AiM Race Studio 3
- Garmin BaseCamp
- Rally Navigator
8 modules
1.1Evolution of side-by-side vehicles1.2Rally-raid categories1.3Classes in Baja-type races1.4Differences between production and prototype vehicles1.5Most widely used platforms1.6Safety requirements1.7Crew and ergonomics1.8International calendar1.9Preparation costs1.10Case study: comparison of two production platforms
2.1Reinforcement of the production chassis2.2Roll cages2.3Anchorage points2.4Underbody protection2.5Skid plates2.6Towing points2.7Chromoly welding2.8Crack inspection2.9Repairs during the race2.10Workshop: reinforcing a UTV chassis
3.1Long-travel arms3.2Trailing arms3.3Bypass shock absorbers3.4Reservoir shock absorbers3.5Dual and triple-rate springs3.6Hydraulic bump stops3.7Rod ends and bushes3.8Set-up for dunes and rocks3.9Maintenance between stages3.10Practical: setting up bypass shock absorbers
4.1Turbocharged engines4.2Intake and filtration4.3Cooling in the desert4.4CVT transmissions4.5Belts and clutches4.6Reduction gears and ratios4.7Axles and CV joints4.8Differentials4.9Reliability over long stages4.10Lab: calibrating a CVT clutch
5.1Beadlock wheels5.2Tyres for sand and rock5.3Pressures by terrain5.4Spare wheels5.5Competition brakes5.6Brake cooling5.7Pads and fluids5.8Quick wheel change5.9Tyre wear5.10Practical: timed wheel change
6.1Safety fuel tanks6.2Reinforced electrical systems6.3Lighting6.4Navigation instruments6.5Tracking and alarm systems6.6Intercoms6.7Water and survival equipment6.8On-board tools6.9Weight distribution6.10Case study: integrating navigation in the cockpit
7.1Test plan7.2Reliability testing7.3Data logging7.4Final set-up7.5Organising the service crew7.6Spares for a rally7.7Checks between stages7.8Repairs on the route7.9Lessons learned7.10Workshop: service plan for a Baja event
8.1Selecting the vehicle and event8.2Applicable regulations8.3Preparation plan8.4Chassis and safety8.5Suspension and transmission8.6Auxiliary systems8.7Test plan8.8Technical dossier8.9Report and presentation8.10Final project: final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
A 100% online programme 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 the programme fits around your job.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original regulations and applied exercises. The working software is SolidWorks, AiM Race Studio 3, Garmin BaseCamp and Rally Navigator, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures: suspension set-up on dune terrain, CVT transmission reliability testing and timed wheel changes. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final project.
Standards covered: FIA Appendix J, Article 286A, FIA Appendix J, Article 283, SCORE International Rulebook, FIA Standard 8853-2016, FIA Standard 8862-2009, FIA FT3-1999 and Regulation (EU) 168/2013.
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 SolidWorks, AiM Race Studio 3, Garmin BaseCamp and Rally Navigator, 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 is required.
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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