Master’s in Historic Competition Vehicle Preparation Engineering — FIA Appendix K, HTP, Safety and Reliability
Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in historic competition vehicle preparation engineering: FIA Appendix K, HTP, safety and reliability. 12 modules covering Appendix K, the Historic Technical Passport, period specification, safety structures and equipment, mechanical reliability, scrutineering and discipline-specific preparation, with an assigned technical tutor.
Master’s in Historic Competition Vehicle Preparation Engineering — FIA Appendix K, HTP, Safety and Reliability — 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$13,700 (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
Apply FIA Appendix K to historic vehicles.
Prepare Historic Technical Passport dossiers.
Research and respect the period specification.
Design and inspect safety structures.
Ensure mechanical reliability in competition.
Pass scrutineering successfully.
Manage the vehicle technically across seasons.
Who it's for
- Historic competition vehicle preparers.
- FIA technical scrutineers.
- Motorsport safety engineers.
- Historic competition mechanics.
- HTP managers.
- Team technical directors.
- Engineering or science graduates looking to move into historic motorsport.
What you'll work with
- Appendix K to the International Sporting Code (technical regulations for historic vehicles)
- FIA International Sporting Code (rules of international motor sport)
- Appendix J to the International Sporting Code (technical regulations for current competition cars)
- FIA Standard 8853-2016 (safety harnesses)
- FIA Standard 8855-2021 (competition seats)
- FIA Standard 8865-2015 (fire extinguishing systems)
- FIA Standard FT3-1999 (safety fuel tanks)
- ISO 9934-1 (magnetic particle testing)
- AiM Race Studio
- SolidWorks
- Autodesk Fusion
- Microsoft Excel
12 modules · 1900 h
1.1Purpose and structure of Appendix K1.2Definitions and classification periods1.3Vehicle groups and categories1.4Period specification1.5Principles of permitted modification1.6Appendix K and national regulations1.7Annual updates to the appendix1.8Interpretations and clarifications1.9Relationship with FIVA1.10Case study: guided reading of Appendix K
2.1Purpose of the HTP2.2Application process2.3Inspection by the national federation2.4Required technical documentation2.5Regulatory photographs of the vehicle2.6Reference homologation form2.7Validity and renewal2.8HTP for regularity vehicles2.9Common errors in applications2.10Workshop: preparing an HTP dossier
3.1Researching the original specification3.2Period FIA homologation forms3.3Homologation extensions3.4Documentation of period races3.5Permitted and prohibited parts3.6Period materials and processes3.7Evidence of specification3.8Analysis of discrepancies3.9Decisions of the technical commission3.10Practical exercise: homologation form for a Group 2 touring car
4.1Roll cages by period4.2FIA requirements for roll cages4.3Tube materials and dimensions4.4Welding and mountings4.5Roll cage certification4.6Inspection of existing roll cages4.7Side-impact protection in doors4.8Integration in monocoques4.9Common design errors4.10Case study: roll cage for a classic touring car
5.1Homologated seats and expiry5.2FIA 8853 harnesses5.3Hand-held extinguishers and automatic systems5.4FT3 safety fuel tanks5.5Master switches and their location5.6Window nets5.7Towing eyes5.8Filler caps and venting5.9Checking expiry dates5.10Workshop: safety equipment audit
6.1Failure analysis in historic competition6.2Critical engine components6.3Crankshafts and connecting rods: NDT inspection6.4Lubrication in sustained cornering6.5Cooling in competition6.6Transmission and driveshafts6.7Hubs and wheels6.8Hour-based overhaul plans6.9Component mileage records6.10Lab: magnetic particle inspection of a connecting rod
7.1Brakes within the period specification7.2Competition pads and fluids7.3Brake cooling7.4Suspension and permitted settings7.5Historic competition dampers7.6Homologated period tyres7.7Wheels and their certification7.8Alignment for the circuit7.9Maintenance between sessions7.10Practical exercise: suspension set-up for the circuit
8.1Safe fuel pumps and circuits8.2Protection of fuel lines8.3Tank venting8.4Fire risks in competition8.5Competition wiring looms8.6Electrical circuit protection8.7Batteries and their mounting8.8Rally lighting8.9Permitted ignition systems8.10Case study: safe redesign of a fuel system
9.1Administrative and technical checks9.2Pre-event inspection9.3Final technical checks9.4Engine capacity measurement9.5Vehicle weighing9.6Component checks9.7Technical protests between competitors9.8Penalties for non-compliance9.9Relations with scrutineers9.10Workshop: scrutineering simulation
10.1Preparation for the circuit10.2Preparation for hill climbs10.3Preparation for historic rallies10.4Preparation for regularity10.5Underbody protection for rallies10.6Additional lighting for rallies10.7Support and spares10.8Adjustments for event conditions10.9Lessons from teams10.10Practical exercise: preparation checklist for a historic rally
11.1Technical history of the vehicle11.2Record of interventions11.3Component life management11.4Documentation for sale11.5Preparation budget11.6Relations with the owner11.7Vehicle insurance11.8Storage between seasons11.9Value and authenticity11.10Case study: three-season technical plan
12.1Selection of the vehicle12.2Research into the period specification12.3HTP dossier12.4Safety plan12.5Reliability plan12.6Discipline-specific preparation12.7Complete technical documentation12.8Conclusions and future lines of work12.9Master's Thesis report12.10Master's Thesis: defence before a panel
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 you can combine your studies with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is AiM Race Studio, SolidWorks, Autodesk Fusion and Microsoft Excel, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Procedures are studied on real cases of historic vehicle scrutineering, magnetic particle inspections and roll cage certification. Assessment is continuous for each module, plus the final Master's Thesis.
Standards covered: Appendix K to the International Sporting Code, FIA International Sporting Code, Appendix J to the International Sporting Code, FIA Standard 8853-2016, FIA Standard 8855-2021, FIA Standard 8865-2015, FIA Standard FT3-1999, ISO 9934-1.
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
- University degree in engineering, science or architecture, or equivalent demonstrable professional experience.
- 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 AiM Race Studio, SolidWorks, Autodesk Fusion and Microsoft Excel, 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 demonstrable 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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