Master’s in Rider Aero and Equipment Engineering
Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in rider and riding-gear aerodynamics engineering. 12 modules covering the rider as an aerodynamic element, helmet aerodynamics, ventilation and thermal comfort, racing suits, road gear, aerodynamic noise, rider-motorcycle simulation, tunnel and track testing, protection and homologation, materials and ergonomics, with an assigned technical tutor.
Master’s in Rider Aero and Equipment Engineering — studying from New Zealand
The motorcycle and two-wheeler sector in New Zealand is primarily retail, servicing, touring and recreational use, with a sizeable community of riders served by importers, dealerships and specialist workshops. Motorcycle safety and licensing fall under the New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, and the Motorcycle Trade Association supports the sector. Engineers and technicians often work in dealership service departments, component importers or with small specialist manufacturers.
Fees for New Zealand: NZ$11,700 (New Zealand dollar), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in New Zealand
Typical roles
Questions from New Zealand
Is there a professional body in New Zealand that recognises motorcycle engineering?
There is no separate statutory register for motorcycle engineers in New Zealand. Engineering New Zealand covers the wider profession, and vehicle compliance is regulated by the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi. SEIUM's qualifications are private and not accredited by any national body, so employers decide how much weight to give them.
Who employs motorcycle engineers in New Zealand?
Likely employers include importers and distributors, motorcycle workshops, performance and race teams, and engineering firms serving the automotive sector. Some roles relate to vehicle certification and safety. Employers generally judge candidates on hands-on ability and project evidence, and a private qualification may or may not be valued depending on the employer.
How long does the course take alongside a job in New Zealand?
The course is fully online and taught in English, so you can study from home without a student visa. Specialist courses total 300 hours, postgraduate diplomas 800 hours and master's programmes 1,900 hours. You have an assigned technical tutor, and fees can be paid in instalments or sponsored by an employer where available.
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
Analyse the aerodynamics of the rider-motorcycle combination.
Design helmets with low drag and high-speed stability.
Assess the ventilation and thermal comfort of riding gear.
Optimise rider position with the help of scanning and simulation.
Integrate protection and homologation requirements with aerodynamics.
Test riding gear in the wind tunnel and on track.
Develop a validated aerodynamic riding-gear item.
Who it's for
- Riding-gear aerodynamics engineers.
- Helmet and riding-gear designers.
- Thermal comfort engineers.
- Wind tunnel test engineers.
- Ergonomics engineers.
- Rider performance consultants.
- Engineering or science graduates looking to join helmet manufacturers.
What you'll work with
- UN ECE Regulation No. 22 (06 series) (approval of protective helmets and visors)
- FIM Racing Homologation Programme for Helmets (FRHPhe-01) (FIM racing helmet homologation)
- EN 17092 (protective garments for motorcycle riders)
- EN 1621-4 (motorcyclists' inflatable protectors)
- ISO 7730 (ergonomics of the thermal environment, PMV and PPD indices)
- ISO 9920 (estimation of thermal insulation and water vapour resistance of clothing)
- ISO 15831 (clothing, measurement of thermal insulation by means of a thermal manikin)
- SAE J1594 (vehicle aerodynamics terminology)
- ANSYS Fluent
- Simcenter STAR-CCM+
- ThermoAnalytics TAITherm
- Rhino
- Artec Studio
12 modules · 1900 h
1.1The rider's contribution to drag1.2Posture on the straight and in corners1.3Interaction between helmet and fairing1.4Arms, legs and wake1.5Differences between riders1.63D scanning of riders1.7Parametric human body models1.8Suit deformation in the wind1.9Tests with a mannequin and with a rider1.10Case study: gains from improved posture
2.1Shell shape2.2Helmet spoilers and winglets2.3Yaw stability2.4Lift forces on the helmet2.5Neck loading2.6Interaction with the motorcycle screen2.7Helmet aerodynamic noise2.8Helmets for different disciplines2.9FIM regulations on appendages2.10Lab: helmet in a wind tunnel with a balance
3.1Air intakes and extractors3.2Internal ventilation channels3.3Visor anti-fog3.4Rider thermal balance3.5ISO 7730 comfort models3.6Thermal insulation of garments to ISO 99203.7Sweating and humidity3.8Riding in extreme climates3.9Measurement with a thermal manikin3.10Practical exercise: ventilation simulation of a helmet
4.1Aerodynamic hump of the suit4.2Airbag integration4.3Stretch panels and fit4.4Surface roughness of the fabric4.5Protectors and their shape4.6Suit ventilation4.7EN 17092 homologation4.8Abrasion tests4.9Customisation for each rider4.10Workshop: designing an aerodynamic hump
5.1Touring jackets and trousers5.2Garment flutter5.3Noise and garments5.4Rain protection5.5High-visibility gear5.6Backpacks and accessories5.7Communication systems5.8Comfort on long journeys5.9Garment ergonomics5.10Case study: low-drag touring jacket
6.1Noise sources in the helmet6.2In-ear noise measurement6.3Rider noise exposure6.4User hearing protection6.5Design of seals and closures6.6Motorcycle screen noise6.7Acoustic tests in the wind tunnel6.8Aeroacoustic flow simulation6.9Exposure regulations6.10Lab: noise measurement in a helmet
7.1Rider geometries in CFD7.2Meshing of complex surfaces7.3Flow around the helmet7.4Posture simulation7.5Coupled thermal simulation7.6Validation with the wind tunnel7.7Parametric design studies7.8Shape optimisation7.9Efficient case computation7.10Practical exercise: CFD of a rider in race position
8.1Tests with a real rider8.2Tests with an articulated mannequin8.3Measurement of neck forces8.4Flow visualisation8.5Ventilation tests8.6Track tests with sensors8.7Repeatability of measurements8.8Safety in the wind tunnel8.9Test report8.10Case study: tunnel session for a team
9.1UN ECE Regulation No. 22.069.2FIM helmet programme9.3EN 1621 protectors9.4EN 1621-4 airbags9.5Compatibility between aero and protection9.6Impact tests9.7Retention tests9.8Visibility and field of vision9.9Marking and labelling9.10Practical exercise: review of homologation requirements
10.1Composite shells10.2Polycarbonate and thermoplastics10.3Multi-density EPS foams10.4Technical textiles for garments10.5Leather and its alternatives10.6Moulding processes10.7Manufacturing tolerances10.8Quality control10.9Material sustainability10.10Workshop: process for a carbon-fibre shell
11.1Muscle fatigue and aerodynamics11.2Rider cervical loading11.3Posture and performance11.4Anthropometry of the user population11.5Gear fit11.6Mobility on the motorcycle11.7Vision and posture11.8Riders of different sizes11.9Studies with sensors11.10Case study: ergonomic fitting of a rider
12.1Definition of the gear item12.2Aerodynamic and protection requirements12.3Conceptual product design12.4CFD simulation of the case12.5Thermal analysis of the system12.6Test plan12.7Homologation compliance12.8Final evaluation of the prototype12.9Thesis 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 the programme with your job.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is ANSYS Fluent, Simcenter STAR-CCM+, ThermoAnalytics TAITherm, Rhino and Artec Studio, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures: a wind tunnel helmet test with neck-force measurement, simulation of the thermal comfort of a racing suit, and 3D scanning of riders for aerodynamic studies. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final Master's Thesis.
Standards covered: UN ECE Regulation No. 22 (06 series), FIM Racing Homologation Programme for Helmets (FRHPhe-01), EN 17092, EN 1621-4, ISO 7730, ISO 9920, ISO 15831, 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
- 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 ANSYS Fluent, Simcenter STAR-CCM+, ThermoAnalytics TAITherm, Rhino and Artec Studio, 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 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.
Related programmes
Master’s in NVH & Sound Design Engineering
Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in NVH and sound design engineering for motorcycles. 12 modules covering acoustics and vibration, instrumentation, signal processing, engine noise, vehicle…
Master’s in Hydrogen Storage and Distribution
Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in hydrogen storage and distribution. 12 modules covering hydrogen properties, compression, pressurised and liquid storage, chemical carriers, geological storage, pipeline,…
Master’s in E-Bikes and Speed-Pedelecs Engineering
Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in e-bike and speed-pedelec engineering, structured in 12 modules covering the regulatory framework, assistance systems, motors and drivetrains, batteries and…
More in Motorcycles & 2-Wheelers
All Motorcycles & 2-Wheelers programmes → · How to apply · Fees & financing · Scholarships