Master’s in Motorcycle Dynamics and Rider-in-the-Loop
Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in motorcycle dynamics and rider-in-the-loop simulation, structured in 12 modules covering stability, suspension set-up, braking, rider modelling, multibody simulation, simulator architecture, assistance systems and data analysis, with an assigned technical tutor.
Master’s in Motorcycle Dynamics and Rider-in-the-Loop — studying from the United Kingdom
The motorcycle and two-wheeler sector in the United Kingdom includes manufacturers, specialist component suppliers and a strong motorsport and leisure market. Triumph, with its major plant in Hinckley, and specialist firms across the Midlands and the South West contribute to design, engineering and production. Electric two-wheeler development and scooter markets are expanding alongside traditional motorcycle engineering. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency and the Motorcycle Industry Association support standards and regulation in this area.
Fees for the United Kingdom: £6,600 (Pound sterling), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in the United Kingdom
Typical roles
Questions from the United Kingdom
Are there UK professional bodies that recognise motorcycle engineering training?
The UK has no single regulated title for motorcycle engineers. Relevant bodies include the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and the Institute of the Motor Industry, which offers its own qualifications. SEIUM's courses are private and not accredited by any national body, so recognition by these organisations would be their decision and is not guaranteed.
Do UK motorcycle manufacturers, dealers or suppliers hire people with private engineering qualifications?
Hiring in the UK motorcycle sector typically values hands-on technical experience, workshop skills and relevant engineering knowledge. A private online qualification may help show specialist learning, especially alongside a strong final project, but employers decide how much weight to place on it. Ask prospective employers directly how they view such training.
How long does the programme take, and can I study while working in the UK?
Specialist courses require 300 hours, postgraduate diplomas 800 hours and master's programmes 1,900 hours. All study is online in English with an assigned technical tutor. You can study from anywhere in the UK without a visa, and fees can be paid in instalments. Employer sponsorship is possible if your employer agrees to support you.
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
Explain the fundamentals of motorcycle lateral and longitudinal dynamics.
Analyse vibration modes and stability (wobble and weave).
Adjust suspension set-up based on measured data.
Model the rider as a control system within the simulation loop.
Build multibody motorcycle models in simulation environments.
Assess the validity and realism of a rider-in-the-loop simulator.
Evaluate assistance systems such as cornering ABS and traction control.
Who it's for
- Motorcycle dynamics engineers seeking a deeper command of stability and handling.
- Multibody simulation engineers moving into two-wheeled vehicles.
- Driving simulator engineers working with rider-in-the-loop platforms.
- Suspension engineers responsible for set-up and testing.
- Engineers developing rider assistance systems for motorcycles.
- Data acquisition engineers in racing or vehicle testing.
- Engineering or science graduates aiming to enter the motorcycle industry.
What you'll work with
- Regulation (EU) 168/2013 (type approval of L-category vehicles)
- ISO 26262-12 (functional safety for motorcycles)
- UN R78 (braking of L-category vehicles)
- Delegated Regulation (EU) 3/2014 (functional safety of L-category vehicles)
- UN R60 (motorcycle controls)
- ISO 8855 (vehicle dynamics vocabulary)
- SAE J670 (vehicle dynamics terminology)
- BikeSim
- MSC Adams
- Simpack
- VI-grade VI-BikeRealTime
- MATLAB/Simulink
12 modules · 1900 h
1.1Degrees of freedom and reference frames1.2Equilibrium in a straight line and in a corner1.3Lean and centrifugal force1.4Gyroscopic effects1.5Steering geometry: rake and trail1.6Mass distribution and centre of gravity1.7Centre-of-gravity height and load transfer1.8Reference models in the literature1.9Validation of the models1.10Workshop: building a simple model
2.1Capsize, weave and wobble modes2.2Typical frequencies and damping2.3Influence of speed2.4Effect of the rider on stability2.5Steering damper2.6Chatter and its diagnosis2.7Eigenvalue analysis2.8Measurement on track2.9Mitigation through design2.10Laboratory: stability analysis
3.1Fork and rear shock absorber3.2Damping curves and preload3.3Linkage progression3.4Static and dynamic sag3.5Set-up for track and for road3.6Effect on dynamic geometry3.7Semi-active suspension3.8Measurement with potentiometers3.9Set-up procedure with the rider3.10Laboratory: set-up session
4.1Longitudinal load transfer4.2Rollover limit and stoppie4.3Front-rear brake distribution4.4Motorcycle ABS and its algorithms4.5Traction control and anti-wheelie4.6Braking while leaned over4.7Interaction with the suspension4.8Rider techniques4.9Data measurement and analysis4.10Laboratory: braking analysis
5.1Rider inputs: handlebar torque and body movement5.2Rider models in simulation5.3Delays and anticipation capability5.4Learning and adaptation5.5Differences between riders5.6Ergonomics and position5.7Physical load and fatigue5.8Perception and relevant cues5.9Rider instrumentation5.10Laboratory: identification of rider inputs
6.1Building the multibody model6.2Required parameters and their measurement6.3Tyres in the model6.4Validation with known manoeuvres6.5Standard test manoeuvres6.6Sensitivity analysis6.7Computational cost and simplifications6.8Interpretation of results6.9Common modelling errors6.10Laboratory: simulated manoeuvre
7.1Motion platforms for motorcycles7.2Relevant degrees of freedom7.3Handlebar and footpeg feedback7.4Visual system and field of view7.5Latencies and their effect7.6Rider safety7.7Simulator calibration7.8Maintenance and operation7.9Comparison with car simulators7.10Laboratory: latency measurement
8.1Objective and subjective validity8.2Evaluation protocols with riders8.3Critical cues for feel8.4Simulator sickness8.5Tuning of motion cueing algorithms8.6Transfer of learning to the track8.7Simulator limitations8.8Use in development versus training8.9Design of experiments with riders8.10Laboratory: subjective evaluation
9.1Traction and wheelie control9.2Cornering brake control9.3Quickshifter and engine control9.4Semi-active suspension and its control9.5Riding modes9.6Calibration of assistance systems9.7Interaction between systems9.8Validation in the simulator and on track9.9Applicable regulations9.10Laboratory: calibration of an assistance system
10.1Essential channels on a motorcycle10.2Sensors and their installation10.3Sampling rate and filtering10.4Lap and sector analysis10.5Comparison between configurations10.6Detection of chassis problems10.7Simulation-track correlation10.8Reports for the team10.9Analysis tools10.10Laboratory: analysis of a session
11.1Track test protocols11.2Facilities and safety measures11.3Limit manoeuvres and their risk11.4Protective equipment11.5Incident management11.6Test documentation11.7Type approval of prototypes11.8Standardised tests11.9Legal responsibilities11.10Workshop: safe test plan
12.1Definition of the motorcycle and objectives12.2Measurement of vehicle parameters12.3Multibody model and validation12.4Stability and set-up study12.5Simulator session with a rider12.6Correlation with track data12.7Improvement proposals12.8Safety analysis12.9Technical report and defence12.10Master's Thesis: 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. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within each intake, so the programme can be combined with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is BikeSim, MSC Adams, Simpack, VI-grade VI-BikeRealTime and MATLAB/Simulink, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures: rider-in-the-loop driving simulators, on-track data acquisition, and braking and stability tests. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final Master's Thesis.
Standards covered: Regulation (EU) 168/2013, ISO 26262-12, UN R78, Delegated Regulation (EU) 3/2014, UN R60, ISO 8855 and SAE J670.
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 BikeSim, MSC Adams, Simpack, VI-grade VI-BikeRealTime and MATLAB/Simulink, 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 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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