Diploma in Dynamic Set-Up on Sand and Rock
Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in dynamic set-up on sand and rock. 8 modules covering vehicle dynamics on natural terrain, set-up for sand and rock, geometry and alignment, data acquisition, simulation and testing methodology, with an assigned technical tutor.
Diploma in Dynamic Set-Up on Sand and Rock — studying from South Africa
Classic vehicle restoration is a niche but active interest in South Africa, supported by owners' clubs, specialist workshops and historic motorsport events. Restoration work draws on skills in mechanical engineering, materials and heritage conservation. Specialists source parts, rebuild engines and conserve bodywork for vintage and classic cars and motorcycles. Clubs and heritage organisations help maintain the community and promote conservation practice.
Fees for South Africa: R 16 700 (South African rand), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in South Africa
Typical roles
Questions from South Africa
Will a SEIUM qualification be recognised by the professional bodies in South Africa for this area?
SEIUM qualifications are private and not accredited by any South African body, so they are not official state degrees. Restoration work is not generally a regulated title, though ECSA registration applies to engineering roles and the SABS covers relevant standards. Recognition of a private qualification is decided by clients, employers or the relevant body, so check with them first.
How might this qualification be used by employers in South Africa in restoration and classic vehicles?
The classic vehicle sector is largely made up of specialist workshops, collectors and small firms that value demonstrable craftsmanship and reputation over formal credentials. A private qualification may add technical depth to your profile, but its impact depends on individual clients and employers. Speak to people in the field to see how they would regard it.
Can I study this programme alongside full-time work from South Africa, and is there a time zone or language issue?
The programme is 100% online and taught in English, so you can study from home without a student visa. Master's programmes total 1,900 hours, postgraduate diplomas 800 hours and specialist courses 300 hours. You get an assigned technical tutor, can pay in instalments, and may seek employer sponsorship. Ask SEIUM about time-zone and workload details before committing.
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 vehicle dynamics on natural terrain.
Set up the vehicle for sand.
Set up the vehicle for rock.
Control geometry and alignment.
Use data acquisition for set-up.
Apply simulation to set-up work.
Plan tests with a rigorous methodology.
Who it's for
- Off-road dynamics engineers.
- Set-up technicians.
- Motorsport engineers.
- 4×4 vehicle builders.
- Data engineers.
- Off-road driving instructors.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter off-road competition.
What you'll work with
- ISO 8608 (road surface profiles)
- ISO 2631-1 (human exposure to whole-body vibration)
- FIA Appendix J, Article 283 (safety equipment for cross-country vehicles)
- ISO 8855 (vehicle dynamics vocabulary)
- ETRTO Standards Manual (tyre and rim standards)
- MSC Adams
- AiM Race Studio
- MoTeC i2 Pro
- MATLAB
8 modules
1.1Longitudinal and lateral load transfer1.2Centre of gravity and stability1.3Axle articulation1.4Approach, departure and breakover angles1.5Behaviour in soft sand1.6Behaviour on rock and ledges1.7Understeer and oversteer on loose surfaces1.8Influence of weight and load1.9Measurement tools1.10Workshop: measuring angles and centre of gravity
2.1Tyre pressures for sand2.2Damping adjustment for dunes2.3Ride height and levelling2.4Weight distribution2.5Throttle response2.6Traction control on sand2.7Dune driving techniques2.8Temperature management2.9Reading tracks and slip2.10Practical exercise: set-up session in the dunes
3.1Very low pressures and beadlocks3.2Suspension adjustment for articulation3.3Differential locks3.4Low-range ratios3.5Disconnecting anti-roll bars3.6Underbody protection3.7Line choice3.8Climbing techniques3.9Safety in rollover zones3.10Case study: preparation for a rocky trial section
4.1Camber, caster and toe4.2Alignment on solid axles4.3Alignment on independent suspension4.4Effect of ride height on geometry4.5Ackermann and turning radius4.6Power steering and self-centring4.7Field measurement4.8Quick adjustments between stages4.9Tyre wear4.10Workshop: alignment after a ride-height change
5.1Suspension travel sensors5.2Accelerometers and gyroscopes5.3High-frequency GNSS5.4Tyre pressure and temperature5.5AiM and MoTeC loggers5.6Stage data analysis5.7Correlation with driver feedback5.8Set-up sheets5.9Comparison of configurations5.10Lab: data analysis of a mixed stage
6.1Vehicle models in MSC Adams6.2ISO 8608 terrain profiles6.3Simulation of jumps and ledges6.4Damping optimisation6.5Lateral stability simulation6.6Limitations of the models6.7Correlation with the track6.8Use in test planning6.9Low-cost tools6.10Practical exercise: simulating a ledge crossing
7.1Planning test days7.2One change at a time7.3Recording configurations7.4Driver–engineer communication7.5Safety during testing7.6Test logistics7.7Objective and subjective evaluation7.8Test report7.9Lessons learned7.10Case study: test plan for a season
8.1Definition of the vehicle and its use8.2Terrain analysis8.3Baseline set-up8.4Test plan8.5Adjustments for sand8.6Adjustments for rock8.7Data analysis8.8Conclusions8.9Report 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. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within each intake, so you can combine it with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is MSC Adams, AiM Race Studio, MoTeC i2 Pro and MATLAB, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Procedures are studied on real cases of suspension set-up in dunes, vehicle preparation for rocky sections and analysis of suspension travel data on mixed stages. Assessment is continuous by module plus the final project.
Standards covered: ISO 8608, ISO 2631-1, FIA Appendix J, Article 283, ISO 8855, ETRTO Standards Manual.
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. A university degree is not 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 MSC Adams, AiM Race Studio, MoTeC i2 Pro, MATLAB, 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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