Ergonomics course applied to the cockpit of single-seater racing cars
Online course of 300 hours in ergonomics applied to single-seater cockpits: 6 modules covering driver anthropometry, seats and restraint systems, steering wheel, pedals and controls, the visual interface and driver information, and thermal comfort, fatigue and safety, with an assigned technical tutor.
Ergonomics course applied to the cockpit of single-seater racing cars — studying from South Africa
The automotive sector is one of South Africa's most important manufacturing industries, with major plants in the Eastern Cape around Gqeberha, in KwaZulu-Natal and in Gauteng. Manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz South Africa, Ford and Volkswagen South Africa operate assembly and component facilities that export vehicles and parts across Africa and beyond. The sector relies on engineers skilled in powertrain design, vehicle dynamics, quality and production systems. Motorsport activity, including circuits at Kyalami and Zwartkops, adds further demand for performance engineering.
Fees for South Africa: R 10 200 (South African rand), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in South Africa
Typical roles
Questions from South Africa
Which South African bodies recognise automotive engineering skills, and does SEIUM count?
Professional recognition for engineers in South Africa runs through ECSA, which registers engineers, technicians and technologists under the Engineering Profession Act. Automotive trades also fall under bodies such as the MERSETA for skills development. SEIUM is a private online institute whose qualifications are not state degrees and are not accredited by a national body, so whether they are recognised is up to the employer or the relevant body to decide.
Will this programme help me find work in South Africa's automotive or motorsport industry?
South Africa has a significant automotive manufacturing and component sector, and motorsport teams and suppliers also hire engineers. Employers typically look at practical experience, recognised qualifications and references. A private online qualification can strengthen your profile in specialist areas, but it does not guarantee employment. Speak to potential employers about whether they would value it.
How does the course fit around a job, and how are fees paid?
The programme is delivered entirely online in English, with an assigned technical tutor and a final project. Master's programmes are 1,900 hours, postgraduate diplomas 800 hours and specialist courses 300 hours, so choose the level that matches your available time. Fees are payable in instalments, and employer sponsorship may be possible. Ask your employer whether they would fund part of the training.
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 driver anthropometry and translate it into cockpit design requirements.
Design the driving position, optimising visibility, reach and comfort.
Select seats, harnesses and FHR devices in accordance with FIA standards.
Configure the steering wheel, pedal box and controls according to accessibility criteria.
Assess the cognitive load of the information shown on the steering wheel.
Apply measures against heat stress and driver fatigue.
Verify cockpit evacuation within the regulatory times.
Who it's for
- Vehicle ergonomics engineers.
- Racing cockpit designers.
- Passive safety technicians.
- Track engineers.
- Single-seater preparers.
- Technical homologation managers.
- Engineering or science graduates looking to enter formula racing.
What you'll work with
- FIA Standard 8862-2009 (racing seats)
- FIA Standard 8853-2016 (safety harnesses)
- FIA Standard 8858-2010 (FHR systems)
- Appendix J to the FIA International Sporting Code (technical regulations for competition vehicles)
- FIA Standard 8869-2018 (additional frontal protection, Halo)
- ISO 7250-1 (basic human body measurements for technological design)
- ISO 11226 (evaluation of static working postures)
- UNE-EN ISO 6385 (ergonomic principles in the design of work systems)
- CATIA V5
- SolidWorks
- RAMSIS
- Siemens Jack
- MoTeC Dash Manager
6 modules
1.1Anthropometric percentiles and the driver population1.2Critical measurements: sitting height and leg length1.3FIA template for minimum cockpit volume1.4Joint angles in the semi-reclined position1.5Pressure distribution on the back and buttocks1.6Field of view and driver eye line1.7Size differences in karting, F4 and F31.83D body scanning and digital manikins1.9Neck muscle fatigue under lateral load1.10Practical exercise: taking measurements and an anthropometric record
2.1Seat moulding with polyurethane foam2.2Requirements of the FIA 8862 homologated seat2.3Six-point harnesses and anchorage geometry2.4Angle of shoulder and lap belts2.5FHR device (HANS) and helmet compatibility2.6Headrest and lateral cockpit protection2.7Driver extraction with a removable seat2.8Energy-absorbing padding materials2.9Inspection and expiry of harnesses2.10Workshop: moulding a custom seat
3.1Diameter and shape of the single-seater steering wheel3.2Layout of buttons, rotary switches and paddles3.3Brake pedal travel and effort3.4Longitudinal adjustment of the pedal box3.5Heel support and foot position3.6Footrest and dead pedal in karting and formula cars3.7Hand clutch versus foot clutch3.8Emergency controls and master switches3.9Accessibility of controls with fireproof gloves3.10Laboratory: measurement of pedal forces
4.1Steering wheel displays and information hierarchy4.2Shift lights and LED warnings4.3Legibility at high speed and under vibration4.4Rear-view mirrors and blind spots4.5The Halo and its effect on the field of view4.6Radio communications in the cockpit4.7Cognitive load and alarm design4.8Flag signalling on the dash4.9Page configuration by race phase4.10Case study: redesign of a steering wheel display
5.1Cockpit heat and loss of performance5.2Cockpit ventilation and NACA ducts5.3Driver cooling systems5.4Hydration and drinking during the race5.5Sustained G-forces and neck training5.6Vibrations transmitted to the driver's body5.7Fireproof clothing and heat stress5.8Five-second cockpit evacuation test5.9Typical injuries and ergonomic prevention5.10Case study: ergonomic audit of a cockpit
6.1Definition of the target driver and requirements6.2Anthropometric envelope in CAD6.3Position of seat, steering wheel and pedals6.4Selection of restraint systems6.5Steering wheel interface design6.6Evacuation test and verification6.7Reach analysis with a digital manikin6.8Cockpit homologation plan6.9Report and presentation6.10Final project: final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable materials, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within the 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 CATIA V5, SolidWorks, RAMSIS, Siemens Jack and MoTeC Dash Manager, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Cases are studied on real procedures: moulding and fitting driver seats, driver extraction tests and configuration of steering wheel controls and displays. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final integrating project.
Standards covered: FIA Standard 8862-2009; FIA Standard 8853-2016; FIA Standard 8858-2010; Appendix J to the FIA International Sporting Code; FIA Standard 8869-2018; ISO 7250-1; ISO 11226; UNE-EN ISO 6385.
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
- No prior qualification is required.
- An internet connection and a computer able to run 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 300 hours over 3 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.
You work with CATIA V5, SolidWorks, RAMSIS, Siemens Jack and MoTeC Dash Manager, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.
A SEIUM Institute certificate, 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.
No prior qualification is required: you only need an internet connection, 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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