Postgraduate Diploma in Calibration for Synthetic Fuels
Online 800-hour postgraduate diploma in calibration for synthetic fuels. 8 modules covering EN 228, FIA Formula 1 Technical Regulations and ETAS INCA. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Postgraduate Diploma in Calibration for Synthetic Fuels — 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 20 400 (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
Characterise synthetic fuels for spark-ignition engines.
Configure engine management systems for calibration.
Calibrate injection considering fuel properties.
Adjust ignition while controlling knock.
Evaluate performance and emissions on the bench.
Apply design of experiments to calibration.
Validate calibrations under track conditions.
Who it's for
- Engine calibration engineer who wants to specialise in Calibration for Synthetic Fuels.
- Combustion engineer who wants to specialise in Calibration for Synthetic Fuels.
- Test bench engineer who wants to specialise in Calibration for Synthetic Fuels.
- Powertrain engineer who wants to specialise in Calibration for Synthetic Fuels.
- Competition engine technician who wants to specialise in Calibration for Synthetic Fuels.
- Fuels engineer who wants to specialise in Calibration for Synthetic Fuels.
- Graduates in engineering or science looking to enter motorsport.
What you'll work with
- EN 228
- FIA Formula 1 Technical Regulations
- ASAM MCD-2 MC
- ISO 1585
- SAE J1349
- ASTM D2699
- ASTM D2700
- UN ECE R85
8 modules · 800 h
1.1Composition of synthetic petrols1.2Differences from fossil petrol1.3Fuel regulations in competition1.4Calorific value and stoichiometry1.5Octane rating and sensitivity1.6Volatility and cold start1.7Oxygenates and air-fuel ratio1.8Lubricity and effect on injectors1.9Fuel supply in competition1.10Case study: analysis of a sustainable fuel
2.1ECU architecture2.2Pressure, lambda and knock sensors2.3High-pressure direct injection2.4Ignition and coils2.5Base maps and corrections2.6Closed-loop lambda control2.7A2L and XCP communication2.8Bench data logging2.9Engine safeguards2.10Practical: configuring an ECU on the bench
3.1Injector characterisation3.2Injection time and rail pressure3.3Multiple injection phasing3.4Lambda adjustment by speed and load3.5Compensation for fuel density3.6Mixture formation and spray3.7Calibration under transients3.8Wall film and compensation3.9Start-up and warm-up3.10Laboratory: lambda adjustment on the engine bench
4.1Optimal MBT timing4.2Knock limit4.3Knock sensors and filtering4.4Adaptive knock control4.5In-cylinder pressure and indicating4.6Cyclic combustion variation4.7Influence of intake air temperature4.8Maps by fuel4.9Engine protection4.10Workshop: in-cylinder pressure analysis
5.1Power and torque on the bench5.2Specific fuel consumption5.3Indicated thermal efficiency5.4CO, HC and NOx emissions5.5Particulates in direct injection5.6Exhaust temperature5.7Impact of fuel on the turbocharger5.8Comparison with reference fuel5.9Correction for ambient conditions5.10Case study: bench comparison of two fuels
6.1Design of experiments in calibration6.2Engine response models6.3Constrained optimisation6.4Model-based calibration6.5Bench automation6.6Management of large data volumes6.7Statistical analysis tools6.8Model validation6.9Export to ECU maps6.10Practical: DoE for timing and lambda
7.1Transition from bench to track7.2Lambda and knock data per lap7.3Corrections for altitude and temperature7.4Consistency between fuel batches7.5Fuel sampling at events7.6Component reliability7.7Driver feedback7.8Weekend adjustments7.9Validation report7.10Case study: knock correction in a hot race
8.1Fuel characterisation8.2ECU configuration8.3Injection calibration8.4Ignition calibration8.5DoE and optimisation8.6Emissions evaluation8.7Track validation plan8.8Final recommendations and future lines8.9Dissertation and presentation8.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
Fully 100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine study with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is ETAS INCA, AVL CAMEO, AVL IndiCom, MoTeC M1 Tune, MATLAB, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real engine calibration procedures on a dynamic test bench, in-cylinder pressure analysis and map validation in track tests. Assessment is continuous per module plus the final integrating project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Characterise synthetic fuels for spark-ignition engines.
Configure engine management systems for calibration.
Calibrate injection considering fuel properties.
Adjust ignition while controlling knock.
Evaluate performance and emissions on the bench.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. No university degree is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient Spanish to follow the reading of technical regulations.
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 consists of 800 hours in total, spread over 6 to 8 months. That is between 10 and 15 hours a week on average, compatible with a full-time job.
The programme works with ETAS INCA, AVL CAMEO, AVL IndiCom, MoTeC M1 Tune, MATLAB. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
An own diploma from SEIUM upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrating project. It is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or diploma in the same area are credited towards the higher programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
Related programmes
Postgraduate Diploma in Low-Speed Aero and Vortex Management
Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in Low-Speed Aero and Vortex Management. 8 modules covering FIA Formula 1 Technical Regulations, FIA Formula 1 Sporting Regulations and STAR-CCM+. Dedicated…
Postgraduate Diploma in Versioning, Testing and Security of Toolchains
Online 800 h Postgraduate Diploma in Versioning, Testing and Security of Toolchains. 8 modules covering ISO 26262-8, ISO/SAE 21434 and Git. Assigned tutor and enrolment open.
Postgraduate Diploma in Aerodynamic Optimisation with Adjoint/Surrogates
Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in Aerodynamic Optimisation with Adjoint/Surrogates. 8 modules with FIA Formula 1 Technical Regulations, FIA Formula 1 Sporting Regulations and SU2. Dedicated tutor…
More in Automotive & Motorsport
All Automotive & Motorsport programmes → · How to apply · Fees & financing · Scholarships