Postgraduate Diploma in Chassis-Engine Integration and Steering Geometries
Online Postgraduate Diploma of 800 hours in Chassis-Engine Integration and Steering Geometries. 8 modules covering Regulation (EU) 168/2013 on the type-approval of L-category vehicles, ISO 6725 dimensions of mopeds and two-wheeled motorcycles, and BikeSim. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Postgraduate Diploma in Chassis-Engine Integration and Steering Geometries — studying from South Africa
Two-wheeler transport is significant in South Africa, both for commuting and for delivery services, and the motorcycle and scooter market has grown steadily. Local assembly and distribution of motorcycles and scooters are supported by importers and manufacturers, and the sector interacts with road safety regulation and licensing. Engineers working on two-wheelers focus on chassis design, braking systems, emissions and rider safety. Growing interest in electric scooters and light mobility is also shaping demand.
Fees for South Africa: R 27 900 (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. Professional engineering registration runs through ECSA, and motorcycle-related standards and testing involve bodies such as the SABS. Whether a SEIUM qualification is recognised is for employers or the relevant body to decide, so check before enrolling.
How might this qualification be used by employers in South Africa in the two-wheeler sector?
Motorcycle manufacturers, importers, dealers and component suppliers may value engineering depth in vehicle dynamics, powertrains or design. A private qualification can add to your profile, but it does not carry official status, so its impact depends on employer preference and your existing experience. Speak to potential employers to understand their view.
Can I study this programme alongside full-time work from South Africa, and is there a time zone or language issue?
The programme is fully online and taught in English, so you can study from South Africa without a student visa. Master's programmes require 1,900 hours, postgraduate diplomas 800 hours and specialist courses 300 hours, with an assigned technical tutor. Fees can be paid in instalments and employer sponsorship is possible. Ask SEIUM about time-zone expectations and weekly workload before enrolling.
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
Calculate steering geometry parameters and their effect.
Evaluate the stiffness of the chassis and swingarm.
Design the structural integration of the engine into the chassis.
Calculate anti-squat and its effect on traction.
Integrate the suspension with the overall geometry.
Analyse stability modes such as wobble and weave.
Simulate the motorcycle using multibody models.
Who it's for
- Motorcycle chassis engineer who wishes to specialise in Chassis-Engine Integration and Steering Geometries.
- Vehicle dynamics engineer who wishes to specialise in Chassis-Engine Integration and Steering Geometries.
- Structural calculation engineer who wishes to specialise in Chassis-Engine Integration and Steering Geometries.
- Motorcycle racing track engineer who wishes to specialise in Chassis-Engine Integration and Steering Geometries.
- Multibody simulation engineer who wishes to specialise in Chassis-Engine Integration and Steering Geometries.
- Frame designer who wishes to specialise in Chassis-Engine Integration and Steering Geometries.
- Graduates in engineering or science seeking to enter motorcycle competition.
What you'll work with
- Regulation (EU) 168/2013 on the type-approval of L-category vehicles
- ISO 6725 dimensions of mopeds and two-wheeled motorcycles
- ISO 8855:2011 vehicle dynamics, vocabulary
- FIM Superbike World Championship Technical Rules
- FIM Grand Prix World Championship Regulations
- Delegated Regulation (EU) 3/2014 on the functional safety of L-category vehicles
8 modules · 800 h
1.1Rake and steering head angle1.2Trail1.3Fork offset1.4Wheelbase1.5Effect on stability and handling1.6Mechanical and normal trail1.7Variation of trail with suspension1.8Typical values by type1.9Adjustable geometry in competition1.10Workshop: trail calculation with different offsets
2.1Chassis types: twin-spar, tubular, monocoque2.2Torsional and lateral stiffness2.3Controlled flex in lean2.4Stiffness tests on a bench2.5FEM analysis of the chassis2.6Materials: aluminium, steel, carbon2.7Swingarm stiffness2.8Fork stiffness2.9Balance of stiffness2.10Practical: FEM stiffness analysis of a chassis
3.1Stressed and semi-stressed engines3.2Engine mounting points3.3Load transfer to the chassis3.4Engine vibrations3.5Engine balancing3.6Mounts and isolators3.7Engine position and CG3.8Gyroscopic effect of the crankshaft3.9Counter-rotation of the crankshaft3.10Case study: redesign of engine mounts
4.1Secondary transmission geometry4.2Chain pull and force on the swingarm4.3Anti-squat and its calculation4.4Swingarm pivot height4.5Effect of the pinion and rear sprocket4.6Behaviour under acceleration4.7Pivot adjustments4.8Concentric pinion and swingarm axes4.9Influence on traction4.10Laboratory: anti-squat calculation with several ratios
5.1Telescopic fork and alternatives5.2Rear shock absorber and linkages5.3Progressivity curves5.4Travel and heights5.5Interaction with geometry5.6Load transfer5.7Spring setting5.8Height adjustment5.9Influence on steering5.10Practical: height adjustment and its effect on trail
6.1Wobble and weave modes6.2Influence of geometry on stability6.3Steering damper6.4Modal analysis of the vehicle6.5Stiffness and damping6.6Influence of the rider6.7Kickback and shimmy6.8Stability simulation6.9Stability testing6.10Case study: diagnosis of a high-speed weave
7.1Multibody models of motorcycles7.2Motorcycle tyre modelling7.3Rider modelling7.4Simulation manoeuvres7.5Validation with data7.6Parametric geometry studies7.7Parameter optimisation7.8Limitations of the models7.9Integration with design7.10Laboratory: change-of-direction simulation in BikeSim
8.1Definition of dynamic requirements8.2Selection of steering geometry8.3Engine mount design8.4Anti-squat calculation8.5Stiffness analysis8.6Multibody simulation of the assembly8.7Stability study8.8Final geometry proposal8.9Report and presentation8.10Final 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. No fixed timetable: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine the programme with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is BikeSim, VI-BikeRealTime, MSC Adams, Ansys Mechanical, CATIA V5, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real procedures for chassis stiffness testing, multibody stability simulation and on-track geometry adjustment. 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.
Calculate steering geometry parameters and their effect.
Evaluate the stiffness of the chassis and swingarm.
Design the structural integration of the engine into the chassis.
Calculate anti-squat and its effect on traction.
Integrate the suspension with the overall geometry.
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 English to follow technical regulatory texts.
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 spread over 6 to 8 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
Work is carried out with BikeSim, VI-BikeRealTime, MSC Adams, Ansys Mechanical, CATIA V5. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM Institute own diploma 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 Postgraduate Diploma in the same area count towards the higher-level programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
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