Postgraduate Diploma in Rider Aerodynamics and Low-Drag Riding Positions
Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in Rider Aerodynamics and Low-Drag Riding Positions. 8 modules covering EN 17092-1, EN 1621-1 and Simcenter STAR-CCM+. Personal tutor assigned and enrolment open.
Postgraduate Diploma in Rider Aerodynamics and Low-Drag Riding Positions — 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
Analyse the rider's contribution to aerodynamic drag.
Compare riding positions and their effect on the airflow.
Measure rider drag in the wind tunnel and on track.
Simulate the airflow around the rider in different postures.
Evaluate protective equipment from an aerodynamic standpoint.
Optimise the interaction between rider, fairing and vehicle.
Propose posture and equipment improvements with quantified impact.
Who it's for
- Aerodynamics engineer who wants to specialise in Rider Aerodynamics and Low-Drag Riding Positions.
- Protective equipment designer who wants to specialise in Rider Aerodynamics and Low-Drag Riding Positions.
- Ergonomics engineer who wants to specialise in Rider Aerodynamics and Low-Drag Riding Positions.
- Racing engineer who wants to specialise in Rider Aerodynamics and Low-Drag Riding Positions.
- Technical rider coach who wants to specialise in Rider Aerodynamics and Low-Drag Riding Positions.
- CFD engineer who wants to specialise in Rider Aerodynamics and Low-Drag Riding Positions.
- Graduates in engineering or science looking to enter motorcycle racing.
What you'll work with
- EN 17092-1
- EN 1621-1
- EN 1621-4
- UN R22.06
- ISO 7250-1
- SAE J1594
- Regulation (EU) 2016/425
8 modules · 800 h
1.1Rider contribution to drag1.2Shape of torso, helmet and arms1.3Flow around bluff bodies1.4Flow separation and wake1.5Effect of clothing and surface1.6Roughness and transition1.7Slipstreaming between riders1.8Variability between riders1.9Anthropometry applied to the rider1.10Workshop: estimating frontal area from photographs
2.1Upright, sport and fairing positions2.2Torso and head angle2.3Elbow and knee position2.4Position under braking and in corners2.5Movement on the vehicle2.6Fatigue and position maintenance2.7Positions on record vehicles2.8Positions on urban scooters2.9Ergonomics and control2.10Practice: comparing positions with measurements
3.1Wind tunnel testing with a real rider3.2Articulated test mannequins3.33D scanning of the rider3.4Balances and force measurement3.5Track tests at constant speed3.6Equipment comparisons3.7Repeatability with human riders3.8Statistical analysis of measurements3.9Ethics in testing with people3.10Laboratory: posture testing with a balance
4.13D rider models4.2Meshing the human body4.3Simulation of positions4.4Rider and fairing interaction4.5Influence of the screen4.6Airflow over helmet and shoulders4.7Position optimisation4.8Limitations of simulation4.9Validation against tests4.10Case study: CFD simulation of two positions
5.1Leather and textile suits5.2Aerodynamic humps on the suit5.3Low-friction surfaces5.4Airbag integration5.5Protectors and their aerodynamic effect5.6Protective clothing regulations5.7Trade-off between protection and aerodynamics5.8Ventilation and thermal comfort5.9Bespoke equipment5.10Practice: evaluating an aerodynamic hump
6.1Screen design by rider6.2Footpegs and half-handlebars6.3Seat position6.4Effect of rider height6.5Wind protection on touring motorcycles6.6Aerodynamic noise in the helmet6.7Turbulence at the head6.8Deflector design6.9Comfort over long distances6.10Case study: deflector for a touring motorcycle
7.1Lap time savings7.2Position training7.3Feedback using data7.4Rider physical preparation7.5Psychology and adaptation7.6Application in racing7.7Application in urban motorcycling7.8Consumption and range7.9Rider safety7.10Workshop: position training plan
8.1Selection of vehicle and rider8.2Analysis of current positions8.3Measurement plan8.4Simulation of positions8.5Equipment evaluation8.6Proposal of improvements8.7Analysis of benefits8.8Proposal for track validation8.9Report 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 study with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Simcenter STAR-CCM+, Artec Studio, Blender, MATLAB, Ansys Fluent, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real wind tunnel test procedures with the rider in different positions, 3D anthropometric scanning of riders, and equipment comparisons on track at constant speed. Assessment is continuous per module plus the final integrative project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Analyse the rider's contribution to aerodynamic drag.
Compare riding positions and their effect on the airflow.
Measure rider drag in the wind tunnel and on track.
Simulate the airflow around the rider in different postures.
Evaluate protective equipment from an aerodynamic standpoint.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. A university degree is not required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient Spanish to follow technical standards documentation.
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 comprises 800 hours in total, spread over 6 to 8 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
You will work with Simcenter STAR-CCM+, Artec Studio, Blender, MATLAB and Ansys Fluent. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor will indicate the free alternative where one exists.
An SEIUM Diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrative 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 recognised in the advanced programme. Please check the recognition policy when you enrol.
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