Postgraduate Diploma in Wind Tunnel and Track Correlation Testing
Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in Wind Tunnel and Track Correlation Testing. 8 modules covering SAE J2084, SAE J2071 and MATLAB. Dedicated tutor and open enrolment.
Postgraduate Diploma in Wind Tunnel and Track Correlation Testing — 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
Describe the operation and limitations of wind tunnels.
Prepare motorcycle tests with a rider in the wind tunnel.
Use laboratory aerodynamic instrumentation.
Measure aerodynamic parameters on track.
Correlate wind tunnel and track results using statistical methods.
Integrate testing with CFD simulation and lap simulator.
Manage test campaigns according to quality criteria.
Who it's for
- Aerodynamics engineer looking to specialise in Wind Tunnel and Track Correlation Testing.
- Wind tunnel engineer looking to specialise in Wind Tunnel and Track Correlation Testing.
- Track data engineer looking to specialise in Wind Tunnel and Track Correlation Testing.
- Instrumentation technician looking to specialise in Wind Tunnel and Track Correlation Testing.
- Competition engineer looking to specialise in Wind Tunnel and Track Correlation Testing.
- Test engineer looking to specialise in Wind Tunnel and Track Correlation Testing.
- Graduates in engineering or science seeking to enter motorcycle racing.
What you'll work with
- Standards-based learning: each module works with the standards and regulations that apply to the field.
- Hands-on practical work with industry-standard software, simulation and real case studies.
- Evidence-oriented final project: technical file, test plan, compliance dossier and operating limits.
- Industry mentoring: faculty with professional experience in the field.
- 100% online, international cohorts and support from SEIUM Career Services.
- Ethics and safety: a safety-by-design approach, cybersecurity and regulatory compliance as pillars.
8 modules · 800 h
1.1Open- and closed-circuit tunnels1.2Open and closed test sections1.3Flow quality and turbulence intensity1.4Blockage and corrections1.5Six-component aerodynamic balances1.6Moving ground and rollers1.7Climatic and aerothermal tunnels1.8Tunnels for cycling and motorcycling1.9Operating costs1.10Workshop: blockage correction for a test
2.1Scale and full-size models2.2Motorcycle mounting2.3Real rider versus mannequin2.4Rider positions2.5Lean and yaw angle2.6Rotating wheels and their drive2.7Test matrix2.8Repeatability protocols2.9Safety in the tunnel2.10Practice: designing a test matrix
3.1Balance calibration3.2Surface pressure taps3.3Pressure scanners3.4Five-hole probes3.5PIV and flow visualisation3.6Tuft and oil flow visualisation3.7Data acquisition3.8Signal processing3.9Measurement uncertainty3.10Laboratory: balance data analysis
4.1Pressure sensors in fairings4.2Pitot tubes and air speed4.3Suspension strain gauges4.4Ride height measurement4.5GPS and absolute speed4.6Recording environmental conditions4.7Coast-down tests on track4.8Slipstream tests4.9Track data management4.10Case study: relative air speed with Pitot
5.1Differences in conditions5.2Scale effects5.3Natural wind and turbulence5.4Influence of the real rider5.5Lean in corners5.6Fitting correlation models5.7Correction factors5.8Common correlation errors5.9Statistical correlation tools5.10Practice: correlation fitting by regression
6.1Combined use of CFD and wind tunnel6.2Cross-validation between tunnel and CFD6.3Aerodynamic maps by lean and ride height6.4Lap simulator6.5Influence on set-up6.6Development prioritisation6.7Wind tunnel restriction regulations6.8Knowledge management6.9Decision-making6.10Case study: aerodynamic map for simulator
7.1Laboratory accreditation7.2Calibration traceability7.3Configuration management7.4Test documentation7.5Reporting results7.6Confidentiality of development data7.7Campaign planning7.8Test budget7.9Lessons learned from previous campaigns7.10Workshop: wind tunnel campaign report
8.1Campaign outline8.2Wind tunnel matrix design8.3On-track measurement plan8.4Wind tunnel data analysis8.5Track data analysis8.6Correlation model8.7Development conclusions8.8Improvement recommendations8.9Report and presentation8.10Final review with tutor
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and a dedicated technical tutor. No fixed timetable: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The software used is MATLAB, Python (pandas, SciPy), LabVIEW, DaVis (LaVision), MoTeC i2 Pro, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real wind tunnel test procedures with a six-component balance and a real rider, pressure and air speed measurements on track, and statistical correlation between tunnel and track. 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.
Describe the operation and limitations of wind tunnels.
Prepare motorcycle tests with a rider in the wind tunnel.
Use laboratory aerodynamic instrumentation.
Measure aerodynamic parameters on track.
Correlate wind tunnel and track results using statistical methods.
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 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 is 800 hours in total, spread over 6 to 8 months. That is between 10 and 15 hours per week on average, compatible with a full-time job.
You will work with MATLAB, Python (pandas, SciPy), LabVIEW, DaVis (LaVision), MoTeC i2 Pro. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM 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 diploma in the same area are credited towards the advanced programme. Check the credit transfer policy when you enrol.
Related programmes
Postgraduate Diploma in APQP/PPAP and 2R Supplier Audit
Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in APQP/PPAP and 2R Supplier Audit. 8 modules covering IATF 16949:2016, AIAG APQP 3rd edition and Minitab. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Postgraduate Diploma in 2R Battery/Plastics Recycling
Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in 2R Battery/Plastics Recycling. 8 modules covering Regulation (EU) 2023/1542, Spanish Law 7/2022 on waste and contaminated soils, and openLCA. Assigned tutor…
Postgraduate Diploma in CMF for 2R and Perceived Quality
Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in CMF for 2R and Perceived Quality. 8 modules covering ISO 11664-4:2008, ISO/CIE 11664-6:2022 and X-Rite Color iQC. Assigned tutor and open…
More in Motorcycles & 2-Wheelers
All Motorcycles & 2-Wheelers programmes → · How to apply · Fees & financing · Scholarships