Course in Parametric Design for Singular Structures
Online course of 300 hours in parametric design for singular structures. 6 modules covering algorithmic design, structural geometry and form-finding, integrated analysis, optimisation and digital fabrication to EN 1990 and EN 1993-1-1, with an assigned technical tutor.
Course in Parametric Design for Singular Structures — studying from Australia
Australia's infrastructure pipeline is substantial, covering roads, rail, ports, water and urban development across major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. Rail engineering is especially active, with projects including Sydney Metro and Melbourne Metro. Smart city initiatives draw on sensors, data platforms and digital twins to improve transport, utilities and public services. Employers include state transport authorities, engineering consultancies such as Aurecon and WSP, and major contractors. Engineers work on design, asset management, construction oversight and sustainability.
Fees for Australia: A$1,020 (AUD), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in Australia
Typical roles
Questions from Australia
Does a SEIUM qualification meet Australian civil engineering registration requirements?
No. Civil engineers in Australia typically need an Engineers Australia accredited degree to pursue Chartered status, and state and territory rail and infrastructure regulators set their own requirements. SEIUM's private qualifications are not accredited by these bodies, so employers or regulators decide how much weight they carry.
Which Australian employers hire in civil, rail and smart cities?
Australia has public infrastructure agencies, rail operators, engineering consultancies and councils working on urban and smart city projects. Employers usually prioritise accredited qualifications, licensing and project experience. Ask potential employers whether a private online qualification would be considered alongside your experience.
Is the course workable alongside work, and what does it cost?
The courses are 100% online and taught in English, so you can study from anywhere in Australia without a student visa. Specialist courses take 300 hours, diplomas 800 and master's 1,900, so plan your time accordingly. Fees are payable in instalments, employer sponsorship may be possible, and you will have an assigned technical tutor.
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
Apply algorithmic thinking to structural design.
Generate efficient structural geometries.
Integrate structural analysis into the parametric model.
Optimise structures against multiple criteria.
Prepare structures for digital fabrication.
Rationalise complex geometries.
Conceive a singular structure from start to finish.
Who it's for
- Computational designers
- Engineers working on singular structures
- Digital fabrication specialists
- Architectural technologists dealing with complex geometry
- Structural optimisation consultants
- Developers of parametric tools
- Engineering or science graduates looking to move into engineering consultancy
What you'll work with
- EN 1990 (Eurocode – basis of structural design)
- EN 1993-1-1 (Eurocode 3 – design of steel structures)
- EN 1995-1-1 (Eurocode 5 – design of timber structures)
- EN 1991-1-4 (Eurocode 1 – wind actions)
- EN 1991-1-3 (Eurocode 1 – snow loads)
- ISO 19650-1 (information management using BIM)
- Rhinoceros
- Grasshopper
- Karamba3D
- Kangaroo
- SOFiSTiK
6 modules
1.1Algorithmic thinking in structures1.2Parameters, relationships and constraints1.3NURBS geometry and meshes1.4Visual programming1.5Rhinoceros and Grasshopper1.6Data structures and trees1.7Generative design1.8From concept to analytical model1.9Benchmark singular structures1.10Practical: parametric model of a roof
2.1Ruled surfaces2.2Hyperbolic paraboloids2.3Double-curvature shells2.4Bar meshes and gridshells2.5Tensile structures2.6Form-finding with springs2.7Force density2.8Graphic statics2.9Panel rationalisation2.10Lab: form-finding with Kangaroo
3.1Karamba3D: modelling and loads3.2Analysis of bars and shells3.3Section optimisation3.4Global buckling3.5Displacement analysis3.6Interoperability with structural analysis software3.7Model verification3.8Iterative analyses3.9Documentation of results3.10Practical: analysis of a gridshell in Karamba3D
4.1Single-objective optimisation4.2Multi-objective optimisation4.3Evolutionary algorithms with Galapagos4.4Topology optimisation4.5Construction constraints4.6Minimising weight and carbon4.7Exploring the design space4.8Visualising alternatives4.9Decision-making4.10Workshop: multi-objective optimisation of a footbridge
5.1Part breakdown and nodes5.2Fabrication of complex nodes5.3CNC and laser cutting5.43D printing of components5.5Double-curvature formwork5.6Fabrication tolerances5.7Data workflows to the factory5.8Assembly and dimensional control5.9Cases of built singular structures5.10Case study: fabrication of a timber roof
6.1Brief and site6.2Structural concept6.3Parametric model6.4Form-finding6.5Structural analysis6.6Optimisation6.7Fabrication strategy6.8Conclusions6.9Report and presentation6.10Final project: final 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. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within each intake, so it fits around your work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Rhinoceros, Grasshopper, Karamba3D, Kangaroo and SOFiSTiK, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures for shell form-finding, multi-objective structural optimisation and scale prototypes of nodes. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final capstone project.
Standards covered: EN 1990, EN 1993-1-1, EN 1995-1-1, EN 1991-1-4, EN 1991-1-3, ISO 19650-1.
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.
- 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 Rhinoceros, Grasshopper, Karamba3D, Kangaroo, SOFiSTiK, 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 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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