Diploma in Aerodynamic Morphologies and Brand Signature
Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in aerodynamic morphologies and brand signature, structured in 8 modules covering applied aerodynamics, low-drag morphologies, brand identity, efficient brand form, aerodynamic evaluation, electrification and design decision-making, with 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
Relate aerodynamic principles to vehicle form.
Analyse low-drag morphologies and their proportions.
Identify the elements that make up a brand signature.
Combine brand identity and aerodynamic efficiency in a single design.
Interpret CFD and wind tunnel results during the studio phase.
Adapt the design language to electric vehicles.
Defend design proposals with brand and efficiency arguments.
Who it's for
- Automotive exterior designers.
- Product brand designers.
- Design aerodynamics engineers.
- Studio digital modellers.
- Product identity managers.
- Mobility design consultants.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter the automotive industry.
What you'll work with
- Regulation (EU) 2017/1151 (WLTP emissions procedure)
- Regulation (EU) 2019/631 (CO2 emission standards for passenger cars)
- SAE J1252 (wind tunnel test practices)
- SAE J2881 (aerodynamic drag measurement)
- UNECE Regulation No. 26 (external projections)
- Regulation (EU) 2024/2822 (protection of designs)
- UNECE Regulation No. 48 (installation of lighting devices)
- Autodesk Alias
- Simcenter STAR-CCM+
- Ansys Fluent
- Autodesk VRED
- Blender
8 modules
1.1Drag, lift and the Cd and Cl coefficients1.2Frontal area and the CdA product1.3Boundary layer and separation1.4Stagnation pressure and pressure distribution1.5Wake and form drag1.6Influence on consumption and range1.7The WLTP cycle and the weight of aerodynamics1.8Historical evolution of aerodynamic shapes1.9Practical design limits1.10Workshop: reading a vehicle's pressure maps
2.1Proportions and tail length2.2Teardrop and Kamm tail2.3Rear window angle: fastback, hatchback and notchback2.4Boat-tailing and rear tapering2.5Front-end and A-pillar radii2.6Plan view and side tapering2.7Flat underbody and diffuser2.8Wheels, wheel arches and aerodynamic rims2.9Ride height and pitch2.10Practical exercise: comparing three silhouettes by coefficient
3.1Brand DNA and recognisable elements3.2Light signature and headlamp language3.3Grilles: closed, active and symbolic3.4Character lines and window graphics3.5Iconic proportions and heritage3.6Range coherence and families3.7Differentiation from competitors3.8Semiotics and perception of form3.9Customer clinic studies3.10Case study: brand signature analysis of three manufacturers
4.1Conflicts between identity and drag4.2Grilles and cooling needs4.3Functional and aesthetic air intakes4.4Mirrors and cameras as design elements4.5Integrated spoilers and wings4.6Flush door handles and clean surfaces4.7Brand details with low aerodynamic impact4.8Lighting and transparency in the front end4.9Sustainability as a brand value4.10Lab: grille redesign with cooling balance
5.1CFD for the design studio5.2Rapid CFD tools in the concept phase5.3Scale and full-size wind tunnels5.4Clay and aerodynamic models5.5Pressure measurements and balances5.6Visualisation with tufts and flow paint5.7CFD and wind tunnel correlation5.8Reading results for designers5.9Shape-coefficient iteration cycles5.10Workshop: interpreting a wind tunnel report
6.1Aerodynamic requirements of electric vehicles6.2Grille-less front ends and battery cooling6.3SUVs and crossovers: drag challenges6.4Delivery vehicles and electric vans6.5Active aerodynamics and shutters6.6Reducing wheel drag6.7Aerodynamics and real-world range6.8Design trends in electric vehicles6.9Case studies of current models6.10Case study: front end of an electric SUV
7.1Presenting proposals to management7.2Visualising aerodynamic results7.3Brand and efficiency narrative7.4Clinics and user validation7.5Multi-criteria decision-making7.6Documenting trade-offs7.7Protecting industrial designs7.8Product communication and marketing7.9Lessons learned from launches7.10Practical exercise: presenting an efficient brand proposal
8.1Brand and segment briefing8.2Benchmark analysis8.3Sketches and silhouette proposals8.43D modelling of the proposal8.5Preliminary CFD evaluation8.6Integrating brand elements8.7Defending trade-offs8.8Final visualisation and renders8.9Report and presentation8.10Final project: final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
The programme is delivered 100% online 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 the intake, making it compatible with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Autodesk Alias, Simcenter STAR-CCM+, Ansys Fluent, Autodesk VRED, Blender, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied on real procedures: comparing silhouettes through preliminary CFD, integrating brand elements into an efficient front end, and interpreting wind tunnel reports. Assessment is continuous by module plus the final capstone project.
Standards covered: Regulation (EU) 2017/1151 (WLTP), Regulation (EU) 2019/631, SAE J1252, SAE J2881, UNECE Regulation No. 26, Regulation (EU) 2024/2822, UNECE Regulation No. 48.
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
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. No university degree is required.
- An internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's 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 800 hours over 6–8 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.
You work with Autodesk Alias, Simcenter STAR-CCM+, Ansys Fluent, Autodesk VRED and Blender, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.
A SEIUM Institute diploma, 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.
Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector (no university degree required), a computer able to run the 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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