Diploma in Packaging Rules by Type (SUV/Sedan/Van/Pick-up)
Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in packaging rules by vehicle type (SUV/saloon/van/pick-up), structured in 8 modules covering vehicle package and dimensions, saloon, SUV, van and pick-up packaging, occupant rules and manikins, and technical and regulatory package, 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
Apply SAE J1100 dimensions when defining the package.
Distinguish the package rules for saloons, SUVs, vans and pick-ups.
Define hard points consistent with styling and engineering.
Check occupant clearances with manikins and digital human models.
Integrate batteries, systems and load into each vehicle type.
Verify the regulatory compliance of the package.
Compare package alternatives using quantitative criteria.
Who it's for
- Vehicle package engineers.
- Product architecture engineers.
- Vehicle ergonomics specialists.
- Benchmarking engineers.
- Automotive technical designers.
- Homologation engineers.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter the automotive industry.
What you'll work with
- SAE J1100 (motor vehicle dimensions)
- SAE J826 (H-point manikin)
- Regulation (EU) 2018/858 (approval of motor vehicles)
- SAE J1052 (driver and passenger head position)
- SAE J941 (driver eye locations / eyellipses)
- ISO 612:1978 (dimensions of road vehicles)
- Regulation (EU) 1230/2012 (masses and dimensions)
- UNECE Regulation No. 125 (forward field of vision)
- CATIA V5/3DEXPERIENCE
- RAMSIS
- Siemens Jack
- Siemens NX
- VRED
8 modules
1.1Coordinate system and reference points1.2Dimensions according to SAE J11001.3Wheelbase, overhangs and track widths1.4Ground clearance, approach and departure angles1.5H-point, R-point and torso angle1.6Package hard points1.7Occupant dimension chain1.8Benchmarking databases1.9Relationship between package and styling proportions1.10Workshop: SAE dimension sheet for a reference vehicle
2.1Three-box architecture2.2Low driving position2.3Headroom under a sloping roof2.4Rear seat roominess2.5Boot and lid opening2.6Rear visibility requirements2.7Mass distribution and centre of gravity2.8Hybrid and electric variants2.9D-segment benchmarking2.10Practical exercise: package of a D-segment saloon
3.1Raised posture and high H-point3.2Ingress and egress accessibility3.3Third seating row3.4Ground clearance and off-road angles3.5Wading capability and underbody protection3.6Forward visibility over a high bonnet3.7Distances to nearby obstacles3.8Platforms shared with passenger cars3.9Floor battery and floor height3.10Case study: package of a seven-seat SUV
4.1Cargo and passenger vans4.2Usable volume and load dimensions4.3Sill height and rear access4.4Sliding doors and openings4.5Forward-control cab and driving position4.6Modular seating configurations4.7Maximum authorised mass and category N14.8Accessibility for people with reduced mobility4.9Electric vans and batteries4.10Lab: load layout of an electric van
5.1Ladder-frame chassis versus monocoque5.2Single, extended and double cab5.3Load bed and pallet dimensions5.4Towing capacity and hitch5.5Suspension and travel5.6Approach, ramp-over and departure angles5.7Underbody protection and wading5.8Regional markets and homologation5.9Electric pick-up packaging5.10Workshop: comparative package of double and extended cab
6.1Anthropometric percentiles and target population6.2SAE J826 manikin and H-points6.3Reach curves and eyellipses6.4Head contours according to SAE J10526.5Knee and foot clearances6.6Shoulder and hip room6.7Access and ingress movements6.8Digital human models: RAMSIS and JACK6.9Interaction between package and ergonomics6.10Practical exercise: clearance check with a digital manikin
7.1Engine compartment and electric units7.2Traction batteries and protection7.3Tanks, cables and cooling circuits7.4Placement of spare wheels and kits7.5Crash deformation zones7.6Number plate and lighting requirements7.7Regulatory fields of vision7.8Homologation requirements by vehicle type7.9Managing package changes7.10Case study: battery integration in three vehicle types
8.1Selecting the vehicle type and market8.2Competitor benchmarking8.3Defining hard points8.4Occupant package8.5Technical and load package8.6Regulatory check of the package8.7Comparing alternatives8.8Proportions and relationship with styling8.9Report 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 CATIA V5/3DEXPERIENCE, RAMSIS, Siemens Jack, Siemens NX, VRED, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied on real procedures: defining a vehicle's hard points by type, checking clearances with digital human models, and dimensional benchmarking of competitors. Assessment is continuous by module plus the final capstone project.
Standards covered: SAE J1100, SAE J826, Regulation (EU) 2018/858, SAE J1052, SAE J941, ISO 612:1978, Regulation (EU) 1230/2012, UNECE Regulation No. 125.
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 CATIA V5/3DEXPERIENCE, RAMSIS, Siemens Jack, Siemens NX and VRED, 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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