Diploma in Photometry, Optics and Visual Perception
Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in photometry, optics and visual perception: 8 modules covering radiometry and photometry, colorimetry, applied geometrical optics, optical design and simulation, human visual perception, photobiological safety and photometric measurement, with an assigned technical tutor.
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What you will be able to do
Apply radiometric, photometric and colorimetric quantities rigorously.
Design non-imaging optical components.
Simulate optical systems and validate the results with measurements.
Explain the visual perception mechanisms relevant to design.
Assess photobiological risks according to IEC 62471.
Carry out traceable photometric measurements in the laboratory.
Integrate technical and perceptual requirements into a complete optical design.
Who it's for
- Optical engineers designing lenses, reflectors and light guides.
- Photometric laboratory technicians carrying out traceable measurements.
- Lighting designers who need a solid grounding in photometry and colour.
- Display engineers working on backlighting and luminance.
- Visual ergonomics specialists assessing glare, contrast and flicker.
- Lighting R&D engineers developing new sources and optics.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter the automotive industry.
What you'll work with
- CIE S 017 (International Lighting Vocabulary)
- ISO/CIE 11664-1 (colorimetry: CIE standard colorimetric observers)
- IEC 62471 (photobiological safety of lamps)
- CIE S 026 (metrology for ipRGC-influenced responses to light)
- EN 13032-1 (measurement and presentation of photometric data of lamps and luminaires)
- IEC/TR 62778 (blue-light hazard assessment of light sources)
- CIE 127 (measurement of LEDs)
- ISO/IEC 17025 (competence of testing and calibration laboratories)
- Zemax OpticStudio
- Ansys Speos
- LightTools
- DIALux evo
- MATLAB
8 modules
1.1Radiometric and photometric quantities1.2Spectral luminous efficiency curve V(λ)1.3Flux, intensity, illuminance and luminance1.4Inverse-square law and cosine law1.5Photopic, mesopic and scotopic vision1.6Spectral distribution of sources1.7LED photometry according to CIE 1271.8Standards and metrological traceability1.9Measurement uncertainty1.10Lab: measuring illuminance and luminance with a luminance meter
2.1CIE 1931 and CIE 1976 colour spaces2.2Correlated colour temperature2.3Colour rendering index and TM-302.4Colour differences ΔE2.5MacAdam ellipses and tolerances2.6Colorimetry according to ISO/CIE 116642.7Metamerism and illuminants2.8Measurement with a spectroradiometer2.9Signal colours in the automotive industry2.10Practical exercise: calculating the chromaticity coordinates of an LED
3.1Reflection, refraction and total internal reflection3.2Lenses, reflectors and freeform surfaces3.3Non-imaging optics3.4Conservation of étendue3.5Light guides and microstructures3.6Diffusers and scattering3.7Optical materials: PC, PMMA and silicone3.8Absorption and Fresnel losses3.9Optical manufacturing tolerances3.10Lab: ray tracing of a parabolic reflector
4.1Optical simulation workflow4.2Source modelling with ray files4.3Optical properties of surfaces4.4Optimisation of freeform surfaces4.5Simulation of perceived luminance4.6Stray light analysis4.7Validation between simulation and measurement4.8Optics for displays and backlighting4.9Optics for cameras and sensors4.10Workshop: designing a TIR collimator in Zemax
5.1Anatomy of the eye and photoreceptors5.2Light and dark adaptation5.3Contrast sensitivity5.4Visual acuity and age5.5Disability and discomfort glare5.6Perception of flicker and the stroboscopic effect5.7Colour perception and colour vision deficiencies5.8Night-time visibility of objects on the road5.9Visual illusions and depth perception5.10Practical exercise: contrast sensitivity test
6.1Photobiological hazards according to IEC 624716.2Blue-light hazard and risk groups6.3LED assessment according to IEC/TR 627786.4Melanopic effects according to CIE S 0266.5Temporal light modulation and flicker metrics6.6Exposure of drivers and pedestrians6.7Laser sources and IEC 60825-1 classification6.8Communicating risks in specifications6.9Safe design of high-luminance sources6.10Case study: risk classification of an LED module
7.1Type A, B and C goniophotometers7.2Integrating spheres7.3Luminance cameras and image analysis7.4Spectroradiometry7.5Measurement of luminaires according to EN 13032-17.6Calibration and maintenance of equipment7.7ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation7.8Presentation of photometric results7.9IES and EULUMDAT data formats7.10Lab: measuring a module with a luminance camera
8.1Definition of the optical system8.2Photometric and perceptual requirements8.3Selection of source and materials8.4Optical design and simulation8.5Photobiological safety analysis8.6Prototype and measurement8.7Perceptual assessment with observers8.8Comparison between simulation and measurement8.9Report and presentation8.10Final 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 the programme is compatible with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Zemax OpticStudio, Ansys Speos, LightTools, DIALux evo and MATLAB, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Cases are studied on real procedures for photometric measurement with a goniophotometer and integrating sphere, simulation and prototyping of optics and perceptual tests with observers. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final capstone project.
Standards covered: CIE S 017, ISO/CIE 11664-1, IEC 62471, CIE S 026, EN 13032-1, IEC/TR 62778, CIE 127, ISO/IEC 17025.
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 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 Zemax OpticStudio, Ansys Speos, LightTools, DIALux evo and MATLAB, 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 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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