Course in Conservation of Original Odours and Aromas
Online 300 h course in conservation of original odours and aromas. 6 modules covering EN 13725 (determination of odour concentration by dynamic olfactometry), VDA 270 (odour behaviour of interior materials) and advanced Excel. Assigned tutor and enrolment open.
Course in Conservation of Original Odours and Aromas — studying from Ireland
Ireland has an active heritage vehicle and classic machinery community, supported by clubs, restoration workshops and specialist suppliers serving classic cars, motorcycles and agricultural equipment. Engineering skills in this area combine historical knowledge with modern techniques in fabrication, materials and diagnostics. Restoration work is often linked to heritage conservation and museum collections, and classic vehicles operate under national roadworthiness and vehicle registration rules. Professional bodies and enthusiast organisations help maintain standards and knowledge across the sector.
Fees for Ireland: €743 (Euro), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in Ireland
Typical roles
Questions from Ireland
Is there a recognised professional body in Ireland for classic vehicle restoration?
Classic vehicle restoration in Ireland is largely a craft and hobby sector, supported by enthusiast clubs and heritage bodies rather than a regulated professional title. SEIUM's qualifications are private and not accredited by any national body, so they do not confer membership or formal recognition. Check the requirements of any club or body you wish to join.
Would Irish restoration businesses or employers value this qualification?
Restoration businesses in Ireland often rely on hands-on skill, reputation and portfolio work. A private online qualification may add to your CV, but employers decide for themselves whether it is relevant. Your final project can help show your capability, though there is no guarantee of any outcome.
Can I study this part-time while keeping my current commitments?
Yes, the programme is 100% online and taught in English, so you can study from home around existing commitments. Durations are 300, 800 or 1,900 hours depending on the course, so plan your schedule accordingly. Fees can be paid in instalments, and each student has 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
Recognise odour as part of the character and authenticity of the vehicle.
Identify the origin of problematic odours such as damp, mould or fuel.
Eliminate the cause of the odour rather than masking it.
Apply techniques that preserve the original odours of leather and textiles.
Select replacement materials with low emissions and compatible odour.
Control the environment to prevent the appearance of new odours.
Prepare the vehicle for display or delivery with an olfactory protocol.
Who it's for
- Classic vehicle interior restorer who wishes to specialise in Conservation of Original Odours and Aromas.
- Collection vehicle conservator who wishes to specialise in Conservation of Original Odours and Aromas.
- Indoor air quality technician who wishes to specialise in Conservation of Original Odours and Aromas.
- Classic vehicle upholsterer who wishes to specialise in Conservation of Original Odours and Aromas.
- Competition preparation manager who wishes to specialise in Conservation of Original Odours and Aromas.
- Preventive conservation technician who wishes to specialise in Conservation of Original Odours and Aromas.
- Graduates in engineering or science who seek to enter classic vehicle restoration workshops.
What you'll work with
- EN 13725 (determination of odour concentration by dynamic olfactometry)
- VDA 270 (odour behaviour of interior materials)
- ISO 12219-1 (vehicle interior air)
- ISO 16000-6 (determination of VOCs in indoor air)
- VDA 278 (emissions from non-metallic automotive materials)
- EN 15757 (temperature and relative humidity conditions)
- Turin Charter (FIVA, 2013)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Why the interior smells as it does1.2Materials that emit odour1.3Leather, glue, varnish and textiles1.4Original odour versus deterioration odour1.5Value perceived by the owner1.6Limits of what can be preserved1.7Health and volatile compounds1.8Ventilation and workshop safety1.9Realistic expectations1.10Workshop: olfactory diagnosis of an interior
2.1Damp and mould2.2Fuel and oil2.3Exhaust and carbon monoxide2.4Tobacco2.5Animals and pests2.6Previous cleaning products2.7Degraded foams2.8Soaked carpets and insulation2.9Locating the source2.10Practice: identifying the origin in a vehicle
3.1Complete drying of the cabin3.2Locating and sealing leaks3.3Removal of contaminated materials3.4Deep cleaning by material3.5Enzymatic treatments3.6Ozone: effectiveness and risks3.7Steam generators3.8Neutralisers versus masking agents3.9Verification after treatment3.10Practice: complete removal protocol
4.1Gentle cleaning of leather and textiles4.2Products that leave no odour of their own4.3Nourishing leather and its aroma4.4Woods and varnishes: avoid damaging them4.5Avoiding air fresheners4.6Periodic ventilation of the vehicle4.7Relative humidity and its control4.8Vehicle storage4.9Recording the products used4.10Practice: preservation plan for an interior
5.1Choosing materials with compatible odour5.2Low-odour glues and adhesives5.3Foams and their curing5.4New textiles and their pre-treatment5.5New leather and its integration5.6Airing time before delivery5.7Tests in a hidden area5.8Documentation of materials5.9Communication with the owner5.10Practice: material selection for a replacement
6.1Closed vehicle on display6.2Competitions and the impression of the interior6.3Handover to the client and first hours6.4Subsequent maintenance6.5Common mistakes and odours created by the workshop6.6Odour complaints6.7Cost of a complete treatment6.8Limits of the intervention6.9Documented real cases6.10Final project: treatment and preservation plan for an interior
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: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine study with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is advanced Excel, OpenChrom (chromatographic analysis), HOBOware, Collective Access, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real procedures: sensory odour evaluation panels, locating damp and microbial sources, and testing replacement materials in a chamber. Assessment is continuous by 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.
Recognise odour as part of the character and authenticity of the vehicle.
Identify the origin of problematic odours such as damp, mould or fuel.
Eliminate the cause of the odour rather than masking it.
Apply techniques that preserve the original odours of leather and textiles.
Select replacement materials with low emissions and compatible odour.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior degree is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient Spanish to follow technical regulatory reading.
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 consists of 300 hours in total spread over 3 to 5 months. That is between 10 and 15 hours per week on average, compatible with full-time work.
You will work with advanced Excel, OpenChrom (chromatographic analysis), HOBOware, Collective Access. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
SEIUM's 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 Postgraduate Diploma in the same area are recognised towards the higher programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
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