Master’s in Classic Chassis and Monocoque Structures
Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in classic chassis and monocoque structures, structured in 12 modules covering structural evolution and mechanics, corrosion, dimensional diagnosis, chassis and monocoque repair, aluminium and tubular structures, jigs, finite element analysis and regulations, with the FIVA Turin Charter, Royal Decree 892/2013 and Ansys Mechanical, 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
Know the evolution of vehicle structures.
Apply structural mechanics to chassis and monocoques.
Diagnose structural corrosion.
Measure and verify the geometry of structures.
Repair ladder-frame chassis and monocoques using appropriate techniques.
Analyse structures using finite element methods.
Apply authenticity and safety criteria to repairs.
Who it's for
- Restoration panel beaters.
- Vehicle structures technicians.
- Classic vehicle welders.
- Structural simulation engineers.
- Classic bodywork workshop managers.
- Historic vehicle technical inspectors.
- Engineering or science graduates looking to enter classic vehicle restoration.
What you'll work with
- FIVA Turin Charter (principles for the preservation of historic vehicles)
- Royal Decree 892/2013 (Spanish Historic Vehicles Regulation)
- ISO 9606-1 (qualification testing of welders, steels)
- EN ISO 4063 (nomenclature of welding processes)
- FIVA Technical Code (classification and identification of historic vehicles)
- ISO 9227 (salt spray corrosion tests)
- Ansys Mechanical
- SolidWorks
- Geomagic Design X
- Fusion 360
12 modules
1.1Ladder frames with side members and cross members1.2Tubular and spaceframe chassis1.3Backbone chassis1.4Platforms and semi-integral bodies1.5Steel monocoques1.6Aluminium and composite monocoques1.7Racing vehicle structures1.8Manufacturing and joining methods by era1.9Manufacturers and their solutions1.10Workshop: structural comparison of three classic cars
2.1Torsional and bending stiffness2.2Load paths2.3Open and closed sections2.4Panel buckling2.5Stress concentrations2.6Fatigue of structures2.7Crash behaviour2.8Torsional stiffness testing2.9Period materials2.10Practical exercise: stiffness calculation of a section
3.1Corrosion mechanisms in bodywork3.2Critical areas of monocoques3.3Corrosion in cavities3.4Steel–aluminium galvanic corrosion3.5Corrosion under sealants3.6Assessing loss of section3.7Ultrasonic thickness measurement3.8Endoscopy of side members3.9Damage classification3.10Case study: corrosion diagnosis of a 1960s monocoque
4.1Measuring jigs4.2Manufacturer dimension sheets4.3Measurement with a coordinate measuring arm4.43D scanning4.5Alignment of mounting points4.6Accident deformation4.7Diagonals and symmetry4.8Dimensional report4.9Templates and fixtures4.10Lab: 3D scanning of a chassis frame
5.1Dismantling and cleaning5.2Cold and hot straightening5.3Replacing cross members5.4Reinforcements and plates5.5Hot riveting5.6MIG and TIG welding on chassis5.7Post-weld treatments5.8Corrosion protection5.9Final verification5.10Workshop: replacement of a riveted cross member
6.1Section-by-section repair strategy6.2Reproduction panels6.3Hand-made panel fabrication6.4Resistance spot welding6.5MIG plug welding6.6Replacement sequence6.7Maintaining geometry6.8Sealants and cavities6.9Cavity protection6.10Practical exercise: replacement of a sill on a monocoque
7.1Period aluminium alloys7.2TIG welding of aluminium7.3Structural riveting7.4Tubular racing chassis7.5Cutting and joining tubes7.6Repairing spaceframes7.7Fatigue in tubular structures7.8Non-destructive testing7.9Surface treatments7.10Case study: repair of a tubular racing chassis
8.1Design of restoration jigs8.2Gauges and templates8.3Fabrication with sections8.4Reference points8.5Body rotisseries8.6Safe handling8.7CAD design8.8Laser cutting and machining8.9Fixture documentation8.10Workshop: CAD design of a reference gauge
9.1Modelling chassis structures9.2Meshing beams and shells9.3Boundary conditions and loads9.4Simulated torsional stiffness9.5Effect of reinforcements9.6Loss of stiffness due to corrosion9.7Optimising repairs9.8Validation through testing9.9Model limitations9.10Lab: finite element model of a monocoque
10.1The FIVA Turin Charter10.2Structural originality10.3Discreet reinforcements and their documentation10.4Passive safety of classic vehicles10.5Royal Decree 892/2013 on historic vehicles10.6Major modifications10.7Roadworthiness inspection10.8Workshop safety10.9Professional liability10.10Case study: decision on reinforcements for a frequently used classic
11.1Initial assessment and quotation11.2Phase planning11.3Panel suppliers11.4Quality control11.5Photographic documentation11.6Client communication11.7Project risk management11.8Workshop profitability11.9Lessons learned11.10Practical exercise: project plan for a structural restoration
12.1Vehicle selection12.2Technical research12.3Structural diagnosis12.4Dimensional measurement12.5Repair plan12.6Finite element analysis12.7Execution and verification12.8Conclusions12.9Master's Thesis report12.10Master's Thesis: defence before a panel
How you'll learn
A 100% online programme 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 you can combine it with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Ansys Mechanical, SolidWorks, Geomagic Design X and Fusion 360, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures for dimensional measurement of chassis with 3D scanning, section-by-section monocoque repair and finite element analysis of torsional stiffness. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final Master's Thesis.
Standards covered: FIVA Turin Charter, Royal Decree 892/2013 (Spanish Historic Vehicles Regulation), ISO 9606-1, EN ISO 4063, FIVA Technical Code, ISO 9227.
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
- A university degree in engineering, science or architecture, or equivalent demonstrable professional experience.
- 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 1,900 hours over 12–14 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.
You work with Ansys Mechanical, SolidWorks, Geomagic Design X and Fusion 360, 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 Master's Thesis. 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 in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised in the higher programme. Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.
A university degree in engineering, science or architecture (or equivalent professional experience), 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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