Master'sAutomotive & Motorsport Applications open

Master’s in Metrology, GD&T and Structural Validation (K&C, Fatigue, NDT)

Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in metrology, GD&T and structural validation. 12 modules covering dimensional metrology, geometric tolerancing, tolerance stack-ups, CMM and optical measurement, static, dynamic and fatigue testing, strain gauging and test–simulation correlation, with an assigned technical tutor.

Duration12–14 months
ModeOnline
LanguageEnglish
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute diploma
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Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Apply the fundamentals of dimensional metrology.

02

Interpret and specify GD&T tolerances.

03

Analyse dimensional chains and tolerance stack-ups.

04

Select measurement techniques for complex parts.

05

Plan static and fatigue structural tests.

06

Correlate test results with simulation.

07

Estimate measurement uncertainty in accordance with the GUM.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Metrology engineers.
  • Structural validation engineers.
  • GD&T specialists looking to broaden into testing and validation.
  • Fatigue test engineers.
  • Non-destructive testing technicians.
  • Quality engineers.
  • Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter the automotive industry.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • ISO 1101 (geometrical tolerancing)
  • ASME Y14.5 (dimensioning and tolerancing)
  • ISO/IEC 17025 (competence of testing laboratories)
  • JCGM 100 (GUM, uncertainty of measurement)
  • ISO 10360 (coordinate measuring machines)
  • ISO 14253-1 (decision rules for conformity)
  • ASTM E466 (constant-amplitude axial fatigue)
  • ISO 9712 (qualification of NDT personnel)
  • PC-DMIS
  • PolyWorks
  • nCode DesignLife
  • HBK catman
  • Abaqus
Syllabus

12 modules

  1. 1.1Metrological traceability and standards
  2. 1.2Measurement uncertainty and its calculation
  3. 1.3Systematic and random errors
  4. 1.4Ambient conditions and thermal expansion
  5. 1.5Resolution, repeatability and reproducibility
  6. 1.6Gauge R&R studies of the measurement system
  7. 1.7Calibration and calibration intervals
  8. 1.8Documenting results
  9. 1.9Conformity criteria and uncertainty zones
  10. 1.10Workshop: calculating uncertainty
  1. 2.1Symbols and the ISO GPS standard
  2. 2.2Datums and datum reference frames
  3. 2.3Form and orientation tolerances
  4. 2.4Location and position tolerances
  5. 2.5Surface profile tolerance
  6. 2.6Maximum and least material condition
  7. 2.7Envelope requirement
  8. 2.8Functional dimensioning of the assembly
  9. 2.9Comparison with ASME Y14.5
  10. 2.10Workshop: dimensioning a structural part
  1. 3.1Analysis of linear chains
  2. 3.2Worst-case stack-up
  3. 3.3Statistical tolerance analysis
  4. 3.4Monte Carlo simulation of the assembly
  5. 3.5Optimal tolerance allocation
  6. 3.6Cost versus tolerance
  7. 3.7Impact of the manufacturing process
  8. 3.8Tolerances in joints and fasteners
  9. 3.9Verification of the virtual assembly
  10. 3.10Lab: stack-up study
  1. 4.1Coordinate measuring machines
  2. 4.2Articulated arms and laser trackers
  3. 4.3Optical and structured-light scanning
  4. 4.4Industrial computed tomography
  5. 4.5On-machine measurement
  6. 4.6Surface roughness testers and profilometers
  7. 4.7Choosing equipment according to tolerance
  8. 4.8Probing strategies and point density
  9. 4.9Alignment and best fit
  10. 4.10Lab: measurement with a CMM
  1. 5.1Freeform surfaces and their evaluation
  2. 5.2Comparison with the nominal model
  3. 5.3Deviation maps and how to read them
  4. 5.4Flexible parts and inspection fixturing
  5. 5.5Composite parts
  6. 5.6Additively manufactured parts
  7. 5.7Acceptance and rejection criteria
  8. 5.8Standardised dimensional reports
  9. 5.9Managing non-conformities
  10. 5.10Lab: report on a complex part
  1. 6.1Test objectives and success criteria
  2. 6.2Designing the test fixture
  3. 6.3Load application and actuators
  4. 6.4Load cells and their calibration
  5. 6.5Displacement measurement
  6. 6.6Stepped loading protocols
  7. 6.7Safety during the test
  8. 6.8Stopping criteria
  9. 6.9Documentation and evidence
  10. 6.10Lab: stiffness test
  1. 7.1Strain gauges and bonding
  2. 7.2Wheatstone bridges and configurations
  3. 7.3Temperature compensation
  4. 7.4Rosettes and calculation of principal stresses
  5. 7.5Calibration and verification of the measurement chain
  6. 7.6Digital image correlation
  7. 7.7Fibre optics and distributed sensors
  8. 7.8Signal noise and filtering
  9. 7.9Interpreting results
  10. 7.10Lab: instrumentation with strain gauges
  1. 8.1Experimental modal analysis
  2. 8.2Impact hammer and shaker excitation
  3. 8.3Identifying frequencies and damping
  4. 8.4Random vibration testing
  5. 8.5Load spectra and cycle counting
  6. 8.6S-N curves and damage accumulation
  7. 8.7Accelerated testing and its validity
  8. 8.8Crack detection during testing
  9. 8.9Life criteria
  10. 8.10Lab: modal test
  1. 9.1Preparing the finite element model
  2. 9.2Realistic boundary conditions
  3. 9.3Comparing stiffness and mode shapes
  4. 9.4Modal correlation metrics
  5. 9.5Model updating and its limits
  6. 9.6Sources of discrepancy
  7. 9.7Validating the updated model
  8. 9.8Using the validated model in design
  9. 9.9Documenting the correlation
  10. 9.10Case study: correlating a structure
  1. 10.1Dimensional control plan
  2. 10.2Process capability Cp and Cpk
  3. 10.3Statistical process control and charts
  4. 10.4First article and PPAP approval
  5. 10.5Sampling and inspection by attributes
  6. 10.6Batch traceability
  7. 10.7Product audits
  8. 10.8Cost of poor quality
  9. 10.9Data-driven continuous improvement
  10. 10.10Workshop: control plan for a part
  1. 11.1Dimensional requirements in aerospace and automotive
  2. 11.2Documentation required by the customer
  3. 11.3Concessions and deviations
  4. 11.4Engineering change management
  5. 11.5Customer and third-party audits
  6. 11.6Record retention
  7. 11.7Liability and warranties
  8. 11.8Relationship with the quality department
  9. 11.9Common errors in delivery
  10. 11.10Case study: delivery dossier
  1. 12.1Selecting the part or structure
  2. 12.2Defining the functional dimensioning
  3. 12.3Metrology and uncertainty plan
  4. 12.4Carrying out measurements
  5. 12.5Structural test plan
  6. 12.6Execution and instrumentation
  7. 12.7Correlation with the numerical model
  8. 12.8Conclusions and design actions
  9. 12.9Technical report and defence
  10. 12.10Master's Thesis: final review with the tutor
Methodology, software & labs

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, which makes the programme compatible with work.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is PC-DMIS, PolyWorks, nCode DesignLife, HBK catman and Abaqus, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures for kinematics and compliance (K&C) rig testing, fatigue testing and non-destructive testing inspection. Assessment is continuous for each module, plus the final Master's Thesis.

Standards covered: ISO 1101, ASME Y14.5, ISO/IEC 17025, JCGM 100 (GUM), ISO 10360, ISO 14253-1, ASTM E466 and ISO 9712.

Assigned technical tutor:every module ends with a deliverable that your tutor marks individually.
Standards-based learning:guided reading of ISO 1101, ASME Y14.5 and ISO/IEC 17025 applied to real cases, not as a theoretical annex.
Industry software:PC-DMIS, PolyWorks, nCode DesignLife, HBK catman and Abaqus, in free, academic or evaluation versions.
Master's Thesis with defence:the complete validation of a part or structure, from functional dimensioning and metrology plan to structural testing and correlation with the numerical model, defended before a panel.
Flexible format:100% online, no fixed timetables, compatible with full-time work.
Capstone project

Build it end to end

Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.

Uncertainty and CMM measurement
Calculate measurement uncertainty and measure a part on a coordinate measuring machine.
Tolerance stack-up study
Dimension a structural part with GD&T and run a tolerance stack-up study.
Structural testing
Instrument a structure with strain gauges and perform stiffness and modal tests.
Test–simulation correlation
Correlate test results with a finite element model and draw up a control plan.
Master's Thesis
Validate a part or structure end to end, from metrology to correlated structural testing, defended before a panel.
Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Metrology engineerStructural validation engineerGD&T specialistFatigue test engineerNon-destructive testing technicianQuality engineer
Admissions & scholarships

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'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.

FAQ

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 will work with PC-DMIS, PolyWorks, nCode DesignLife, HBK catman and Abaqus. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and your tutor indicates the free alternative where 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; an internet connection and a computer capable of running 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.

Master’s in Metrology, GD&T and Structural Validation (K&C, Fatigue, NDT)Enrol
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