Diploma in Aging, Odor and Durability of Surfaces
Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in surface ageing, odour and durability: 8 modules covering surface degradation mechanisms, accelerated ageing tests, odour and emissions over the vehicle life, mechanical surface durability, specification, failure analysis and service-life prediction, with an assigned technical tutor.
Diploma in Aging, Odor and Durability of Surfaces — studying from Malta
Product and interface design in Malta is closely tied to the island's digital economy, where software companies, gaming studios and online service providers require skilled designers. Human-machine interface work is relevant to aviation, maritime and industrial clients who need clear and safe control systems. Engineers and designers often collaborate with multinational teams, so fluency in English and familiarity with international design standards are advantageous. The sector values practical experience in user research, prototyping and usability testing.
Fees for Malta: €1,490 (Euro), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in Malta
Typical roles
Questions from Malta
Is there a professional body in Malta that regulates design, HMI or product roles?
Design and HMI are not regulated professions in Malta, so there is no licensing title. Professional networks and associations may offer membership, but these are not statutory. SEIUM qualifications are private, not state degrees and not accredited by a national body, so employers judge them according to the portfolio and experience you bring.
Which employers in Malta hire designers with HMI and product skills?
Demand comes from software and app developers, gaming and digital firms, financial services, and product companies, many of which serve international markets. Hiring tends to focus on portfolios and user-research experience. A private qualification can complement a strong portfolio but is unlikely to replace it.
Can I study this alongside a job, and what should I know about language and support?
Yes. Courses are fully online and taught in English, with an assigned technical tutor and a final project. You can study from Malta without a student visa. Choose between 300-hour specialist courses and longer diplomas or master's programmes depending on your time. Ask about instalment payments and employer sponsorship.
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
Explain the physico-chemical mechanisms of surface degradation.
Plan standardised accelerated ageing tests.
Assess odour and emissions throughout the vehicle life.
Measure the mechanical durability of surfaces against scratching and abrasion.
Write durability specifications with clear acceptance criteria.
Apply root-cause methodologies to surface failures.
Estimate the service life of materials using acceleration models.
Who it's for
- Interior materials engineers responsible for surface performance.
- Ageing laboratory technicians running xenon, UV and climatic tests.
- Supplier quality engineers managing deviations and new-supplier validation.
- Odour and emissions specialists working with VDA 270 and VDA 278.
- Reliability engineers modelling service life and acceleration factors.
- CMF designers who need durable finishes that keep their appearance.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter the automotive industry.
What you'll work with
- VDA 270 (determination of the odour characteristics of interior materials)
- VDA 278 (thermal desorption analysis of organic emissions)
- ISO 105-B06 (colour fastness and ageing to artificial light at high temperatures)
- SAE J2527 (accelerated exposure of automotive exterior materials using a xenon arc)
- ISO 4892-2 (exposure to laboratory light sources: xenon-arc lamps)
- DIN 75201 (fogging characteristics of interior trim materials)
- ISO 12219-2 (interior air of road vehicles: bag method for VOC emissions)
- ISO 1518-1 (paints and varnishes: scratch resistance)
- Minitab
- ReliaSoft Weibull++
- X-Rite Color iMatch
- OriginPro
- Ansys Granta Selector
8 modules
1.1Photodegradation by ultraviolet radiation1.2Thermo-oxidation of polymers1.3Hydrolysis and humidity1.4Migration of plasticisers and additives1.5Degradation of coatings and lacquers1.6Ageing of leathers and textiles1.7Corrosion of metallic and chrome finishes1.8Chemical attack by creams and cleaners1.9UV stabilisers and antioxidants1.10Case study: diagnosis of a cracked dashboard part
2.1Xenon sources and UV fluorescent lamps2.2Colour fastness to light ISO 105-B062.3Xenon arc exposure SAE J25272.4Lamp test ISO 4892-22.5Natural exposure in Florida and Arizona2.6Correlation between accelerated and real exposure2.7Thermal ageing in an oven2.8Climatic humidity and temperature cycles2.9Assessment of colour and gloss change2.10Lab: measuring ΔE and gloss after exposure
3.1Origin of odour in interior materials3.2Sensory evaluation according to VDA 2703.3Odour panels and training3.4VOC emissions according to VDA 2783.5Fogging according to DIN 752013.6Interior air quality ISO 122193.7Evolution of odour with temperature and time3.8New-car smell and perception across markets3.9Odour reduction at suppliers3.10Practical exercise: odour panel session with samples
4.1Scratch and mar resistance4.2Taber and Martindale abrasion4.3Wear from use in contact areas4.4Adhesion and peel resistance4.5Tackiness of soft-touch coatings4.6Fatigue of seat leathers4.7Stain resistance and cleanability4.8Artificial sweat and sun cream tests4.9Measurement of roughness and texture4.10Lab: scratch test with different loads
5.1Manufacturer standards and material specifications5.2Definition of acceptance criteria5.3Grey scales and visual assessment5.4Exposure classes by interior zone5.5Requirements for extreme-climate markets5.6Deviation management5.7Validation of new suppliers5.8Master samples and colour control5.9Material PPAP documentation5.10Case study: durability specification for a steering wheel
6.18D methodology and root cause6.2Product FMEA for surfaces6.3FTIR and DSC analysis6.4Microscopy and fracture analysis6.5Gas chromatography and mass spectrometry6.6Warranty and field claims6.7Lessons learned6.8Improvement of formulations6.9Corrective actions at the supplier6.10Practical exercise: 8D for a field odour problem
7.1Arrhenius and UV dose models7.2Acceleration factors7.3Design of durability tests7.4Reliability and Weibull distributions7.5Field data and real ageing7.6Ageing simulation with climate data7.7Uncertainty in predictions7.8Risk communication7.9Optimisation of test costs7.10Practical exercise: service-life estimate with the Arrhenius model
8.1Selection of component and material8.2Review of degradation mechanisms8.3Accelerated test plan8.4Odour and emissions assessment plan8.5Execution and interpretation of results8.6Analysis of detected failures8.7Material improvement proposal8.8Final specification8.9Report 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 Minitab, ReliaSoft Weibull++, X-Rite Color iMatch, OriginPro and Ansys Granta Selector, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Cases are studied on real procedures for xenon arc accelerated ageing tests, odour panels according to VDA 270 and laboratory scratch and abrasion tests. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final capstone project.
Standards covered: VDA 270, VDA 278, ISO 105-B06, SAE J2527, ISO 4892-2, DIN 75201, ISO 12219-2, ISO 1518-1.
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 Minitab, ReliaSoft Weibull++, X-Rite Color iMatch, OriginPro and Ansys Granta Selector, 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.
Related programmes
Diploma in Joining Technologies and Adhesives for Mobility
Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in joining technologies and adhesives for mobility: 8 modules covering joining technologies, automotive welding, mechanical joints, adhesive chemistry, adhesive joint…
Diploma in App↔Vehicle↔Charger: Usage Flow and Telemetry
Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in App↔Vehicle↔Charger: Flow and Usage Telemetry. 8 modules covering the connected EV ecosystem, charging communication protocols, app-vehicle-charger flow design, usage…
Diploma in Usage Analytics and Experience Improvement
Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in usage analytics and experience improvement, structured in 8 modules covering behavioural analysis, digital qualitative analytics, user research, diagnosis and…
More in Design, HMI & Product
All Design, HMI & Product programmes → · How to apply · Fees & financing · Scholarships