Master’s in Classic Trucks and Buses
Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in classic trucks and buses: 12 modules covering industrial vehicle history, chassis and bodywork, vintage diesel engines, transmissions and axles, air brakes, 24-volt electrics, bus restoration, steering and suspension, regulations, project management and heritage use, with an assigned technical tutor.
Master’s in Classic Trucks and Buses — studying from Malta
Malta's rich heritage, including historic buildings, vintage vehicles and maritime craft, creates a niche for restoration and conservation work. Owners of classic cars, motorcycles and boats seek specialist workshops with knowledge of period engineering and materials. Restoration of historic architecture also requires engineers and technicians familiar with traditional construction methods and conservation rules. Opportunities tend to be found with specialist workshops, heritage organisations and private restorers.
Fees for Malta: €7,920 (Euro), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in Malta
Typical roles
Questions from Malta
Is there a recognised professional body in Malta for restoration and classic vehicle engineering?
Malta does not have a single state-regulated profession for classic vehicle restoration. Vehicle registration and roadworthiness are handled by Transport Malta. SEIUM Institute's qualifications are private, not official state degrees, and are not accredited by any national body. Recognition is determined by employers, clients or the relevant body, so check these before enrolling.
What work could restoration engineers find in Malta?
Malta has a niche market for classic vehicle restoration, mainly through independent workshops, specialist garages and private collectors. Work is often built on reputation and practical craftsmanship. Whether a private online qualification adds value is for individual clients and employers to judge, so it is best to consider it alongside your hands-on experience.
Can I study this part-time with a workshop job, and is funding possible?
Yes. The programmes are fully online, taught in English and suitable for study from home, without needing a student visa. Hours range from 300 to 1,900 depending on the programme. Fees are payable in instalments, employer sponsorship is possible, 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
Understand the history of the industrial vehicle and its manufacturers.
Restore chassis, cabs and bus bodies.
Rebuild vintage diesel engines and injection systems.
Restore transmissions, axles and air brakes.
Refurbish 24-volt electrical systems.
Apply the road-use regulations for historic industrial vehicles.
Manage large-scale restoration projects.
Who it's for
- Industrial vehicle restorers.
- Technicians working on classic diesel engines.
- Technical managers at transport museums.
- Restoration project managers handling large vehicles.
- Professional drivers of historic vehicles.
- Bus bodywork technicians.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter classic vehicle restoration.
What you'll work with
- Royal Decree 892/2013 (Spanish register of historic vehicles)
- Regulation (EC) 561/2006 (driving times and rest periods)
- Regulation (EU) 165/2014 (tachographs in road transport)
- Directive 2014/45/EU (periodic roadworthiness tests)
- Royal Decree 920/2017 (Spanish vehicle technical inspection)
- Royal Decree 818/2009 (General Driver Regulations, driving licences)
- UNECE Regulation No. 13 (braking of heavy vehicles and trailers)
- FIVA Technical Code (historic vehicle classification and originality)
- Bosch ESI[tronic]
- SolidWorks
- Autodesk Fusion
- Microsoft Project
12 modules
1.1Origins of the truck and the bus1.2Historic European manufacturers1.3The Spanish truck industry1.4Bus coachbuilders1.5Types of industrial vehicle1.6Evolution of engines and cabs1.7Economic context and transport1.8Military-derived vehicles1.9Industrial transport heritage1.10Case study: historical record sheet for a model
2.1Riveted side-member chassis2.2Cross-members and reinforcements2.3Corrosion in chassis frames2.4Sheet-metal cabs2.5Wood and metal bus bodies2.6Tubular bus structures2.7Rivet repair2.8Chassis alignment2.9Painting large surfaces2.10Workshop: inspecting a riveted chassis
3.1Direct and indirect injection3.2In-line injection pumps3.3Injectors and their setting3.4Cylinder heads and liners3.5Crankshaft grinding3.6Cold starting3.7Early turbochargers3.8Lubrication and filtration3.9Injection timing3.10Laboratory: calibrating an in-line pump on a test bench
4.1Non-synchromesh gearboxes4.2Double-declutching technique4.3Reduction and overdrive gearboxes4.4Heavy-vehicle clutches4.5Double-reduction axles4.6Hub reduction4.7Differentials and locks4.8Propeller shafts4.9Transmission lubrication4.10Practical: rebuilding a reduction gearbox
5.1Air compressors5.2Air reservoirs and dryers5.3Control valves and relay valves5.4S-cam brakes5.5Brake chambers and spring brakes5.6Exhaust brakes and retarders5.7Trailer brakes5.8Leak diagnosis5.9Cam adjustment5.10Laboratory: diagnosing an air brake circuit
6.1Batteries in series6.2Dynamos and alternators6.3Starter motors6.4Lighting and signalling6.5Instrumentation6.6Heating and ventilation6.7Bus wiring6.8Electrical protection6.9Fault diagnosis6.10Workshop: refurbishing a bus electrical panel
7.1Structure and bodywork7.2Windows and seals7.3Pneumatic doors7.4Seats and upholstery7.5Floors and linings7.6Interior lighting7.7Period signwriting without current trademarks7.8Accessibility and routes7.9Safety in passenger service7.10Case study: restoration plan for a 1960s coach
8.1Leaf springs for heavy loads8.2Early air suspension8.3Mechanical and power steering8.4Kingpins and bushes8.5Cross-ply and radial tyres8.6Split-rim wheels8.7Safety when fitting wheels8.8Axle alignment8.9Component inspection8.10Practical: safely fitting a split-rim wheel
9.1Registration as a historic vehicle9.2Driving and rest times9.3Tachographs and exemptions9.4Category C and D driving licences9.5Periodic roadworthiness testing9.6Carrying passengers in a historic vehicle9.7Weights and dimensions9.8Insurance9.9Traffic restrictions9.10Case study: file for operating a historic bus on the road
10.1Project planning10.2Budget and funding10.3Sourcing spare parts10.4Donor vehicles10.5Workshops and space required10.6Cranes and lifting10.7Risk prevention10.8Volunteering and associations10.9Documenting the process10.10Practical: project plan for a classic truck
11.1Industrial vehicle collections11.2Storage of large vehicles11.3Museum display11.4Rallies and runs11.5Use in filming and events11.6Transporting heavy vehicles11.7Maintenance in use11.8Archives of transport companies11.9Promoting heritage11.10Case study: cultural use plan for a historic bus
12.1Selecting the vehicle12.2Historical research12.3Technical diagnosis12.4Restoration plan12.5Mechanical restoration12.6Bodywork restoration12.7Registration and use12.8Final dossier12.9Master'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 your job.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Bosch ESI[tronic], SolidWorks, Autodesk Fusion and Microsoft Project, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures: calibrating in-line injection pumps, diagnosing air brake circuits and structural inspection of riveted chassis. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final Master's Thesis.
Standards covered: Royal Decree 892/2013, Regulation (EC) 561/2006, Regulation (EU) 165/2014, Directive 2014/45/EU, Royal Decree 920/2017, Royal Decree 818/2009 (General Driver Regulations), UNECE Regulation No. 13, FIVA Technical Code.
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 Bosch ESI[tronic], SolidWorks, Autodesk Fusion and Microsoft Project, 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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