Postgraduate Diploma in High-Modulus Laminates and Trackside Repair
Online 800 h Postgraduate Diploma in High-Modulus Laminates and Trackside Repair. 8 modules covering ASTM D3039 tensile testing of polymer matrix composites, ASTM D7137 compression after impact and ESAComp. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Postgraduate Diploma in High-Modulus Laminates and Trackside Repair — studying from Malta
Malta has a modest automotive presence, with the island's economy relying more on services than on vehicle manufacturing. Activity is mainly found in vehicle distribution, aftermarket servicing, and the supply of components and specialist workshops. Engineers interested in motorsport and performance vehicles can find opportunities with dealership groups, service centres and importers that support technical development and customer support. The market favours professionals who combine mechanical knowledge with an understanding of modern electronic and diagnostic systems used across contemporary vehicles.
Fees for Malta: €1,090 (Euro), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in Malta
Typical roles
Questions from Malta
Which professional bodies in Malta recognise automotive engineers, and does a private qualification give me a regulated title?
In Malta, the title 'engineer' is regulated by the Chamber of Engineers (KSU) under the Engineering Profession Act. Vehicle inspection and roadworthiness fall under Transport Malta. SEIUM qualifications are private qualifications, not official state degrees and not accredited by any national body, so they do not automatically confer a regulated title. Recognition is determined by employers or the relevant body.
What kinds of automotive and motorsport employers operate in Malta?
Malta has a limited automotive manufacturing base, so most relevant roles are in automotive service and distribution, fleet management, vehicle inspection, and suppliers serving wider European markets. Motorsport-related work is small and largely international. Employers will judge candidates on demonstrated skills and experience, so a private qualification should be presented alongside practical evidence.
How do I fit a 300 to 1,900-hour programme around a job, and how is the course taught?
Everything is delivered online in English with an assigned technical tutor, so there is no need to attend campus or obtain a visa. Specialist courses are around 300 hours, postgraduate diplomas 800 hours and master's 1,900 hours. Check your weekly time commitment against your job, and ask whether employer sponsorship or instalment payments could help with funding.
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
Select high-modulus fibres and matrices according to requirements.
Calculate laminates using classical theory and failure criteria.
Design manufacturable and efficient laminated structures.
Identify damage mechanisms in composites.
Apply appropriate non-destructive inspection techniques.
Carry out trackside repairs with cure control.
Document repairs against quality and safety criteria.
Who it's for
- Composite materials engineer who wishes to specialise in High-Modulus Laminates and Trackside Repair.
- Laminating technician who wishes to specialise in High-Modulus Laminates and Trackside Repair.
- Structures engineer who wishes to specialise in High-Modulus Laminates and Trackside Repair.
- Non-destructive inspection technician who wishes to specialise in High-Modulus Laminates and Trackside Repair.
- Composites workshop manager who wishes to specialise in High-Modulus Laminates and Trackside Repair.
- Quality engineer who wishes to specialise in High-Modulus Laminates and Trackside Repair.
- Engineering or science graduates looking to enter motorsport competition.
What you'll work with
- ASTM D3039 tensile testing of polymer matrix composites
- ASTM D7137 compression after impact
- ASTM D7136 drop-weight impact
- ASTM D2344 interlaminar shear
- CMH-17 Composite Materials Handbook
- ASTM E2580 ultrasonic testing of laminates
- FIA Technical Regulations on safety structures
8 modules · 800 h
1.1PAN and pitch carbon fibres1.2Intermediate, high and ultra-high modulus1.3Epoxy, cyanate ester and BMI matrices1.4Fibre-matrix interphase and sizings1.5Woven fabrics versus unidirectional1.6High-performance prepregs1.7High-temperature properties1.8Brittleness and damage tolerance1.9Material selection in motorsport1.10Workshop: comparing fibre datasheets
2.1Orthotropic lamina and elastic constants2.2Classical laminate theory2.3ABD stiffness matrices2.4Symmetric and balanced laminates2.5Couplings and warping2.6Tsai-Wu and Hashin failure criteria2.7First ply failure and ultimate failure2.8Hygrothermal effects on the laminate2.9Stacking sequence optimisation2.10Practice: laminate calculation with ESAComp
3.1Stacking design rules3.2Ply drops and transitions3.3Local reinforcements and inserts3.4Panel buckling3.5Stress concentration at holes3.6FEM analysis of laminates3.7Design for manufacture3.8Stiffness versus strength3.9Homologated impact structures3.10Case study: high-modulus fibre wing
4.1Mechanisms: delamination, fibre and matrix failure4.2Low-energy impact4.3Visible and non-visible damage4.4Compression after impact4.5Fatigue in laminates4.6Heat and fire damage4.7Damage from fitting and handling4.8Damage evolution in service4.9Acceptance criteria4.10Laboratory: compression after impact testing
5.1Visual inspection and tap testing5.2Pulse-echo ultrasonics5.3Phased array ultrasonics in laminates5.4Active pulse thermography5.5Shearography for debonding and delaminations5.6Radiography and tomography5.7Portable inspection at the circuit5.8Records and damage maps5.9Inspector qualification5.10Practice: ultrasonic inspection of a damaged panel
6.1Rapid damage assessment6.2Decision to repair or replace6.3Stepped patch repairs6.4Scarf repairs6.5Fast-cure resins and repair prepregs6.6Heater blankets and cure control6.7Surface preparation and adhesion6.8Temporary repairs and limitations6.9Verification after repair6.10Workshop: patch repair on an aerodynamic component
7.1Approved repair procedures7.2Repair of safety structures7.3FIA regulatory requirements7.4Traceability of repair materials7.5Industrial hygiene and carbon dust7.6Personal protective equipment7.7Waste management7.8Repair records7.9Quality audits7.10Case study: repair procedure for a flat floor
8.1Component selection8.2Definition of loads and requirements8.3Laminate design8.4Probable damage analysis8.5Non-destructive inspection plan8.6Trackside repair procedure8.7Repair verification8.8Cost and time assessment8.9Report and presentation8.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
Fully 100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it easier to combine with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is ESAComp, Abaqus, Altair HyperWorks, Fibersim, Ansys Composite PrepPost, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real repair procedures for aerodynamic components at the circuit, ultrasonic inspection of panels and compression-after-impact testing. Assessment is continuous across modules, plus the final integrative project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Select high-modulus fibres and matrices according to requirements.
Calculate laminates using classical theory and failure criteria.
Design manufacturable and efficient laminated structures.
Identify damage mechanisms in composites.
Apply appropriate non-destructive inspection techniques.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. A university degree is not required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient Spanish to follow technical standards documentation.
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 comprises 800 hours in total, spread over 6 to 8 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
You work with ESAComp, Abaqus, Altair HyperWorks, Fibersim, Ansys Composite PrepPost. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
An SEIUM own diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrative project. It is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or diploma in the same area are recognised in the advanced programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
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