Postgraduate Diploma in Prosthetics Materials, Testing and Comfort
800-hour online Postgraduate Diploma in prosthetics materials, testing and comfort. 8 modules covering ISO 10328 (structural testing of lower-limb prostheses), ISO 22675 (testing of ankle-foot devices) and ANSYS Mechanical. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Postgraduate Diploma in Prosthetics Materials, Testing and Comfort — studying from Malta
Malta's healthcare system relies on public hospitals alongside a growing private sector, creating demand for engineers in medical devices, clinical technology and facilities. The Medicines Authority and the Health Directorate set regulatory expectations that shape work on medical equipment. Biomechanics and wearable technology are emerging interests, particularly in rehabilitation, sports science and occupational safety. Professionals in this area often collaborate with clinicians, distributors and regulators to ensure devices meet national and European requirements.
Fees for Malta: €1,290 (Euro), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in Malta
Typical roles
Questions from Malta
Is this programme recognised by a professional body in Malta for engineers working in health, biomechanics or wearables?
SEIUM Institute's qualifications are its own private qualifications. They are not official Maltese state degrees and are not accredited by any national body. In Malta, engineering titles are regulated through the Malta Council for Professions and the Chamber of Engineers, and medical devices fall under the Medicines Authority. Recognition of a private qualification is decided by employers or the relevant body, so check with them before enrolling.
Will employers in Malta value this training for roles in wearables or operational safety?
Employers in Malta's health technology, manufacturing and safety-related sectors decide for themselves how much weight to give a private online qualification. Many weigh practical experience and a final project heavily. SEIUM's programmes include a final project, but whether it helps your career in Malta depends on your employer's view. Speaking with prospective employers beforehand is the most reliable way to find out.
Can I study this alongside a full-time job in Malta, and is employer funding possible?
The programmes are 100% online and taught in English, so you can study from home without a student visa. Master's programmes are 1,900 hours, postgraduate diplomas 800 hours and specialist courses 300 hours, so plan your weekly time accordingly. Fees are payable in instalments, and employer sponsorship is possible. Each student gets an assigned technical tutor for support.
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
Analyse the biomechanics of the residual limb and its interaction with the prosthetic socket.
Select socket, liner and component materials according to their properties and biocompatibility.
Plan structural prosthesis tests in accordance with ISO 10328 and ISO 22675.
Measure pressure, temperature and shear at the socket–residual limb interface.
Design sockets using 3D scanning, CAD and digital manufacturing.
Assess user comfort and satisfaction with validated clinical instruments.
Prepare the technical documentation of a prosthesis in accordance with the MDR.
Who it's for
- Orthotic-prosthetic technician who wants to specialise in Prosthetics Materials, Testing and Comfort.
- Prosthesis design engineer who wants to specialise in Prosthetics Materials, Testing and Comfort.
- Biomedical materials engineer who wants to specialise in Prosthetics Materials, Testing and Comfort.
- Medical device testing specialist who wants to specialise in Prosthetics Materials, Testing and Comfort.
- Quality and regulatory manager in orthoprosthetics who wants to specialise in Prosthetics Materials, Testing and Comfort.
- Clinical biomechanics researcher who wants to specialise in Prosthetics Materials, Testing and Comfort.
- Graduates in engineering or science seeking to enter orthopaedic technology.
What you'll work with
- ISO 10328 (structural testing of lower-limb prostheses)
- ISO 22675 (testing of ankle-foot devices)
- Regulation (EU) 2017/745 (MDR)
- ISO 10993-1 (biological evaluation of medical devices)
- ISO 13485 (quality management of medical devices)
- ISO 14971 (risk management of medical devices)
- ISO 8549-1 (vocabulary for prosthetics and orthotics)
8 modules · 800 h
1.1Lower- and upper-limb amputation levels1.2Anatomy and physiology of the residual limb1.3Tissue tolerance to pressure and shear1.4Biomechanics of the socket–residual limb interface1.5Components of a modular prosthesis1.6Prosthetic gait and typical deviations1.7Residual limb volume and its fluctuations1.8Ulcers, dermatitis and skin lesions1.9Functional K mobility classification1.10Case study: gait analysis of a transtibial amputee
2.1Acrylic resins and carbon fibre laminates2.2Thermoplastics: polypropylene and copolyester2.3Silicone, polyurethane gel and TPE liners2.4Suspension systems: vacuum, pin and suction2.5Viscoelastic properties of liners2.6Foams and cushioning materials2.7Additive manufacturing of sockets: PA12 and TPU2.8Biocompatibility according to ISO 109932.9Degradation, ageing and cleaning2.10Laboratory: comparison of liner stiffness under compression
3.1Prosthetic feet: SACH, dynamic response and microprocessor-controlled3.2Mechanical, hydraulic and microprocessor knees3.3Pyramid adaptors and alignment3.4Materials: titanium, aluminium and composites3.5Foot stiffness and energy return3.6Upper-limb and myoelectric components3.7Osseointegrated prostheses3.8Weight and mass distribution3.9Selection according to activity level3.10Practice: justified component selection for a K3 user
4.1ISO 10328 standard for lower limbs4.2Static proof and ultimate strength tests4.3Cyclic fatigue tests at 3 million cycles4.4Load levels P3, P4 and P54.5Foot testing according to ISO 226754.6Torsion and knee tests4.7ISO 22523 requirements for external prostheses4.8Testing machines and fixtures4.9Failure analysis and test report4.10Laboratory: interpreting an ISO 10328 report
5.1SCS socket comfort scale5.2PEQ and TAPES questionnaires5.3Interface pressure sensors5.4Shear and slippage measurement5.5Temperature and humidity inside the liner5.6Pistoning and its quantification5.73D scanning of the residual limb and shape analysis5.8Finite element models of the interface5.9Correlation between pressure and perceived comfort5.10Practice: pressure mapping of a transfemoral socket
6.1Plaster casting and scanning6.2Manual rectification and CAD/CAM6.3Ischial containment and sub-ischial sockets6.4Trial sockets and dynamic adjustments6.5Bench alignment, static and dynamic6.6Adjustable and variable-volume sockets6.73D printing of definitive sockets6.8Dimensional and quality control6.9Traceability and custom manufacturing under the MDR6.10Workshop: CAD rectification of a transtibial socket
7.1Functional assessment: AMP and 2MWT7.2Instrumented gait analysis7.3Energy expenditure and efficiency7.4Quality of life and participation7.5Daily-use monitoring with sensors7.6Skin problems and their prevention7.7Adjustments for volume changes7.8User education and self-care7.9Post-market surveillance7.10Case study: resolving distal discomfort in a socket
8.1Definition of the user profile8.2Selection of materials and components8.3CAD design of the socket8.4Interface pressure simulation8.5Structural testing plan8.6Comfort assessment protocol8.7Analysis of results and improvements8.8Technical and conformity documentation8.9Report and presentation8.10Final 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. No fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, making it possible to combine study with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is ANSYS Mechanical, SolidWorks, Rodin4D, Tekscan F-Socket, MATLAB, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real structural testing machine procedures according to ISO 10328, interface pressure mapping of the socket–residual limb, and gait tests with amputee users. Assessment is continuous per module 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.
Analyse the biomechanics of the residual limb and its interaction with the prosthetic socket.
Select socket, liner and component materials according to their properties and biocompatibility.
Plan structural prosthesis tests in accordance with ISO 10328 and ISO 22675.
Measure pressure, temperature and shear at the socket–residual limb interface.
Design sockets using 3D scanning, CAD and digital manufacturing.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. No university degree is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme software.
- Sufficient English 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 totals 800 hours spread over 6 to 8 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with full-time work.
You will work with ANSYS Mechanical, SolidWorks, Rodin4D, Tekscan F-Socket, MATLAB. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
An SEIUM diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrative project. This is in-house training, not an official Ministry qualification.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised in the advanced programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
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