Diploma in Parametric Modeling with Alias/CATIA and Curvature Control
Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in parametric modelling with Alias/CATIA and curvature control, structured in 8 modules covering parametric and explicit modelling, Alias, CATIA Generative Shape Design, curvature control, automation, engineering integration and studio workflows, with an assigned technical tutor.
Diploma in Parametric Modeling with Alias/CATIA and Curvature Control — studying from New Zealand
Product design and human-machine interface work in New Zealand spans consumer goods, medical devices, agricultural machinery and digital products, with a strong design community in Auckland and Wellington. Design-led companies often export globally, and the country's reputation for innovation in outdoor and sporting equipment supports a steady demand for industrial designers. Professionals may work in-house for manufacturers, in design consultancies, or with research organisations on usability and interface development.
Fees for New Zealand: NZ$2,160 (New Zealand dollar), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in New Zealand
Typical roles
Questions from New Zealand
Do New Zealand professional bodies regulate design and human-machine interface work?
Design and HMI work is generally not a regulated profession in New Zealand. Engineers in product roles may pursue Engineering New Zealand registration if their work is engineering-based. Industry associations also exist for designers. SEIUM's qualifications are private and not accredited by any national body, so their value is judged by employers.
Where do product and HMI engineers work in New Zealand?
Typical employers include software and hardware product companies, manufacturers, medical device and consumer product firms, and design consultancies. Hiring usually focuses on a strong portfolio and evidence of user-centred work. A private qualification can add to your profile, but it does not guarantee employment or a particular outcome.
Is this workable online with a job, and what language level is needed?
The programmes are fully online and taught in English, so you need solid English for technical reading and writing. No student visa is required to study from New Zealand. You will have an assigned technical tutor and complete a final project. Fees are payable in instalments, employer sponsorship is possible, and specialist courses take 300 hours.
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
Distinguish between explicit and parametric modelling strategies.
Build concept volumes in Alias with construction history.
Model robust parametric surfaces in CATIA GSD.
Control the curvature of curves and surfaces using quantitative criteria.
Automate checks and variants through rules and scripts.
Deliver VDA 4955-compliant data to engineering.
Manage rapid iterations between the design studio and engineering.
Who it's for
- Digital automotive modellers.
- Parametric CAD engineers.
- Surface designers looking to strengthen their curvature control.
- CAD automation specialists.
- Product data engineers.
- Modelling technicians working for design studios.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter the automotive industry.
What you'll work with
- ISO 10303-242 (STEP AP242, managed model-based 3D engineering)
- VDA 4955 (scope and quality of CAD/CAM data)
- ISO 14306:2017 (JT format)
- ISO 16792:2021 (digital product definition data practices)
- ISO 1101:2017 (geometrical product specifications)
- ISO 10303-214 (STEP AP214 for automotive design)
- Autodesk Alias
- CATIA V5/3DEXPERIENCE
- Q-Checker
- Python for CAD automation
- VRED
8 modules
1.1Explicit versus parametric modelling1.2History tree and dependencies1.3Parameters, formulas and relations1.4Skeletons and reference geometry1.5Top-down design1.6Model robustness to changes1.7Naming conventions and structure1.8Handling update errors1.9Reuse and templates1.10Workshop: parametric skeleton of a car body
2.1Interface and workflow in Alias2.2Profile curves and sections2.3Skin, Square and Rail surfaces2.4Dynamic Shape Modelling2.5Subdivision and SubD modelling2.6Construction history in Alias2.7Built-in evaluation tools2.8Transfer from Alias to CATIA2.9Quick visualisation for reviews2.10Practical exercise: concept volume of a front end
3.1GSD workbench: wireframe and surfaces3.2Sweep, Multi-Section and Fill surfaces3.3Join, trim and extrapolate operations3.4Power copies and user features3.5Knowledgeware: rules and checks3.6Design parameters and tables3.7Updating and robustness of chains3.8Clearance surfaces and offsets3.9Comparison with CATIA ICEM Shape Design3.10Lab: parametric B-pillar in GSD
4.1Curvature combs and scale4.2Curvature plots along curves4.3Control point distribution4.4Curve degree and smoothness4.5Curvature in cross-sections4.6Connection analysis between surfaces4.7Gaussian curvature maps4.8Controlling reflections through curvature4.9Local corrections without losing continuity4.10Case study: correcting a waistline
5.1Product templates and smart features5.2Engineering Knowledge Language5.3Automation with VBA and CATScript5.4Scripting in Alias with Python and MEL5.5Geometric rules for radii and angles5.6Automatic quality checks5.7Variant design through parameters5.8Design tables and families5.9Automatic report generation5.10Workshop: minimum radius check script
6.1Reference surfaces for engineering6.2Data transfer to PLM systems6.3Configuration management in 3DEXPERIENCE6.4Exchange with STEP AP242 and JT6.5Data quality according to VDA 49556.6Checking with Q-Checker6.7Collaboration between engineering centres6.8Model version control6.9Manufacturing requirements in the model6.10Practical exercise: data quality check for delivery
7.1Rapid iteration of proposals7.2Parameterised design variants7.3From clay scan to digital model7.4Virtual reality reviews7.5Communication with designers and modellers7.6Modelling deadlines and planning7.7Documentation best practice7.8Common modelling errors7.9Measuring productivity7.10Case study: three parameterised variants of a tailgate
8.1Defining the component and requirements8.2Skeleton and control parameters8.3Concept modelling in Alias8.4Parametric modelling in CATIA8.5Curvature and quality control8.6Automating checks8.7Handover to engineering8.8Comparing parametric variants8.9Report and presentation8.10Final project: final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
The programme is delivered 100% online 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 the intake, making it compatible with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Autodesk Alias, CATIA V5/3DEXPERIENCE, Q-Checker, Python for CAD automation, VRED, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied on real procedures: parametric modelling of body components, curvature correction on character lines, and automation of data quality checks. Assessment is continuous by module plus the final capstone project.
Standards covered: ISO 10303-242 (STEP AP242), VDA 4955, ISO 14306:2017 (JT), ISO 16792:2021, ISO 1101:2017, ISO 10303-214 (STEP AP214).
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'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.
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 Autodesk Alias, CATIA V5/3DEXPERIENCE, Q-Checker, Python for CAD automation and VRED, 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 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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