Diploma in Structural Adhesives in Restoration
Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in structural adhesives in restoration. 8 modules covering adhesion science, structural adhesive families, surface preparation, bodywork applications, heritage restoration, testing and quality control, and health and safety, with an assigned technical tutor.
Diploma in Structural Adhesives in Restoration — studying from New Zealand
Vehicle restoration and classic engine work in New Zealand is supported by an active enthusiast community and a well-established network of specialist workshops, particularly around the main centres. Historic vehicle registration and compliance fall under the New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, and the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand promotes preservation of historic vehicles. Restoration professionals often combine fabrication, engineering and heritage conservation skills.
Fees for New Zealand: NZ$2,960 (New Zealand dollar), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in New Zealand
Typical roles
Questions from New Zealand
Is restoration engineering recognised by a professional body in New Zealand?
There is no specific statutory register for classic vehicle or heritage restoration engineers in New Zealand. Heritage matters can involve Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, and vehicle roadworthiness is governed by the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi. SEIUM's qualifications are private and not accredited by any national body, so their value depends on the employer or client.
Where do classic restoration specialists work in New Zealand?
Work is found in independent restoration workshops, classic car dealers, museums, and specialist fabrication businesses, many clustered around the main centres. Clients and employers usually judge by workmanship and a portfolio of completed restorations. A private qualification may complement that evidence but is rarely a deciding factor on its own.
Can I study this while running or working in a workshop here?
Yes. The course is fully online and taught in English, so you can study from home in New Zealand without a student visa. Specialist courses total 300 hours, postgraduate diplomas 800 hours and master's programmes 1,900 hours. An assigned technical tutor supports you, and fees can be paid in instalments.
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 adhesion mechanisms and joint design.
Select families of structural adhesives.
Prepare surfaces of different materials.
Apply adhesives in bodywork repair.
Use adhesives in line with heritage conservation criteria.
Test and control the quality of adhesive joints.
Work with adhesives safely.
Who it's for
- Bodywork restoration technicians.
- Adhesive bonding specialists.
- Vehicle interior restorers.
- Materials laboratory technicians.
- Industrial heritage conservators.
- Restoration workshop managers.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter classic vehicle restoration.
What you'll work with
- ISO 4587 (lap shear strength of rigid-to-rigid bonded assemblies)
- ISO 10365 (designation of main failure patterns in adhesive joints)
- EN 15870 (tensile strength of butt joints)
- Regulation (EC) 1907/2006 (REACH) (registration and restriction of chemicals)
- EN 204 (classification of thermoplastic wood adhesives)
- FIVA Charter of Turin (principles for the use and restoration of historic vehicles)
- Ansys Mechanical
- Microsoft Excel
- SolidWorks
- Agisoft Metashape
8 modules
1.1Mechanical and chemical adhesion mechanisms1.2Surface energy and wetting1.3Cohesive and adhesive strength1.4Design of lap and butt joints1.5Stress distribution in the joint1.6Failure modes to ISO 103651.7Creep and fatigue of adhesives1.8Effect of temperature and humidity1.9Advantages over welding and riveting1.10Workshop: wetting test using contact angle
2.1One- and two-component epoxies2.2Structural polyurethanes2.3Acrylics and methacrylates2.4High-strength cyanoacrylates2.5Anaerobic adhesives2.6Silicones and MS polymers2.7Period adhesives: animal glues and casein2.8Adhesives in modern bodywork2.9Technical data sheets and their interpretation2.10Practical: adhesive selection for a fibreglass panel
3.1Cleaning and degreasing3.2Abrasion and blasting3.3Adhesion primers3.4Plasma and flame treatments3.5Preparation of metals3.6Preparation of plastics and composites3.7Preparation of wood3.8Contamination control3.9Open times and assembly times3.10Lab: preparation of aluminium test specimens
4.1Bonding sheet-metal panels4.2Roof and sill joints4.3Fibreglass repair4.4Windscreen bonding4.5Combined adhesive and rivet bonding4.6Galvanic corrosion and protection4.7Manufacturer repair standards4.8Dispensing equipment4.9Curing and acceleration4.10Case study: replacement of a bonded panel
5.1Consolidation of fractured parts5.2Reversible joints in conservation5.3Restoration of interiors and trim5.4Bonding leather and textiles5.5Adhesives in instruments and clocks5.6Restoration of structural timber5.7Compatibility with original materials5.8Documentation of interventions5.9Charter of Turin criteria5.10Practical: consolidation of a Bakelite part
6.1Lap shear test to ISO 45876.2Peel test6.3Butt tensile test6.4Accelerated ageing6.5Non-destructive testing of joints6.6Ultrasonic inspection6.7Bonding process control6.8Records and traceability6.9Failure analysis6.10Lab: shear testing of joints
7.1Risks of isocyanates and epoxies7.2Skin sensitisation7.3Protective equipment7.4Workstation ventilation7.5Safety data sheets7.6Storage and shelf life7.7Waste management7.8Operator training7.9REACH regulations7.10Workshop: risk assessment of a bonding workstation
8.1Selection of the restoration case8.2Analysis of materials and loads8.3Joint design8.4Adhesive selection8.5Surface preparation plan8.6Validation tests8.7Documented execution8.8Conclusions8.9Report 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. No fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within each intake, so the programme fits around your job.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Ansys Mechanical, Microsoft Excel, SolidWorks and Agisoft Metashape, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures for shear testing of adhesive joints, repair of fibreglass panels and consolidation of fractured historical parts. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final project.
Standards covered: ISO 4587, ISO 10365, EN 15870, Regulation (EC) 1907/2006 (REACH), EN 204, FIVA Charter of Turin.
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 Ansys Mechanical, Microsoft Excel, SolidWorks and Agisoft Metashape, 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.
Related programmes
Diploma in Off-Road ABS and Hill Descent Control Systems
Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in off-road ABS and hill descent control systems. 8 modules covering off-road braking dynamics, ABS architecture and algorithms, hill descent,…
Diploma in Power Optimisation on Low-Grip Surfaces
Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in Power Optimisation on Low-Grip Surfaces. 8 modules covering low-grip traction, engine torque delivery, transmission and differentials, traction control, chassis…
Postgraduate Diploma in Glass and Rubber Cutting and Fitting
Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in Glass and Rubber Cutting and Fitting. 8 modules covering UNECE Regulation No. 43 (safety glazing), ANSI/AGRSS 002 (automotive glass replacement) and…
More in Restoration & Classics
All Restoration & Classics programmes → · How to apply · Fees & financing · Scholarships