Master’s in Classic 4×4 and Service Vehicles
Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in classic 4x4 and service vehicles. 12 modules covering their history, chassis and bodies, classic petrol and diesel engines, 4x4 transmissions, axles and steering, service equipment, period electrics, authenticity, regulations and registration, use and maintenance, and restoration project management, with an assigned technical tutor.
Master’s in Classic 4×4 and Service Vehicles — 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$11,700 (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 the history of off-road and service vehicles.
Restore chassis and bodies using appropriate techniques.
Rebuild period engines, transmissions and axles.
Recover original service equipment and electrical systems.
Document the authenticity and provenance of the vehicle.
Manage classification and registration as a historic vehicle.
Plan full restoration projects.
Who it's for
- Classic off-road vehicle restorers.
- Historic vehicle mechanics.
- Classic vehicle valuers.
- Vehicle collection managers.
- Historical documentation technicians.
- Restoration workshop managers.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter classic vehicle restoration.
What you'll work with
- Royal Decree 892/2013, Historic Vehicles Regulation (Spanish regulation on historic vehicles)
- FIVA Charter of Turin (principles for the use and restoration of historic vehicles)
- FIVA Technical Code (technical classification of historic vehicles)
- ISO 3779 (vehicle identification number (VIN) content and structure)
- ITV Inspection Procedure Manual (Spanish roadworthiness inspection procedures)
- Regulation (EC) 1907/2006 (REACH) (registration and restriction of chemicals)
- SolidWorks
- Fusion 360
- Microsoft Access
- Agisoft Metashape
12 modules
1.1Military origins of 4x4 vehicles1.2Post-war light utility vehicles1.3British and Japanese off-roaders1.4Agricultural and forestry service vehicles1.5Classic vans and light trucks1.6Licence-built production in Spain1.7Public service vehicles1.8Chronology of models and series1.9Documentation sources1.10Workshop: historical record sheet for a classic off-roader
2.1Ladder-frame chassis with side members and cross members2.2Typical chassis corrosion2.3Repair and replacement of side members2.4Aluminium and steel bodies2.5Galvanic corrosion in alloys2.6Canvas tilts, soft tops and hard tops2.7Bumpers and service accessories2.8Chassis measurement and alignment2.9Anti-corrosion protection2.10Practical: diagnosis of a corroded chassis
3.1Side-valve and overhead-valve petrol engines3.2Pre-chamber and indirect-injection diesels3.3Rotary and in-line injection pumps3.4Period carburettors3.5Rebuilding blocks and cylinder heads3.6Machining and measurement3.7Cooling systems3.8Tuning and adjustment3.9Adaptation to current fuels3.10Lab: timing an in-line injection pump
4.1Period gearboxes4.2Transfer boxes and low-range gearboxes4.3Selectable and permanent four-wheel drive4.4Free-wheeling hubs4.5Propeller shafts and universal joints4.6Differentials and ratios4.7Differential locks4.8Backlash and adjustments4.9Lubrication and oil seals4.10Practical: rebuilding a transfer box
5.1Beam axles and axle housings5.2Rzeppa and Tracta swivel joints5.3Leaf springs and coil springs5.4Period dampers5.5Worm-and-sector steering boxes5.6Steering rods and joints5.7Geometry and alignment5.8Drum brakes5.9Spare parts and part manufacture5.10Case study: rebuilding a front axle
6.1Power take-offs and pulleys6.2Mechanical winches6.3Agricultural equipment and pumps6.4Light fire appliances6.5Ambulances and rescue vehicles6.6Period recovery cranes6.7Military radio equipment6.8Documentation of configurations6.9Functional restoration of equipment6.10Workshop: restoring a PTO-driven winch
7.16, 12 and 24-volt installations7.2Dynamos and regulators7.3Magnetos and ignition systems7.4Cloth-covered wiring and its reproduction7.5Period lighting7.6Waterproof military installations7.7Fault diagnosis7.8Discreet conversions7.9Electrical safety7.10Practical: making a period wiring loom
8.1Chassis and engine numbers8.2Factory records and certificates8.3Original specifications8.4Original parts versus reproductions8.5Service modifications with historical value8.6The FIVA Charter of Turin8.7FIVA Identity Card8.8Photographic archive8.9Vehicle dossier8.10Case study: verification of an ex-military off-roader
9.1Royal Decree 892/2013 on historic vehicles9.2Classification as a historic vehicle9.3Roadworthiness testing of historic vehicles9.4Major modifications9.5Vehicles from military auctions9.6Imports from non-EU countries9.7Classic vehicle insurance9.8Road use and restrictions9.9Taxation9.10Workshop: historic classification file
10.1Classic off-road driving techniques10.2Use of low range and differential locks10.3Wading and mechanical protection10.4Winch recovery10.5Preventive maintenance10.6Suitable lubricants10.7Long-term storage10.8Classic events and routes10.9Safe use10.10Practical: annual maintenance plan
11.1Initial assessment of the vehicle11.2Budget and planning11.3Sourcing spare parts11.4Specialist suppliers11.5Part manufacture by reverse engineering11.6Process documentation11.7Quality control11.8Market valuation11.9Communication with clients11.10Case study: full restoration plan
12.1Selection of the vehicle12.2Historical research12.3Technical diagnosis12.4Intervention criteria12.5Mechanical restoration plan12.6Bodywork restoration plan12.7Documentation and authenticity12.8Budget and valuation12.9Master's Thesis report12.10Master's Thesis: defence before a panel
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 regulations and applied exercises. The working software is SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Microsoft Access and Agisoft Metashape, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures for rebuilding period 4x4 transmissions, verifying the authenticity of service vehicles and classifying historic vehicles. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the Master's Thesis.
Standards covered: Royal Decree 892/2013, Historic Vehicles Regulation, FIVA Charter of Turin, FIVA Technical Code, ISO 3779, ITV Inspection Procedure Manual, Regulation (EC) 1907/2006 (REACH).
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 SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Microsoft Access 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 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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