Master’s in Wooden and Composite Coachwork
Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in wooden and composite (wood-and-metal) coachwork for classic vehicles, structured in 12 modules covering coachwork history, wood technology, frame diagnosis, coachbuilding joinery, panelling, exterior finishes, structural behaviour, interiors, restoration project management and authenticity, with an assigned technical tutor.
Master’s in Wooden and Composite Coachwork — 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$19,700 (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
Analyse the history and techniques of wooden and composite coachwork.
Apply wood technology to bodywork parts.
Diagnose timber frames and decide on their conservation.
Build frames using traditional joints and bending techniques.
Panel and finish bodies with durability in mind.
Evaluate the structural behaviour of composite bodies.
Lead restoration projects while respecting authenticity.
Who it's for
- Wooden coachbuilders.
- Classic vehicle restorers taking on timber-framed bodies.
- Automotive cabinetmakers.
- Restoration project managers.
- Concours d’elegance judges.
- Authenticity consultants.
- Engineering or science graduates aiming to enter classic vehicle restoration.
What you'll work with
- FIVA Turin Charter (conservation of historic vehicles)
- FIVA Technical Code (historic vehicle criteria)
- EN 350 (durability of wood)
- EN 13183-1 (moisture content of sawn timber)
- Regulation (EU) 995/2010 (EU Timber Regulation)
- Historic vehicle regulations (registration and use of historic vehicles)
- EN 927 (coatings for exterior wood)
- Rhinoceros
- SolidWorks
- Artec Studio
- Ansys Mechanical
- SketchUp
12 modules
1.1Carriage bodies and the transition to the motor car1.2Ash frames in inter-war coachwork1.3North American woodies and shooting brakes1.4Composite wood–steel and wood–aluminium bodies1.5Great coachbuilders and their techniques1.6Evolution of fittings and joints1.7The decline of structural timber1.8Iconic composite-construction vehicles1.9Documentary sources and period drawings1.10Case study: construction analysis of a shooting brake
2.1Species for structure and for finish2.2Mechanical properties and anisotropy2.3Moisture and dimensional stability2.4Drying and conditioning timber2.5Durability and protective treatments2.6Traditional and modern adhesives2.7Plywood and engineered laminates2.8Mechanical testing of timber2.9Selecting timber according to the part2.10Lab: bending test on ash specimens
3.1Inspecting for rot and degradation3.2Non-destructive diagnostic techniques3.3Measuring play and loose joints3.4Recording damage by zone3.5Photographic and dimensional documentation3.6Conservation or replacement decisions3.7Corroded metal joints3.8Assessing previous repairs3.9Diagnostic report3.10Workshop: diagnosing the frame of a 1930s saloon
4.1Panel removal sequence4.2Removing nailed and riveted panels4.3Numbering and labelling parts4.4Templates and tracings of original parts4.53D scanning of frames4.6Reconstruction drawings4.7Conserving original parts4.8Storing components4.9Inventory of fittings4.10Practical: taking templates from a pillar
5.1Hand tools and machinery5.2Mortise-and-tenon and dovetail joints5.3Steam bending and laminating5.4Assembling frames5.5Fitting complex three-dimensional parts5.6Gluing and clamping5.7Metal reinforcements and brackets5.8Controlling frame geometry5.9Tolerances for panelling5.10Workshop: making a laminated door frame
6.1Steel and aluminium panels over timber6.2Nailing, stapling and riveting6.3Wiring and flanging panels over the frame6.4Preventing contact corrosion6.5Seals and weatherproofing6.6Exposed timber panels on woodies6.7Exterior marquetry and mouldings6.8Edge finishing6.9Fitting doors and tailgates6.10Practical: panelling a door on an ash frame
7.1Marine varnishes and polyurethanes7.2Surface preparation7.3Layered application and intermediate sanding7.4UV protection of exterior varnishes7.5Staining and colour uniformity7.6Varnish maintenance7.7Local finish repairs7.8Conserving original patinas7.9Accelerated ageing tests7.10Lab: comparing varnishes in a UV chamber
8.1Structural behaviour of composite bodies8.2Torsional stiffness of the assembly8.3Wood–metal joints and load transfer8.4Finite element modelling of frames8.5Structural vibration and noise8.6Passive safety in wooden bodies8.7Hidden and reversible reinforcements8.8Comparison with steel structures8.9In-vehicle stiffness tests8.10Case study: stiffness analysis of a woodie
9.1Door cards and trim9.2Wooden dashboards and veneers9.3Headlinings and slats9.4Timber floors in vans and estates9.5Integrating upholstery9.6Interior fittings and locks9.7Interior finishes in wax and shellac9.8Interior moisture control9.9Restoring original interiors9.10Practical: restoring an interior door panel
10.1Phased planning10.2Estimating hours and costs10.3Managing timber and fittings suppliers10.4Stage-by-stage quality control10.5Relationship with the owner10.6Documenting the restoration10.7Project risks10.8Running a craft workshop10.9Monitoring indicators10.10Workshop: restoration plan for a composite body
11.1FIVA authenticity criteria11.2Acceptable degree of replacement11.3Market value of original bodies11.4Concours d’elegance and judges11.5New bodies on old chassis11.6Ethics of reconstruction11.7Recording interventions11.8Long-term maintenance11.9Storage and climate11.10Case study: expert opinion on a full reconstruction
12.1Selecting the vehicle and body12.2Historical and documentary research on the vehicle12.3Diagnosis and survey12.4Designing the reconstruction12.5Manufacturing and finishing plan12.6Structural analysis of the wood–metal assembly12.7Budget and planning12.8Authenticity documentation12.9Writing the thesis report12.10Master's Thesis: defence before a panel
How you'll learn
A 100% online programme 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 each intake, so it fits around your job.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Rhinoceros, SolidWorks, Artec Studio, Ansys Mechanical and SketchUp, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures: rebuilding ash frames, bending and varnish ageing tests, and diagnosis of composite bodies. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final Master's Thesis.
Standards covered: FIVA Turin Charter, FIVA Technical Code, EN 350, EN 13183-1, Regulation (EU) 995/2010, historic vehicle regulations, EN 927.
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 Rhinoceros, SolidWorks, Artec Studio, Ansys Mechanical and SketchUp, 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 demonstrable professional experience.
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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