Master’s in Fuels, Lubricants and Modern Compatibility
Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in fuels, lubricants and their compatibility with classic vehicles, structured in 12 modules covering ethanol, lead replacement, engine and transmission lubricants, coolants, materials, fuel systems, storage and future fuels, with EN 228, EN 16942 and Directive 98/70/EC, with an assigned technical tutor.
Master’s in Fuels, Lubricants and Modern Compatibility — studying from Singapore
Singapore's restoration and classic vehicle community is small but active, centred on vintage cars, motorcycles and collectable machinery. Restoration work demands skills in mechanical repair, fabrication and historic materials, often sourced regionally. Vehicle registration and modification are governed by the Land Transport Authority, which applies particular rules to older vehicles. Employers include specialist workshops, collectors' garages and vehicle import and export businesses.
Fees for Singapore: S$9,880 (Singapore dollar), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in Singapore
Typical roles
Questions from Singapore
Will this qualification be recognised by professional bodies in Singapore?
SEIUM's qualifications are private, not official state degrees, and are not accredited by any national body in Singapore. Restoration work in Singapore is generally judged on craftsmanship and reputation rather than a single licensing body, and Professional Engineer registration is handled by the Professional Engineers Board. Recognition of a private qualification is decided by employers or the relevant body.
How might this training be used by employers in Singapore?
Singapore's classic vehicle market is relatively small, so opportunities are likely to be limited to specialist workshops, collectors, dealers or independent consultancy. An online qualification may help you structure your technical knowledge but does not guarantee work. Clients and employers usually rely heavily on hands-on track record.
Can I study this alongside a full-time job, and can my employer help fund it?
The programme is fully online and in English, so you can study from home in Singapore with no student visa needed. Workload varies from 300 to 1,900 hours, so plan around your schedule. Fees can be paid in instalments, and employer sponsorship is possible, though this is less common for self-employed or small workshop owners.
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
Know the historical evolution of fuels and lubricants.
Assess the effect of ethanol on classic vehicles.
Protect engines against the absence of lead.
Select suitable lubricants for period engines and transmissions.
Manage compatible coolants and auxiliary fluids.
Test the compatibility of materials with current fluids.
Advise on use, storage and future fuels.
Who it's for
- Technical advisers for classic vehicles.
- Lubricant technicians.
- Mechanical restorers.
- Vehicle collection managers.
- Fuel laboratory technicians.
- Technical officers of classic car clubs.
- Engineering or science graduates looking to enter classic vehicle restoration.
What you'll work with
- EN 228 (unleaded petrol specification)
- EN 16942 (fuel compatibility labelling)
- Directive 98/70/EC (quality of petrol and diesel fuels)
- SAE J300 (engine oil viscosity classification)
- EN 590 (automotive diesel fuel specification)
- ISO 4925 (non-petroleum brake fluids)
- ASTM D4814 (spark-ignition engine fuel specification)
- ASTM D3306 (glycol-based engine coolant)
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Access
- Power BI
- LabWare LIMS
12 modules
1.1Petrols of the early 20th century1.2Tetraethyl lead and anti-knock agents1.3RON and MON octane ratings1.4Historic diesel fuels and sulphur content1.5Producer gas and alternative fuels1.6The phase-out of lead in Europe1.7The arrival of ethanol in petrol1.8Current EN 228 specification1.9Fuel labelling to EN 169421.10Workshop: comparison of period and current petrols
2.1E5 and E10 petrols2.2Hygroscopicity and phase separation2.3Corrosion of metals by ethanol2.4Degradation of elastomers2.5Attack on tanks and coatings2.6Dissolution of varnish and deposits2.7Effect on mixture and carburation2.8Available ethanol-free fuels2.9Directive 98/70/EC and fuel quality2.10Practical exercise: immersion test of seals in E10
3.1The lubricating role of lead3.2Valve seat recession3.3Lead replacement additives3.4Hardened valve seats3.5Risk assessment by engine3.6Occasional versus intensive use3.7Racing fuels3.8Wear testing3.9Club recommendations3.10Case study: valve seat decision for a 1960s engine
4.1Monograde and multigrade oils4.2SAE J300 classification4.3Historic and current API categories4.4Anti-wear additives and ZDDP4.5Detergency and engines without filters4.6Two-stroke oils4.7Mineral versus synthetic oils4.8Compatibility with old seals4.9Change intervals4.10Lab: analysis of a used oil from a classic engine
5.1Gear oils and API GL grades5.2Attack on bronze by EP additives5.3Straight gear oils and heavy oils5.4Calcium, sodium and lithium greases5.5Chassis greasing5.6Wheel bearings5.7Lubrication of cables and controls5.8Water pump greases5.9Selecting equivalents5.10Practical exercise: lubricant chart for a 1950s vehicle
6.1Glycol coolants and additives6.2IAT, OAT and HOAT coolants6.3Compatibility with copper and brass radiators6.4Galvanic corrosion in circuits6.5DOT 3, 4 and 5 brake fluids6.6Silicone fluid and its compatibility6.7Mineral suspension oils6.8Clutch fluids6.9Replacement schedule6.10Case study: brake fluid conversion on a classic car
7.1Elastomers: NBR, FKM and natural rubber7.2Cork, fibre and paper gaskets7.3Modern fuel hoses7.4Tank coatings7.5Soft metals and alloys7.6Period plastics7.7Compatibility testing7.8Selection of replacement materials7.9Documenting changes7.10Lab: elastomer swelling test
8.1Carburettors and current fuels8.2Percolation and vapour lock8.3Mechanical and electric pumps8.4Filters and their location8.5Mixture adjustment for ethanol8.6Period mechanical injection8.7Older diesel systems8.8Diagnosis of fuel system faults8.9Discreet upgrades8.10Workshop: carburettor tuning for E10
9.1Degradation of stored fuel9.2Fuel stabilisers9.3Draining or filling tanks9.4Engine protection during winter storage9.5Preservation oils9.6Humidity and condensation9.7Starting after prolonged inactivity9.8Battery maintenance9.9Recommissioning plans9.10Practical exercise: winter storage protocol for a collection
10.1Synthetic e-fuels10.2Renewable petrols10.3HVO in classic diesels10.4Advanced biofuels10.5The debate on the use of classic vehicles10.6European fuel regulations10.7Sustainability of mobile heritage10.8Pilot projects at events10.9Availability outlook10.10Case study: evaluation of a synthetic fuel in a classic car
11.1Analysis of fuels and lubricants11.2Laboratories and standardised tests11.3Interpreting oil analysis11.4Diagnosis by symptoms11.5Advising collectors11.6Club technical guides11.7Public-facing communication11.8Professional liability11.9Continuing professional development11.10Workshop: recommendations report for a club
12.1Selection of the vehicle or fleet12.2Inventory of fluids and materials12.3Compatibility analysis12.4Test plan12.5Selection of fuels and lubricants12.6Adaptation plan12.7Storage plan12.8Conclusions12.9Master's 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 you can combine it with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, Power BI and LabWare LIMS, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures for elastomer compatibility tests with E10, analysis of used oils from classic engines and winter storage protocols for collections. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final Master's Thesis.
Standards covered: EN 228, EN 16942, Directive 98/70/EC, SAE J300, EN 590, ISO 4925, ASTM D4814, ASTM D3306.
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 Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, Power BI and LabWare LIMS, 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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