Diploma in Sensitive Materials, Compatibility and Mounts
Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in sensitive materials, compatibility and mounts for vehicle collections. 8 modules covering sensitive materials in vehicles, degradation mechanisms, material compatibility testing, mount design, packing and transport, environmental control, and preventive conservation management under EN 15898, EN 15946 and EN 16893, with an assigned technical tutor.
Diploma in Sensitive Materials, Compatibility and Mounts — studying from the United Kingdom
Classic vehicle restoration is a notable niche in the United Kingdom, supported by specialist workshops, heritage motoring events and a strong enthusiast community. Centres such as Bicester Heritage, Gaydon and the Midlands host restoration businesses, parts suppliers and engineering services for historic cars and motorcycles. Knowledge of historic materials, classic engine systems and conservation standards is valued. Organisations such as the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs and the Historic Vehicle Scheme support the sector.
Fees for the United Kingdom: £910 (Pound sterling), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in the United Kingdom
Typical roles
Questions from the United Kingdom
Is there a UK professional body or regulation for classic vehicle restoration engineering?
Restoration is largely unregulated in the UK, with no statutory title for classic vehicle restorers. Relevant organisations include the Institute of the Motor Industry and specialist classic car clubs, which offer their own training and recognition. SEIUM's private qualifications are not accredited by any national body, so their standing with these organisations is for them to decide.
Do UK classic car restorers, dealers or auction houses value private online engineering training?
The UK classic car sector tends to value hands-on craftsmanship, documented restoration projects and reputation. A private qualification may complement this by showing technical study, but it is unlikely to be the main factor in hiring or client decisions. Acceptance depends on each business.
Can I study this part-time from the UK, and does my employer need to pay?
The programmes are online and taught in English, so you can study part-time from anywhere in the UK, with no visa needed. Study ranges from 300 hours to 1,900 hours, and an assigned technical tutor supports you. Fees can be paid in instalments. Employer sponsorship is possible if your employer agrees, which is more common in larger firms.
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
Identify the sensitive materials found in vehicles and objects.
Understand the degradation mechanisms of each material.
Assess the compatibility of storage materials.
Design and fabricate suitable mounts.
Pack sensitive parts for transport.
Control the conservation environment.
Plan the preventive conservation of sensitive materials.
Who it's for
- Conservator-restorers working with vehicles and technical objects.
- Preventive conservation technicians.
- Museum store technicians.
- Art and object packing specialists.
- Collection registrars.
- Exhibition installation technicians.
- Engineering or science graduates looking to enter automotive museums.
What you'll work with
- EN 15898 (conservation of cultural property — main general terms and definitions)
- EN 15946 (packing principles for transport)
- EN 16893 (specifications for location, construction and modification of buildings for storage and use of heritage collections)
- EN 16141 (guidelines for management of environmental conditions — open storage facilities)
- EN 15757 (specifications for temperature and relative humidity to limit climate-induced damage)
- ISO 18916 (photographic activity test for enclosure materials)
- ISO 11799 (document storage requirements)
- eClimateNotebook
- CollectiveAccess
- Testo Saveris
8 modules
1.1Historic plastics1.2Celluloid and cellulose nitrate1.3Bakelite and phenolic resins1.4Natural and synthetic rubber1.5Leather and textiles1.6Wood and cork1.7Paints and varnishes1.8Chrome- and nickel-plated metals1.9Glass and mirrors1.10Practical: identifying the materials in a dashboard
2.1Degradation of plastics2.2Plasticiser migration2.3Hardening of rubber2.4Corrosion induced by off-gassing2.5Degradation of leather2.6Effects of light2.7Effects of humidity2.8Air pollutants2.9Interactions between materials2.10Case study: diagnosis of a cracked steering wheel
3.1Acidic compound emissions3.2Oddy test3.3Photographic activity test3.4Safe materials for storage3.5Foams and fabrics3.6Acid-free boards and papers3.7Adhesives and tapes3.8Paints for storage furniture3.9Approved materials lists3.10Lab: Oddy test of a packing material
4.1Principles of mounts4.2Load distribution4.3Mounts for fragile parts4.4Mounts for complete vehicles4.5Mounts for engines and components4.6Fabrication with foams4.7Coated metal mounts4.8Display mounts4.9Handling and access4.10Workshop: custom mount for a dashboard
5.1Primary and secondary packing5.2Shock cushioning5.3Protection against vibration5.4Moisture barriers5.5Transport crates5.6Labelling and orientation5.7Shock loggers5.8Packing loose parts5.9Unpacking and acclimatisation5.10Practical: packing a fragile plastic part
6.1Temperature and relative humidity6.2Microclimates in showcases and boxes6.3Pollutant absorbers6.4Light control6.5Environmental monitoring6.6Storage plans6.7Open and visitable stores6.8Pest risks6.9Risk assessment6.10Lab: monitoring a store
7.1Inventory of sensitive materials7.2Risk prioritisation7.3Preventive conservation plans7.4Staff training7.5Budgets7.6Material suppliers7.7Documenting mounts7.8Periodic review7.9Communication with owners7.10Case study: conservation plan for sensitive materials
8.1Selecting the collection8.2Materials inventory8.3Risk assessment8.4Selection of compatible materials8.5Mount design8.6Packing plan8.7Environmental plan8.8Final report8.9Report and presentation8.10Final project: final review with the tutor
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 the programme fits around your job.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is eClimateNotebook, CollectiveAccess and Testo Saveris, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures: Oddy testing of storage materials, design and fabrication of custom mounts and environmental monitoring of a store. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final project.
Standards covered: EN 15898, EN 15946, EN 16893, EN 16141, EN 15757, ISO 18916 and ISO 11799.
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 eClimateNotebook, CollectiveAccess and Testo Saveris, 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 is required.
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 Traction Models for Sand and Mud
Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in traction models for sand and mud: 8 modules covering traction fundamentals, semi-empirical and empirical mobility models, specific modelling of…
Diploma in Patina: Minimal Intervention Criteria
Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in patina and minimal intervention criteria for historic vehicles: 8 modules covering the concept of patina, intervention theory, documentation and…
Diploma in Brake Boosters, Master Cylinders and Friction Materials
Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in brake boosters, master cylinders and friction materials: 8 modules covering brake hydraulics, master cylinders, brake boosters, friction materials, discs,…
More in Restoration & Classics
All Restoration & Classics programmes → · How to apply · Fees & financing · Scholarships