Postgraduate Diploma in GD&T Applied to Historical Parts
Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in GD&T applied to Historical Parts. 8 modules with ASME Y14.5-2018 (dimensioning and tolerancing), ISO 1101 (geometrical tolerances) and SolidWorks MBD. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Postgraduate Diploma in GD&T Applied to Historical Parts — 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: £746 (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
Interpret the GD&T language according to ASME and ISO.
Translate historical drawings with period tolerances into current notation.
Define datum systems consistent with the function of the part.
Apply GD&T to models obtained through reverse engineering.
Establish fits and assemblies compatible with original parts.
Plan the metrological verification of geometrical tolerances.
Produce the complete GD&T drawing of a historical part.
Who it's for
- Mechanical design engineer who wants to specialise in GD&T applied to Historical Parts.
- Dimensional metrology technician who wants to specialise in GD&T applied to Historical Parts.
- Reverse engineering specialist who wants to specialise in GD&T applied to Historical Parts.
- Draughtsperson who wants to specialise in GD&T applied to Historical Parts.
- Reproduction spare parts engineer who wants to specialise in GD&T applied to Historical Parts.
- Quality technician who wants to specialise in GD&T applied to Historical Parts.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter the manufacture of reproduction parts.
What you'll work with
- ASME Y14.5-2018 (dimensioning and tolerancing)
- ISO 1101 (geometrical tolerances)
- ISO 5459 (datums and datum systems)
- ISO 286-1 (ISO system of limits and fits)
- ISO 2768-1 (general tolerances)
- ISO 2692 (maximum material requirement)
- ISO 128 (representation in technical drawings)
8 modules · 800 h
1.1ISO GPS versus ASME Y14.51.2Independency principle ISO 80151.3Symbols and feature control frames1.4Form tolerances: flatness, straightness, circularity1.5Orientation tolerances1.6Location tolerances1.7Profile tolerances1.8Circular and total runout1.9MMC, LMC and RFS modifiers1.10Practice: interpreting a dimensioned drawing with GD&T
2.1Drafting standards of the period2.2Coordinate dimensioning and implied tolerances2.3Imperial and metric systems2.4Fits according to older standards2.5Workshop notes and specifications2.6Incomplete or lost drawings2.7Conversion to current standards2.8Risks of reinterpretation2.9Archiving and digitisation of drawings2.10Case study: translating a 1950 drawing to ISO GPS
3.1Datums and their functional selection3.2Primary, secondary and tertiary datums3.3Datums on worn surfaces3.4Partial datums and targets3.5Datums on castings3.6Datums in sheet metal and bodywork3.7Vehicle reference systems3.8Consistency between assembly components3.9Common datum errors3.10Workshop: defining datums for an engine mount
4.1Measuring original parts4.2Separating wear from design intent4.3Estimating original tolerances4.4Multiple samples and statistics4.5Reconstructing functional intent4.6From scan to nominal model4.7Assigning functional tolerances4.8Validation with mating parts4.9Process documentation4.10Practice: reconstructing a flange from three samples
5.1ISO 286 system of fits5.2Fits for bearings and bushings5.3Historical threads: Whitworth, BSF and SAE5.4Splines and keys5.5Gaskets and sealing surfaces5.6Clearances in classic engines5.7Tolerances for cast parts5.8Tolerances for forged parts5.9Compatibility with original parts5.10Laboratory: verifying Whitworth threads
6.1Coordinate measuring machines6.2Measuring arms and scanners6.3Functional gauges6.4Evaluating GD&T with software6.5Measurement uncertainty6.6Measurement reports6.7Acceptance criteria6.8Measuring delicate parts6.9Nominal-actual comparison6.10Case study: measurement report for a reproduced crankcase
7.1Tolerances by process7.2Cost versus tolerance7.3Communication with suppliers7.4Drawings for machining and casting7.5Drawings for additive manufacturing7.6In-process inspection7.7Change management7.8Models with PMI and MBD7.9Team training7.10Workshop: complete drawing with PMI in CAD
8.1Selecting the part8.2Functional analysis8.3Measuring originals8.4Defining datums8.5Assigning tolerances8.6GD&T drawing8.7Verification plan8.8Validation with the assembly8.9Report and presentation8.10Final 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: students progress at their own pace within the intake, making it compatible with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is SolidWorks MBD, PolyWorks, ZEISS CALYPSO, Geomagic Design X, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real procedures for interpreting historical drawings, verification on a three-dimensional coordinate measuring machine, and reverse engineering of period parts. Assessment is continuous per module plus the final integrating project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Interpret the GD&T language according to ASME and ISO.
Translate historical drawings with period tolerances into current notation.
Define datum systems consistent with the function of the part.
Apply GD&T to models obtained through reverse engineering.
Establish fits and assemblies compatible with original parts.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. A university degree is not required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient Spanish to follow technical standards documentation.
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 comprises 800 hours in total, spread over 6 to 8 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
You will work with SolidWorks MBD, PolyWorks, ZEISS CALYPSO and Geomagic Design X. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
An SEIUM in-house diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrating project. It is in-house training, not an official title from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are credited towards the higher-level programme. Check the credit transfer policy when you enrol.
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