Postgraduate Diploma in Short-Run Machining and Special-Purpose Tooling
Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in Short-Run Machining and Special-Purpose Tooling. 8 modules with ISO 2768-1 (general tolerances), ISO 286-1 (ISO system of limits and fits) and Mastercam. Assigned tutor and enrolment open.
Postgraduate Diploma in Short-Run Machining and Special-Purpose Tooling — 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
Select suitable processes for short runs and one-off parts.
Programme CNC machining with CAM software.
Design modular and dedicated workholding fixtures.
Manufacture gauges and inspection fixtures.
Machine restoration parts from deteriorated samples.
Control dimensional quality in the workshop itself.
Calculate costs and plan short-run production.
Who it's for
- CNC programmer wishing to specialise in Short-Run Machining and Special-Purpose Tooling.
- Tooling designer wishing to specialise in Short-Run Machining and Special-Purpose Tooling.
- Precision machining technician wishing to specialise in Short-Run Machining and Special-Purpose Tooling.
- Machine shop supervisor wishing to specialise in Short-Run Machining and Special-Purpose Tooling.
- Workshop metrology technician wishing to specialise in Short-Run Machining and Special-Purpose Tooling.
- Spare parts manufacturing technician wishing to specialise in Short-Run Machining and Special-Purpose Tooling.
- Graduates in engineering or science seeking to enter precision machining.
What you'll work with
- ISO 2768-1 (general tolerances)
- ISO 286-1 (ISO system of limits and fits)
- ISO 1938-1 (plain limit gauges)
- ISO 230-2 (positioning accuracy of machine tools)
- ISO 21920-1 (indication of surface texture)
- EN ISO 12100 (safety of machinery)
- Real Decreto 1215/1997 (work equipment)
8 modules · 800 h
1.1Turning, milling and grinding: capabilities1.2Short-run economics and break-even point1.3Machine selection: conventional, CNC or multitasking1.4Historical materials and their current equivalents1.5Machinability of cast irons, steels and light alloys1.6Carbide, HSS and ceramic tools1.7Cutting parameters: speed, feed and depth of cut1.8Surface finish and achievable tolerances1.9Process sheets for one-off parts1.10Practical: process sheet for a camshaft
2.1G-code according to ISO 69832.2CAM roughing and finishing strategies2.3Trochoidal and high-speed machining2.4Postprocessors and machine simulation2.53+2 milling and continuous 5-axis machining2.6Turning with driven tooling2.7Collision detection and toolpath verification2.8Parametric programming and macros2.9Cycle time optimisation2.10Workshop: CAM program for a rocker cover
3.1The 3-2-1 locating principle3.2Cutting forces and clamping force calculation3.3Machined soft jaws made to measure3.4Modular plates and zero-point systems3.5Vacuum and magnetic clamping3.6Fixtures for irregular castings3.73D-printed fixtures for short runs3.8Repeatability and positioning errors3.9Ergonomics and safety when changing parts3.10Workshop: fixture for machining a steering knuckle
4.1Go/no-go gauges and their design4.2Profile gauges and templates4.3Hole position inspection fixtures4.4Manufacturing tolerances for gauges4.5Materials and treatments for inspection fixtures4.6Integration with on-machine probing4.7Statistical control in small series4.8Calibration and maintenance of fixtures4.9Documentation and identification of fixtures4.10Practical: inspection gauge for a wheel hub
5.1Starting from a worn part or drawing5.2Machining allowance on reproduced castings5.3Gears: gear generation and hobbing5.4Historical threads: Whitworth, BSF and UNF5.5Splines and keyways to historical standards5.6Cylinders and bedplates: boring and honing5.7Sealing surfaces and flatness5.8Grinding of crankshafts and camshafts5.9Wire and sinking EDM5.10Case study: reproduction of a gearbox pinion
6.1First Article Inspection (FAI)6.2On-machine measurement with probes6.3Micrometers, dial gauges and height gauges6.4Surface roughness and its relation to the process6.5Tool wear compensation6.6Batch traceability and material certificates6.7Non-conformity records6.8Cp and Cpk indices in short runs6.9Temperature control and thermal drift6.10Laboratory: FAI verification of a machined bracket
7.1Time and cost estimation per part7.2Amortising tooling over small batches7.3Workshop capacity planning7.4SMED and setup time reduction7.5Subcontracting special operations7.6Tool and stores management7.7Quotations for restoration clients7.8Machine safety: Directive 2006/42/EC7.9Risk prevention with cutting fluids7.10Case study: quotation for a series of ten parts
8.1Part selection and requirements8.2Material and tolerance study8.3Process sheet and sequence of operations8.4Fixture design8.5CAM programming and simulation8.6Inspection gauge design8.7Inspection plan and costs8.8Process risk analysis8.9Report and presentation8.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM Institute 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 software used is Mastercam, Fusion 360, SolidCAM, Vericut, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real procedures for CNC programming and machining of one-off parts, design and manufacture of workholding fixtures, and verification with go/no-go gauges. Assessment is continuous by 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.
Select suitable processes for short runs and one-off parts.
Programme CNC machining with CAM software.
Design modular and dedicated workholding fixtures.
Manufacture gauges and inspection fixtures.
Machine restoration parts from deteriorated samples.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. No university degree is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient Spanish to read 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 totals 800 hours spread over 6 to 8 months. That is between 10 and 15 hours per week on average, compatible with a full-time job.
The course uses Mastercam, Fusion 360, SolidCAM and Vericut. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM Institute diploma upon passing continuous assessment and the integrating project. This is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised in the advanced programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
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