Postgraduate Diploma in Paint Stratigraphy and Materials Forensics
800-hour online Postgraduate Diploma in Paint Stratigraphy and Materials Forensics. 8 modules with ASTM E1610 (forensic paint analysis), ASTM E2937 (IR spectroscopy in forensic paints) and Thermo OMNIC. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Postgraduate Diploma in Paint Stratigraphy and Materials Forensics — studying from the United States
Restoration and classic vehicle engineering is a niche but active field in the United States, supported by a large enthusiast community and well-established events such as the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance and Hershey's AACA Fall Meet. Specialist restoration shops, museums and collector car firms require engineers who understand historic materials, mechanical systems and period-correct design. Work often combines traditional craftsmanship with modern diagnostics and documentation. Professional connections are typically built through clubs and heritage organizations.
Fees for the United States: 1,220 US$ (US Dollars), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in the United States
Typical roles
Questions from the United States
Is there formal professional recognition for classic vehicle restoration in the US?
Restoration is mostly a craft and hobby sector without a licensed engineering title. Relevant organizations include the Antique Automobile Club of America and the Society of Automotive Historians. Some work touches on SAE standards and state vehicle inspection rules. SEIUM's qualifications are private, and their value depends on the client or employer.
What career options exist in classic and restoration work in the US?
Options include independent restoration shops, dealerships specializing in classic cars, auction houses, museums, and collector-focused consultancies. Roles range from restoration technician to project manager. Because this sector values reputation and craftsmanship, portfolios and references often matter more than formal credentials.
Can I study this part-time while working in the US?
Yes, the programmes are fully online and taught in English, so you can study from home and no student visa is needed. Workloads run from 300 hours for specialist courses to 1,900 hours for master's programmes. Fees are payable in instalments, and you can plan study around your existing work commitments.
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
Describe the evolution of historical automotive paints.
Prepare and interpret paint stratigraphic cross-sections.
Select the analytical techniques appropriate to each question.
Analyse metals and alloys for forensic purposes.
Characterise plastics, upholstery and other historical materials.
Apply the results to vehicle authentication.
Guide the restoration of finishes based on the analysis.
Who it's for
- Materials analysis laboratory technician who wants to specialise in Paint Stratigraphy and Materials Forensics.
- Vehicle forensic expert who wants to specialise in Paint Stratigraphy and Materials Forensics.
- Scientific conservator-restorer who wants to specialise in Paint Stratigraphy and Materials Forensics.
- Authentication specialist who wants to specialise in Paint Stratigraphy and Materials Forensics.
- Automotive colorimetry technician who wants to specialise in Paint Stratigraphy and Materials Forensics.
- Industrial heritage researcher who wants to specialise in Paint Stratigraphy and Materials Forensics.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter analytical laboratories.
What you'll work with
- ASTM E1610 (forensic paint analysis)
- ASTM E2937 (IR spectroscopy in forensic paints)
- ASTM E2809 (SEM/EDS microscopy in forensic paints)
- EN 16085 (sampling of cultural heritage items)
- ISO 2808 (determination of film thickness)
- EN 15898 (conservation of cultural heritage: general terms)
8 modules · 800 h
1.1Oil paints and carriage varnishes1.2Nitrocellulose lacquers1.3Alkyd enamels1.4Thermoplastic and thermosetting acrylics1.5Modern basecoat and clearcoat systems1.6Historical pigments and their dating1.7Lead and chromate pigments1.8Period primers and surfacers1.9Factory painting processes1.10Case study: chronology of a manufacturer's paints
2.1The concept of layer stratigraphy2.2Taking microsamples2.3Sample location2.4Resin mounting and polishing2.5Optical microscopy of sections2.6Identifying original layers and repaints2.7Thicknesses and sequences2.8Stratigraphic documentation2.9Interpreting the vehicle's history2.10Laboratory: preparing a cross-section
3.1FTIR spectroscopy3.2Raman spectroscopy3.3X-ray fluorescence XRF3.4Scanning electron microscopy SEM-EDS3.5Pyrolysis and gas chromatography3.6Colorimetry and spectrophotometry3.7X-ray diffraction3.8Non-invasive techniques3.9Selecting the appropriate technique3.10Practical: interpreting an FTIR spectrum
4.1Period steels and their composition4.2Historical aluminium alloys4.3Brass, bronze and zamak4.4Metallographic analysis4.5Hardness and microstructure4.6Period versus modern welds4.7Dating by composition4.8Corrosion as a time indicator4.9Fastener analysis4.10Workshop: XRF analysis of metal parts
5.1Leather and tanning5.2Natural and synthetic textiles5.3Historical plastics: bakelite and celluloid5.4Rubbers and elastomers5.5Wood in car bodies5.6Glass and its dating5.7Fillers and putties5.8Historical adhesives5.9Anachronistic materials5.10Practical: identifying plastics by FTIR
6.1Original paint as evidence6.2Detecting full repaints6.3Consistency of materials with the date6.4Detected counterfeiting cases6.5Combining with documentary evidence6.6Limits of forensic science6.7Chain of custody for samples6.8Forensic materials report6.9Ethics of destructive sampling6.10Case study: authenticating a car body
7.1Reproducing the original colour7.2Formulating period paints7.3Conservation of original paint7.4Consolidation of layers7.5Reversible retouching7.6Documentation for the restorer7.7Colour recording7.8Selecting compatible materials7.9Safety with toxic pigments7.10Workshop: matching the original colour
8.1Vehicle selection8.2Sampling plan8.3Sample preparation8.4Stratigraphic analysis8.5Instrumental analysis8.6Interpretation of results8.7Forensic report8.8Recommendations8.9Written report 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. There are no fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine the programme with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Thermo OMNIC, Bruker OPUS, ImageJ/Fiji, Oxford Instruments AZtec, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real procedures for preparing stratigraphic cross-sections, FTIR spectroscopy and electron microscopy with EDS analysis. Assessment is continuous, module 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.
Describe the evolution of historical automotive paints.
Prepare and interpret paint stratigraphic cross-sections.
Select the analytical techniques appropriate to each question.
Analyse metals and alloys for forensic purposes.
Characterise plastics, upholstery and other historical materials.
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 command of Spanish to follow technical standards reading.
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 an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
Work is carried out with Thermo OMNIC, Bruker OPUS, ImageJ/Fiji and Oxford Instruments AZtec. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the open-source alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM own diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrating project. It 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 credited towards the advanced programme. Check the credit transfer policy when you enrol.
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