Classic Lighting Course: Historic Spotlights and Headlamps
Online 300-hour course in classic lighting: historic spotlights and headlamps. 6 modules covering UNECE Regulation No. 48 (installation of lighting and light-signalling devices), UNECE Regulation No. 112 (asymmetric dipped-beam headlamps) and Zemax OpticStudio. Dedicated tutor and open enrolment.
Classic Lighting Course: Historic Spotlights and Headlamps — studying from South Africa
Classic vehicle restoration is a niche but active interest in South Africa, supported by owners' clubs, specialist workshops and historic motorsport events. Restoration work draws on skills in mechanical engineering, materials and heritage conservation. Specialists source parts, rebuild engines and conserve bodywork for vintage and classic cars and motorcycles. Clubs and heritage organisations help maintain the community and promote conservation practice.
Fees for South Africa: R 10 200 (South African rand), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in South Africa
Typical roles
Questions from South Africa
Will a SEIUM qualification be recognised by the professional bodies in South Africa for this area?
SEIUM qualifications are private and not accredited by any South African body, so they are not official state degrees. Restoration work is not generally a regulated title, though ECSA registration applies to engineering roles and the SABS covers relevant standards. Recognition of a private qualification is decided by clients, employers or the relevant body, so check with them first.
How might this qualification be used by employers in South Africa in restoration and classic vehicles?
The classic vehicle sector is largely made up of specialist workshops, collectors and small firms that value demonstrable craftsmanship and reputation over formal credentials. A private qualification may add technical depth to your profile, but its impact depends on individual clients and employers. Speak to people in the field to see how they would regard it.
Can I study this programme alongside full-time work from South Africa, and is there a time zone or language issue?
The programme is 100% online and taught in English, so you can study from home without a student visa. Master's programmes total 1,900 hours, postgraduate diplomas 800 hours and specialist courses 300 hours. You get an assigned technical tutor, can pay in instalments, and may seek employer sponsorship. Ask SEIUM about time-zone and workload details before committing.
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
Explain the evolution of automotive lighting systems, from acetylene to halogen headlamps.
Apply the principles of geometric optics to the operation of reflectors, lenses and diffusers.
Restore headlamp housings, reflectors and lenses while preserving the originality of the part.
Select lamp holders, bulbs and connections compatible with the period electrical installation.
Diagnose faults in lighting circuits, switches and regulators of historic vehicles.
Check the alignment and luminous intensity of headlamps against inspection requirements.
Justify the legality of lighting solutions for the road use and display of historic vehicles.
Who it's for
- Restorer of period lighting systems who wants to specialise in Classic Lighting: Historic Spotlights and Headlamps.
- Electrical technician for classic vehicles who wants to specialise in Classic Lighting: Historic Spotlights and Headlamps.
- Vehicle technical inspector (ITV) who wants to specialise in Classic Lighting: Historic Spotlights and Headlamps.
- Specialist in the reproduction of historic optical components who wants to specialise in Classic Lighting: Historic Spotlights and Headlamps.
- Lighting homologation technician who wants to specialise in Classic Lighting: Historic Spotlights and Headlamps.
- Technical adviser to historic vehicle clubs who wants to specialise in Classic Lighting: Historic Spotlights and Headlamps.
- Graduates in engineering or science looking to enter classic vehicle restoration.
What you'll work with
- UNECE Regulation No. 48 (installation of lighting and light-signalling devices)
- UNECE Regulation No. 112 (asymmetric dipped-beam headlamps)
- UNECE Regulation No. 37 (filament lamps)
- UNECE Regulation No. 113 (symmetrical dipped-beam headlamps)
- UNECE Regulation No. 7 (position, clearance and stop lamps)
- UNECE Regulation No. 6 (direction indicator lamps)
- Royal Decree 892/2024 (Historic Vehicles Regulation)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Evolution: acetylene, incandescence and halogen1.2Reflector and lens headlamps1.3Sealed-beam and bulb-replaceable headlamps1.4Coding and manufacturer markings1.5Period and current regulations1.6Identifying an original headlamp1.7Value and rarity of parts1.8Risks of replacing with reproductions1.9Period documentation and catalogues1.10Workshop: identifying a pair of headlamps
2.1Parabolic reflector and its geometry2.2Stepped lens and beam distribution2.3Dipped and main beam: differences2.4Filament position and focusing2.5Glare and its control2.6Range and beam width2.7Long-range auxiliary headlamps2.8Fog lamps2.9Measuring the beam on a screen2.10Practical: measuring and aiming a headlamp
3.1Cleaning without damaging the silver coating3.2Repairing housings and bezels3.3Nickel-plating and chrome-plating3.4Re-silvering reflectors3.5Alternatives to re-silvering3.6Lenses: cleaning, cracks and replacement3.7Gaskets and sealing3.8Period fixings and fasteners3.9Final assembly and adjustment3.10Practical: complete restoration of a headlamp
4.1Historic bulb bases4.2Equivalents of current lamps4.3Correct voltage and wattage4.4Lamp holders and their reconstruction4.5Connectors and insulation4.6Halogen lamps in older headlamps4.7LED lighting: when and on what criteria4.8Compatibility with the original circuit4.9Risk of overheating4.10Practical: selecting and fitting lamps
5.1Period switches and changeover switches5.2Relays and their integration5.3Cable cross-sections and voltage drop5.4Earthing and its importance for lighting5.5Fuses and protection5.6Headlamp height adjustment5.7Position, brake and indicator lights5.8Diagnosing poor light output5.9Lighting circuit diagram5.10Practical: improving the circuit without altering its appearance
6.1Requirements for road use6.2Technical inspection and lighting6.3Homologation of parts and reproductions6.4Balancing authenticity and safety6.5Preservation of removed original parts6.6Lighting for static display6.7Maintenance and storage6.8Common restoration errors6.9Documented real cases6.10Final project: documented restoration of the lighting system
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM Institute campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and a dedicated 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 Zemax OpticStudio, Synopsys LightTools, KiCad, LTspice, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real headlamp alignment bench procedures, luminous intensity measurement with a luxmeter, and workshop restoration of reflectors and housings. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final integrative project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Explain the evolution of automotive lighting systems, from acetylene to halogen headlamps.
Apply the principles of geometric optics to the operation of reflectors, lenses and diffusers.
Restore headlamp housings, reflectors and lenses while preserving the originality of the part.
Select lamp holders, bulbs and connections compatible with the period electrical installation.
Diagnose faults in lighting circuits, switches and regulators of historic vehicles.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior qualification is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient Spanish to follow technical regulatory texts.
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 300 hours, spread over 3 to 5 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
The course uses Zemax OpticStudio, Synopsys LightTools, KiCad and LTspice. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM Institute diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrative project. It is an in-house programme, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area can be credited towards the advanced programme. Please check the credit transfer policy when you enrol.
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