Postgraduate Diploma in Lattice, Topology and Post-AM Validation
800-hour online Postgraduate Diploma in Lattice, Topology and Post-AM Validation. 8 modules covering ISO/ASTM 52910 design for additive manufacturing, ISO/ASTM 52911-1 design for metal powder bed and nTop. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Postgraduate Diploma in Lattice, Topology and Post-AM Validation — studying from South Africa
The automotive sector is one of South Africa's most important manufacturing industries, with major plants in the Eastern Cape around Gqeberha, in KwaZulu-Natal and in Gauteng. Manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz South Africa, Ford and Volkswagen South Africa operate assembly and component facilities that export vehicles and parts across Africa and beyond. The sector relies on engineers skilled in powertrain design, vehicle dynamics, quality and production systems. Motorsport activity, including circuits at Kyalami and Zwartkops, adds further demand for performance engineering.
Fees for South Africa: R 24 000 (South African rand), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in South Africa
Typical roles
Questions from South Africa
Which South African bodies recognise automotive engineering skills, and does SEIUM count?
Professional recognition for engineers in South Africa runs through ECSA, which registers engineers, technicians and technologists under the Engineering Profession Act. Automotive trades also fall under bodies such as the MERSETA for skills development. SEIUM is a private online institute whose qualifications are not state degrees and are not accredited by a national body, so whether they are recognised is up to the employer or the relevant body to decide.
Will this programme help me find work in South Africa's automotive or motorsport industry?
South Africa has a significant automotive manufacturing and component sector, and motorsport teams and suppliers also hire engineers. Employers typically look at practical experience, recognised qualifications and references. A private online qualification can strengthen your profile in specialist areas, but it does not guarantee employment. Speak to potential employers about whether they would value it.
How does the course fit around a job, and how are fees paid?
The programme is delivered entirely online in English, with an assigned technical tutor and a final project. Master's programmes are 1,900 hours, postgraduate diplomas 800 hours and specialist courses 300 hours, so choose the level that matches your available time. Fees are payable in instalments, and employer sponsorship may be possible. Ask your employer whether they would fund part of the training.
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
Formulate topology optimisation problems with manufacturing constraints.
Design lattice structures and TPMS with graded properties.
Apply implicit modelling and generative design.
Simulate the behaviour of optimised components.
Inspect post-AM parts using tomography and metrology.
Validate components experimentally through numerical correlation.
Document the lifecycle of optimised parts.
Who it's for
- Generative design engineer seeking to specialise in Lattice, Topology and Post-AM Validation.
- Structural analysis engineer seeking to specialise in Lattice, Topology and Post-AM Validation.
- Additive manufacturing engineer seeking to specialise in Lattice, Topology and Post-AM Validation.
- Industrial computed tomography technician seeking to specialise in Lattice, Topology and Post-AM Validation.
- Test engineer seeking to specialise in Lattice, Topology and Post-AM Validation.
- Validation engineer seeking to specialise in Lattice, Topology and Post-AM Validation.
- Graduates in engineering or sciences looking to enter competition.
What you'll work with
- ISO/ASTM 52910 design for additive manufacturing
- ISO/ASTM 52911-1 design for metal powder bed
- ISO/ASTM 52900 additive manufacturing terminology
- ISO 15708 computed tomography
- ASTM E1570 computed tomography examination
- ASTM E1417 liquid penetrant inspection
- ASTM E466 constant amplitude axial fatigue
8 modules · 800 h
1.1Fundamentals of the SIMP method1.2Design domain and excluded zones1.3Load cases and boundary conditions1.4Mass, stiffness and stress constraints1.5Manufacturing constraints for AM1.6Penalisation and filtering1.7Interpreting results1.8Geometric reconstruction of the optimised result1.9Common formulation errors1.10Workshop: topology optimisation of a bracket
2.1Unit cells: BCC, FCC, octet, gyroids2.2Periodic minimal surfaces TPMS2.3Relative density and property scaling2.4Gibson-Ashby law2.5Lattices with graded density2.6Lattice manufacturability2.7Energy absorption under impact2.8Thermal applications and heat exchange2.9Homogenisation of properties2.10Practice: graded lattice design in nTop
3.1Generative versus topological design3.2Implicit modelling and fields3.3Geometries difficult for traditional CAD3.4Exploring alternatives3.5Integration with simulation3.6Managing heavy files3.7Conversion to meshes and STL3.8Post-machining constraints3.9Integrated workflows3.10Laboratory: generative workflow for a suspension arm
4.1Meshing optimised geometries4.2Static and modal analysis4.3Fatigue in complex geometries4.4Buckling of lattice struts4.5Impact simulation4.6Print process simulation4.7Distortion compensation4.8Correlation with tests4.9Model verification4.10Practice: fatigue analysis of an optimised part
5.1Industrial computed tomography5.2Porosity and defect detection5.3Comparison between nominal and actual geometry5.4Measuring internal lattices5.5Inspection with CMM and scanner5.6Roughness of internal surfaces5.7Liquid penetrant inspection5.8Acceptance criteria5.9Inspection report5.10Case study: CT inspection of an optimised node
6.1Component validation plan6.2Static tests with instrumentation6.3Strain gauges and DIC6.4Fatigue tests on test benches6.5Impact tests6.6Correlation with simulation6.7Component tests in vehicle6.8Managing discrepancies6.9Approval for track use6.10Laboratory: static test with digital image correlation
7.1Technical documentation requirements7.2Recording geometries and versions7.3In-service monitoring7.4Service life of optimised parts7.5In-service failure analysis7.6Design feedback7.7Library of validated designs7.8Intellectual property of designs7.9Lessons learned in optimised design7.10Workshop: validation dossier for a component
8.1Component selection8.2Definition of loads and constraints8.3Topology optimisation of the component8.4Integration of lattice structures8.5Simulation and verification8.6Post-AM inspection plan8.7Experimental validation plan8.8Evaluation of mass improvements8.9Report 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 timetable: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which allows them to combine it with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is nTop, Altair Inspire and OptiStruct, Ansys Mechanical, Volume Graphics VGSTUDIO MAX, GOM Correlate, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real procedures for topology optimisation of brackets and nodes, CT inspection of printed parts, and static tests with digital image correlation. Assessment is continuous across modules, 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.
Formulate topology optimisation problems with manufacturing constraints.
Design lattice structures and TPMS with graded properties.
Apply implicit modelling and generative design.
Simulate the behaviour of optimised components.
Inspect post-AM parts using tomography and metrology.
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 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 nTop, Altair Inspire and OptiStruct, Ansys Mechanical, Volume Graphics VGSTUDIO MAX, GOM Correlate. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free 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 diploma in the same area are credited towards the advanced programme. Check the credit transfer policy when you enrol.
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