Postgraduate Diploma in Materials Compatibility and H₂/e-Fuels Safety
Online Postgraduate Diploma of 800 hours in Materials Compatibility and H₂/e-Fuels Safety. 8 modules covering UN R134, ISO 14687 and Ansys Mechanical. Dedicated tutor and open enrolment.
Postgraduate Diploma in Materials Compatibility and H₂/e-Fuels Safety — studying from South Africa
Two-wheeler transport is significant in South Africa, both for commuting and for delivery services, and the motorcycle and scooter market has grown steadily. Local assembly and distribution of motorcycles and scooters are supported by importers and manufacturers, and the sector interacts with road safety regulation and licensing. Engineers working on two-wheelers focus on chassis design, braking systems, emissions and rider safety. Growing interest in electric scooters and light mobility is also shaping demand.
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
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. Professional engineering registration runs through ECSA, and motorcycle-related standards and testing involve bodies such as the SABS. Whether a SEIUM qualification is recognised is for employers or the relevant body to decide, so check before enrolling.
How might this qualification be used by employers in South Africa in the two-wheeler sector?
Motorcycle manufacturers, importers, dealers and component suppliers may value engineering depth in vehicle dynamics, powertrains or design. A private qualification can add to your profile, but it does not carry official status, so its impact depends on employer preference and your existing experience. Speak to potential employers to understand their view.
Can I study this programme alongside full-time work from South Africa, and is there a time zone or language issue?
The programme is fully online and taught in English, so you can study from South Africa without a student visa. Master's programmes require 1,900 hours, postgraduate diplomas 800 hours and specialist courses 300 hours, with an assigned technical tutor. Fees can be paid in instalments and employer sponsorship is possible. Ask SEIUM about time-zone expectations and weekly workload before enrolling.
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
Compare hydrogen and e-fuels as energy carriers for two-wheeled vehicles.
Explain the hydrogen embrittlement mechanisms in metals.
Evaluate the compatibility of materials with alcohols and synthetic fuels.
Analyse on-board hydrogen storage solutions.
Apply risk analysis methodologies to alternative fuel systems.
Interpret applicable safety and type-approval regulations.
Prepare a compatibility and safety study for a prototype.
Who it's for
- Materials engineer looking to specialise in Materials Compatibility and H₂/e-Fuels Safety.
- Process safety engineer looking to specialise in Materials Compatibility and H₂/e-Fuels Safety.
- Hydrogen systems engineer looking to specialise in Materials Compatibility and H₂/e-Fuels Safety.
- Homologation engineer looking to specialise in Materials Compatibility and H₂/e-Fuels Safety.
- Corrosion laboratory technician looking to specialise in Materials Compatibility and H₂/e-Fuels Safety.
- Alternative fuels consultant looking to specialise in Materials Compatibility and H₂/e-Fuels Safety.
- Graduates in engineering or sciences seeking to enter motorcycle manufacturing.
What you'll work with
- UN R134
- ISO 14687
- ISO 19880-1
- ISO 11114-4
- EN 228
- Directiva 2014/34/UE
- Directiva 2014/68/UE
- SAE J2579
8 modules · 800 h
1.1Hydrogen as engine fuel1.2Lightweight PEM fuel cells1.3Synthetic e-gasoline fuels1.4Renewable methanol and ethanol1.5Comparative physicochemical properties1.6Calorific value and energy density1.7Well-to-wheel carbon footprint1.8European renewable fuels framework1.9Applications in two-wheeled vehicles1.10Workshop: energy comparison of alternative carriers
2.1Diffusion and trapping mechanisms2.2Susceptible and resistant steels2.3Aluminium alloys in hydrogen2.4Hydrogen compatibility testing2.5Fatigue in the presence of hydrogen2.6Polymers and permeation2.7Seals and gaskets at high pressure2.8Material selection for tanks2.9Design criteria2.10Practical exercise: material selection for an H₂ valve
3.1Alcohol corrosion of aluminium3.2Elastomer swelling3.3Compatibility of tank polymers3.4Fuel lubricity3.5Immersion testing3.6Deposits and gum formation3.7Water absorption and phase separation3.8Material selection for the fuel circuit3.9Maintenance with new fuels3.10Laboratory: swelling test of seals
4.1Tanks at 350 and 700 bar4.2Type III and type IV tanks4.3Metal hydrides for low pressure4.4Exchangeable metal hydride cartridges4.5Valves, regulators and relief devices4.6Integration into motorcycle chassis4.7Impact protection4.8Filling and temperature cycles4.9Periodic tank inspection4.10Case study: integrating cartridges into a scooter
5.1Flammability and detonability5.2Leak detection5.3Ventilation and confined spaces5.4ATEX zones in workshops and stations5.5Refuelling procedures5.6Emergency response5.7HAZOP risk analysis5.8Staff training5.9Vehicle signage5.10Practical: HAZOP analysis of a refuelling point
6.1Methanol toxicity6.2Flammability and flash point6.3Flame visibility in alcohols6.4Storage and handling6.5Evaporative emissions of alcohols6.6Safety data sheets6.7Compatibility with existing systems6.8Spill management6.9Fuel transport6.10Case study: adapting a workshop to methanol
7.1Type approval of hydrogen vehicles7.2Quality of hydrogen fuel7.3Petrol and ethanol specifications7.4Hydrogen refuelling stations7.5Equipment for explosive atmospheres7.6Pressure equipment7.7Labelling requirements7.8European regulatory developments7.9Manufacturer liability7.10Workshop: regulatory matrix for a hydrogen prototype
8.1Definition of the vehicle and fuel8.2Materials analysis of the circuit8.3Storage system design8.4Compatibility assessment8.5Risk analysis8.6Materials test plan8.7Safety procedures8.8Applicable regulatory matrix8.9Report and presentation8.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and a dedicated technical tutor. No fixed timetable: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Ansys Mechanical, COMSOL Multiphysics, DNV Phast, Granta Selector, Aspen HYSYS, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real procedures for hydrogen embrittlement testing of metal specimens, elastomer immersion in alcohol blends, and risk analysis of a refuelling point. 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.
Compare hydrogen and e-fuels as energy carriers for two-wheeled vehicles.
Explain the hydrogen embrittlement mechanisms in metals.
Evaluate the compatibility of materials with alcohols and synthetic fuels.
Analyse on-board hydrogen storage solutions.
Apply risk analysis methodologies to alternative fuel systems.
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.
- A level of English sufficient 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 comprises 800 hours in total, spread over 6 to 8 months. This works out at an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
The programme uses Ansys Mechanical, COMSOL Multiphysics, DNV Phast, Granta Selector and Aspen HYSYS. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the open-source alternative where one exists.
An in-house SEIUM Institute diploma upon passing the 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 towards the higher-level programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
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