Postgraduate Diploma in Scale Models and Visualisation Techniques
Online Postgraduate Diploma of 800 hours in Scale Models and Visualisation Techniques. 8 modules covering SAE J2084, SAE J1594 and CATIA V5. Assigned tutor and enrolment open.
Postgraduate Diploma in Scale Models and Visualisation Techniques — 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 20 400 (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
Apply similarity theory to scale testing.
Design and manufacture models for wind tunnels.
Use oil and paraffin visualisation techniques.
Apply smoke and wool visualisation.
Master advanced visualisation techniques.
Integrate visualisation with CFD results.
Manage efficient test campaigns.
Who it's for
- Wind tunnel engineer wishing to specialise in Scale Models and Visualisation Techniques.
- Model designer wishing to specialise in Scale Models and Visualisation Techniques.
- Aerodynamics engineer wishing to specialise in Scale Models and Visualisation Techniques.
- Model technician wishing to specialise in Scale Models and Visualisation Techniques.
- CFD engineer wishing to specialise in Scale Models and Visualisation Techniques.
- Test technician wishing to specialise in Scale Models and Visualisation Techniques.
- Graduates in engineering or science seeking to enter motorsport.
What you'll work with
- SAE J2084
- SAE J1594
- FIA Formula 1 Sporting Regulations
- IEC 60825-1
- ISO/IEC 17025
- ISO 2768-1
8 modules · 800 h
1.1Dimensional analysis and Pi theorem1.2Reynolds and Mach numbers1.3Geometric and dynamic similarity1.4Scale effects1.550 and 60 per cent models1.6Roughness and transition1.7Tunnel speed1.8Regulatory scale limitations1.9Extrapolation to full scale1.10Practical case: Reynolds effect analysis
2.1Stiffness requirements2.2Materials: metal, composite and resin2.3Additive manufacturing for models2.4Precision machining2.5Geometric tolerances of surfaces2.6Design of interchangeable parts2.7Mounting systems2.8Integration of internal instrumentation2.9Cost and lead times2.10Workshop: designing a model part
3.1Preparing mixtures3.2Surface application3.3Interpreting patterns3.4Separation and reattachment3.5Separation bubbles3.6Surface streamlines3.7Photographic documentation of patterns3.8Limitations of the technique3.9On-track use3.10Practice: interpreting flow-vis on a wing
4.1Smoke generators4.2Smoke rakes4.3Wool tufts4.4Wool probes in the wake4.5Laser sheet illumination4.6Video recording4.7Vortex visualisation4.8Qualitative flow interpretation4.9Laser safety in use4.10Laboratory: vortex visualisation with smoke
5.1Pressure-sensitive paints5.2Temperature-sensitive paints5.3Infrared thermography for transition detection5.4Transition visualisation5.5Shadowgraph techniques5.6Qualitative PIV in wakes5.7Comparison of techniques5.8Costs and logistics of each technique5.9Applications in single-seater development5.10Practice: thermography image analysis
6.1Qualitative comparison with CFD6.2Equivalent CFD post-processing6.3Surface streamlines6.4Separation validation6.5Model tuning6.6Communicating results6.7Image databases6.8Comparison tools6.9Case studies6.10Practical case: flow-vis and CFD comparison
7.1Test planning7.2Efficient tunnel use7.3Time constraints7.4Documentation and archiving of results7.5Safety in tunnel operation7.6Model management7.7Cost control per tunnel hour7.8Lessons learned log7.9Continuous process improvement cycle7.10Practical case: visualisation campaign plan
8.1Model definition8.2Model design8.3Visualisation plan8.4Test execution8.5Interpretation of the patterns obtained8.6Comparison with CFD8.7Conclusions and future work8.8Improvement proposals8.9Report 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 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 CATIA V5, Siemens NX, STAR-CCM+, ParaView, ImageJ, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real procedures for paraffin visualisation tests, wind tunnel tests with scale models and manufacture of model parts. Assessment is continuous per 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.
Apply similarity theory to scale testing.
Design and manufacture models for wind tunnels.
Use oil and paraffin visualisation techniques.
Apply smoke and wool visualisation.
Master advanced visualisation techniques.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. A university degree is not required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient level 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 consists of 800 hours in total, spread over 6 to 8 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with full-time work.
You will work with CATIA V5, Siemens NX, STAR-CCM+, ParaView and ImageJ. 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. 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 advanced programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
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