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Master'sDesign, HMI & Product Applications open

Master’s in Class-A Surfacing Engineering and Advanced Parametric Modelling

Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in Class-A surfacing and advanced parametric modelling: 12 modules covering NURBS geometry, clay-to-data workflows, Alias and ICEM surfacing, surface quality, algorithmic design, feasibility, interiors, visualisation and data management under ISO 10303-242, VDA 4955 and UNECE Regulation No. 26, with an assigned technical tutor.

Duration1900 h
ModeOnline
LanguageEnglish
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute diploma
Enrol now View syllabus Ask an advisor
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Run a real engineering trade-off from this programme. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.

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Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Build NURBS surfaces with G2 and G3 curvature continuity.

02

Digitise clay models and convert them into clean surfaces.

03

Diagnose surface quality with zebras, isophotes and curvature combs.

04

Develop parametric templates that remain robust to hardpoint changes.

05

Apply algorithmic design to manufacturable patterns and textures.

06

Integrate manufacturing and homologation constraints into modelling.

07

Manage the release of styling data to engineering and suppliers.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Class-A surface modellers looking to deepen their technique.
  • Automotive digital designers.
  • Design feasibility engineers.
  • Parametric modelling specialists.
  • Reverse engineering technicians.
  • Computational designers.
  • Engineering or science graduates aiming to enter the automotive industry.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • ISO 10303-242 (STEP AP242) (managed model-based 3D engineering data exchange)
  • VDA 4955 (CAD data quality)
  • UNECE Regulation No. 26 (vehicle external projections)
  • Regulation (EC) No 78/2009 (pedestrian protection)
  • ISO 16792 (digital product definition data practices)
  • ISO 1101 (geometrical tolerancing)
  • Regulation (EC) No 6/2002 (Community designs)
  • Autodesk Alias
  • CATIA ICEM Surf
  • Rhino with Grasshopper
  • Autodesk VRED
  • PolyWorks
Syllabus

12 modules · 1900 h

  1. 1.1Bézier, B-spline and NURBS curves
  2. 1.2Degree, knot vector and weights
  3. 1.3Parametrisation and control-point distribution
  4. 1.4Gaussian curvature and mean curvature
  5. 1.5Curvature combs and flow analysis
  6. 1.6Tensor-product and trimmed surfaces
  7. 1.7G0, G1, G2 and G3 continuity
  8. 1.8Patch structure and surface topology
  9. 1.9Construction tolerances in design studios
  10. 1.10Lab: reconstruction of a character line
  1. 2.13D scanning of clay models
  2. 2.2Point clouds and noise filtering
  3. 2.3Polygon meshes and controlled decimation
  4. 2.4Extraction of sections and character lines
  5. 2.5Alignment with the vehicle coordinate system
  6. 2.6Reverse engineering of styling surfaces
  7. 2.7Clay milling from data
  8. 2.8Iteration between physical and digital models
  9. 2.9Communication with the styling designer
  10. 2.10Practical: digitising a scanned rear quarter panel
  1. 3.1Workflow in Autodesk Alias Surface
  2. 3.2Skin, Square and Rail Surface tools
  3. 3.3Variable-curvature fillets and blends
  4. 3.4Transition surfaces between main volumes
  5. 3.5Layer management and model naming
  6. 3.6Visual diagnosis with Zebra and Highlight
  7. 3.7Direct CV editing and dynamic modelling
  8. 3.8Export to IGES and STEP formats
  9. 3.9Model structure designed for engineering
  10. 3.10Workshop: bonnet with transition to the wing
  1. 4.1Reflection maps and zebra stripes
  2. 4.2Isophotes and light lines
  3. 4.3Deviation from the reference scan
  4. 4.4Detection of waviness and inflection points
  5. 4.5Class-A acceptance criteria
  6. 4.6Surface evaluation in virtual reality
  7. 4.7Highlight review under studio lighting
  8. 4.8Quality reports for the design committee
  9. 4.9Typical errors at patch joins
  10. 4.10Practical: highlight correction on a front door
  1. 5.1Generative Shape Design: parametric sequences
  2. 5.2ICEM Surf: high-quality direct modelling
  3. 5.3Imagine & Shape for conceptual volumes
  4. 5.4Parent-child relationships and tree robustness
  5. 5.5User templates and PowerCopy
  6. 5.6Publications and controlled external references
  7. 5.7Updating in response to hardpoint changes
  8. 5.8Comparison of Alias and ICEM workflows
  9. 5.9History-based versus history-free modelling
  10. 5.10Lab: parametric wheel-arch template
  1. 6.1Grasshopper and node-based visual programming
  2. 6.2Parametric patterns for grilles and textures
  3. 6.3Rule- and attractor-driven surfaces
  4. 6.4Python scripting for Rhino
  5. 6.5Shape optimisation with Galapagos
  6. 6.6Transferring algorithmic geometry to CAD
  7. 6.7Front grilles with graduated patterns
  8. 6.8Manufacturability of highly complex patterns
  9. 6.9Versioning of parametric definitions
  10. 6.10Workshop: front grille with a variable pattern
  1. 7.1Draft angles and stamping directions
  2. 7.2Minimum radii in sheet metal and plastic
  3. 7.3Gaps and flush between panels
  4. 7.4Early-stage drawing simulation
  5. 7.5Homologation constraints for exterior lighting
  6. 7.6External projections according to UNECE Regulation 26
  7. 7.7Impact zones for pedestrian protection
  8. 7.8Integration of ADAS sensors into surfaces
  9. 7.9Negotiating trade-offs between styling and engineering
  10. 7.10Case study: bumper with integrated radar
  1. 8.1Dashboard and continuity of visible parts
  2. 8.2Door panels and touch zones
  3. 8.3Injection-moulded parts with surface grain
  4. 8.4Parting lines and part separation
  5. 8.5Integrated displays and their bezels
  6. 8.6Windscreen reflections and glare
  7. 8.7Surfaces with seams and stitching
  8. 8.8Coordination with CMF and texture teams
  9. 8.9Review on an interior visual buck
  10. 8.10Practical: centre console with floating display
  1. 9.1Rendering in VRED with physical materials
  2. 9.2Review on powerwall and in virtual reality
  3. 9.3Light animations for reviewing highlights
  4. 9.4Visual comparison of design variants
  5. 9.5Perception panels with evaluator users
  6. 9.6Recording decisions in design reviews
  7. 9.7Lightweight export to JT and glTF
  8. 9.8Presentation images for the committee
  9. 9.9Consistency between render and physical part
  10. 9.10Workshop: virtual review of a front end
  1. 10.1Versioning of surface models
  2. 10.2Integration with Teamcenter and 3DEXPERIENCE
  3. 10.3Release of styling data to engineering
  4. 10.4Exterior assembly structure
  5. 10.5Change control and design freeze
  6. 10.6Exchange with suppliers in neutral formats
  7. 10.7CAD data quality according to VDA 4955
  8. 10.8Protection of registered industrial design
  9. 10.9Coordination of global design teams
  10. 10.10Case study: release workflow for a body-in-white
  1. 11.1Vehicle side and beltline
  2. 11.2Pillars, roof and glass transitions
  3. 11.3Lamp and diffuser surfaces
  4. 11.4Wheels and spoke design
  5. 11.5Door mirrors and their integration into the body
  6. 11.6Surfaces for household appliances and consumer goods
  7. 11.7Motorcycle fuel tanks and fairings
  8. 11.8Adapting the workflow to other sectors
  9. 11.9Professional surfacing portfolio
  10. 11.10Practical: complete modelling of a door mirror
  1. 12.1Part selection and design briefing
  2. 12.2Reference analysis and initial scanning
  3. 12.3Patch strategy and modelling plan
  4. 12.4Construction of Class-A surfaces
  5. 12.5Verification of continuity and highlights
  6. 12.6Manufacturing feasibility check
  7. 12.7Visualisation and presentation of the result
  8. 12.8Documentation of the modelling process
  9. 12.9Master's Thesis report
  10. 12.10Master's Thesis: defence before a panel
Methodology, software & labs

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: you progress at your own pace within each intake, so the programme is compatible with work.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Autodesk Alias, CATIA ICEM Surf, Rhino with Grasshopper, Autodesk VRED and PolyWorks, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied on real procedures: highlight reviews in a lighting studio, comparison of scans against the digital surface and evaluation of variants in virtual reality. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final Master's Thesis.

Standards covered: ISO 10303-242 (STEP AP242), VDA 4955, UNECE Regulation No. 26, Regulation (EC) No 78/2009, ISO 16792, ISO 1101, Regulation (EC) No 6/2002.

Assigned technical tutor:every module ends with a deliverable that your tutor marks individually.
Standards-based learning:guided reading of ISO 10303-242, VDA 4955 and UNECE Regulation No. 26 applied to real cases, not as a theoretical annex.
Industry software:Autodesk Alias, CATIA ICEM Surf, Rhino with Grasshopper, Autodesk VRED and PolyWorks, in free, academic or evaluation versions.
Master's Thesis with defence:a complete Class-A part, from briefing and scan to feasible, validated surfaces, defended before a panel.
Flexible format:100% online, no fixed timetables, compatible with full-time work.
Capstone project

Build it end to end

Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.

Character-line reconstruction
Rebuild a character line with controlled NURBS curvature.
Bonnet-to-wing transition
Model a bonnet with a Class-A transition to the wing in Alias.
Parametric wheel-arch template
Create a parametric template robust to hardpoint changes.
Bumper with integrated radar
Resolve styling and engineering constraints on a bumper with ADAS sensors.
Master's Thesis
Model, validate and present a complete Class-A part, defended before a panel.
Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Class-A Surface ModellerAutomotive Digital DesignerDesign Feasibility EngineerParametric Modelling SpecialistReverse Engineering TechnicianComputational Designer
Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

  • A university degree in engineering, science or architecture, or equivalent demonstrable professional experience.
  • An internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme software.
  • English sufficient to read technical standards.

Ready to start?

Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.

Apply now Scholarships
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The programme totals 1,900 hours over 12–14 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.

You work with Autodesk Alias, CATIA ICEM Surf, Rhino with Grasshopper, Autodesk VRED and PolyWorks, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.

A SEIUM Institute diploma, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the Master's Thesis. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.

Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised in the higher programme. Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.

A university degree in engineering, science or architecture (or equivalent professional experience), a computer able to run the software and English sufficient to read technical standards.

Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.

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