Master’s in Functional Tolerancing Engineering, “Fit & Finish” and Perceived Quality
Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in functional tolerancing, fit & finish and perceived quality engineering. 12 modules covering GD&T, tolerance stack-ups, RPS assembly strategy, gap & flush, perceived quality, dimensional measurement, SPC, variation simulation and BSR, with an assigned technical tutor.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this programme. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Specify parts with GD&T according to ISO GPS and ASME Y14.5.
Analyse tolerance stack-ups using worst-case, RSS and Monte Carlo methods.
Define RPS datum and assembly strategies.
Set gap, flush and perceived quality targets.
Measure and control dimensional variation with MSA and SPC.
Simulate assembly variation with 3D tools.
Prevent BSR noise and ensure fit & finish at launch.
Who it's for
- Tolerance and variation engineers who want to master 3D variation analysis.
- Perceived quality engineers responsible for the look and feel of a product.
- Fit & finish engineers working on body and interior joints.
- Industrial metrologists handling CMM, scanning and gap and flush measurement.
- Supplier quality engineers approving parts and assemblies.
- Assembly process engineers looking to reduce dimensional variation.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to move into the automotive sector.
What you'll work with
- ISO 1101:2017 (geometrical tolerancing)
- ASME Y14.5-2018 (dimensioning and tolerancing)
- ISO 8015:2011 (GPS fundamental concepts and rules)
- ISO 5459:2011 (datums and datum systems)
- ISO 22081:2021 (general geometrical specifications and general size specifications)
- JCGM 100:2008 (GUM) (guide to the expression of uncertainty in measurement)
- VDA 6.5 (product audit)
- AIAG MSA 4th edition (measurement systems analysis)
- 3DCS Variation Analyst
- CETOL 6σ
- PolyWorks
- CATIA 3D Functional Tolerancing
- Minitab
12 modules · 1900 h
1.1The ISO GPS specification system1.2Geometrical tolerances according to ISO 11011.3Dimensioning and tolerancing according to ASME Y14.51.4Datums and datum reference frames1.5Form, orientation and location tolerances1.6Surface profile tolerance1.7Maximum material condition1.8The ISO 8015 independency principle1.9General tolerances according to ISO 220811.10Lab: functional dimensioning of a bracket
2.1One-dimensional worst-case stack-ups2.2Root sum square (RSS)2.3Monte Carlo simulation2.43D variation analysis2.5Contributions and sensitivities2.6Optimal tolerance allocation2.7Non-normal distributions and skew2.8Mean shift and Cpk2.9Validation with real measurements2.10Practical: 3D analysis of a door assembly
3.1Reference point system (RPS)3.23-2-1 isostatic location3.3Assembly fixture design3.4Assembly sequences and variation3.5In-line adjustments and adjustable parts3.6Consistent functional datums3.7Assembly clearances and float3.8Over-constrained assemblies and their risks3.9Flexible parts and elastic variation3.10Workshop: RPS scheme for a rear lamp
4.1Definition of gap and flush4.2Specification by visible zone4.3Parallelism and uniformity of gaps4.4Exterior body joints4.5Joints on interior parts4.6Fitting of doors, bonnet and tailgate4.7Visual perceptibility thresholds4.8Competitor joint benchmarking4.9Fit & finish target sheets4.10Case study: joint specification for a front end
5.1The concept of perceived quality5.2Visual quality of joints and surfaces5.3Tactile quality of controls and surfaces5.4Acoustic quality of closures5.5Cabin odour5.6Colour and gloss harmony5.7Trained evaluation panels5.8Craftsmanship and attention to detail5.9Perceived quality attribute tree5.10Practical: perceived quality audit of an interior
6.1Coordinate measuring machines6.2Structured light optical scanning6.3Laser trackers for large assemblies6.4Portable gap and flush sensors6.5Robotic in-line metrology6.6Measurement uncertainty according to the GUM6.7Measurement system analysis (MSA)6.8Measurement plans and characteristics6.9Colour map and deviation reports6.10Lab: gap and flush measurement with a laser sensor
7.1Machine and process capability7.2X-R control charts7.3Cp, Cpk and Ppk indices7.4Correlation between measuring stations7.5Dimensional root cause analysis7.6The Six Sigma DMAIC methodology7.7Design of experiments in assembly7.8Reducing variation at source7.9Selective matching of components7.10Workshop: capability study of a line
8.1Modelling in 3DCS Variation Analyst8.2Defining features and moves8.3Non-rigid assembly simulation8.4Effect of clamping forces8.5Locator optimisation8.6Geometric sensitivity analysis8.7Validation with production data8.8Integration with CAD and PLM8.9Thermal variation and expansion8.10Practical: variation simulation of a bonnet
9.1BSR noise phenomena9.2Stick-slip and material compatibility9.3Clearances and impact contacts9.4Vibration bench testing9.5Climatic chambers with excitation9.6E-Line simulation of squeak risk9.7Anti-BSR design rules9.8Anti-noise coatings and felts9.9Subjective road evaluation9.10Case study: eliminating a squeak in a dashboard
10.1APQP for perceived quality attributes10.2Part approval with PPAP10.3Cubing and Meisterbock10.4Functional reference assemblies10.5Product audit according to VDA 6.510.6Die and mould tryout10.7Tool adjustments for geometry10.8Quality management at launch10.9Development of critical suppliers10.10Workshop: cubing plan for a tailgate
11.1Fit & finish in car bodies11.2Consumer electronics housings11.3High-end household appliances11.4Aircraft cabin interiors11.5Motorcycles and fairings11.6Passenger train interiors11.7Luxury products and watchmaking11.8Handheld medical devices11.9Furniture and hardware11.10Case study: joints of an aluminium laptop
12.1Selection of the assembly to study12.2Perceived quality targets for the assembly12.3RPS and assembly strategy12.4GD&T specification of parts12.53D variation analysis of the assembly12.6Measurement and control plan12.7Validation with data or a prototype12.8Design and process recommendations12.9Master's Thesis report12.10Master's Thesis: defence before a panel
How you'll learn
Training is 100% online 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 full-time work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is 3DCS Variation Analyst, CETOL 6σ, PolyWorks, CATIA 3D Functional Tolerancing and Minitab, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures: gap and flush measurement on real assemblies, perceived quality audits with panels and BSR testing on a vibration bench. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final Master's Thesis.
Standards covered: ISO 1101:2017, ASME Y14.5-2018, ISO 8015:2011, ISO 5459:2011, ISO 22081:2021, JCGM 100:2008 (GUM), VDA 6.5, AIAG MSA 4th edition.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- University degree in engineering, science or architecture, or equivalent demonstrable professional experience.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's 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.
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 3DCS Variation Analyst, CETOL 6σ, PolyWorks, CATIA 3D Functional Tolerancing, Minitab, 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 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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