Master’s in Strategy and Operations Engineering for OEMs & Tier-1 Suppliers
Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in strategy and operations engineering for OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers. 12 modules covering the automotive value chain, APQP and PPAP, IATF 16949, JIT/JIS planning, launches, quotation, purchasing, electrification, vehicle software, global footprint and decarbonisation, 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
Analyse the competitive structure and trends of the automotive industry.
Manage the development and launch of parts using APQP and PPAP.
Apply the requirements of IATF 16949 and the quality core tools.
Plan production and logistics in JIT and JIS environments.
Prepare quotations and analyse profitability by programme.
Assess the impact of electrification and software on the value chain.
Design industrial footprint and decarbonisation strategies for suppliers.
Who it's for
- Automotive programme directors.
- Supplier quality engineers who want a broader strategic and operational view.
- Launch managers.
- OEM key account managers.
- Tier-1 plant directors.
- Automotive strategy analysts.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter the automotive industry.
What you'll work with
- IATF 16949:2016 (automotive quality management systems)
- ISO 26262 (road vehicle functional safety)
- ISO/SAE 21434 (road vehicle cybersecurity engineering)
- AIAG-VDA FMEA Handbook (failure mode and effects analysis)
- VDA 6.3 (process audit)
- UN Regulation No. 155 (vehicle cybersecurity management system)
- Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 (batteries and waste batteries)
- Regulation (EU) 2019/631 (CO2 emission standards for cars and vans)
- SAP S/4HANA
- Siemens Tecnomatix Plant Simulation
- Minitab
- IMDS
- Siemens Teamcenter
12 modules · 1900 h
1.1OEM, Tier-1, Tier-2 and Tier-3 structure1.2Platforms and modular architectures1.3Phases of a vehicle programme1.4Transition to the electric and software-defined vehicle1.5Industry consolidation and alliances1.6Chinese manufacturers and new entrants1.7Supplier margins and profitability1.8Regulation (EU) 2019/631 on CO2 emissions1.9Volume scenarios by market and segment1.10Case study: strategic positioning of a Tier-1
2.1APQP phases and gate deliverables2.2PPAP process and submission levels2.3FMEA according to the AIAG-VDA handbook2.4Control plan and special characteristics2.5Engineering change management2.6Prototypes, pre-series and launch2.7Design verification plan and report (DVP&R)2.8Customer-specific requirements2.9VDA 2 and part approval2.10Workshop: APQP plan for a chassis part
3.1IATF 16949 requirements on top of ISO 90013.2Core tools: SPC and measurement system analysis3.3VDA 6.3 process audit3.4VDA 6.5 product audit3.5Customer complaints and 8D3.6Customer escalation: Controlled Shipping3.7Warranty and field analysis3.8Product safety and conformity3.9Sub-supplier qualification3.10Practical: VDA 6.3 self-assessment of a line
4.1Programme forecasts and EDI call-offs4.2Just in time and just in sequence4.3Capacity by platform and model4.4Mix flexibility on multi-product lines4.5Inbound logistics with milk runs4.6Returnable packaging management4.7VDA and Odette exchange standards4.8Global MMOG/LE logistics assessment4.9Model changeovers on the line4.10Lab: JIS sequencing on a seat line
5.1Industrialisation and the ramp-up curve5.2Assembly line design5.3Line balancing and MTM times5.4Automation and robotics in body-in-white5.5Jigs, moulds and tooling management5.6Run at rate and capacity validation5.7Learning curve in launches5.8Global launches across several plants5.9New plant projects5.10Case study: run at rate of a supplier in launch
6.1Cost structure of an automotive part6.2Quotation and cost breakdown6.3Supply contracts and price clauses6.4Annual price reductions and productivity6.5Raw-material indexation6.6Recovery of engineering and tooling costs6.7Profitability by programme6.8Volume deviation claims6.9Teardown and cost benchmarking6.10Practical: quotation for a stamped component
7.1Category purchasing strategy7.2Supplier selection and nomination7.3Risk of critical suppliers7.4The semiconductor crisis and lessons learned7.5Dual sourcing and resilience7.6Sustainability in the supply chain7.7German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act7.8Material traceability with IMDS7.9Sub-supplier capacity7.10Case study: contingency plan for a microchip shortage
8.1The battery value chain8.2Gigafactories and location in Europe8.3Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 on batteries8.4Electric motors and power electronics8.5Conversion of combustion-engine suppliers8.6Critical raw materials and the CRMA8.7Battery passport and traceability8.8Recycling and second life8.9Public funding and battery IPCEIs8.10Workshop: a Tier-1's exposure to the combustion engine
9.1Zonal and centralised E/E architectures9.2The OEM–Tier-1 relationship in software9.3AUTOSAR Classic and Adaptive9.4Automotive SPICE and process maturity9.5Cybersecurity: ISO/SAE 21434 and R1559.6OTA updates and Regulation R1569.7Functional safety: ISO 262629.8Software business models and licensing9.9Development costs and reuse9.10Case study: software strategy of a brake supplier
10.1Industrial footprint strategy10.2Comparative production costs by country10.3Tariffs, rules of origin and trade agreements10.4Nearshoring in Morocco, Mexico and Eastern Europe10.5Plants in emerging markets10.6Process standardisation across plants10.7Corporate production systems10.8Plant closure and restructuring10.9Joint ventures and technology licensing10.10Practical: location assessment for a new plant
11.1Scope 3 emissions in the automotive industry11.2Vehicle life cycle assessment11.3Low-emission steel and aluminium11.4Science Based Targets initiative11.5The CSRD for suppliers11.6Renewable energy in plants and PPAs11.7Ecodesign Regulation11.8Catena-X and data exchange11.9Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism11.10Case study: decarbonisation roadmap for a plant
12.1Selecting the company or programme for study12.2Analysis of the competitive context12.3Quality, cost and delivery diagnosis12.4Strategic and operational proposal12.5Industrialisation or restructuring plan12.6Economic model and sensitivity12.7Supply chain risks12.8Implementation roadmap12.9Master's Thesis report12.10Master's Thesis: defence before a panel
How you'll learn
A 100% online programme 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 fits around your job.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is SAP S/4HANA, Siemens Tecnomatix Plant Simulation, Minitab, IMDS and Siemens Teamcenter, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Exercises are based on real procedures: preparing an APQP plan for a launch, a process audit to VDA 6.3 and quoting a component for an OEM. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final Master's Thesis.
Standards covered: IATF 16949:2016, ISO 26262, ISO/SAE 21434, AIAG-VDA FMEA Handbook, VDA 6.3, UN Regulation No. 155, Regulation (EU) 2023/1542, Regulation (EU) 2019/631.
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 able to run 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.
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 SAP S/4HANA, Siemens Tecnomatix Plant Simulation, Minitab, IMDS and Siemens Teamcenter, 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, plus a computer able to run the programme 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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