Apply now
Master'sDefense, Military Engineering & Land Systems Applications open

Master’s in Structures and Composites for Tactical Platforms Engineering

Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in structures and composites for tactical platforms, structured in 12 modules covering composite materials, laminate mechanics, structural design, finite element analysis, damage tolerance, manufacturing, testing, non-destructive inspection and repair, with an assigned technical tutor.

Duration1900 h
ModeOnline
LanguageEnglish
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute diploma
Enrol now View syllabus Ask an advisor
Virtual lab · try it before you enrol

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.

SIM · LIVE ●
Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Select composite materials for demanding structures.

02

Apply laminate mechanics and failure criteria.

03

Design composite structures using finite element analysis.

04

Evaluate damage tolerance and fatigue in composites.

05

Plan manufacturing processes and characterisation tests.

06

Apply non-destructive inspection techniques.

07

Design repairs and manage the sustainability of composites.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Composite structures engineers working on aircraft and defence platforms.
  • Structural analysts who want to master laminate design and FEA.
  • Composite manufacturing engineers seeking a stronger design and certification view.
  • Materials test engineers involved in coupon-to-component test programmes.
  • NDT inspectors working on composite structures.
  • Structural repair engineers dealing with in-service damage.
  • Engineering or science graduates aiming to enter the aeronautical industry.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • CMH-17 (Composite Materials Handbook)
  • FAA AC 20-107B (composite aircraft structure)
  • ASTM D3039 (tensile properties of polymer matrix composite materials)
  • ASTM D7136 (damage resistance of composites to impact)
  • MIL-STD-1530D (Aircraft Structural Integrity Program (ASIP))
  • EN 9100:2018 (quality management systems for aviation, space and defence)
  • Regulation (EC) 1907/2006 (REACH) (registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals)
  • MSC Nastran
  • Abaqus
  • HyperSizer
  • Fibersim (Siemens)
  • Altair OptiStruct
Syllabus

12 modules · 1900 h

  1. 1.1Carbon, glass and aramid fibres
  2. 1.2Thermoset matrices
  3. 1.3Thermoplastic matrices
  4. 1.4Prepregs and fabrics
  5. 1.5Honeycomb and foam cores
  6. 1.6High-temperature composites
  7. 1.7Properties and anisotropy
  8. 1.8CMH-17 material databases
  9. 1.9Materials selection
  10. 1.10Case study: material selection for a wing panel
  1. 2.1Rule of mixtures
  2. 2.2Anisotropic Hooke's law
  3. 2.3Classical laminate theory
  4. 2.4ABD matrices
  5. 2.5Residual thermal stresses
  6. 2.6Failure criteria: Tsai-Wu and Hashin
  7. 2.7Progressive failure
  8. 2.8Environmental effects: moisture and temperature
  9. 2.9A- and B-basis allowables
  10. 2.10Lab: laminate calculation with classical theory
  1. 3.1Laminate design rules
  2. 3.2Stiffened panels
  3. 3.3Buckling and post-buckling
  4. 3.4Sandwich structures
  5. 3.5Bolted joints
  6. 3.6Bonded joints
  7. 3.7Thickness transitions
  8. 3.8Laminate optimisation
  9. 3.9Design for manufacturing
  10. 3.10Practical exercise: sizing of a stiffened panel
  1. 4.1Laminate modelling
  2. 4.2Shell and solid elements
  3. 4.3Buckling analysis
  4. 4.4Non-linear analysis
  5. 4.5Joint modelling
  6. 4.6Damage models
  7. 4.7Multiscale analysis
  8. 4.8Validation against tests
  9. 4.9Model management
  10. 4.10Lab: buckling analysis of a panel with Nastran
  1. 5.1Low-energy impact damage
  2. 5.2Delamination and its growth
  3. 5.3Interlaminar fracture mechanics
  4. 5.4Compression after impact
  5. 5.5Visible and detectable damage
  6. 5.6Damage tolerance philosophy
  7. 5.7AC 20-107B certification requirements
  8. 5.8Fatigue in composites
  9. 5.9Structural repairs
  10. 5.10Case study: compression-after-impact assessment
  1. 6.1Manual and automated lay-up
  2. 6.2Automated fibre placement
  3. 6.3Autoclave curing
  4. 6.4Out-of-autoclave processes
  5. 6.5Resin transfer moulding
  6. 6.6Thermoforming and welding of thermoplastics
  7. 6.7Tooling
  8. 6.8Manufacturing defects
  9. 6.9Process control
  10. 6.10Practical exercise: manufacturing plan for a spar
  1. 7.1Test pyramid
  2. 7.2ASTM coupon tests
  3. 7.3Element and sub-component tests
  4. 7.4Full-component tests
  5. 7.5Environmental tests
  6. 7.6Impact tests
  7. 7.7Test-analysis correlation
  8. 7.8Accreditation of test laboratories
  9. 7.9Statistical treatment of data
  10. 7.10Lab: ASTM D3039 tensile test
  1. 8.1Conventional ultrasonics
  2. 8.2Phased array ultrasonics
  3. 8.3Thermography
  4. 8.4Shearography
  5. 8.5Radiography and tomography
  6. 8.6Structural health monitoring
  7. 8.7Embedded optical fibres
  8. 8.8Acceptance criteria
  9. 8.9Inspector qualification
  10. 8.10Practical exercise: phased array inspection of a panel
  1. 9.1Demanding service environments
  2. 9.2Structural requirements for state aircraft
  3. 9.3ASIP structural integrity
  4. 9.4Lightning protection in composites
  5. 9.5Electromagnetic compatibility in composites
  6. 9.6Fire and smoke resistance
  7. 9.7Field repair
  8. 9.8Durability and galvanic corrosion
  9. 9.9Military certification
  10. 9.10Case study: structural requirements of a surveillance UAV
  1. 10.1In-service damage assessment
  2. 10.2Bonded repairs
  3. 10.3Bolted repairs
  4. 10.4Composite patches on metal
  5. 10.5Repair certification
  6. 10.6Structural repair manuals
  7. 10.7Repair in austere environments
  8. 10.8Records and traceability
  9. 10.9Technician training
  10. 10.10Workshop: design of a bonded repair
  1. 11.1Composite recycling
  2. 11.2Bio-based composites
  3. 11.3Occupational health in manufacturing
  4. 11.4Waste management
  5. 11.5REACH and restricted substances
  6. 11.6EN 9100 quality and NADCAP
  7. 11.7Export controls on materials
  8. 11.8Professional ethics
  9. 11.9Life cycle assessment
  10. 11.10Case study: life cycle assessment of a composite part
  1. 12.1Component definition
  2. 12.2Structural requirements
  3. 12.3Materials selection
  4. 12.4Laminate design
  5. 12.5Finite element analysis
  6. 12.6Manufacturing plan
  7. 12.7Test plan
  8. 12.8Conclusions
  9. 12.9Master's Thesis report
  10. 12.10Master's Thesis: defence before a panel
Methodology, software & labs

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 can be combined with work.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is MSC Nastran, Abaqus, HyperSizer, Fibersim (Siemens) and Altair OptiStruct, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures for the design and analysis of laminates and stiffened panels, characterisation and damage tolerance testing, and non-destructive inspection of composite structures. Assessment is continuous per module plus the final Master's Thesis.

Standards covered: CMH-17, FAA AC 20-107B, ASTM D3039, ASTM D7136, MIL-STD-1530D, EN 9100:2018, Regulation (EC) 1907/2006 (REACH).

Assigned technical tutor:every module ends with a deliverable that your tutor marks individually.
Standards-based learning:guided reading of CMH-17, FAA AC 20-107B and ASTM D3039 applied to real cases, not as a theoretical annex.
Industry software:MSC Nastran, Abaqus, HyperSizer, Fibersim (Siemens) and Altair OptiStruct, in free, academic or evaluation versions.
Master's Thesis with defence:The design of a composite component, from structural requirements and laminate design to FEA, manufacturing and test plans, 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.

Laminate calculation
Calculate a laminate with classical laminate theory and failure criteria.
Stiffened panel sizing
Size a stiffened panel and check its buckling in Nastran.
Compression after impact
Assess compression-after-impact behaviour for damage tolerance.
Bonded repair design
Design a bonded repair for an in-service damaged structure.
Master's Thesis
The complete design of a composite component with FEA, manufacturing and test plans, defended before a panel.
Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Composite structures engineerStructural analysis engineerComposite manufacturing engineerMaterials test engineerNDT inspectorStructural repair engineer
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 MSC Nastran, Abaqus, HyperSizer, Fibersim (Siemens) and Altair OptiStruct, 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 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.

Keep exploring

Related programmes

See all in Defense, Military Engineering & Land Systems
Master's8,850 $

Master’s in SAR/MEDEVAC Equipment Integration and Special Missions Engineering

Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in SAR/MEDEVAC and special mission equipment integration engineering, with 12 modules covering SAR and HEMS missions, the air operations framework…

1900 hOnlineDefense, Military Engineering & Land Systems
Master's9,970 $

Master’s in Military Powerpack Engineering: Engine, Transmission and Thermal Management

Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in military powerpack engineering (engine, transmission and thermal management): 12 modules covering powerpack architecture, high-power diesel engines, transmissions, thermal management,…

1900 hOnlineDefense, Military Engineering & Land Systems
Master's11,090 $

Master’s in Systems Architecture, Multi-Domain & MBSE Engineering

Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in systems architecture, multi-domain and MBSE engineering. 12 modules covering ISO/IEC/IEEE 15288, ISO/IEC/IEEE 42010, OMG SysML v2, MBSE methodologies, NAF/DoDAF/UAF…

1900 hOnlineDefense, Military Engineering & Land Systems
Master’s in Structures and Composites for Tactical Platforms EngineeringEnrol
Related programmes

More in Defense, Military Engineering & Land Systems

Master’s in Combat Systems and CMS for Surface Ships Engineering (High Level, Non-Operational)View programme →Master’s in Helicopter and Tiltrotor EngineeringView programme →Master’s in Naval & Submarine EngineeringView programme →Master’s in Naval MRO, Shipyards and Platform Life Cycle EngineeringView programme →Master’s in Export Controls, ITAR/EAR and Offset Programmes EngineeringView programme →Master’s in Chassis, Suspension and Running Gear for Land Platforms EngineeringView programme →

All Defense, Military Engineering & Land Systems programmes → · How to apply · Fees & financing · Scholarships

Scroll to Top
SEIUM – Institute of Advanced Engineering
Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.