Postgraduate Diploma in 4×4 Vehicle Design and Preparation
Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in 4×4 Vehicle Design and Preparation. 8 modules covering Real Decreto 866/2010 (vehicle modifications), Manual de reformas de vehículos and SolidWorks. Assigned tutor and enrolment open.
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
Describe the 4×4 vehicle concept.
Analyse transmission and traction.
Select wheels and tyres.
Design lift and suspension.
Improve the engine and its ancillaries.
Integrate equipment and load while respecting the maximum mass.
Legalise the preparation in the final project.
Who it's for
- 4×4 vehicle preparer wishing to specialise in 4×4 Vehicle Design and Preparation.
- Modifications engineer wishing to specialise in 4×4 Vehicle Design and Preparation.
- 4×4 workshop technician wishing to specialise in 4×4 Vehicle Design and Preparation.
- Equipment technical adviser wishing to specialise in 4×4 Vehicle Design and Preparation.
- Project engineer wishing to specialise in 4×4 Vehicle Design and Preparation.
- Accessories sales manager wishing to specialise in 4×4 Vehicle Design and Preparation.
- Engineering or science graduates looking to enter vehicle preparation.
What you'll work with
- Royal Decree 866/2010 (Vehicle Modifications)
- Vehicle Reforms Manual
- Regulation (EU) 2018/858 (Vehicle Type-Approval)
- UNECE Regulation No. 30 (Tyres)
- UNECE Regulation No. 79 (Steering)
- UNECE Regulation No. 48 (Installation of Lighting)
- Royal Decree 920/2017 (Technical Vehicle Inspection)
8 modules · 800 h
1.1Typologies: ladder-frame and monocoque chassis1.2Approach, departure and breakover angles1.3Ground clearance and wheelbase1.4Uses: expedition, trial, work and competition1.5Reference base platforms1.6Definition of preparation requirements1.7Maximum authorised mass and payloads1.8Balance between on-road and off-road performance1.9Budget and prioritisation of upgrades1.10Case study: specification of an expedition vehicle
2.1Transfer cases and low-range gearboxes2.2Final drive ratios2.3Calculation of the crawl ratio2.4Pneumatic and electric locking differentials2.5Reinforced driveshafts and constant-velocity joints2.6Propeller shafts and universal joint angles2.7Clutches and torque converters2.8Axle swaps and their integration2.9Transmission cooling2.10Practice: calculating the optimal crawl ratio
3.1All-terrain, mud-terrain and competition tyres3.2Sizes, load and speed index3.3Beadlock wheels and their use3.4Tyre pressure reduction and footprint3.5Effect of diameter on the drivetrain3.6Speedometer recalibration3.7Compressors and inflators3.8Balancing and vibration3.9Approved equivalences3.10Workshop: tyre selection for mixed use
4.1Suspension and body lift kits4.2Geometry after lifting4.3Caster correction and propeller shaft angles4.4Adjustable arms and Panhard rods4.5Long-travel shock absorbers4.6Reinforced springs and leaf springs4.7Bump stops and travel limiters4.8Impact on the centre of gravity4.9Legalisation of lifting4.10Laboratory: geometry measurement before and after
5.1Raised air intakes and snorkels5.2Filtration in dusty environments5.3Axle and transfer case breathers5.4Cooling at low speed5.5Reprogramming and torque management5.6Engine protection when wading5.7Auxiliary fuel tanks5.8Exhausts and thermal protection5.9Reliability versus power5.10Practice: wading kit for an expedition vehicle
6.1Roof racks and luggage carriers6.2Drawers and storage systems6.3Weight distribution and centre of gravity6.4Load securing and regulations6.5Roof tents and habitability6.6Water, power and range6.7On-board tools and spares6.8Recovery equipment6.9Integration with type approval6.10Case study: load plan for a 15-day expedition
7.1Articulation and RTI tests7.2Checking for interference through the range of travel7.3Road testing and stability7.4Alignment and brake adjustment7.5Checks for leaks and torque7.6Record of the preparation carried out7.7Maintenance after intensive use7.8Technical inspection after the modification7.9Handover and user training7.10Workshop: final verification protocol
8.1Selection of the base vehicle8.2Definition of use and requirements8.3Transmission and tyre plan8.4Suspension design8.5Equipment and load8.6Legalisation study8.7Budget and phases8.8Test plan8.9Report and presentation8.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100 % online training on the SEIUM Institute campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetable: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine study with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Advanced Excel, Jaltest Diagnostics, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real procedures: axle articulation testing, on-track tuning, and inspection of modifications at the ITV. 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.
Describe the 4×4 vehicle concept.
Analyse transmission and traction.
Select wheels and tyres.
Design lift and suspension.
Improve the engine and its ancillaries.
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 command of Spanish to follow technical regulatory texts.
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 800 hours, spread over 6 to 8 months. That is 10 to 15 hours per week on average, compatible with full-time work.
The programme uses SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Advanced Excel and Jaltest Diagnostics. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM Institute diploma on passing continuous assessment and the integrating project. It is an in-house qualification, not an official Ministry title.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are credited towards the advanced programme. Check the credit transfer policy when you enrol.
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