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Professional diploma · Hull and naval architecture

Professional Diploma in Advanced Composite Materials

This professional diploma gives you a complete command of composite materials, from design and manufacturing through to analysis. You will work with resin systems, infusion processes and testing methods, using examples from shipbuilding, boatbuilding and offshore.

100% online800 hours7 modulesTaught in EnglishEnrol any time

What is this programme?

This professional diploma offers comprehensive training in composite materials, from their design and manufacture through to analysis and industrial application.

You will learn to select, process and characterise high-performance composites for sectors such as shipbuilding, aerospace, automotive and energy. The aim is to prepare you to innovate in light, strong structures that meet the demands of today's engineering.

Programme highlights

  • Design and simulation: model and predict how composites behave under different loads and conditions.
  • Advanced manufacturing: master moulding, laminating and curing techniques to produce high-quality parts.
  • Analysis and characterisation: apply destructive and non-destructive testing to assess mechanical and thermal properties.
  • Industrial applications: study real cases and carry out practical projects in leading-edge sectors.

Study plan

01Fundamentals of Composite Materials, Matrices and Reinforcements114 h
Introduction to composites: classification, microstructure and comparison with metals. Reinforcing fibres: carbon, glass, aramid, natural fibres and basalt. Thermoset matrices (epoxy, polyester, vinyl ester, phenolic) and thermoplastic matrices (PEEK, PEKK, PPS, polyamides). Reinforcement architectures: woven fabrics, unidirectional, multiaxial, braided and mat. Fibre-matrix interface and coupling agents. Core materials for sandwich structures: foams, honeycomb and balsa.
02Micromechanics and Macromechanics of Plies and Laminates114 h
Estimating ply properties with rules of mixtures. Orthotropic and anisotropic behaviour, stiffness matrix and axis transformation. Classical Laminate Theory (A, B and D matrices). Designing stacking sequences. Failure criteria: Tsai-Hill, Tsai-Wu, maximum stress and strain, Hashin and Puck. Delamination, interlaminar fracture mechanics and damage tolerance. Buckling and post-buckling of panels.
03Manufacturing Processes for Composite Materials114 h
Hand lay-up and spray-up. Prepreg technology and vacuum curing. Autoclave curing and exotherm control. Resin infusion (VARI/VARTM). Resin transfer moulding (RTM and Light-RTM). Continuous processes such as pultrusion and filament winding. Automated manufacturing (AFP and ATL) in aerospace.
04Machining, Assembly, Joining and Repair of Composite Structures114 h
Machining and cutting of laminates: CNC milling, drilling, diamond tooling and fraying control. Abrasive waterjet cutting. Adhesive bonding: surface preparation, adhesives and joint design. Mechanical joints: riveting and bolting, bearing failure and galvanic corrosion. Hybrid bonded-bolted joints. Structural repair: scarfing, stepped patches and in-situ curing. In-service damage tolerance, including low-velocity impact and degradation from moisture and UV.
05Characterisation, Destructive Testing and Quality Control114 h
Static mechanical tests to ASTM standards: tension, compression, flexure and shear. Toughness tests: DCB for Mode I and ENF for Mode II. Thermal and physical analysis: DSC, DMA and glass transition temperature. Fatigue, impact and fire resistance. Determining fibre content and porosity. Dimensional metrology and measurement of post-cure deformation. In-line quality control and batch traceability.
06Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) and Damage Inspection114 h
Ultrasonics: pulse-echo, through-transmission and phased array. Shearography to detect disbonds in sandwich panels. Infrared thermography: active, passive, pulsed and guided-wave. Radiography and computed tomography (micro-CT). Optical inspection and acoustic emission for real-time crack monitoring. Eddy current testing on conductive carbon fibre. Acceptance and rejection criteria and certification reports.
07Advanced Structural Design, Optimisation and FEA Simulation114 h
FEA modelling with shell elements and layered solids. Defining orthotropic properties and local axis orientation. Progressive failure simulation with continuum damage models. Optimising stacking, variable thickness and fibre orientation. Advanced sandwich design: core thickness, face wrinkling and shear. Process simulation: resin flow, autoclave curing and spring-back. Structural health monitoring with embedded FBG and piezoelectric sensors.

Duration and format

800hours in total
7modules of 114 hours
100%online, at your own pace
Openenrolment all year round

At 10 hours a week you would finish in about 80 weeks; at 20 hours a week, in about 40.

What you will learn

  • Design and optimise innovative structures using agile methodologies and advanced simulation to predict their behaviour.
  • Implement and validate efficient manufacturing processes, reducing bottlenecks and cycle times with Lean Manufacturing.
  • Select and characterise the optimal composite materials, considering mechanical and chemical properties and cost.
  • Solve complex engineering problems by analysing risks and cost-benefit and integrating technical, economic and environmental factors.
  • Manage R&D and innovation projects with agile methodologies such as Scrum and Kanban.
  • Lead multidisciplinary teams, fostering communication, collaboration and conflict resolution.

Career outcomes

  • Design and development engineer for composite components.
  • Manufacturing specialist (laminating, moulding, pultrusion and other processes).
  • Quality control technician using NDT and failure analysis.
  • Researcher and developer of new materials.
  • Technical consultant on the selection and application of composites.
  • Maintenance and repair engineer, particularly in aeronautics and wind energy.
  • Technical sales engineer for composite materials and related products.
  • Entrepreneur in the design, manufacture or repair of composite products.

Entry requirements

  • Profile: aimed at students, technicians and professionals who want to broaden their knowledge. Specific requirements may vary depending on the programme.
  • Language: taught in English; some technical terminology and resources may appear in other languages.
  • Documentation: valid identity document and complete personal details. Depending on the level, additional academic or professional documentation may be requested.
  • Technical requirements for online study: computer with a stable internet connection, an up-to-date browser, a PDF reader and basic office tools. Some programmes require specific software.

How to enrol

Enrol online

Complete your enrolment on this page, or apply through admissions if you prefer to talk to us first.

Receive your access

We send you the details to enter the virtual campus and start the programme.

Study at your pace

Work through the modules when it suits you and complete the programme from anywhere in the world.

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