Master’s in Secure Data Links, SDR/MANET and Tactical SATCOM Engineering
Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in secure data links, SDR/MANET and tactical SATCOM engineering. 12 modules covering STANAG 5516 (Link 16), ETSI EN 303 413, MIL-STD-461G, software-defined radio, mobile ad hoc networks, satellite communications, communications security, spectrum management and antennas, using GNU Radio, MATLAB Communications Toolbox and ns-3, with an assigned technical tutor.
Master’s in Secure Data Links, SDR/MANET and Tactical SATCOM Engineering — studying from Australia
Defence is one of Australia's largest engineering employers, with major programmes in land systems, naval platforms, aircraft and integrated systems managed through the Department of Defence. Land systems engineering supports armoured vehicles, weapons and logistics equipment, often through prime contractors and local industry partners. Industry involvement is strongly encouraged through the Defence industry policy framework. Engineers work on sustainment, capability development, systems integration and safety assurance, typically in Canberra, Adelaide, Melbourne and regional defence precincts.
Fees for Australia: A$15,800 (AUD), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in Australia
Typical roles
Questions from Australia
How does defence engineering recognition work in Australia?
Defence engineering in Australia is largely run through the Department of Defence and its industry partners, which set their own security clearance and qualification requirements. Engineers Australia is the professional body for accreditation. SEIUM's private qualifications are not accredited by these bodies, so recognition is for employers or the relevant body to decide.
Which Australian employers hire in defence and land systems?
Australia has defence prime contractors, the Department of Defence, and specialist land systems firms. Many of these roles require Australian security clearances, which depend on citizenship and background checks rather than course completion. Ask employers how they weigh private qualifications against experience and clearance requirements.
Is the course manageable with a job, and does it need a visa?
The programmes are 100% online and taught in English, so you can study from Australia without a student visa. Specialist courses take 300 hours, diplomas 800 and master's 1,900. An assigned technical tutor supports you, fees are payable in instalments, and employer sponsorship may be possible.
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
Design robust radio links for critical missions.
Develop waveforms on software-defined radio platforms.
Configure scalable and resilient mobile ad hoc networks.
Size satellite communications systems.
Apply cryptographic and security mechanisms to communications.
Manage the radio spectrum and the coexistence of systems.
Plan testing and certification of communications equipment.
Who it's for
- Tactical communications engineers designing radio links and networks for critical missions.
- RF engineers working on antennas, front ends and transmitters.
- SDR waveform developers using GNU Radio, FPGA and SCA.
- Mission-critical network engineers in defence, emergency services or transport.
- Satellite communications engineers sizing terminals and links.
- Communications security specialists dealing with COMSEC, TRANSEC and cryptographic modules.
- Engineering or science graduates aiming to enter the defence and security sector.
What you'll work with
- STANAG 5516 (Link 16 tactical data link)
- ETSI EN 303 413 (satellite navigation receivers, radio equipment requirements)
- MIL-STD-461G (control of electromagnetic interference)
- FIPS 140-3 (security requirements for cryptographic modules)
- Common Criteria ISO/IEC 15408 (IT security evaluation)
- Directive 2014/53/EU (Radio Equipment Directive, RED)
- ITU-R P-series Recommendations (radiowave propagation)
- GNU Radio
- MATLAB Communications Toolbox
- ns-3
- Wireshark
- STK (Systems Tool Kit)
12 modules · 1900 h
1.1Propagation in HF, VHF, UHF and SHF1.2Channel models: Rayleigh, Rice and multipath1.3Link budget and fade margin1.4Digital modulations: PSK, QAM and OFDM1.5Channel coding: LDPC and turbo1.6Radio spectrum and its management1.7Mission-critical communications: requirements1.8Resilience against interference1.9Quality of service in tactical links1.10Practical exercise: link simulation with MATLAB Communications Toolbox
2.1SDR architecture: front end, ADC and DSP2.2USRP, LimeSDR and RFSoC platforms2.3GNU Radio: blocks and flowgraphs2.4Carrier and symbol synchronisation2.5Modem implementation on FPGA2.6SCA architecture and waveform portability2.7ESSOR and SCA 4.1 waveforms2.8Radio calibration and characterisation2.9Power and consumption management2.10Lab: QPSK modem in GNU Radio
3.1Fundamentals of infrastructure-less networks3.2OLSR and AODV routing protocols3.3Geographic and multipath routing3.4Medium access control in MANETs3.5Dynamic topologies and mobility3.6Scalability and hierarchical networks3.7Delay-tolerant networks (DTN)3.8Quality of service and traffic prioritisation3.9Network simulation with ns-33.10Practical exercise: evaluation of OLSR in ns-3
4.1Tactical data link architectures4.2Link 16 and the TADIL family at conceptual level4.3Standardised messaging and J-series formats4.4Broadband links for video4.5Spread spectrum: DSSS and FHSS4.6Low probability of intercept/detection (LPI/LPD)4.7Message integrity and authentication4.8Interoperability between allies4.9Data link network management4.10Case study: link architecture design for a UAV
5.1GEO, MEO and LEO orbits5.2Satellite link budget5.3X, Ku, Ka and UHF bands5.4SOTM and SOTP terminals5.5Broadband LEO constellations5.6Resource management and multiple access5.7Latency and protocols over satellite5.8Protection against interference in SATCOM5.9Terrestrial-satellite integration5.10Workshop: sizing a SATCOM-on-the-move terminal
6.1Symmetric and asymmetric cryptography6.2Key management and PKI infrastructures6.3TRANSEC and COMSEC: concepts6.4Link and end-to-end encryption6.5Post-quantum cryptography: NIST standards6.6FIPS 140-3 cryptographic modules6.7Node authentication and access control6.8Separation of security domains6.9Evaluation according to Common Criteria6.10Practical exercise: implementing an encrypted channel with TLS 1.3
7.1Frequency planning7.2Electromagnetic compatibility analysis7.3Cognitive radio and dynamic spectrum access7.4Spectrum detection and sensing7.5Interference mitigation7.6ITU-R and CEPT regulation7.7Civil-military coexistence7.8Coverage planning tools7.9Spectrum monitoring7.10Lab: spectrum sensing with SDR
8.1Tactical wide area networks8.2IP convergence and software-defined networking8.3Gateways between heterogeneous networks8.4Federated Mission Networking: principles8.5End-to-end quality of service8.65G networks for professional use8.7Network management and monitoring8.8Resilience and route redundancy8.9Edge computing in tactical networks8.10Case study: network architecture for a simulated brigade
9.1Antenna parameters and radiation patterns9.2Wideband and multiband antennas9.3Phased arrays and beamforming9.4Antennas for vehicles and portable terminals9.5Amplifiers, filters and mixers9.6Linearity and distortion in transmitters9.7Electromagnetic simulation of antennas9.8Measurements in an anechoic chamber9.9Antenna integration on platforms9.10Practical exercise: array design with CST or openEMS
10.1Radio testing in the laboratory10.2EMC testing according to MIL-STD-461G10.3Certification of radio equipment under the RED10.4Security accreditation of systems10.5Interoperability testing10.6Network performance measurement10.7Field test campaigns10.8Certification documentation10.9Vulnerability management10.10Workshop: test plan for an SDR terminal
11.1Life cycle of communications programmes11.2Requirements and technical specification11.3Integration on platforms11.4Logistic support and obsolescence11.5Operator training11.6The European communications industry11.7International cooperation and the EDF11.8Cost and risk analysis11.9Ethics and responsible use of dual-use technologies11.10Case study: analysis of a European radio programme
12.1Definition of the communications scenario12.2State of the art in links and networks12.3Proposed communications architecture12.4Link design and power budget12.5Network simulation and performance12.6Information security analysis12.7Test and validation plan12.8Conclusions and future work12.9Master's Thesis report12.10Master's Thesis: defence before a panel
How you'll learn
100% online training 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 the 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 GNU Radio, MATLAB Communications Toolbox, ns-3, Wireshark and STK (Systems Tool Kit), in free, academic or evaluation versions. Practical work is based on real procedures for simulating mobile ad hoc networks, laboratory characterisation of software-defined radios and satellite link budgets. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final Master's Thesis.
Standards covered: STANAG 5516 (Link 16), ETSI EN 303 413, MIL-STD-461G, FIPS 140-3, Common Criteria ISO/IEC 15408, Directive 2014/53/EU (RED), ITU-R P-series Recommendations.
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 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 GNU Radio, MATLAB Communications Toolbox, ns-3, Wireshark and STK (Systems Tool Kit), 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 suitable computer 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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