Diploma in Radar and Optical Signature Control
Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in radar and optical signature control. 8 modules covering platform signatures, radar cross-section measurement, infrared and multispectral signatures, signature control technologies, in-service signature management and simulation, with an assigned technical tutor.
Diploma in Radar and Optical Signature Control — studying from Canada
Canada's defence sector is centred on procurement and sustainment through the Department of National Defence and Defence Research and Development Canada. Industrial activity spans land vehicles, naval systems, avionics and electronics, with firms in Ontario, Québec, Nova Scotia and British Columbia. Companies such as General Dynamics Land Systems Canada and Lockheed Martin Canada are notable employers, alongside a broad base of small and medium suppliers. Engineers work on systems integration, vehicle protection, logistics and sustainment, operating within strict security and export control frameworks.
Fees for Canada: C$1,700 (Canadian dollar), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in Canada
Typical roles
Questions from Canada
Which Canadian bodies or processes govern defence engineering recognition?
Defence engineering in Canada often involves government procurement and security clearances, and engineers typically hold provincial Professional Engineer licences where a title is required. SEIUM's qualifications are private and not official state degrees or accredited by a national body, so they do not confer licensing or clearance. Recognition is for employers or the relevant body to decide, so verify this first.
Would Canadian defence or land systems employers accept this training?
Canadian defence employers and contractors generally rely on security clearance, licensing and demonstrated experience. A private qualification may support your application, but it is unlikely to replace those requirements, and its acceptance is up to each employer. A SEIUM final project can help show applied skill, so discuss expectations with prospective employers early.
Can I study remotely while working, and what are the costs and language demands?
Yes, the programmes are fully online, so you can study from Canada or elsewhere without a student visa, and fit sessions around work. Specialist courses are 300 hours, postgraduate diplomas 800 and master's 1,900. Teaching is in English, supported by an assigned technical tutor. Fees are payable in instalments, and employer sponsorship may be available.
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
Understand the components of a platform's multispectral signature.
Plan and carry out radar cross-section measurements.
Measure infrared signatures using calibrated radiometry.
Characterise visual and multispectral signatures.
Select signature control technologies.
Maintain the signature of platforms in service.
Simulate signatures within the applicable regulatory framework.
Who it's for
- Signature engineers looking to deepen their expertise in radar and optical signature control.
- Radar measurement technicians.
- Thermography specialists.
- Camouflage materials engineers.
- Signature simulation analysts.
- Signature sustainment managers.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter the defence sector.
What you'll work with
- IEEE Std 1502-2007 (radar cross-section test procedures)
- ASTM E1933 (infrared emissivity measurement with radiometers)
- CIE 15:2018 (colorimetry)
- ASTM E903 (solar absorptance, reflectance and transmittance of materials)
- MIL-STD-810H (environmental engineering considerations and laboratory tests)
- EU Common Military List (export control of military equipment)
- MATLAB
- MODTRAN
- OKTAL-SE
- FLIR Research Studio
- CST Studio Suite
8 modules
1.1Multispectral signature of a platform1.2Radar, infrared, visible and acoustic signatures1.3Contrast against the background1.4Radar equation and radar cross-section1.5Planck's law and thermal emission1.6Atmospheric transmission1.7Signature metrics1.8Signature requirements in programmes1.9Interdependence between signatures1.10Practical exercise: thermal contrast of a vehicle
2.1Outdoor measurement ranges2.2Compact range chambers2.3Positioners and pedestals2.4Calibration with spheres and dihedrals2.5Diagnostic ISAR imaging2.6Time-domain filtering2.7Measurement uncertainty2.8Measurements on scale models2.9Measurement data management2.10Laboratory: calibration with a reference sphere
3.1MWIR and LWIR cameras3.2Field radiometry3.3Emissivity measurement3.4Atmospheric correction with MODTRAN3.5Outdoor measurement campaigns3.6Blackbody calibration3.7Exhaust plume measurement3.8Solar reflections3.9Data processing3.10Laboratory: emissivity to ASTM E1933
4.1Colorimetry4.2Spectral reflectance4.3Camouflage patterns4.4Camouflage materials4.5Near infrared4.6Hyperspectral imaging4.7Gloss and specularity4.8Assessment with observers4.9CIE colorimetry standards4.10Workshop: reflectance with a spectroradiometer
5.1Principles of geometric shaping5.2Radar-absorbing materials5.3Low-emissivity coatings5.4Thermal management of equipment5.5Exhaust signature suppression5.6Multispectral camouflage nets5.7Adaptive coatings5.8Treatment of joints and apertures5.9Trade-offs between signatures5.10Case study: reducing the thermal contrast of a generator
6.1Maintenance of treated surfaces6.2Coating inspection6.3Signature repairs6.4Periodic verification6.5Signature databases6.6Configuration management6.7Damage assessment6.8Training of maintainers6.9Sustainment costs6.10Case study: signature verification programme for a ship
7.1Signature prediction tools7.2Scenario definition7.3Model validation7.4Protection of technical information7.5Environmental regulations for coatings7.6Export controls7.7Professional ethics7.8International cooperation7.9Technical documentation7.10Practical exercise: infrared signature simulation
8.1Platform and requirements8.2Reference signature8.3Measurements or simulations8.4Identification of contributions8.5Proposal of control measures8.6Assessment of trade-offs8.7In-service verification plan8.8Cost estimate8.9Report and presentation8.10Final project: final review with the tutor
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 you can combine the programme with your job.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is MATLAB, MODTRAN, OKTAL-SE, FLIR Research Studio and CST Studio Suite, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied on real procedures for radar cross-section measurements in compact ranges, radiometric thermography campaigns and spectral reflectance measurements. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final integrated project.
Standards covered: IEEE Std 1502-2007, ASTM E1933, CIE 15:2018, ASTM E903, MIL-STD-810H and the EU Common Military List.
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
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. No university degree is required.
- 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.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 800 hours over 6–8 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.
You work with MATLAB, MODTRAN, OKTAL-SE, FLIR Research Studio and CST Studio Suite, 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 final project. 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 are recognised in a higher programme in the same area (postgraduate diploma or master's). Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.
Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector (no university degree required), a computer capable of running the 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.
Related programmes
Diploma in Life Cycle Management of Military Systems
Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in life cycle management of military systems. 8 modules covering the defence system life cycle, requirements and concept, programme management,…
Diploma in Aerodynamic Design of Tactical Aircraft
Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in aerodynamic design of tactical aircraft: 8 modules covering aerofoil and wing aerodynamics, transonic and supersonic flow, high angle of…
Diploma in Core Dynamics and Reactivity
Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in reactor core dynamics and reactivity, structured in 8 modules covering neutron physics, diffusion and transport theory, point kinetics, reactivity…
More in Defense, Military Engineering & Land Systems
All Defense, Military Engineering & Land Systems programmes → · How to apply · Fees & financing · Scholarships