Postgraduate Diploma in Multispectral Signature Management (IR, Radar, Optical)
Online Postgraduate Diploma of 800 hours in Multispectral Signature Management (IR, radar, optical). 8 modules covering IEEE 686 (standardised radar definitions), ASTM E1933 (emissivity measurement with infrared imaging) and MATLAB. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Postgraduate Diploma in Multispectral Signature Management (IR, Radar, Optical) — 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$1,400 (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 concept of platform signature across the different spectral domains.
Analyse the factors that determine the optical and visual signature.
Characterise the infrared signature based on emissivity and surface temperature.
Interpret the fundamentals of radar cross section.
Evaluate the acoustic and other signatures using measurement standards.
Apply modelling and simulation tools to signature evaluation.
Integrate ethical and control criteria into signature management.
Who it's for
- Signature engineer looking to specialise in Multispectral Signature Management (IR, radar, optical).
- Applied electromagnetics engineer looking to specialise in Multispectral Signature Management (IR, radar, optical).
- Thermography specialist looking to specialise in Multispectral Signature Management (IR, radar, optical).
- Acoustics engineer looking to specialise in Multispectral Signature Management (IR, radar, optical).
- Modelling and simulation analyst looking to specialise in Multispectral Signature Management (IR, radar, optical).
- Platform programme manager looking to specialise in Multispectral Signature Management (IR, radar, optical).
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter the defence industry.
What you'll work with
- IEEE 686 (standardised radar definitions)
- ASTM E1933 (emissivity measurement with infrared imaging)
- ISO 18434-1 (thermography in machine condition monitoring)
- ISO 3744 (determination of sound power level)
- MIL-STD-461G (electromagnetic compatibility)
- CIE 15 (colorimetry)
- Common Position 2008/944/CFSP (export of military technology)
8 modules · 800 h
1.1Concept of signature and detectability1.2Visual, infrared, radar and acoustic signatures1.3Background contrast1.4Detection, recognition and identification chain1.5Johnson criteria1.6Signature management across the life cycle1.7Civil applications: wildlife and surveillance1.8Legal and ethical framework1.9NATO standards and documents1.10Workshop: signature inventory of a vehicle
2.1Visual perception and contrast2.2Colour, brightness and texture2.3Camouflage patterns2.4Paints and coatings2.5Glints and specular reflections2.6NIR and SWIR signatures2.7Ultraviolet signature in snow2.8Measurement with spectroradiometers2.9Evaluation with observers2.10Laboratory: spectral reflectance measurement
3.1Blackbody radiation and emissivity3.2Stefan-Boltzmann law3.3MWIR and LWIR bands3.4Thermal sources of the vehicle3.5Thermal contrast and diurnal cycle3.6Low-emissivity coatings3.7Passive thermal management3.8Measurement with thermal cameras3.9Modelling with signature software3.10Practical: thermal contrast calculation
4.1Radar cross section (RCS)4.2Reflection mechanisms4.3Low-observable shapes and design4.4Radar-absorbing materials4.5Frequency bands4.6Measurement in anechoic chamber4.7Electromagnetic simulation4.8Synthetic aperture radar4.9Limitations on land vehicles4.10Laboratory: RCS simulation of simple shapes
5.1Vehicle noise sources5.2Sound propagation5.3Powerpack noise reduction5.4Seismic signature5.5Electromagnetic emissions signature5.6Emissions discipline5.7Footprint and dust signature5.8Acoustic measurement5.9Correlation between signatures5.10Case study: vehicle noise reduction
6.1Scene and background models6.2Signature simulation software6.3Atmospheric propagation models6.4Probability of detection6.5Integrated multispectral evaluation6.6Field trials6.7Uncertainty in evaluation6.8Trials according to NATO standards6.9Background databases6.10Practical: multispectral evaluation of a scenario
7.1Multispectral camouflage systems7.2Adaptive coatings7.3Trade-offs with other functions7.4Cost and maintenance7.5Export control7.6International law and perfidy7.7Ethics of concealment7.8Civil applications7.9Technology trends7.10Workshop: design trade-off analysis
8.1Definition of vehicle and environment8.2Signature characterisation8.3Reduction objectives8.4Spectral measures8.5Modelling and evaluation8.6Test plan8.7Cost and trade-off analysis8.8Recommendations8.9Report and presentation8.10Final review with tutor
How you'll learn
Fully 100% online training on the SEIUM 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 the programme with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is MATLAB, CST Studio Suite, Ansys HFSS, MuSES (ThermoAnalytics), Ansys Fluent, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Trials are studied using real procedures for radar cross section measurements in an anechoic chamber, thermographic characterisation of surfaces and acoustic measurements in free field. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final integrative project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Understand the concept of platform signature across the different spectral domains.
Analyse the factors that determine the optical and visual signature.
Characterise the infrared signature based on emissivity and surface temperature.
Interpret the fundamentals of radar cross section.
Evaluate the acoustic and other signatures using measurement standards.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. No university degree required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient level of Spanish to follow technical standards documentation.
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 between 10 and 15 hours per week on average, compatible with a full-time job.
The programme uses MATLAB, CST Studio Suite, Ansys HFSS, MuSES (ThermoAnalytics) and Ansys Fluent. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM own diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the final integrative project. It is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
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.
Related programmes
Diploma in Validation of Robotic Systems in Defence
Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in validation of robotic systems in defence. 8 modules covering defence robotic systems, verification and validation engineering, system safety, validation…
Diploma in Legal Auditing of AI in Defence
Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in legal auditing of AI in defence, structured in 8 modules covering AI uses and risks in defence, the applicable…
Diploma in Ethics in Mobility/Counter-Mobility Strategies
Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in ethics in mobility/counter-mobility strategies. 8 modules covering mobility and counter-mobility engineering, the ethics of obstacles, mines and explosive remnants,…
More in Defense, Military Engineering & Land Systems
All Defense, Military Engineering & Land Systems programmes → · How to apply · Fees & financing · Scholarships