Master’s in Defence Systems Engineering and MBSE
Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in defence systems engineering and MBSE. 12 modules covering ISO/IEC/IEEE 15288, MIL-STD-882E, AQAP-2110, SysML and Capella modelling, requirements, specialty engineering, system safety, integrated logistic support, integration and testing and technical programme management, using Capella, Cameo Systems Modeler and IBM DOORS Next, with an assigned technical tutor.
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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
Apply systems engineering processes to defence programmes.
Model complex platforms with SysML and Capella.
Produce traceable technical specifications.
Integrate specialty engineering disciplines into the life cycle.
Carry out system safety analyses according to MIL-STD-882E.
Plan integrated logistic support using ASD standards.
Provide technical management of programmes in international cooperation.
Who it's for
- Defence systems engineers working on platforms and weapon system programmes.
- MBSE engineers modelling complex platforms with SysML and Capella.
- RAMS engineers handling reliability, safety and system safety analyses.
- Integrated logistic support engineers applying S3000L, S1000D and S2000M.
- Technical programme managers running reviews, EVM and subcontractors.
- Integration and test engineers planning qualification and acceptance.
- Engineering or science graduates aiming to enter the defence industry.
What you'll work with
- ISO/IEC/IEEE 15288 (system life cycle processes)
- MIL-STD-882E (system safety)
- AQAP-2110 (NATO quality assurance requirements for design, development and production)
- ASD S3000L (logistic support analysis)
- ASD S1000D (technical publications)
- MIL-STD-810H (environmental engineering and laboratory testing)
- EIA-649 (configuration management)
- AAP-48 (NATO system life cycle processes)
- Capella
- Cameo Systems Modeler
- IBM DOORS Next
- Isograph Reliability Workbench
- Microsoft Project
12 modules · 1900 h
1.1Particular features of defence programmes1.2Life cycle of weapon systems and platforms1.3NATO AAP-48 and AQAP standards1.4The capability concept: DOTMLPFI1.5Stakeholders in a defence programme1.6Staff and operational requirements1.7The European defence industry1.8Ethics and responsible use of technology1.9Acquisition phases and reviews1.10Case study: life cycle of a land platform
2.1ISO/IEC/IEEE 15288 technical processes2.2Technical management processes2.3INCOSE Systems Engineering Handbook2.4Tailoring processes to the programme2.5Concurrent engineering2.6Configuration management according to EIA-6492.7Risk management according to ISO 310002.8Technical information management2.9Integration of specialties2.10Workshop: drafting a programme SEMP
3.1Fundamental elements of SysML3.2Operational analysis with Arcadia3.3System functional analysis3.4Logical and physical architecture3.5Interface modelling3.6Modelling of states and modes3.7Variant management3.8Generating documentation from the model3.9Collaboration on shared models3.10Lab: Capella model of an armoured personnel carrier
4.1From operational requirement to technical specification4.2Derived requirements and allocation4.3Specifications according to MIL-STD-9614.4Interface requirements (ICD)4.5Environmental requirements4.6Physical and cyber security requirements4.7Logistic support requirements4.8Requirements verification: analysis, inspection, demonstration and test4.9Traceability with management tools4.10Practical exercise: technical specification in DOORS Next
5.1Reliability, maintainability and availability (RAM)5.2Safety engineering according to MIL-STD-882E5.3Human factors and MIL-STD-14725.4Electromagnetic compatibility5.5Survivability and vulnerability5.6Environmental engineering MIL-STD-810H5.7Software safety5.8Cost engineering5.9Logistic support analysis5.10Case study: RAM analysis of a subsystem
6.1Preliminary hazard analysis (PHA)6.2Subsystem and system hazard analysis6.3FMEA and FMECA according to MIL-STD-16296.4Fault trees and event trees6.5Risk classification and acceptance6.6Munitions safety: regulatory framework6.7Software safety and criticality6.8System safety case file6.9Independent safety review6.10Practical exercise: fault tree with an analysis tool
7.1Elements of integrated logistic support7.2Logistic support analysis S3000L7.3Technical publications S1000D7.4Provisioning S2000M7.5Life cycle cost7.6Performance-based support7.7Training and simulators7.8Obsolescence and DMSMS management7.9In-service feedback7.10Workshop: S1000D data structure for a piece of equipment
8.1Incremental integration strategy8.2System integration laboratories8.3Test benches and simulators8.4Development and qualification testing8.5Operational testing and evaluation8.6NATO interoperability testing8.7Anomaly management8.8Certification and qualification8.9Acceptance into service8.10Case study: qualification test plan
9.1Work breakdown structure9.2Planning and control: EVM9.3Technical reviews SRR, PDR, CDR and TRR9.4Maturity levels TRL, MRL and IRL9.5Subcontractor management9.6Quality management AQAP-21109.7Technical and programme risk management9.8Communication with the government customer9.9Project management in international cooperation9.10Practical exercise: earned value analysis of a programme
10.1Information classification and industrial security10.2Accreditation of information systems10.3On-board cybersecurity in platforms10.4Secure supply chain10.5Vulnerability management in legacy systems10.6Cybersecurity standards for critical systems10.7Cyber resilience and recovery10.8Integration into the engineering process10.9Security audits10.10Workshop: risk analysis with MAGERIT
11.1Case study: land vehicle programmes11.2Case study: frigates and support ships11.3Case study: future combat air systems11.4European Defence Fund and PESCO11.5Digital twins in defence11.6Open and modular architectures11.7Sustainability in defence programmes11.8Digital transformation of engineering11.9Lessons learned from failed programmes11.10Case study: critical analysis of a European programme
12.1Selection of the programme case12.2Capability needs analysis12.3MBSE model of the system12.4Specialty analyses12.5Logistic support plan12.6Integration and test plan12.7Programme risk assessment12.8Conclusions and recommendations12.9Master'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 Capella, Cameo Systems Modeler, IBM DOORS Next, Isograph Reliability Workbench and Microsoft Project, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Practical work is based on real procedures for system safety analysis and fault trees, MBSE modelling of platforms and planning of qualification tests. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final Master's Thesis.
Standards covered: ISO/IEC/IEEE 15288, MIL-STD-882E, AQAP-2110, ASD S3000L, ASD S1000D, MIL-STD-810H, EIA-649, AAP-48.
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 Capella, Cameo Systems Modeler, IBM DOORS Next, Isograph Reliability Workbench and Microsoft Project, 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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