Master’s in Multi-Domain Operations and C2 Architectures Engineering
Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in multi-domain operations and C2 architecture engineering. 12 modules covering NATO Architecture Framework v4, APP-6, IEEE 1516 (HLA), C2 architectures, interoperability standards, common operational picture, decision support, C2 cybersecurity and distributed simulation, using QGIS, MATLAB and VR-Forces, 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
Understand the fundamentals of command and control in multi-domain environments.
Design resilient, service-oriented C2 architectures.
Apply allied and civil interoperability standards.
Manage information and data for situational awareness.
Develop explainable decision support tools.
Integrate cybersecurity into command and control systems.
Plan experimentation using distributed simulation.
Who it's for
- Command and control systems engineers designing C2 architectures.
- Interoperability architects working with FMN, MIP and allied standards.
- Decision support analysts developing planning and course of action tools.
- Simulation engineers building HLA and DIS federations.
- Information management specialists handling data models and situational awareness.
- Defence digital transformation consultants.
- Engineering or science graduates aiming to enter the defence and security sector.
What you'll work with
- NATO Architecture Framework v4 (NAF)
- APP-6 (NATO joint military symbology)
- IEEE 1516 (High Level Architecture, HLA)
- MIL-STD-2525 (US joint military symbology)
- ADatP-3 (NATO formatted message text system)
- IEEE 1278 (Distributed Interactive Simulation, DIS)
- ISO/IEC 27001 (information security management systems)
- QGIS
- MATLAB
- VR-Forces
- Capella
- Wireshark
12 modules · 1900 h
1.1The OODA loop and decision-making1.2Command and control models: centralised and distributed1.3Mission command1.4C2 agility according to the SAS-085 model1.5Situational awareness: Endsley's model1.6Information, knowledge and decision1.7Historical evolution of C2 systems1.8C2 in civil emergency management1.9Ethical principles in decision-making1.10Case study: C2 analysis of a real emergency
2.1Multi-domain operations doctrine2.2Convergence of effects across domains2.3The space domain and dependencies2.4Cyberspace and the electromagnetic spectrum2.5The cognitive and information domain2.6Joint and combined integration2.7JADC2 and equivalent allied concepts2.8Interoperability challenges2.9Legal framework of operations2.10Workshop: cross-domain dependency matrix
3.1Client-server and service-oriented architectures3.2Combat cloud and edge architectures3.3Deployable C2 systems3.4Publish-subscribe patterns3.5DDS middleware and messaging3.6Identity management and federation3.7Resilient and degraded architectures3.8NATO C3 Taxonomy3.9The NAF framework for describing C2 systems3.10Practical exercise: C2 service architecture with NAF
4.1Federated Mission Networking: spirals4.2The JC3IEDM model and MIP4.3Military symbology APP-6 and MIL-STD-25254.4ADatP-3 formatted messaging4.5NFFI and friendly force tracking4.6Interoperability with civil agencies4.7CWIX interoperability exercises4.8Conformance testing4.9Management of interoperability profiles4.10Lab: APP-6 symbology exchange
5.1Information life cycle5.2Common data models and ontologies5.3Data quality and provenance5.4Information labelling and classification5.5Data-centric security5.6Management of large data volumes5.7Geospatial databases5.8Exchange between security domains5.9Data governance5.10Case study: data model for a crisis centre
6.1The COP and RAP concepts6.2Track fusion and correlation6.3Geospatial visualisation6.4Information layers and filtering6.5User interfaces for command centres6.6Cognitive load and screen design6.7GIS tools in C26.8Augmented and mixed reality6.9Assessment of situational awareness6.10Practical exercise: COP with QGIS and OGC services
7.1Operational planning and processes7.2Multi-criteria decision support models7.3Constructive simulation and academic wargaming7.4Course of action analysis7.5AI for decision support7.6Explainability and trust7.7Cognitive biases in decision-making7.8Managing uncertainty7.9Validation of support tools7.10Workshop: AHP multi-criteria analysis of courses of action
8.1Tactical and strategic networks8.2Data links and their role in C28.3Satellite communications8.4Disconnected, intermittent and limited networks8.5Traffic prioritisation and QoS8.6Spectrum management8.75G and private networks8.8Communications resilience8.9Gateway architectures8.10Case study: network sizing for a command post
9.1Threats to command and control systems9.2Zero-trust architecture9.3Accreditation of information systems9.4Defence in depth9.5Incident detection and response9.6Business continuity in C29.7Supply chain security9.8Mission cyber resilience9.9Academic cyber defence exercises9.10Practical exercise: threat modelling with STRIDE
10.1HLA and DIS distributed simulation10.2C2 experimentation environments10.3Agent modelling in simulation10.4C2 effectiveness metrics10.5Concept and development experimentation10.6Modelling and simulation as a service10.7NATO MSaaS simulation federations10.8Model validation10.9Analysis of experiment results10.10Lab: basic HLA federation
11.1Life cycle of C2 systems11.2Agile development in government programmes11.3Integration of legacy capabilities11.4User education and training11.5Operational evaluation11.6Organisational change management11.7Costs and sustainability11.8International cooperation11.9Ethics and human control11.10Case study: C2 modernisation roadmap
12.1Definition of the command and control problem12.2State of the art in C2 architectures12.3Requirements and scenarios12.4Design of the proposed architecture12.5Modelling and simulation12.6Interoperability assessment12.7Security analysis12.8Conclusions 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 QGIS, MATLAB, VR-Forces, Capella and Wireshark, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Practical work is based on real procedures for experimentation in distributed simulation environments, interoperability testing of command systems and course of action analysis with decision support. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final Master's Thesis.
Standards covered: NATO Architecture Framework v4, APP-6, IEEE 1516 (HLA), MIL-STD-2525, ADatP-3, IEEE 1278 (DIS), ISO/IEC 27001.
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 QGIS, MATLAB, VR-Forces, Capella and Wireshark, 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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