ATC operations digitization course
Online course of 300 hours in digitalisation of ATC operations. 6 modules covering digital ATM systems, datalink and trajectories, automation and support tools, artificial intelligence in ATC and change management and cybersecurity, applying Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/116 Common Project One, Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/373 and Regulation (EC) 29/2009, with an assigned technical tutor.
ATC operations digitization course — studying from Malta
Malta's aerospace activity is concentrated around Malta International Airport at Luqa, where aircraft maintenance, cabin interiors and aviation services form a significant part of the local economy. The island's aviation sector is supported by a long-established regulatory framework and a growing interest in drone operations and advanced air mobility. Engineers here commonly find work with aircraft maintenance organisations, aviation services providers and companies engaged in unmanned systems testing. Expertise in airworthiness, systems integration and regulatory compliance is particularly valued by employers operating within this niche but internationally connected market.
Fees for Malta: €546 (Euro), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in Malta
Typical roles
Questions from Malta
Which professional bodies in Malta recognise engineers working in aerospace, UAM, drones and space, and how does that affect my title?
Malta's Chamber of Engineers (KSU) regulates the use of the title 'engineer' under the Engineering Profession Act. Aviation safety is overseen by the Malta Competition and Consumers Affairs Authority's aviation counterpart, Transport Malta's Civil Aviation Directorate, which licenses operators and certain technical staff. A private SEIUM qualification does not itself grant a regulated title; recognition depends on the employer or the relevant body.
Which employers in Malta might hire someone with an aerospace or drone engineering background?
Malta has an aviation sector centred on Malta International Airport, aircraft maintenance and MRO activity, and a growing drone and space-related presence at the University of Malta and in private firms. Employers vary in their hiring criteria. A private qualification can support a application, but employers will weigh it against experience and any formal credentials they require.
Can I realistically study this 1,900-hour programme while working full time in Malta, and do I need a visa?
Programmes are fully online and taught in English, so you can study from home in Malta or elsewhere without a student visa. Each student gets an assigned technical tutor. Workload should be planned around your job; 1,900 hours is substantial, so most working professionals spread it over a long period. Ask about employer sponsorship and instalment fee options before enrolling.
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
Describe the architecture of digital ATM systems.
Explain datalink services and trajectory management.
Assess automation tools and their impact on the controller.
Apply artificial intelligence techniques to ATC problems.
Manage changes to ATM systems in line with European regulations.
Integrate cybersecurity requirements into digitalisation projects.
Draw up a digitalisation plan for an ATC unit.
Who it's for
- ATM systems engineers.
- ATC automation specialists.
- Air navigation data analysts.
- System transition managers.
- ATM cybersecurity engineers.
- SESAR innovation consultants.
- Engineering or science graduates aiming to join air navigation service providers.
What you'll work with
- Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/116 (Common Project One)
- Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/373 (ATM/ANS provider requirements)
- Regulation (EC) 29/2009 (datalink services)
- EUROCAE ED-153 (guidelines for ANS software safety assurance)
- Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/1645 and Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/203 (Part-IS information security)
- ICAO Doc 9750 (Global Air Navigation Plan)
- ICAO Doc 4444 PANS-ATM (air traffic management procedures)
- Indra iTEC
- Thales TopSky
- EUROCONTROL ESCAPE
- Python with scikit-learn
6 modules
1.1Architecture of a modern ATM system1.2Flight data processing (FDP)1.3Surveillance data processing (SDP)1.4Controller working positions and HMI1.5iTEC and 4-Flight systems1.6Electronic flight strips1.7Voice over IP in ATC communications1.8Technical monitoring and supervision1.9Evolution towards virtualisation1.10Case study: architecture of a control centre
2.1CPDLC and datalink services2.2ATN Baseline 1 and Baseline 22.34D trajectory and the EPP profile2.4ADS-C and surveillance contracts2.5Air-ground trajectory integration2.6Aircraft intent data2.7Reducing frequency congestion2.8Datalink performance and failures2.9Datalink in oceanic airspace2.10Practical exercise: CPDLC message exchange
3.1Medium-term conflict detection (MTCD)3.2Conflict resolution tools3.3Trajectory conformance monitoring3.4Safety nets and alerts3.5Automation of arrival management3.6Levels of automation in ATC3.7Controller trust and complacency3.8Interface and alert design3.9Evaluation with real-time simulators3.10Workshop: evaluating an MTCD tool
4.1Machine learning applied to ATM4.2Trajectory prediction4.3Automatic speech recognition of controller speech4.4Sector complexity prediction4.5Explainable AI and acceptance4.6EASA AI roadmap4.7Training data and bias4.8Model verification and validation4.9SESAR artificial intelligence projects4.10Lab: estimated time of arrival prediction
5.1Management of functional changes to ATM systems5.2Software assurance under ED-1535.3Safety and security assessment5.4Cybersecurity under Part-IS5.5Resilience and contingency plans5.6ATM data service providers (ADSP)5.7Controller training on new systems5.8Human factors in the transition5.9System performance indicators5.10Case study: migration of an FDP system
6.1Selection of the ATC unit6.2Diagnosis of the current technology6.3Identification of digital opportunities6.4Proposal for a digital solution6.5Safety assessment6.6Cybersecurity plan6.7Implementation and transition plan6.8Cost-benefit analysis of the proposal6.9Report and presentation6.10Final project: final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
Training is 100% online 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 each intake, so you can combine it with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original regulations and applied exercises. The working software is Indra iTEC, Thales TopSky, EUROCONTROL ESCAPE and Python with scikit-learn, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Practical work is based on real procedures: simulator evaluation of controller support tools, analysis of CPDLC messages and an arrival time prediction model. Assessment is continuous per module plus the final project.
Standards covered: Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/116 CP1, Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/373, Regulation (EC) 29/2009, EUROCAE ED-153, Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/1645 and Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/203 (Part-IS), ICAO Doc 9750 GANP, ICAO Doc 4444 PANS-ATM.
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
- No prior qualification is required.
- 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 300 hours over 3 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.
You work with Indra iTEC, Thales TopSky, EUROCONTROL ESCAPE and Python with scikit-learn, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.
A SEIUM Institute certificate, 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.
No prior qualification is required; you need a computer able to run the programme 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.
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