Postgraduate Diploma in Integration of Optical and Aiming Systems
Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in Integration of Optical and Aiming Systems. 8 modules covering ISO 10110 (drawings of optical elements), IEC 60825-1 (laser product safety) and Ansys Zemax OpticStudio. Assigned tutor and enrolment open.
Postgraduate Diploma in Integration of Optical and Aiming Systems — studying from Malta
Malta's defence sector is comparatively small, reflecting the country's neutrality and modest armed forces. Activity centres on the Armed Forces of Malta, maritime surveillance, border security and the associated technical support. Engineering roles are mostly found in equipment maintenance, communications, infrastructure and government procurement rather than large-scale defence manufacturing. Professionals may find opportunities through public service and contractors supplying the armed forces and related agencies, where reliability and compliance with national procurement rules are important.
Fees for Malta: €1,090 (Euro), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in Malta
Typical roles
Questions from Malta
Which bodies regulate defence and military engineering work in Malta?
Malta's Armed Forces and the Ministry responsible for defence oversee military engineering and procurement. General engineering practice is regulated by the Chamber of Engineers (KSU) under the Engineering Profession Act. Export and dual-use controls follow EU and national rules. A SEIUM qualification is private and not accredited, so any recognition depends on employers or the relevant authority.
What career paths exist in Malta for land systems and defence engineering?
Opportunities in Malta are limited and mostly within government, the Armed Forces and their suppliers, with more substantial defence industry work typically found abroad. Many roles require security clearance and specific experience. A private qualification can support your profile, but you should expect employers to focus on experience and clearance eligibility.
How do I study this from Malta, and what should I consider about workload and funding?
The programme is delivered fully online in English, with an assigned technical tutor and a final project. You do not need a visa to study from home in Malta. Durations range from 300 to 1,900 hours, so plan time alongside any work commitments. Ask about instalment payments and whether employer sponsorship is 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
Explain the fundamentals of geometric optics and optronics.
Select visible and infrared image sensors according to requirements.
Analyse the principles of laser telemetry and its safety requirements.
Design opto-mechanical assemblies that remain stable under vibration and temperature changes.
Apply image processing and image enhancement algorithms.
Plan the integration of an optronic system into a vehicle.
Define a test plan in accordance with standards and ethical criteria.
Who it's for
- Optronics engineer who wants to specialise in Integration of Optical and Aiming Systems.
- Optical design engineer who wants to specialise in Integration of Optical and Aiming Systems.
- Opto-mechanical integration engineer who wants to specialise in Integration of Optical and Aiming Systems.
- Image processing specialist who wants to specialise in Integration of Optical and Aiming Systems.
- Optical systems test engineer who wants to specialise in Integration of Optical and Aiming Systems.
- Laser safety engineer who wants to specialise in Integration of Optical and Aiming Systems.
- Graduates in engineering or science seeking to enter the optronics industry.
What you'll work with
- ISO 10110 (drawings of optical elements)
- IEC 60825-1 (laser product safety)
- MIL-PRF-13830B (optical components)
- EMVA 1288 (characterisation of cameras and sensors)
- ISO 12233 (camera resolution)
- MIL-STD-810H (environmental testing)
- ISO 11146 (characterisation of laser beams)
8 modules · 800 h
1.1Geometric optics and imaging systems1.2Aberrations and image quality1.3Modulation transfer function (MTF)1.4Visible, NIR, SWIR, MWIR and LWIR spectrum1.5Atmospheric transmission1.6Infrared optical materials1.7Coatings and anti-reflection1.8Optical design with Zemax1.9Civil and security applications1.10Workshop: MTF calculation of a simple system
2.1CCD and CMOS detectors2.2Image intensifiers2.3Cooled and uncooled thermal detectors2.4Microbolometers2.5NETD and sensitivity2.6Spatial resolution and IFOV2.7Johnson criteria2.8NVThermIP performance models2.9Radiometric calibration2.10Laboratory: NETD measurement in a thermal camera
3.1Laser rangefinders: time-of-flight principle3.2Laser safety IEC 608253.3Laser classes and safety distances3.4LiDAR and applications3.5Accuracy and measurement errors3.6Atmospheric conditions3.7Integration with image sensors3.8Laser use regulations3.9Surveying applications3.10Practice: calculation of the nominal ocular hazard distance
4.1Opto-mechanical design4.2Alignment and boresight harmonisation4.3Thermal stability4.4Windows and protection4.5Sealing and nitrogen purging4.6Vibration and shock4.7Integration tolerances4.8Optical metrology4.9Maintenance of alignment4.10Case study: boresight harmonisation of two sensors
5.1Non-uniformity correction5.2Contrast enhancement5.3Multispectral image fusion5.4Electronic stabilisation5.5Object tracking5.6AI-assisted detection and its limits5.7Latency and real-time processing5.8FPGA and GPU hardware5.9Video compression and transmission5.10Laboratory: visible-thermal image fusion
6.1Vehicle vision architectures6.2360-degree peripheral vision6.3Crew interfaces6.4Electrical and data integration6.5Generic Vehicle Architecture6.6Electromagnetic compatibility6.7Thermal management of sensors6.8Protection against the environment6.9Maintenance in the field6.10Practice: vehicle sensor architecture
7.1Laboratory performance testing7.2Field testing7.3MIL-STD-810 and AECTP standards7.4Image quality testing7.5Optronics export control7.6Dual-use regulation: category 67.7Legal review of systems7.8Ethical considerations7.9Quality assurance7.10Case study: acceptance plan for a sensor
8.1Definition of requirements8.2Selection of spectral bands8.3Sensor selection8.4Opto-mechanical integration design8.5Image processing8.6Vehicle integration8.7Test plan8.8Regulatory analysis8.9Report and presentation8.10Final 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: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine study with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Ansys Zemax OpticStudio, Python (OpenCV), MATLAB (Image Processing Toolbox), SolidWorks, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real procedures from optronics characterisation benches, including MTF measurement and camera resolution, and vibration and temperature testing of opto-mechanical assemblies. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final integrating project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Explain the fundamentals of geometric optics and optronics.
Select visible and infrared image sensors according to requirements.
Analyse the principles of laser telemetry and its safety requirements.
Design opto-mechanical assemblies that remain stable under vibration and temperature changes.
Apply image processing and image enhancement algorithms.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. A university degree is not 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. This is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
The programme uses Ansys Zemax OpticStudio, Python (OpenCV), MATLAB (Image Processing Toolbox) and SolidWorks. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
An own SEIUM diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the final integrating project. This 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 recognised in the advanced programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
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