Diploma in Multi-UAV Cooperation Validation and Testing
Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in multi-UAV cooperation validation and testing, structured in 8 modules covering multi-UAV architectures, software-in-the-loop simulation, formal and scenario-based verification, indoor and HIL testing, field trials, data analysis and certification under JARUS SORA 2.5, Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947 and ISO 21384-3:2023, with an assigned technical tutor.
Diploma in Multi-UAV Cooperation Validation and Testing — studying from New Zealand
New Zealand's defence engineering sector is centred on the New Zealand Defence Force, which operates land, sea and air capabilities, with major bases at Linton and Burnham. Defence procurement and sustainment are managed through the Ministry of Defence, and local firms support maintenance, communications and vehicle systems. Land systems engineering is closely linked to the country's agricultural and forestry sectors, where ruggedised vehicles and equipment are developed and maintained.
Fees for New Zealand: NZ$2,160 (New Zealand dollar), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in New Zealand
Typical roles
Questions from New Zealand
How is defence and military engineering recognised in New Zealand?
Engineering registration is handled by Engineering New Zealand, and defence procurement and security clearances are managed through the New Zealand Defence Force and government procurement processes. Security clearance requirements can matter more than academic credentials for some roles. SEIUM is a private institute, and its qualifications are not accredited by a national body, so recognition rests with the employer.
What defence and land systems employers operate in New Zealand?
Opportunities arise with the New Zealand Defence Force, Defence Technology Agency, defence industry suppliers and engineering firms serving land systems and vehicles. Many roles require citizenship or security clearance. A private online qualification may support an application, but it does not guarantee a position, and clearance and experience usually weigh more heavily.
Is it possible to study from New Zealand without a visa, and can my employer pay?
Yes, programmes are 100% online and taught in English, so no student visa is needed to study from home. Each includes an assigned technical tutor and a final project. Fees are payable in instalments, and employer sponsorship is possible. Specialist courses take 300 hours, diplomas 800 and master's 1,900, so plan your workload carefully.
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 multi-UAV system architectures.
Build software-in-the-loop simulation environments.
Apply formal and scenario-based verification.
Carry out indoor and hardware-in-the-loop testing.
Plan safe field trials.
Analyse cooperation metrics using flight data.
Prepare safety evidence for the aviation authority.
Who it's for
- UAS test engineers moving into the validation of cooperative multi-UAV missions.
- Autonomy engineers who need to prove that their cooperation algorithms work in simulation and in flight.
- Verification specialists applying formal methods and scenario-based testing to drone systems.
- UAS test pilots involved in multi-aircraft trial campaigns.
- Flight data analysts working with telemetry and ULog logs.
- Operational safety engineers preparing SORA assessments for multi-UAV operations.
- Engineering or science graduates looking to enter the defence sector.
What you'll work with
- JARUS SORA 2.5 (Specific Operations Risk Assessment)
- Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947 (rules and procedures for the operation of unmanned aircraft)
- ISO 21384-3:2023 (UAS operational procedures)
- STANAG 4586 (NATO UAV control system interoperability)
- RTCA DO-365 (detect and avoid performance standards)
- PX4 Autopilot
- ArduPilot
- Gazebo
- UPPAAL
- Vicon Tracker
8 modules
1.1Multi-UAV system architectures1.2Cooperative missions1.3Levels of autonomy1.4Centralised and distributed control1.5Inter-UAV communications1.6Cooperative navigation1.7Research platforms1.8Operational safety1.9Regulatory framework1.10Practical exercise: architecture of a three-UAV system
2.1PX4 SITL2.2ArduPilot SITL2.3Gazebo simulator2.4AirSim simulator2.5Communications simulation2.6Co-simulation2.7Scenario design2.8Simulation metrics2.9Test automation2.10Lab: multi-UAV mission in SITL
3.1Verifiable requirements3.2Temporal logic3.3Model checking with UPPAAL3.4Runtime verification3.5Scenario generation3.6Scenario coverage3.7Requirements falsification3.8Adversarial testing3.9Verification evidence3.10Workshop: separation verification with UPPAAL
4.1Hardware-in-the-loop4.2Motion capture systems4.3Flight arenas4.4Indoor safety4.5Instrumentation4.6Repeatability4.7Fault injection4.8Data logging4.9Results analysis4.10Practical exercise: cooperative flight with motion capture
5.1Campaign planning5.2Authorisations and SORA5.3Airspace management5.4Field equipment5.5Safety5.6Telemetry5.7Meteorology5.8Emergency procedures5.9Briefings and debriefings5.10Case study: field trial plan
6.1Cooperation indicators6.2Area coverage6.3Mission time6.4Fault robustness6.5Communication quality6.6Statistical analysis6.7ULog logs6.8Visualisation6.9Simulation-to-reality comparison6.10Lab: ULog log analysis
7.1SORA for multi-UAV operations7.2Regulation of swarm operations7.3Containment requirements7.4C2 link reliability7.5Human factors with multiple UAVs per pilot7.6Evidence for the authority7.7Ethics7.8Insurance7.9Lessons learned7.10Case study: SORA for a multi-UAV operation
8.1Cooperative mission8.2Requirements8.3Architecture8.4Simulation plan8.5Verification plan8.6Indoor testing8.7Field trials8.8Analysis and conclusions8.9Report and presentation8.10Final project: final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
The programme 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 it fits around your job.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. You work with PX4 Autopilot, ArduPilot, Gazebo, UPPAAL and Vicon Tracker, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures for software-in-the-loop simulations, indoor flights with motion capture and field trial campaigns. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final project.
Standards covered: JARUS SORA 2.5, Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947, ISO 21384-3:2023, STANAG 4586 and RTCA DO-365.
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
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. No university degree is required.
- An internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's 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 800 hours over 6–8 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.
You work with PX4 Autopilot, ArduPilot, Gazebo, UPPAAL and Vicon Tracker, 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 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.
Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector (no university degree required), a computer able to run the 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.
Related programmes
Diploma in Testing of Defence Electronic Systems
Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in testing of defence electronic systems. 8 modules covering electronic test engineering, automatic test equipment, RF and microwave testing, electromagnetic…
Diploma in Moulding and Autoclave Techniques
Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in moulding and autoclave techniques. 8 modules covering advanced composite materials, tooling and moulds, manual and automated lay-up, vacuum bagging…
Diploma in Ethics of Energy Use in Field Campaigns
Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in ethics of energy use in field campaigns. 8 modules covering energy in military operations, ethical and environmental foundations, international…
More in Defense, Military Engineering & Land Systems
All Defense, Military Engineering & Land Systems programmes → · How to apply · Fees & financing · Scholarships