Diploma in COMSEC for NATO Platforms
Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in COMSEC for NATO platforms, structured in 8 modules covering communications security on platforms, the NATO and national regulatory framework, key and material management, TEMPEST, platform integration, transmission security, and accreditation and audit, with an assigned technical tutor.
Diploma in COMSEC for NATO Platforms — studying from the United Kingdom
The United Kingdom maintains a substantial defence industry, with prime contractors such as BAE Systems and Babcock, and a wide supply chain across the Midlands, the North West, Bristol and Scotland. Land systems, armoured vehicles, munitions and military engineering programmes provide long-term employment for engineers in design, integration, test and sustainment. The Ministry of Defence, Defence Equipment and Support and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory oversee procurement and research. Security clearance requirements shape recruitment, and professional standards are maintained through UK defence engineering frameworks.
Fees for the United Kingdom: £746 (Pound sterling), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in the United Kingdom
Typical roles
Questions from the United Kingdom
Which UK bodies and regulators are relevant to defence and military land systems engineering?
In the UK, the Ministry of Defence sets its own engineering standards and the Engineering Council regulates professional registration. Professional bodies such as the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and the Royal Engineers' professional structures are relevant. SEIUM's qualifications are private and not accredited by these bodies, so recognition for security-cleared or MOD roles is decided by the employer and the relevant authority.
Will a private qualification help with UK defence industry careers?
UK defence employers, including primes and suppliers, often prioritise security clearance eligibility, relevant experience and formal qualifications recognised by the MOD or industry bodies. A private qualification may support your profile but is unlikely to replace these requirements. Ask prospective employers how they would assess it before enrolling.
Is it practical to study this online while working in the UK, and what about language and funding?
Online study means you can continue working in the UK, and no student visa is needed to study from home. Teaching is in English, so good technical English is essential. Fees can be paid in instalments, and some employers offer training sponsorship, though policies vary. Each programme has a fixed number of hours and an assigned technical tutor. Confirm the workload and costs 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
Understand the components of communications security.
Apply the NATO and national regulatory framework.
Manage COMSEC keys and material.
Apply TEMPEST requirements to facilities and platforms.
Integrate cryptographic equipment into platforms.
Plan transmission security.
Prepare system accreditation and audit.
Who it's for
- COMSEC custodians responsible for accounts and material.
- Communications security engineers.
- Accreditation managers for classified systems.
- Communications integration engineers on air, naval and land platforms.
- TEMPEST specialists.
- Information security auditors.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter the defence sector.
What you'll work with
- C-M(2002)49 (NATO security policy)
- SDIP-27 (NATO TEMPEST requirements and evaluation levels)
- SDIP-28 (NATO TEMPEST zoning)
- SDIP-29 (installation of electrical equipment for classified information)
- Law 9/1968 on Official Secrets (Spanish legislation on classified information)
- Royal Decree 311/2022 (National Security Framework) (Spanish security framework for information systems)
- ISO/IEC 15408 (Common Criteria for IT security evaluation)
- Rohde & Schwarz EMC32
- Keysight PathWave
- Wireshark
- Microsoft Visio
8 modules
1.1Components of communications security1.2Cryptographic, transmission, emission and physical security1.3Air, naval and land platforms1.4Certified cryptographic equipment1.5National competent authorities1.6NATO security policies1.7Life cycle of COMSEC material1.8Threats to communications1.9Roles and responsibilities1.10Case study: COMSEC inventory of a platform
2.1Policy C-M(2002)492.2NATO INFOSEC directives2.3National distribution authority2.4National Cryptologic Centre (CCN)2.5CPSTIC product catalogue2.6Classified information and its handling2.7System accreditation2.8Official Secrets Law2.9National inspections2.10Workshop: regulatory map of a programme
3.1Key life cycle3.2COMSEC accounts3.3Custodian duties3.4Electronic key distribution3.5Material accounting3.6Destruction of material3.7Compromise incidents3.8Records and documentation3.9Account inspections3.10Practical exercise: COMSEC accounting procedure
4.1Compromising emanations4.2SDIP-27 levels4.3SDIP-28 zoning4.4Installation according to SDIP-294.5Red/black separation4.6Line filtering4.7Shielding4.8Emission testing4.9Facility zoning4.10Lab: red/black separation plan
5.1On-board red/black architecture5.2Cryptographic equipment interfaces5.3Integration with tactical radios5.4Encrypted data links5.5Satellite communications5.6Remote equipment management5.7Emergency zeroisation5.8Environmental requirements5.9Integration testing5.10Case study: COMSEC integration in a helicopter
6.1The TRANSEC concept6.2Low probability of intercept6.3Frequency hopping6.4Traffic flow protection6.5Spectrum management6.6Transmission security assessment6.7Allied interoperability6.8Cryptographic modernisation6.9Secure network planning6.10Workshop: security plan for a radio network
7.1Accreditation process7.2Risk analysis7.3System security requirements7.4Security operating procedures7.5COMSEC inspections7.6Periodic audits7.7Incident management7.8Continuous improvement7.9Staff training7.10Practical exercise: accreditation file
8.1Platform description8.2Communications inventory8.3Red/black architecture8.4Key management plan8.5TEMPEST measures8.6Accreditation path8.7Audit plan8.8Conclusions8.9Report 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 can be combined with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Rohde & Schwarz EMC32, Keysight PathWave, Wireshark and Microsoft Visio, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Exercises are based on real procedures for red/black separation plans, COMSEC material accounting procedures and system accreditation files. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final project.
Standards covered: C-M(2002)49, SDIP-27, SDIP-28, SDIP-29, Law 9/1968 on Official Secrets, Royal Decree 311/2022 (National Security Framework), ISO/IEC 15408.
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 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 Rohde & Schwarz EMC32, Keysight PathWave, Wireshark and Microsoft Visio, 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
Postgraduate Diploma in Military Suspension Dynamics
Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in Military Suspension Dynamics. 8 modules covering ISO 2631-1 (whole-body vibration), ISO 8608 (road surface profiles) and MSC Adams. Assigned tutor and…
Diploma in International Law and Ethics in War Medicine
Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in international law and ethics in war medicine, structured in 8 modules covering international humanitarian law in healthcare, medical ethics…
Diploma in INS and Secure Timing
Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in inertial navigation systems (INS) and secure timing. 8 modules covering inertial navigation principles, inertial sensors, calibration and alignment, navigation…
More in Defense, Military Engineering & Land Systems
All Defense, Military Engineering & Land Systems programmes → · How to apply · Fees & financing · Scholarships