Diploma in CMS Architectures and Data Fusion
Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in CMS architectures and data fusion. 8 modules covering CMS software architecture, data models and middleware, estimation and tracking, multi-sensor fusion, identification and classification, the tactical picture and its presentation, and verification and performance, with an assigned technical tutor.
Diploma in CMS Architectures and Data Fusion — studying from South Africa
South Africa has a established defence industry centred on companies such as Denel and Paramount Group, with capabilities in land systems, armoured vehicles and munitions. The sector supports engineering roles in systems integration, vehicle design and test and evaluation. Defence procurement and export controls are overseen by government bodies, and the industry works closely with the South African National Defence Force. Engineers in this field typically combine mechanical, electrical and systems skills.
Fees for South Africa: R 33 400 (South African rand), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in South Africa
Typical roles
Questions from South Africa
Which South African bodies regulate or recognise defence and military engineering professionals?
Engineers in South Africa are registered through ECSA under the Engineering Profession Act, and defence programmes are guided by institutions such as the South African National Defence Force and Armscor, which set their own requirements. SEIUM is a private online institute, and its qualifications are not state degrees or accredited by a national body. Recognition is decided by these bodies and your employer, so confirm with them first.
Would this qualification help me find work in South Africa's defence or land systems sector?
South Africa has a defence industry with state-linked entities and private contractors, and employers usually require security clearances, relevant experience and recognised qualifications. A private online programme may support your application but does not guarantee employment or clearance. Check requirements with prospective employers, as roles in this sector can be sensitive and tightly controlled.
Can I study alongside a job, and are there funding options?
The course is 100% online and taught in English, so you need strong English, and no student visa is needed to study from home. Master's programmes are 1,900 hours, postgraduate diplomas 800 hours and specialist courses 300 hours, each with an assigned technical tutor. Fees are payable in instalments, and employer sponsorship is possible, so ask whether your employer would fund part of the training.
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What you will be able to do
Design software architectures for combat management systems.
Define data models and configure DDS middleware.
Implement estimation and tracking algorithms.
Design multi-sensor fusion schemes.
Apply identity fusion techniques.
Design the presentation of the tactical picture.
Verify the performance of algorithms and architectures.
Who it's for
- Combat software architects.
- Data fusion engineers.
- Tracking algorithm engineers.
- Middleware engineers.
- Verification engineers.
- Operator interface engineers.
- Engineering or science graduates looking to enter the defence sector.
What you'll work with
- OMG Data Distribution Service – DDS (real-time publish-subscribe middleware)
- MIL-STD-2525D (joint military symbology)
- STANAG 5516 (Link 16 tactical data link)
- ISO/IEC/IEEE 42010:2022 (architecture description)
- ISO/IEC 25010:2023 (software product quality model)
- MIL-STD-1472H (human engineering design criteria)
- Stone Soup
- MATLAB Sensor Fusion and Tracking Toolbox
- RTI Connext DDS
- Python
- Docker
8 modules
1.1Functions of the combat management system1.2Layered architecture1.3CMS services1.4Service-oriented architectures1.5Microservices in critical systems1.6DDS middleware1.7Deployment on embedded hardware1.8Redundancy and failover1.9Scalability1.10Case study: service decomposition of a CMS
2.1System data model2.2DDS topics and QoS policies2.3Interface control documents2.4Data serialisation2.5Latency and determinism2.6Interoperability between vendors2.7Data-centric architecture2.8Monitoring tools2.9Interface versioning2.10Laboratory: QoS configuration in DDS
3.1The Kalman filter3.2EKF and UKF3.3IMM models3.4Track initiation and termination3.5Validation gates3.6GNN association3.7JPDA3.8MHT3.9The OSPA metric3.10Practical exercise: multi-target tracker with Stone Soup
4.1Centralised and distributed fusion4.2Track-to-track fusion4.3Covariance intersection4.4Sensor registration4.5Bias correction4.6Fusion of heterogeneous sensors4.7JDL fusion levels4.8Track quality4.9Performance evaluation4.10Workshop: radar-ESM fusion
5.1Identity fusion5.2Dempster-Shafer theory5.3Bayesian inference5.4IFF data5.5Electronic support data5.6Machine learning classification5.7Uncertainty management5.8Conflict resolution5.9Presentation to the operator5.10Practical exercise: Bayesian contact classifier
6.1The recognised picture6.2Correlation with data links6.3Duplicate management6.4MIL-STD-2525 symbology6.5Operator interface6.6Alert management6.7Information filtering6.8Explainability of fusion6.9Human factors6.10Case study: design of the tactical picture
7.1Scenario simulation7.2Tracking metrics7.3Monte Carlo experiments7.4Real recorded data7.5Hardware-in-the-loop7.6Load testing7.7Software certification7.8Evaluation tools7.9Lessons learned7.10Laboratory: benchmarking of algorithms
8.1CMS requirements8.2Service architecture8.3Data model8.4Tracking algorithm8.5Fusion scheme8.6Tactical presentation8.7Verification plan8.8Conclusions8.9Report and presentation8.10Final project: final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
A 100% online programme 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 Stone Soup, MATLAB Sensor Fusion and Tracking Toolbox, RTI Connext DDS, Python and Docker, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Practical work is based on real procedures: evaluation of tracking algorithms with OSPA metrics, DDS middleware configuration and Monte Carlo fusion simulations. Assessment is continuous for each module, plus the final project.
Standards covered: OMG Data Distribution Service (DDS), MIL-STD-2525D, STANAG 5516, ISO/IEC/IEEE 42010:2022, ISO/IEC 25010:2023 and MIL-STD-1472H.
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. A university degree is not 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 Stone Soup, MATLAB Sensor Fusion and Tracking Toolbox, RTI Connext DDS, Python and Docker, 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.
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