Master’s in J1939/ISOBUS Telematics and Fleet Platforms Engineering
Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in J1939/ISOBUS telematics and fleet platform engineering. 12 modules covering vehicle networks, SAE J1939, ISOBUS, telematics units, fleet platforms, data interoperability, remote diagnostics, application development, telematics cybersecurity, telematics business and fleet roll-out, with an assigned technical tutor.
Master’s in J1939/ISOBUS Telematics and Fleet Platforms Engineering — studying from South Africa
Mining, agriculture and construction make off-road and specialised machinery central to South Africa's economy. Mining equipment manufacturers and service providers support the country's extensive gold, platinum and coal operations, while agricultural machinery serves commercial farming. Engineers working on heavy vehicles and special machines focus on hydraulics, drivetrains and durability under harsh conditions. The South African Bureau of Standards and the Mine Health and Safety Council set relevant standards and safety requirements.
Fees for South Africa: R 148 000 (South African rand), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in South Africa
Typical roles
Questions from South Africa
Will a SEIUM qualification be recognised by the professional bodies in South Africa for this area?
SEIUM qualifications are private and not accredited by any South African body. Engineering registration is handled by ECSA, and machinery safety standards are linked to SABS and the Department of Employment and Labour's regulations. Recognition of a private qualification is decided by employers or the relevant body, so confirm this with them before you enrol.
How might this qualification be used by employers in South Africa in off-road and special vehicles?
Mining, agriculture, construction and vehicle-conversion firms value practical machinery knowledge and proven problem-solving. A private qualification can support your application, especially with hands-on experience, but it carries no official status. Its weight depends on each employer, so ask potential employers in your field how they would view it.
Can I study this programme alongside full-time work from South Africa, and is there a time zone or language issue?
The programme is 100% online and in English, so you can study from home without a student visa. Master's programmes take 1,900 hours, postgraduate diplomas 800 hours and specialist courses 300 hours. Each student has an assigned technical tutor, fees can be paid in instalments, and employer sponsorship is possible. Check time-zone and workload expectations with SEIUM directly.
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
Analyse CAN networks and the SAE J1939 protocol.
Configure ISOBUS systems and interpret their architecture.
Select and install telematics units.
Integrate data from mixed fleets through standardised interfaces.
Implement remote fault diagnostics.
Protect telematics against cyberattacks.
Design telematics services and roll-out plans.
Who it's for
- Telematics engineers
- Vehicle network engineers
- ISOBUS specialists
- Embedded software developers
- Fleet platform managers
- Remote diagnostics engineers
- Engineering or science graduates looking to enter agricultural machinery
What you'll work with
- SAE J1939 (heavy-vehicle communication network)
- ISO 11783 (ISOBUS)
- ISO 11898-1 (CAN bus)
- ISO 15143-3 (telematics data exchange for machinery)
- SAE J1939-73 (application layer diagnostics)
- IEC 62443 (industrial cybersecurity)
- Regulation (EU) 2023/2854 (Data Act)
- Vector CANalyzer
- SavvyCAN
- python-can
- Microsoft Power BI
12 modules · 1900 h
1.1Evolution of on-board networks1.2CAN bus and its physical layer1.3Standard and extended frames1.4Arbitration and priorities1.5CAN FD and higher speeds1.6Topologies and termination1.7Bus analysis tools1.8Bus errors and diagnostics1.9Automotive Ethernet1.10Lab: capturing and analysing CAN frames
2.1Structure of the J1939 series2.2Identifiers and parameter group numbers2.3Parameters and their scaling2.4Address claiming2.5Transport protocol2.6DM1 and DM2 diagnostic messages2.7SPN and FMI fault codes2.8Proprietary manufacturer messages2.9DBC databases2.10Practical exercise: decoding J1939 messages
3.1Structure of ISO 117833.2Universal terminal in the cab3.3Task controller3.4Auxiliary implement controls3.5Tractor implement management3.6AEF conformance certification3.7Cross-brand interoperability3.8Data exchange via ISO-XML files3.9Evolution of the standard3.10Lab: configuring an ISOBUS implement
4.1Architecture of a telematics unit4.2Reading the vehicle bus4.3GNSS positioning of the machine4.4Mobile and satellite connectivity4.5Store and forward4.6Auxiliary inputs and outputs4.7Installation on machines4.8Power supply and consumption4.9Unit selection4.10Practical exercise: installing a telematics unit
5.1Functions of a fleet platform5.2Location and routes5.3Engine hours and utilisation5.4Fuel consumption and idling5.5Alert management5.6Fleet reports5.7Mobile apps for managers5.8Manufacturer platforms5.9Brand-independent platforms5.10Case study: selecting a platform for a mixed fleet
6.1ISO 15143-3 interface6.2Manufacturer APIs6.3Mixed multi-brand fleets6.4Exchange formats6.5Agricultural data platforms6.6Integration with ERP and CMMS6.7Data quality and consistency6.8Data access rights6.9The European Data Act6.10Lab: consuming an ISO 15143-3 API
7.1Remote reading of fault codes7.2Interpreting J1939 faults7.3Fault prioritisation7.4Guided diagnostics for the technician7.5Remote software updates7.6Coordination with technical service7.7Reducing field visits7.8Remote diagnostics indicators7.9Success stories7.10Practical exercise: handling a DM1 fault
8.1Embedded development for telematics units8.2Programming CAN controllers8.3Cloud back-end development8.4Web application development8.5Testing with bus simulation8.6Continuous integration of software8.7Software security8.8Technical documentation of development8.9Version maintenance8.10Lab: CAN reading application in Python
9.1Attack surface of telematics9.2Attacks on the CAN bus9.3Security in J19399.4Message authentication9.5Encryption of communications9.6Device identity management9.7Applicable cybersecurity requirements9.8Penetration testing9.9Incident response9.10Case study: threat analysis of a telematics unit
10.1Telematics business models10.2Value-added services10.3Pricing and subscriptions10.4Partnerships with manufacturers10.5The rental market10.6Telematics in service contracts10.7Return on investment10.8Commercial service indicators10.9Market trends10.10Practical exercise: business plan for a telematics service
11.1Diagnosis of the existing fleet11.2Solution selection11.3Installation plan11.4User training11.5Change management11.6Integration with processes11.7Monitoring results11.8Continuous improvement of the roll-out11.9Scaling to new fleets11.10Case study: roll-out in a rental fleet
12.1Definition of the fleet12.2Analysis of networks and protocols12.3Design of the telematics architecture12.4Data integration12.5Remote diagnostics proposal12.6Cybersecurity analysis12.7Roll-out plan12.8Economic analysis of the solution12.9Thesis report12.10Master's Thesis: defence before a panel
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 the intake, so the programme can be combined with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Vector CANalyzer, SavvyCAN, python-can and Microsoft Power BI, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures for J1939 frame analysis, ISOBUS implement configuration and fleet platform integration. Assessment is continuous for each module, plus the final Master's Thesis.
Standards covered: SAE J1939, ISO 11783 (ISOBUS), ISO 11898-1, ISO 15143-3, SAE J1939-73, IEC 62443, Regulation (EU) 2023/2854.
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
- A university degree in engineering, science or architecture, or equivalent demonstrable professional experience.
- 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 1,900 hours over 12–14 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.
You work with Vector CANalyzer, SavvyCAN, python-can and Microsoft Power BI, 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 Master's Thesis. 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 in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised in the higher programme. Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.
A degree in engineering, science or architecture (or equivalent professional experience), 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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