Tactical Mobility Academic Engineering Course
Online 300-hour course in tactical mobility academic engineering. 6 modules covering EN 1997 (Eurocode 7: geotechnical design), ASTM D2487 (Unified Soil Classification System) and QGIS. Dedicated tutor and open enrolment.
Tactical Mobility Academic Engineering Course — 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 12 000 (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.
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 factors that determine the mobility of vehicles over terrain.
Classify soils and estimate their bearing capacity.
Design tracks, trails and platforms using technical criteria.
Analyse solutions for crossing structures and watercourse crossings.
Select appropriate machinery and construction methods.
Use GIS to assess ground trafficability.
Prepare an academic project to improve mobility.
Who it's for
- Geotechnical engineer who wishes to specialise in Tactical Mobility Academic Engineering.
- Civil and public works engineer who wishes to specialise in Tactical Mobility Academic Engineering.
- GIS technician who wishes to specialise in Tactical Mobility Academic Engineering.
- Road infrastructure engineer who wishes to specialise in Tactical Mobility Academic Engineering.
- Earthworks site manager who wishes to specialise in Tactical Mobility Academic Engineering.
- Emergency infrastructure planner who wishes to specialise in Tactical Mobility Academic Engineering.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter civil works.
What you'll work with
- In 1997 (Eurocode 7: Geotechnical Design)
- ASTM D2487 (Unified Soil Classification System)
- EN 13286-47 (CBR Index)
- PG-3 (General Technical Specifications for Road Works)
- Instruction 6.1-IC (Pavement Sections)
- ASTM D6951 (Dynamic Cone Penetrometer)
- AASHTO M 145 (Soil Classification for Highways)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1What determines whether terrain is trafficable1.2Mobility of wheeled and tracked vehicles1.3Ground pressure and load distribution1.4Classification of routes and obstacles1.5Terrain reconnaissance and information sources1.6Cartography, digital models and remote sensing1.7Seasonality, rain and frost1.8Applied road engineering vocabulary1.9Trafficability indicators1.10Exercise: classify a route from data
2.1Soil identification and classification2.2Moisture, density and compaction2.3Field tests: penetrometer and plate load test2.4Cone index and its interpretation2.5Bearing capacity of natural ground2.6Problematic soils: expansive clays and sands2.7Drainage and its influence on bearing capacity2.8Slope and cutting stability2.9In situ soil improvement2.10Practice: assess the bearing capacity of a section
3.1Geometric design of tracks3.2Standard cross-sections and pavement thicknesses3.3Granular materials and stabilisation3.4Geosynthetics: geotextiles and geogrids3.5Modular surfaces and running mats3.6Longitudinal and transverse drainage3.7Water crossings and drainage structures3.8Platforms for machinery and helipads3.9Maintenance and repair of tracks3.10Practice: design a pavement for a given traffic load
4.1Typology of temporary crossing structures4.2Modular bridges and their design4.3Load classification of existing bridges4.4Assessment of a bridge before use4.5Temporary reinforcement of structures4.6Fords and water-level crossings4.7Railway and utility crossings4.8Signage and crossing control4.9Inspection and maintenance of the structure4.10Practice: assess the capacity of a bridge
5.1Planning of works and resources5.2Earthmoving machinery and its output5.3Calculation of production rates and timescales5.4Compaction and control equipment5.5Surveying, setting out and construction control5.6Health and safety on temporary works5.7Environmental management of the works5.8Quality control and acceptance testing5.9Reinstatement at the end of use5.10Practice: work plan for a track
6.1Choice of route and expected loads6.2Reconnaissance and characterisation of the ground6.3Trafficability classification6.4Design of tracks and platforms6.5Design of crossing structures and drainage6.6Work plan, machinery and timescales6.7Quality control and testing6.8Maintenance and reinstatement plan6.9Technical report6.10Project defence
How you'll learn
Fully 100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and a dedicated 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 QGIS, Autodesk Civil 3D, PLAXIS, NATO Reference Mobility Model (NRMM), in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real field geotechnical investigation procedures, laboratory soil testing and dynamic penetration tests on tracks. Assessment is continuous, module by module, plus the final capstone project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Explain the factors that determine the mobility of vehicles over terrain.
Classify soils and estimate their bearing capacity.
Design tracks, trails and platforms using technical criteria.
Analyse solutions for crossing structures and watercourse crossings.
Select appropriate machinery and construction methods.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior degree is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme’s software.
- A 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 300 hours, spread over 3 to 5 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with full-time work.
The course uses QGIS, Autodesk Civil 3D, PLAXIS, NATO Reference Mobility Model (NRMM). Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
An own diploma from SEIUM upon passing the continuous assessment and the capstone project. It 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 higher programme. Please check the recognition policy when you enrol.
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