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Master’s in Mission Avionics and Systems

Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in mission avionics and systems. 12 modules covering DO-178C (airborne software), DO-254 (airborne electronic hardware) and MATLAB/Simulink, with an assigned technical tutor.

Duration12–14 months
ModeOnline
LanguageEnglish
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute diploma
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Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Define the functional and physical architecture of a mission avionics system.

02

Specify traceable requirements in line with ARP4754A.

03

Compare onboard buses and networks for different mission needs.

04

Apply the objectives of DO-178C and DO-254 to equipment development.

05

Integrate sensors, navigation and data fusion in the mission computer.

06

Assess the functional safety and cyber security of the system.

07

Plan the integration, testing and certification of avionics.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Mission avionics engineers who want to specialise in mission avionics and systems.
  • Avionics systems architects.
  • Embedded software engineers.
  • Integration and test engineers.
  • Avionics certification engineers.
  • Sensor fusion engineers.
  • Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter the aerospace industry.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • DO-178C (airborne software)
  • DO-254 (airborne electronic hardware)
  • ARP4754A (aircraft and systems development)
  • ARP4761 (safety assessment)
  • DO-160G (environmental conditions)
  • MIL-STD-1553B (data bus)
  • ARINC 653 (software partitioning)
  • DO-326A (airworthiness security)
  • MATLAB / Simulink
  • SCADE Suite
  • IBM DOORS
  • VectorCAST
  • Wireshark
Syllabus

12 modules

  1. 1.1What distinguishes mission avionics from flight avionics
  2. 1.2Federated and integrated modular architecture
  3. 1.3Typical functions of a mission system
  4. 1.4Crewed and uncrewed platforms
  5. 1.5Stakeholders and operating requirements
  6. 1.6System life cycle
  7. 1.7Applicable regulations and standards
  8. 1.8Industry terminology
  9. 1.9Civil use cases: surveillance, emergencies and inspection
  10. 1.10Workshop: defining the scope of a mission system
  1. 2.1Capturing operational requirements
  2. 2.2Functional and performance requirements
  3. 2.3Allocation to subsystems
  4. 2.4Architecture views and their notation
  5. 2.5Hardware and software partitioning
  6. 2.6Segregation criteria
  7. 2.7Resource sizing
  8. 2.8Weight, power and volume trade-offs
  9. 2.9Requirements traceability
  10. 2.10Practical: architecture of a mission system
  1. 3.1Classic avionics serial buses
  2. 3.2Deterministic switched networks
  3. 3.3Real-time protocols and profiles
  4. 3.4Latency, jitter and bandwidth
  5. 3.5Network redundancy
  6. 3.6Segregation of critical and non-critical traffic
  7. 3.7Gateways and protocol conversion
  8. 3.8Network diagnostics
  9. 3.9Onboard network security
  10. 3.10Practical: designing a system network
  1. 4.1Embedded computing platform
  2. 4.2Real-time operating systems
  3. 4.3Time and space partitioning
  4. 4.4Hypervisors and their use
  5. 4.5Common interfaces and services
  6. 4.6Memory and fault management
  7. 4.7Development tools
  8. 4.8Airborne software standards
  9. 4.9Reuse and obsolescence
  10. 4.10Practical: specifying a mission computer
  1. 5.1Optical and infrared sensors
  2. 5.2Radar and its modes
  3. 5.3Position and navigation sensors
  4. 5.4Line-of-sight stabilisation
  5. 5.5Payload interfaces
  6. 5.6Time synchronisation of data
  7. 5.7Data quality and metadata
  8. 5.8Power and cooling management
  9. 5.9Mechanical and aerodynamic integration
  10. 5.10Practical: integrating a payload
  1. 6.1Inertial systems and their drift
  2. 6.2Satellite navigation receivers
  3. 6.3Inertial and satellite integration
  4. 6.4Navigation in degraded environments
  5. 6.5Altimetry and terrain references
  6. 6.6Time and synchronisation
  7. 6.7Integrity of the navigation solution
  8. 6.8Monitoring and alerts
  9. 6.9Navigation data recording
  10. 6.10Practical: designing the navigation chain
  1. 7.1Levels of data fusion
  2. 7.2Target and track tracking
  3. 7.3Cross-sensor correlation
  4. 7.4Managing uncertainty
  5. 7.5Automation and decision support
  6. 7.6Mission planning and re-planning
  7. 7.7Onboard resource management
  8. 7.8Interface with the control centre
  9. 7.9Limits of automation
  10. 7.10Practical: a two-sensor fusion chain
  1. 8.1Display design and symbology
  2. 8.2Operator workload
  3. 8.3Alerts, warnings and their hierarchy
  4. 8.4Controls and their ergonomics
  5. 8.5Operating modes and transitions
  6. 8.6Situational awareness
  7. 8.7Human error and its prevention
  8. 8.8User evaluation
  9. 8.9Human factors regulations
  10. 8.10Practical: designing and evaluating a display
  1. 9.1Data links and their architecture
  2. 9.2Bandwidth and latency
  3. 9.3Antennas and coverage
  4. 9.4Spectrum management and licensing
  5. 9.5Encryption and authentication
  6. 9.6Link loss and degraded modes
  7. 9.7Relay and onboard storage
  8. 9.8Interoperability between systems
  9. 9.9Satellite communications
  10. 9.10Practical: designing a system data link
  1. 10.1Hazard and risk analysis
  2. 10.2Design assurance levels
  3. 10.3Airborne software and hardware processes
  4. 10.4Certification evidence
  5. 10.5Aviation cyber security and its framework
  6. 10.6Vulnerability management
  7. 10.7Secure software updates
  8. 10.8Domain segregation
  9. 10.9Audit and traceability
  10. 10.10Practical: a system safety plan
  1. 11.1Integration rigs and laboratories
  2. 11.2Sensor and scenario simulation
  3. 11.3Ground and flight testing
  4. 11.4Test instrumentation
  5. 11.5Non-conformity management
  6. 11.6Certification documentation
  7. 11.7Working with the authority
  8. 11.8Entry into service
  9. 11.9Maintaining the certificate
  10. 11.10Practical: an integration test plan
  1. 12.1Organising an avionics programme
  2. 12.2Planning and milestones
  3. 12.3Supplier management
  4. 12.4Configuration control
  5. 12.5Obsolescence across the life cycle
  6. 12.6Development and production costs
  7. 12.7In-service support and upgrades
  8. 12.8Programme risks and their management
  9. 12.9Documented real-world cases
  10. 12.10Master's Thesis: specification and plan for a mission system
Methodology, software & labs

How you'll learn

100% online study 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 the programme can be combined with full-time work.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standards and applied exercises, and ends with a deliverable that your tutor marks individually. You work with MATLAB/Simulink, SCADE Suite, IBM DOORS, VectorCAST and Wireshark in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real avionics integration-rig procedures, environmental equipment testing and hardware-in-the-loop simulation. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final Master's Thesis with a defence before a panel.

Standards covered: DO-178C (airborne software), DO-254 (airborne electronic hardware), ARP4754A (development of civil aircraft and systems), ARP4761 (safety assessment), DO-160G (environmental conditions for airborne equipment), MIL-STD-1553B (data bus), ARINC 653 (software partitioning) and DO-326A (airworthiness security).

Assigned technical tutor:every module ends with a deliverable that your tutor marks individually.
Standards-based learning:guided reading of DO-178C, DO-254 and ARP4754A applied to real cases, not as a theoretical annex.
Industry software:MATLAB/Simulink, SCADE Suite, IBM DOORS, VectorCAST and Wireshark, in free, academic or evaluation versions.
Master's Thesis with defence:a complete specification and programme plan for a mission system, defended before a panel.
Flexible format:100% online, no fixed timetables, compatible with full-time work.
Capstone project

Build it end to end

Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.

Mission system scope definition
Define the scope, stakeholders and operating requirements of a civil mission system (surveillance, emergencies or inspection).
Mission system architecture
Design the functional and physical architecture with hardware/software partitioning and requirements traceability.
Two-sensor fusion chain
Build and evaluate a data-fusion chain combining two sensors, managing uncertainty and latency.
Integration test plan
Prepare the integration and testing plan for the rig, including instrumentation and non-conformity management.
Master's Thesis
Full specification and programme plan for a mission system, defended before a panel.
Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Mission avionics engineerAvionics systems architectEmbedded software engineerIntegration and test engineerAvionics certification engineerSensor fusion engineer
Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

  • A university degree in engineering, science or architecture, or equivalent demonstrable professional experience.
  • An internet connection and a computer able to run 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.

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FAQ

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 MATLAB/Simulink, SCADE Suite, IBM DOORS, VectorCAST and Wireshark, 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 university degree in engineering, science or architecture, or equivalent demonstrable professional experience; an internet connection and a computer able to run the programme software; and enough English 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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