Course in Ethics in Reconnaissance UAVs
Online course of 300 h in ethics in reconnaissance UAVs. 6 modules with Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947 (UAS operations), STANAG 4586 (UAV systems interoperability) and QGroundControl. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
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What you will be able to do
Describe reconnaissance UAVs and their information cycle.
Analyse the privacy risks associated with aerial reconnaissance.
Explain the ethical and legal relationship between reconnaissance and action.
Evaluate human factors and operator well-being.
Apply governance criteria to the export of UAVs.
Identify safeguards against confirmation bias in analysis.
Develop the design of a responsible reconnaissance operation.
Who it's for
- Imagery intelligence analyst wishing to specialise in Ethics in Reconnaissance UAVs.
- Human factors specialist wishing to specialise in Ethics in Reconnaissance UAVs.
- Operational legal adviser wishing to specialise in Ethics in Reconnaissance UAVs.
- Export control technician wishing to specialise in Ethics in Reconnaissance UAVs.
- Researcher in military ethics wishing to specialise in Ethics in Reconnaissance UAVs.
- Unmanned systems consultant wishing to specialise in Ethics in Reconnaissance UAVs.
- Graduates in engineering or science seeking to enter the defence public administration.
What you'll work with
- Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947 (UAS operations)
- STANAG 4586 (UAV systems interoperability)
- Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions, Art. 57
- Council Common Position 2008/944/CFSP (export of military technology)
- Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR)
- Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (GDPR)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1NATO classification of UAS by weight and range1.2Payloads: EO/IR, SAR and SIGINT1.3Data links and relay1.4Autonomy, range and persistence1.5STANAG 4586 and interoperability1.6Real-time image exploitation1.7Civil uses: borders, rescue and wildfires1.8European reconnaissance UAS programmes1.9Reconnaissance and the target selection chain1.10Workshop: comparison of reconnaissance platforms
2.1Incidental capture of persons2.2GDPR and UAS operations2.3Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947 and privacy2.4Border surveillance and migrants' rights2.5Police use of drones2.6Persistence and tracking of patterns of life2.7Data minimisation and obfuscation2.8Retention and access to recordings2.9Independent oversight2.10Case study: border surveillance with UAS
3.1Intelligence as the basis for lethal decisions3.2Identification and interpretation errors3.3Signature-based strikes3.4Civilian harm arising from intelligence errors3.5The Kabul strike of August 20213.6Precautions in attack and verification3.7Confirmation bias in analysts3.8Records and accountability3.9Investigation of incidents involving civilian victims3.10Practice: analysis of the error chain in a real case
4.1Work of remote operators4.2Moral injury and post-traumatic stress4.3Fatigue and extended shifts4.4Physical distance and moral proximity4.5Interfaces and cognitive load4.6Ethics training for operators4.7Psychological support4.8Organisational culture4.9Operator testimonies4.10Workshop: designing an operator support programme
5.1Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR)5.2Wassenaar Arrangement and UAS5.3Proliferation of UAS in recent conflicts5.4Export to countries at risk of abuse5.5Transparency on drone programmes5.6Parliamentary oversight5.7Reviews of new capabilities5.8International principles on armed drones5.9Standards for responsible use5.10Case study: a UAS export application
6.1Definition of the mission and the UAS6.2Analysis of payloads and data6.3Privacy assessment6.4Intelligence verification protocol6.5Operator support plan6.6Legal and export analysis6.7Accountability indicators6.8Final ethical assessment6.9Report and presentation6.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100 % online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetable: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which allows them to combine it with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is QGroundControl, QGIS, NVivo, advanced Excel, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Case work draws on real procedures: case studies of aerial reconnaissance, analysis of human factors in operators, and assessment of UAV exports. Assessment is continuous, module by module, plus the final integrating project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Describe reconnaissance UAVs and their information cycle.
Analyse the privacy risks associated with aerial reconnaissance.
Explain the ethical and legal relationship between reconnaissance and action.
Evaluate human factors and operator well-being.
Apply governance criteria to the export of UAVs.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior qualification is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient level of Spanish to follow technical regulatory reading.
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 a week, compatible with full-time work.
You will work with QGroundControl, QGIS, NVivo, advanced Excel. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM diploma awarded upon passing continuous assessment and the integrating project. This is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed on a course or Postgraduate Diploma in the same area are recognised in the higher programme. Check the recognition policy when enrolling.
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