Course on the Use of Drones in Nuclear Inspections
Online course of 300 h in the Use of Drones in Nuclear Inspections. 6 modules covering Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947 (UAS operations), Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945 (unmanned aircraft systems) and DJI Terra. Dedicated tutor and enrolment open.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this programme. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Describe the types of drones and payloads used for inspection.
Apply the European UAS operating framework to missions at facilities.
Prepare a SORA risk assessment.
Select visual, thermal and radiological sensors for inspection.
Process aerial data to produce radiological maps.
Integrate radiation protection criteria into flight planning.
Design a drone inspection campaign for an academic case.
Who it's for
- Drone pilot for industrial inspection looking to specialise in the Use of Drones in Nuclear Inspections.
- Nuclear inspection engineer looking to specialise in the Use of Drones in Nuclear Inspections.
- Radiological mapping technician looking to specialise in the Use of Drones in Nuclear Inspections.
- UAS operator in the specific category looking to specialise in the Use of Drones in Nuclear Inspections.
- Geospatial data analyst looking to specialise in the Use of Drones in Nuclear Inspections.
- Radiation protection technician looking to specialise in the Use of Drones in Nuclear Inspections.
- Engineering or science graduates looking to move into the nuclear industry.
What you'll work with
- Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947 (UAS operations)
- Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945 (unmanned aircraft systems)
- ISO 21384-3 (UAS operational procedures)
- EASA SORA (specific operations risk assessment)
- IAEA GSR Part 3 (radiation protection)
- IEC 62327 (portable radionuclide identification instruments)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1UAS types: multirotor, fixed-wing and VTOL1.2Caged drones for confined spaces1.3Endurance, payload and flight time1.4GNSS-denied indoor navigation1.5Radiation effects on on-board electronics1.6Electromagnetic compatibility on site1.7Drone decontamination after flight1.8Facility physical security requirements1.9Platform selection criteria1.10Case study: a drone for containment inspection
2.1Lightweight CZT, NaI and CsI(Tl) detectors2.2Gamma cameras and Compton cameras2.3In-flight gamma spectrometry2.4Altitude and air attenuation correction2.5Neutron detection without helium-32.6Dose rate and surface contamination2.7Fusion of radiological and position data2.8Generating radiation maps2.9Uncertainty and detection limits2.10Lab: altitude correction of gamma data
3.1High-resolution cameras and optical zoom3.2Thermography of electrical equipment and leaks3.3Photogrammetry and 3D models3.4LiDAR for structures and buildings3.5Inspection of stacks and cooling towers3.6Inspection of containment domes3.7Crack detection with machine vision3.8Contact ultrasonic testing from a drone3.9Inspection data management and reporting3.10Practice: photogrammetric model of a cooling tower
4.1Regulation (EU) 2019/947 and operating categories4.2SORA assessment for the specific category4.3Airspace restrictions over power plants4.4Licensee authorisation and the national regulator's role4.5Radiation protection of the flight crew4.6Emergency procedures and loss of link4.7Data link cybersecurity4.8Counter-drone systems at nuclear facilities4.9Configuration management and maintenance4.10Workshop: preparing a SORA analysis
5.1Drones after the Fukushima accident5.2Radiological mapping at Chernobyl5.3Characterisation during decommissioning5.4Inspection of spent fuel stores5.5Environmental monitoring in emergencies5.6Monitoring of uranium mines and tailings5.7Response to urban radiological incidents5.8Swarms for large-area mapping5.9Limitations and lessons learned5.10Case study: mapping an exclusion zone
6.1Defining the inspection objective6.2Site and risk analysis6.3Platform and sensor selection6.4Mission and route planning6.5SORA analysis and authorisations6.6Radiation protection procedure6.7Data processing plan6.8Cost and benefit estimate6.9Report and presentation6.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable materials, recorded classes and a dedicated technical tutor. No fixed timetable: students progress at their own pace within the intake period, making it easy to combine with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standards and applied exercises. The software used is DJI Terra, Pix4D, QGIS, ArduPilot Mission Planner, Python (NumPy), in free, academic or trial versions. Testing is studied through real procedures from visual inspection flights and thermal, aerial radiological mapping with calibration sources, UAS operations risk assessment. Assessment is continuous for each module, plus a final capstone project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Describe the types of drones and payloads used for inspection.
Apply the European UAS operating framework to missions at facilities.
Prepare a SORA risk assessment.
Select visual, thermal and radiological sensors for inspection.
Process aerial data to produce radiological maps.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No previous qualification is required.
- An internet connection and a computer able to run the programme software.
- A level of 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 300 hours spread over 3 to 5 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
You will work with DJI Terra, Pix4D, QGIS, ArduPilot Mission Planner, Python (NumPy). Free, academic or trial versions are used, and your tutor will point out a free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM Institute diploma, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the capstone project. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state-accredited degree.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised in the higher programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
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