Diploma in ODD Definition and Operational Readiness
Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in ODD definition and operational readiness. 8 modules covering the operational design domain, ODD taxonomies and languages, real-environment characterisation, in-service ODD monitoring, readiness assessment, progressive deployment and regulation, with ISO 34503:2023, BSI PAS 1883:2020 and SAE J3016, with an assigned technical tutor.
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What you will be able to do
Understand the role of the ODD in the safety of automated systems.
Specify ODDs using standardised taxonomies.
Characterise the real operating environment and its gaps.
Design real-time ODD monitoring.
Assess operational readiness before deployment.
Plan progressive ODD expansions.
Prepare the regulatory documentation for the ODD.
Who it's for
- ODD engineers defining where automated systems may operate.
- Operations safety managers in autonomous mobility companies.
- Autonomous driving systems engineers linking capabilities to the ODD.
- Mobility geospatial analysts characterising service areas.
- Fleet deployment managers planning launches and expansions.
- Type-approval consultants preparing ODD documentation.
- Engineering or science graduates looking to enter autonomous driving companies.
What you'll work with
- ISO 34503:2023 (ODD taxonomy for automated driving systems)
- BSI PAS 1883:2020 (ODD taxonomy specification)
- SAE J3016 (levels of driving automation)
- ISO/TS 5083:2025 (safety for automated driving systems)
- UL 4600 (safety of autonomous products)
- Regulation (EU) 2022/1426 (type approval of automated driving systems)
- ISO 21448:2022 (safety of the intended functionality, SOTIF)
- UNECE R157 (Automated Lane Keeping Systems)
- QGIS
- esmini
- Python with GeoPandas
- Foretellix Foretify
- Jama Connect
8 modules
1.1Origin of the concept in SAE J30161.2ODD, COD and TOD: design, current and target1.3Relationship between ODD, scenarios and capabilities1.4The ODD as a contract between manufacturer and operator1.5Influence of the ODD on the safety case1.6ODD examples from commercial systems1.7Common mistakes when bounding the ODD1.8Interaction between ODD and regulation1.9Communicating the ODD to the user1.10Case study: comparing the ODDs of two robotaxis
2.1The BSI PAS 1883 taxonomy2.2Structure of ISO 345032.3Scenery, environment and dynamic element attributes2.4Machine-readable formats and specification languages2.5Inclusions, exclusions and conditionals2.6Granularity and level of abstraction2.7Ontologies of the road domain2.8ODD editing tools2.9Consistency between the ODD and the scenario catalogue2.10Workshop: specifying an ODD with PAS 1883
3.1Collecting data on the operating area3.2Analysis of road infrastructure and signage3.3Weather and lighting statistics3.4Traffic patterns and vulnerable road users3.5School zones, roadworks and events3.6Map quality and connectivity3.7Comparing the target ODD with the real environment3.8Capability gap analysis3.9GIS tools for the analysis3.10Practical exercise: GIS characterisation of an urban service area
4.1Detecting out-of-ODD conditions4.2Sources: sensors, maps, weather and V2X4.3Margins and anticipating ODD exit4.4Responses: degradation, transition and minimal risk4.5Managing geographical boundaries4.6Dynamic updating of restrictions4.7Logging ODD exits4.8Functional safety of the ODD monitor4.9Validating the monitor4.10Laboratory: ODD monitor with weather and map data
5.1The concept of operational readiness5.2Technical release criteria5.3Operational criteria: staff, procedures and support5.4Organisational and safety management criteria5.5Operational readiness reviews5.6Pre-deployment safety indicators5.7Internal approval and responsibilities5.8Independent assessment according to UL 46005.9Documenting the deployment decision5.10Workshop: readiness checklist for a shuttle
6.1Phased strategy: testing, pilot and commercial service6.2Safety drivers and their removal6.3Geographical and temporal expansion6.4Expansion to new weather conditions6.5Evidence required for each expansion6.6Change management and its impact on the safety case6.7Progress indicators and rollback criteria6.8Communication with authorities and the public6.9Lessons from commercial deployments6.10Case study: plan to expand the ODD to night-time driving
7.1ODD declaration under Regulation (EU) 2022/14267.2The ODD in UNECE R1577.3ISO/TS 5083 requirements7.4Zone-based operating authorisations7.5Auditing ODD compliance7.6ODD verification by the technical service7.7Operating reports to the authority7.8Differences between jurisdictions7.9Liability for operations outside the ODD7.10Practical exercise: ODD dossier for an authorisation application
8.1Selecting the system and service area8.2ODD specification8.3Characterisation of the real environment8.4ODD monitor design8.5Readiness assessment8.6Progressive deployment plan8.7Regulatory analysis8.8Deployment decision report8.9Report and presentation8.10Final project: final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
The programme is delivered 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 each intake, so it fits around your job.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. You work with QGIS, esmini, Python with GeoPandas, Foretellix Foretify and Jama Connect, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures: geospatial characterisation of the service area, validation of the ODD monitor in simulation, and operational readiness reviews. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final project.
Standards covered: ISO 34503:2023, BSI PAS 1883:2020, SAE J3016, ISO/TS 5083:2025, UL 4600, Regulation (EU) 2022/1426, ISO 21448:2022, UNECE R157.
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
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. A university degree is not required.
- 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 800 hours over 6–8 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.
You work with QGIS, esmini, Python with GeoPandas, Foretellix Foretify and Jama Connect, 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 final project. 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 are recognised in a higher programme in the same area (postgraduate diploma or master's). Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.
Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector (no university degree required), a computer able to run the 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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