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Master'sAerospace, UAM, Drones & Space Applications open

Master’s in Autopilot Architecture and GNC Engineering for UAS

Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in UAS autopilot architecture and GNC engineering: 12 modules covering flight dynamics, PX4 and ArduPilot architecture, state estimation, control, guidance, failure management, SITL/HITL simulation, flight testing, critical software and advanced autonomy, with an assigned technical tutor.

Duration1900 h
ModeOnline
LanguageEnglish
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute diploma
Enrol now View syllabus Ask an advisor
Virtual lab · try it before you enrol

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.

SIM · LIVE ●
Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Model the flight dynamics of UAS.

02

Understand the PX4 and ArduPilot autopilot architectures.

03

Design state estimators.

04

Design low-level controllers.

05

Implement guidance and navigation.

06

Manage failures and safety modes.

07

Validate through simulation and flight testing.

Profile

Who it's for

  • UAS GNC engineers who want to master the complete autopilot stack.
  • Autopilot developers working with PX4 or ArduPilot.
  • Control engineers moving into unmanned aircraft.
  • Embedded software engineers building flight firmware.
  • Flight test engineers who need a deeper grasp of estimation and control.
  • Autonomy researchers seeking an applied, hands-on approach.
  • Engineering or science graduates aiming to join drone operators or UAS manufacturers.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947 (rules and procedures for UAS operations)
  • Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945 (unmanned aircraft systems and third-country operators)
  • JARUS SORA (specific operations risk assessment)
  • RTCA DO-178C (airborne software)
  • ASTM F3201-16 (dependability of software used in UAS)
  • ASTM F3269-21 (run-time assurance of complex functions)
  • EUROCAE ED-280 (UAS operations safety guidance)
  • PX4
  • ArduPilot
  • Gazebo
  • MATLAB/Simulink
  • ROS 2
Syllabus

12 modules · 1900 h

  1. 1.1Six-degree-of-freedom equations of motion
  2. 1.2Multirotor modelling
  3. 1.3Fixed-wing modelling
  4. 1.4Hybrid VTOL modelling
  5. 1.5Stability derivatives
  6. 1.6Linearisation and eigenmodes
  7. 1.7Motor and propeller models
  8. 1.8Wind and turbulence effects
  9. 1.9Parameter identification
  10. 1.10Lab: dynamic model of a quadcopter
  1. 2.1Hardware components of an autopilot
  2. 2.2Pixhawk and the FMU standard
  3. 2.3PX4 software architecture
  4. 2.4ArduPilot architecture
  5. 2.5uORB and DDS middleware
  6. 2.6NuttX and ChibiOS operating systems
  7. 2.7MAVLink messaging between components
  8. 2.8Redundant autopilot architectures
  9. 2.9Certifiable autopilots for the certified category
  10. 2.10Practical exercise: analysis of the PX4 firmware architecture
  1. 3.1Low-cost flight sensors
  2. 3.2Complementary attitude filter
  3. 3.3PX4 EKF2
  4. 3.4ArduPilot EKF3
  5. 3.5GNSS and IMU fusion
  6. 3.6Fusion with vision and optical flow
  7. 3.7Sensor failure management
  8. 3.8Wind estimation
  9. 3.9Filter parameter tuning
  10. 3.10Lab: EKF innovation analysis with logs
  1. 4.1Cascaded attitude and velocity control
  2. 4.2PID control and tuning
  3. 4.3Multirotor control
  4. 4.4Fixed-wing TECS control
  5. 4.5VTOL control during transition
  6. 4.6Mixers and control allocation
  7. 4.7Adaptive control under payload changes
  8. 4.8Robust control against disturbances
  9. 4.9Saturation and anti-windup
  10. 4.10Practical exercise: tuning attitude loops in SITL
  1. 5.1Waypoint following
  2. 5.2L1 guidance for fixed-wing aircraft
  3. 5.3Trajectory tracking
  4. 5.4Route planning
  5. 5.5Obstacle avoidance
  6. 5.6Precision landing
  7. 5.7Indoor navigation
  8. 5.8Autonomous flight modes
  9. 5.9Complex missions with conditional logic
  10. 5.10Lab: L1 guidance of a fixed-wing aircraft in SITL
  1. 6.1Motor failure detection
  2. 6.2Configurable fail-safe modes
  3. 6.3Loss of link
  4. 6.4Geofencing and flight limits
  5. 6.5Flight termination
  6. 6.6Battery management
  7. 6.7Sensor health monitoring
  8. 6.8Sensor redundancy
  9. 6.9Failure analysis
  10. 6.10Case study: response to a motor failure on a hexacopter
  1. 7.1Gazebo and PX4 SITL
  2. 7.2jMAVSim and AirSim
  3. 7.3Hardware-in-the-loop
  4. 7.4Test scenarios
  5. 7.5Failure simulation
  6. 7.6Log analysis
  7. 7.7Continuous integration of the firmware
  8. 7.8Validation of changes
  9. 7.9Reproducibility of test scenarios
  10. 7.10Practical exercise: failure scenario in Gazebo
  1. 8.1On-board companion computers
  2. 8.2ROS 2 with PX4
  3. 8.3Computer vision
  4. 8.4LiDAR integration
  5. 8.5High-bandwidth communications
  6. 8.6Offboard control from a companion computer
  7. 8.7Edge computing
  8. 8.8Power management
  9. 8.9Mechanical integration and vibration isolation
  10. 8.10Lab: offboard control with ROS 2
  1. 9.1Test planning
  2. 9.2Identification tests
  3. 9.3Tuning tests
  4. 9.4Flight data analysis
  5. 9.5Risk management in testing
  6. 9.6Flight test instrumentation
  7. 9.7Performance tests
  8. 9.8Robustness tests
  9. 9.9Documentation of test results
  10. 9.10Workshop: test plan for a new autopilot
  1. 10.1Software standards for UAS
  2. 10.2DO-178C applied to autopilots
  3. 10.3Software verification
  4. 10.4Static code analysis
  5. 10.5Firmware unit testing
  6. 10.6Certified category requirements
  7. 10.7SORA and robustness
  8. 10.8Configuration management
  9. 10.9Link and firmware cybersecurity
  10. 10.10Case study: verification plan for an autopilot
  1. 11.1Autonomous mission planning
  2. 11.2Decision-making
  3. 11.3Machine learning in control
  4. 11.4Detect and avoid
  5. 11.5GNSS-denied navigation
  6. 11.6Cooperation between multiple UAS
  7. 11.7Autonomy in BVLOS
  8. 11.8Ethics and autonomy
  9. 11.9Trends in UAS autonomy
  10. 11.10Practical exercise: integrating detect and avoid in SITL
  1. 12.1Platform and mission definition
  2. 12.2Dynamic modelling of the platform
  3. 12.3Estimator design
  4. 12.4Controller design
  5. 12.5Guidance and navigation
  6. 12.6Failure management
  7. 12.7SITL simulation of the complete system
  8. 12.8Flight testing
  9. 12.9Master's Thesis: written report
  10. 12.10Master's Thesis: defence before a panel
Methodology, software & labs

How you'll learn

100% online training 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. The working software is PX4, ArduPilot, Gazebo, MATLAB/Simulink and ROS 2, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures for SITL and HITL simulations, tuning flight tests and flight log analysis. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final Master's Thesis.

Standards covered: Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947, Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945, JARUS SORA, RTCA DO-178C, ASTM F3201-16, ASTM F3269-21, EUROCAE ED-280.

Assigned technical tutor:every module ends with a deliverable that your tutor marks individually.
Standards-based learning:guided reading of Regulations (EU) 2019/947 and 2019/945, JARUS SORA and RTCA DO-178C applied to real cases, not as a theoretical annex.
Industry software:PX4, ArduPilot, Gazebo, MATLAB/Simulink and ROS 2, in free, academic or evaluation versions.
Master's Thesis with defence:A complete autopilot and GNC design for a UAS platform, validated in SITL and flight testing, 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.

Platform and mission definition
Define the UAS platform and mission and build its dynamic model.
Estimator design
Design and tune the state estimator using flight log innovation analysis.
Controllers and guidance
Design the low-level controllers and the guidance and navigation logic.
Failure management and SITL
Implement failure management and simulate the complete system in SITL.
Master's Thesis
Present the integrated autopilot and GNC design with flight test results, defended before a panel.
Career opportunities

Where this takes you

UAS GNC engineerAutopilot developerControl engineerEmbedded software engineerFlight test engineerAutonomy researcher
Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

  • A university degree in engineering, science or architecture, or equivalent demonstrable professional experience.
  • 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.

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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 PX4, ArduPilot, Gazebo, MATLAB/Simulink and ROS 2, 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 professional experience), a computer able to run the programme 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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