Postgraduate Diploma in Multispectral Signature Management (IR, Radar, Optical)
Online Postgraduate Diploma of 800 hours in Multispectral Signature Management (IR, radar, optical). 8 modules covering IEEE 686 (standardised radar definitions), ASTM E1933 (emissivity measurement with infrared imaging) and MATLAB. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
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.
What you will be able to do
Understand the concept of platform signature across the different spectral domains.
Analyse the factors that determine the optical and visual signature.
Characterise the infrared signature based on emissivity and surface temperature.
Interpret the fundamentals of radar cross section.
Evaluate the acoustic and other signatures using measurement standards.
Apply modelling and simulation tools to signature evaluation.
Integrate ethical and control criteria into signature management.
Who it's for
- Signature engineer looking to specialise in Multispectral Signature Management (IR, radar, optical).
- Applied electromagnetics engineer looking to specialise in Multispectral Signature Management (IR, radar, optical).
- Thermography specialist looking to specialise in Multispectral Signature Management (IR, radar, optical).
- Acoustics engineer looking to specialise in Multispectral Signature Management (IR, radar, optical).
- Modelling and simulation analyst looking to specialise in Multispectral Signature Management (IR, radar, optical).
- Platform programme manager looking to specialise in Multispectral Signature Management (IR, radar, optical).
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter the defence industry.
What you'll work with
- IEEE 686 (standardised radar definitions)
- ASTM E1933 (emissivity measurement with infrared imaging)
- ISO 18434-1 (thermography in machine condition monitoring)
- ISO 3744 (determination of sound power level)
- MIL-STD-461G (electromagnetic compatibility)
- CIE 15 (colorimetry)
- Common Position 2008/944/CFSP (export of military technology)
8 modules · 800 h
1.1Concept of signature and detectability1.2Visual, infrared, radar and acoustic signatures1.3Background contrast1.4Detection, recognition and identification chain1.5Johnson criteria1.6Signature management across the life cycle1.7Civil applications: wildlife and surveillance1.8Legal and ethical framework1.9NATO standards and documents1.10Workshop: signature inventory of a vehicle
2.1Visual perception and contrast2.2Colour, brightness and texture2.3Camouflage patterns2.4Paints and coatings2.5Glints and specular reflections2.6NIR and SWIR signatures2.7Ultraviolet signature in snow2.8Measurement with spectroradiometers2.9Evaluation with observers2.10Laboratory: spectral reflectance measurement
3.1Blackbody radiation and emissivity3.2Stefan-Boltzmann law3.3MWIR and LWIR bands3.4Thermal sources of the vehicle3.5Thermal contrast and diurnal cycle3.6Low-emissivity coatings3.7Passive thermal management3.8Measurement with thermal cameras3.9Modelling with signature software3.10Practical: thermal contrast calculation
4.1Radar cross section (RCS)4.2Reflection mechanisms4.3Low-observable shapes and design4.4Radar-absorbing materials4.5Frequency bands4.6Measurement in anechoic chamber4.7Electromagnetic simulation4.8Synthetic aperture radar4.9Limitations on land vehicles4.10Laboratory: RCS simulation of simple shapes
5.1Vehicle noise sources5.2Sound propagation5.3Powerpack noise reduction5.4Seismic signature5.5Electromagnetic emissions signature5.6Emissions discipline5.7Footprint and dust signature5.8Acoustic measurement5.9Correlation between signatures5.10Case study: vehicle noise reduction
6.1Scene and background models6.2Signature simulation software6.3Atmospheric propagation models6.4Probability of detection6.5Integrated multispectral evaluation6.6Field trials6.7Uncertainty in evaluation6.8Trials according to NATO standards6.9Background databases6.10Practical: multispectral evaluation of a scenario
7.1Multispectral camouflage systems7.2Adaptive coatings7.3Trade-offs with other functions7.4Cost and maintenance7.5Export control7.6International law and perfidy7.7Ethics of concealment7.8Civil applications7.9Technology trends7.10Workshop: design trade-off analysis
8.1Definition of vehicle and environment8.2Signature characterisation8.3Reduction objectives8.4Spectral measures8.5Modelling and evaluation8.6Test plan8.7Cost and trade-off analysis8.8Recommendations8.9Report and presentation8.10Final review with tutor
How you'll learn
Fully 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 makes it possible to combine the programme with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is MATLAB, CST Studio Suite, Ansys HFSS, MuSES (ThermoAnalytics), Ansys Fluent, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Trials are studied using real procedures for radar cross section measurements in an anechoic chamber, thermographic characterisation of surfaces and acoustic measurements in free field. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final integrative project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Understand the concept of platform signature across the different spectral domains.
Analyse the factors that determine the optical and visual signature.
Characterise the infrared signature based on emissivity and surface temperature.
Interpret the fundamentals of radar cross section.
Evaluate the acoustic and other signatures using measurement standards.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. No university degree required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient level of Spanish to follow technical standards documentation.
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, spread over 6 to 8 months. That is between 10 and 15 hours per week on average, compatible with a full-time job.
The programme uses MATLAB, CST Studio Suite, Ansys HFSS, MuSES (ThermoAnalytics) and Ansys Fluent. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM own diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the final integrative project. It is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are credited towards the advanced programme. Check the credit transfer policy when you enrol.
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