Postgraduate Diploma in NB-IoT/LTE-M and Deep Coverage
Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in NB-IoT/LTE-M and Deep Coverage. 8 modules covering 3GPP TS 36.211, 3GPP TS 36.304 and Nordic nRF Connect SDK. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
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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
Compare NB-IoT and LTE-M in terms of coverage, power consumption and mobility.
Explain the NB-IoT physical layer and its repetition system.
Describe the LTE-M coverage modes and their evolution towards RedCap.
Calculate the maximum coupling loss in deep coverage scenarios.
Configure PSM and eDRX to maximise battery life.
Integrate cellular modules with lightweight protocols and DTLS security.
Plan the certification and deployment of a cellular IoT solution.
Who it's for
- Cellular IoT engineer who wants to specialise in NB-IoT/LTE-M and Deep Coverage.
- Firmware developer for connected devices who wants to specialise in NB-IoT/LTE-M and Deep Coverage.
- Mobile radio engineer who wants to specialise in NB-IoT/LTE-M and Deep Coverage.
- Device certification engineer who wants to specialise in NB-IoT/LTE-M and Deep Coverage.
- IoT solutions architect who wants to specialise in NB-IoT/LTE-M and Deep Coverage.
- Network operations engineer who wants to specialise in NB-IoT/LTE-M and Deep Coverage.
- Graduates in engineering or science looking to enter telecommunications.
What you'll work with
- 3GPP TS 36.211
- 3GPP TS 36.304
- 3GPP TS 24.301
- 3GPP TR 45.820
- GSMA TS.34
- OMA LwM2M 1.2
- ETSI EN 301 908-13
- GSMA SGP.32
8 modules · 800 h
1.1Massive IoT requirements in 3GPP1.2NB-IoT and LTE-M versus non-cellular LPWA1.3Cat-M1 and Cat-NB1/NB2 terminal categories1.4Deployment modes: in-band, guard-band and standalone1.5Integration into 5G networks1.6Coexistence with LTE and NR1.7Deployment bands and spectrum1.8Module and operator ecosystem1.9Decommissioning of 2G and 3G networks1.10Case study: choosing between NB-IoT and LTE-M
2.1Numerology and 180 kHz carrier2.2NPDCCH, NPDSCH and NPUSCH channels2.3NPSS and NSSS synchronisation signals2.4Single-tone and multi-tone transmission2.5Repetitions and coverage levels2.6NPRACH random access2.7Block sizes and data rates2.8Multi-carrier operation and paging2.9Release 14 to 17 enhancements2.10Practice: MCL calculation for NB-IoT
3.11.4 MHz narrowband3.2MPDCCH and PDSCH channels3.3Frequency hopping3.4Coverage modes CE A and CE B3.5Mobility and handovers3.6VoLTE voice support3.7Latency and data rates3.8Comparison with NB-IoT3.9Evolution towards 5G RedCap3.10Laboratory: LTE-M coverage measurement
4.1Maximum coupling loss (MCL)4.2Gain from repetitions4.3Penetration losses in basements and utility chambers4.4Propagation models for deep indoor environments4.5Coverage level selection4.6Impact of coverage on power consumption4.7Antennas for devices in difficult locations4.8RSRP, RSRQ and SINR measurements4.9Operator coverage maps4.10Workshop: coverage study for water meters
5.1Power Saving Mode (PSM)5.2Extended Discontinuous Reception (eDRX)5.3Timers T3324 and T34125.4CIoT control plane optimisation5.5Early Data Transmission (EDT)5.6Module power consumption profiles5.7Battery life estimation5.8Interaction with network configuration5.9Power consumption measurement with a power analyser5.10Practice: power consumption profile with PSM and eDRX
6.1Cellular modules and AT commands6.2SIM, eSIM and iSIM cards6.3Antenna design and certification6.4CoAP, LwM2M and MQTT-SN protocols6.5End-to-end security with DTLS6.6Remote firmware update6.7GCF and PTCRB certification6.8Approval with operators6.9Product design for mass deployment6.10Laboratory: LwM2M communication over NB-IoT
7.1Core network for cellular IoT7.2Capability exposure function (SCEF/NEF)7.3Private networks and dedicated APNs7.4IoT device roaming7.5Connectivity management and platforms7.6Field device monitoring7.7Billing and business models7.8Use cases in meters and asset tracking7.9Quality of service indicators7.10Case study: deployment of smart meters
8.1Use case requirements8.2Technology and operator selection8.3Deep coverage analysis8.4Device energy design8.5Protocol integration and security8.6Certification plan8.7Pilot test and measurements8.8Conclusions and scaling8.9Report and presentation8.10Final 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. There are no fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake period, 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 Nordic nRF Connect SDK, Qualcomm QXDM, Keysight UXM, Eclipse Leshan, Nordic Power Profiler Kit II, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Assignments are based on real procedures for coverage studies in deep indoor locations, power consumption measurements with PSM and eDRX, and pilot tests with operators. 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.
Compare NB-IoT and LTE-M in terms of coverage, power consumption and mobility.
Explain the NB-IoT physical layer and its repetition system.
Describe the LTE-M coverage modes and their evolution towards RedCap.
Calculate the maximum coupling loss in deep coverage scenarios.
Configure PSM and eDRX to maximise battery life.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. A university degree is not required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme’s software.
- A 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 comprises 800 hours in total, spread over 6 to 8 months. This is on average between 10 and 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
You will work with Nordic nRF Connect SDK, Qualcomm QXDM, Keysight UXM, Eclipse Leshan and Nordic Power Profiler Kit II. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM diploma on successful completion of continuous assessment and the integrating project. It is an in-house programme, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area can be credited towards the advanced programme. Please check the credit transfer policy when you enrol.
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