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Postgraduate DiplomaAerospace, UAM, Drones & Space Applications open

UAS CNG Diploma: Guiding, Navigation and Control

Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in UAS guidance, navigation and control (GNC). 8 modules covering dynamic modelling, inertial navigation, state estimation, flight control, guidance and planning, perception and GNC verification under RTCA DO-178C, RTCA DO-229E and SAE ARP4754A, with an assigned technical tutor.

Duration6–8 months
ModeOnline
LanguageEnglish
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute diploma
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Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Model the dynamics of unmanned aerial vehicles.

02

Design inertial navigation systems integrated with GNSS.

03

Implement state estimators based on Kalman filters.

04

Design linear and non-linear flight controllers.

05

Plan trajectories and guidance algorithms.

06

Integrate perception into the navigation and control loop.

07

Verify GNC systems through Monte Carlo and HIL simulation.

Profile

Who it's for

  • GNC engineers.
  • Inertial navigation engineers.
  • Flight control engineers.
  • Estimation and sensor fusion engineers.
  • Aerial robotics engineers.
  • Flight software verification engineers.
  • Engineering or science graduates looking to join drone manufacturers.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • RTCA DO-178C (airborne software)
  • RTCA DO-229E (GPS/SBAS airborne equipment performance)
  • SAE ARP4754A (development of civil aircraft and systems)
  • IEEE 952 (gyroscopes)
  • IEEE 1554 (inertial sensor test practice)
  • ASTM F3269 (run-time assurance of complex functions in UAS)
  • Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945 (unmanned aircraft systems and third-country operators)
  • RTCA DO-316 (Remote ID and tracking: minimum operational performance standards)
  • MATLAB/Simulink
  • Python (NumPy, SciPy)
  • ROS 2
  • Gazebo
  • CasADi
Syllabus

8 modules

  1. 1.1Reference frames and transformations
  2. 1.2Attitude kinematics: Euler angles and quaternions
  3. 1.3Rigid-body dynamics
  4. 1.4Multirotor and fixed-wing models
  5. 1.5Atmosphere and wind
  6. 1.6Linearisation and state space
  7. 1.7Controllability and observability
  8. 1.8GNC architecture of a UAS
  9. 1.9Accuracy requirements
  10. 1.10Case study: non-linear model of a quadcopter
  1. 2.1Navigation equations
  2. 2.2MEMS sensor errors
  3. 2.3Mechanisation in the NED frame
  4. 2.4Initial alignment
  5. 2.5Error propagation
  6. 2.6Allan variance
  7. 2.7GNSS/INS integration
  8. 2.8Loose and tight coupling
  9. 2.9GNSS-denied navigation
  10. 2.10Lab: Allan variance of an IMU
  1. 3.1Linear Kalman filter
  2. 3.2Extended Kalman filter
  3. 3.3Unscented Kalman filter (UKF)
  4. 3.4Complementary filter
  5. 3.5Attitude estimation with AHRS
  6. 3.6Error-state filter
  7. 3.7Covariance tuning
  8. 3.8Fault detection through innovations
  9. 3.9Wind estimation
  10. 3.10Practical exercise: attitude EKF with real data
  1. 4.1Cascaded PID control
  2. 4.2LQR control
  3. 4.3Sliding mode control
  4. 4.4Adaptive control
  5. 4.5Geometric control on SO(3)
  6. 4.6Model predictive control (MPC)
  7. 4.7Disturbance rejection
  8. 4.8Robustness and margins
  9. 4.9Control allocation with saturation
  10. 4.10Lab: LQR for quadcopter stabilisation
  1. 5.1Waypoint guidance
  2. 5.2Trajectory tracking
  3. 5.3Pure pursuit and L1 guidance
  4. 5.4Planning with A* and RRT
  5. 5.5Minimum-snap trajectories
  6. 5.6Reactive obstacle avoidance
  7. 5.7Potential fields
  8. 5.8Planning with dynamic constraints
  9. 5.9Real-time replanning
  10. 5.10Practical exercise: minimum-snap trajectory between waypoints
  1. 6.1Visual odometry
  2. 6.2Visual-inertial SLAM
  3. 6.3LiDAR and occupancy maps
  4. 6.4Radar altitude estimation
  5. 6.5Precision landing with markers
  6. 6.6Camera–IMU calibration
  7. 6.7Latency and synchronisation
  8. 6.8Perception failures
  9. 6.9Integration into the control loop
  10. 6.10Workshop: landing on an ArUco marker in simulation
  1. 7.1Monte Carlo simulation
  2. 7.2Sensitivity analysis
  3. 7.3Model-in-the-loop and software-in-the-loop
  4. 7.4Hardware-in-the-loop
  5. 7.5Instrumented flight tests
  6. 7.6Safe operating envelope
  7. 7.7Formal verification of controllers
  8. 7.8Applicable certification requirements
  9. 7.9Software configuration management
  10. 7.10Case study: Monte Carlo campaign for an automatic landing
  1. 8.1Vehicle definition and requirements
  2. 8.2Dynamic model
  3. 8.3Estimator design
  4. 8.4Controller design
  5. 8.5Guidance design
  6. 8.6Integrated simulation
  7. 8.7Monte Carlo validation
  8. 8.8Results report
  9. 8.9Report and presentation
  10. 8.10Final project: final review with the tutor
Methodology, software & labs

How you'll learn

100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within the intake, so the programme fits around your job.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standards and applied exercises. The working software is MATLAB/Simulink, Python (NumPy, SciPy), ROS 2, Gazebo and CasADi, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Exercises are based on real procedures: complete design of a GNC system in simulation, state estimation with real IMU and GNSS data and Monte Carlo verification campaigns. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final integrative project.

Standards covered: RTCA DO-178C, RTCA DO-229E, SAE ARP4754A, IEEE 952, IEEE 1554, ASTM F3269, Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945, RTCA DO-316.

Assigned technical tutor:every module ends with a deliverable that your tutor marks individually.
Standards-based learning:guided reading of RTCA DO-178C, RTCA DO-229E and SAE ARP4754A applied to real cases, not as a theoretical annex.
Industry software:MATLAB/Simulink, Python (NumPy, SciPy), ROS 2, Gazebo and CasADi, in free, academic or evaluation versions.
Final project:A UAS GNC project, from vehicle requirements and dynamic model to estimator, controller and guidance design, integrated simulation and Monte Carlo validation, reviewed by your tutor.
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.

Requirements and dynamic model
Define the vehicle and its requirements and build its dynamic model.
Estimator design
Design the state estimator for the navigation system.
Controller and guidance design
Design the flight controller and the guidance algorithm.
Integrated simulation and validation
Run the integrated simulation and validate it with a Monte Carlo campaign.
Final project
A UAS GNC project, from vehicle requirements and dynamic model to estimator, controller and guidance design, integrated simulation and Monte Carlo validation, reviewed by your tutor.
Career opportunities

Where this takes you

GNC engineerInertial navigation engineerFlight control engineerEstimation and sensor fusion engineerAerial robotics engineerFlight software verification engineer
Admissions & scholarships

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.

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FAQ

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 MATLAB/Simulink, Python (NumPy, SciPy), ROS 2, Gazebo and CasADi, 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 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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