Defence Systems Engineering Technology Program

Niagara College Schools Technology Program Defence Systems Engineering Technology

About this program

Credential Awarded: 3 Year Advanced Diploma
Campus: Welland
Code: 0749 P0749
Delivery Length: 3 Years

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Who are you?

I am a domestic applicant. *
I am an international applicant.

Your education at Niagara College begins with your application. We're here to help make the process easy!

Carefully read the Admission Requirements tab to make sure you meet the program requirements.
Check the Availability tab to see whether or not the program is accepting applications, and what start dates are available.
Complete an application online through ontariocolleges.ca.
Our Admissions Office will acknowledge your application has been received and will provide you with your NC Student ID number and details on your next steps.

Your education at Niagara College begins with your application. We're here to help make the process easy!

Carefully read the Admission Requirements tab to make sure you meet the program requirements. Official, translated high school and/or post-secondary transcripts, proof of graduation and proof of English proficiency will be required.
Check the Availability tab to see whether or not the program is accepting International applications, and what start dates are available.
For next steps in the application process please visit international.niagaracollege.ca/how-to-apply/.
Complete an application online through our Online Application Form.
Niagara College will send you or your agent a confirmation of receipt via email within 48 hours of receiving your application.

* Domestic applicants include Canadian citizens, permanent residents and Convention refugees.

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Overview

Do you want a chance to design and build robotic and autonomous systems – drones for air, land and sea? Imagine developing a real-world prototype used for search and rescue missions, public safety operations, and national monitoring – supporting communities and contributing to Canada’s security, sovereignty, and partnerships abroad.

Maybe you prefer to work on cutting-edge defence and marine robotic systems, building drones that assist emergency services, support public safety, and help protect people. Staying on the edge of technology has never been more important. Autonomous drones now operate in the air, on land, and underwater. Once science fiction, these technologies are now essential.
From aerospace, advanced manufacturing and environmental imaging to civil defence, public safety, and healthcare, the application of advanced sensing, robotics, and electro-optical technologies power systems that keep our world moving and into the future. The world needs skilled technologists like you. Start building what comes next at NC’s Drone Factory – The sky is not your limit.

Highlights

Hands-on experiential learning building and flying drones, terrestrial rovers, and submersible robots in cutting-edge labs.
Expert instruction to build payloads and flight systems including GPS, cameras, sensors and Lidar.
Design, model, make and build in our drone factory: 3D modelling, 3D printing, laser-cutting, soldering, and fabrication.
Gain advanced skills in mechanical, electronic, and photonic (optic, laser) systems, built on over 25 years of NC’s leadership in photonics education.
Opportunities to participate in applied industrial research.
Final program year includes learning about counter-drone technologies and participation in industry-ready project, providing extensive applied learning opportunities and putting graduates in high demand.

Career Opportunities

Aerospace manufacturing industry
Defence sector
Marine robotics sector
Public safety and emergency services
Agriculture and entertainment sectors
Electro-optical technologist
Mechatronic technologist
LiDAR technologist
Automated optical inspection and quality systems
Drone systems and operations

Learn more about Defence Systems Engineering Technology:

Drone safety – drone safety
Military use of drones, 3D printers to counter improvised explosive threats – www.cbc.ca
Drones in the Canadian Arctic – national aerial surveillance program
NATO Counter-drone technology – NATO Counter-drone technology
Forest fire-fighting with drones – forestnet.com

Courses

Term one (2026 Fall)
Code	Course Name	Credits
CAPT1111	Digital Literacy for Learning and Technology	5
COMM1120	Introduction to Writing and Communicating in the Workplace	3
DSET1100	Integrated Systems for Robotic Drone Technology I	6
MATH1134	Mathematics I for the School of Technology Studies	4
MECH1228	Measurement, Dimensioning and Tolerancing	3
Elective Information
Completion of additional General Education elective 1 course required

Term two (2027 Winter)
Code	Course Name	Credits
CAPT1214	Computer Aided Design	3
COMM1430	Technical Communications	3
DSET1200	Integrated Systems for Robotic Drone Technology II	6
MATH1231	Mathematics II for Technicians and Technologists	4
PHTN1232	Optical Systems and Laser Technology	6
Elective Information
Completion of additional General Education elective 1 course required

Term three (2027 Fall)
Code	Course Name	Credits
CAPT1315	Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing	3
COMM1308	Understanding Society: Communication Model	3
DSET1300	Integrated Systems for Robotic Drone Technology III	6
DSET1323	Wireless Communications Technology	5
MATH1332	Mathematics III for Technology	3
PHTN1334	Fibre Optic Applications	5

Term four (2028 Winter)
Code	Course Name	Credits
CYBR1401	Cybersecurity Concepts and Practices	4
DSET1400	Defence Technology Manufacturing Project	6
MATH1436	Mathematics IV for Systems Engineering Technology	3
PHTN1305	Optical Test and Measure	4
TECH1400	Professional Practices and Ethics for Defence Technology	3
TECH1401	Quality and Manufacturing Practices	5

Term five (2028 Fall)
Code	Course Name	Credits
DSET1500	Integrated Design Technology: Capstone Project I	6
DSET1506	Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Technologies	6
DSET1530	Control Systems Technology for Defence Applications	6
TECH1102	Project Management	3
TECH1539	Society and Technology: Global Challenges	3

Term six (2029 Winter)
Code	Course Name	Credits
CYBR1625	Mobile and Wireless Security	4
DSET1600	Integrated Design Technology: Capstone Project II	6
DSET1610	Imaging and Countermeasure Technologies	5
DSET1631	Autonomous and Unmanned Systems	5

Learning Outcomes Term: 1264

Design, build, integrate and qualify mechatronic systems to enhance overall performance that meet defined requirements.
Design, develop, integrate, and validate photonic subsystems to optimize overall system performance.
Assemble, integrate and verify electronic subsystems and sensors into complex systems to ensure functional performance and enhance operational requirements.
Design, fabricate and test mechanical components to optimize performance, ensure proper system integration, and meet engineering requirements.
Follow health, safety, legal, and regulatory requirements to ensure safe operations and compliance during all technical activities.
Execute fabrication and manufacturing processes to achieve required specifications, ensure process consistency, and maintain compliance with applicable standards.
Develop and validate technical drawings and documentation for mechanical, electronic, and photonic subsystems to ensure design accuracy, manufacturability, and system integration.
Collect, analyze, and interpret data to support decisions in the design, testing, and troubleshooting of technical solutions.
Collaborate within multidisciplinary teams to achieve project objectives and meet technical deliverables.
Diagnose system faults and analyze performance and quality-control data to implement corrective actions that enhance system reliability and operational effectiveness.
Develop and apply strategies for ongoing professional development to enhance personal work performance and maintain currency in defence and civilian sectors.
Evaluate the ethical and sustainability implications of design and manufacturing activities to guide responsible decisions that reduce environmental impact and promote social responsibility.
Analyze and implement cybersecurity measures to protect digital data and communication systems in complex defence and civilian operational environments.

Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent including the following required course(s):

English – any Grade 12 (C) or (U), or equivalent
Mathematics – any Grade 12 (C) or (U), or equivalent

Recommended Courses and/or Skills:

These courses and skills may help you succeed academically in this program, but they are not required for admission.

Physics – Grade 11 (U) or Grade 12 (C) or (U)

Selection and Ranking

Applications are evaluated based on the published admission requirements. When the applicant provides proof of meeting the requirements, an offer of admission can be issued, provided space is available in the program.

Learn more about admission decisions.

Program Requirements

Computer/Technology Requirements

Required Minimum:

Workstation grade laptop system running an updated 64-bit Microsoft® Windows® 11 operating system.
512GB SSD storage
16 GB RAM
4 GB GPU and DirectX 11 compliant.
Wireless network adapter (Integrated or Peripheral).
Video camera, microphone and speaker system (Integrated or Peripheral).
Reliable internet connectivity with Broadband capabilities (a minimum download speed of 5 Mbps) is recommended.
Intel Core Ultra 5

Recommended:

Professional/Workstation grade laptop system running an updated 64-bit Microsoft® Windows® 11 operating system.
1TB SSD storage
32 GB RAM
8 GB GPU and DirectX 11 compliant.
Display Resolution: 3840 x 2160 (4K); Preferred scaling: 100%, 125%, 150% or 200%
Intel Core Ultra 7

Niagara College will not be able to provide support for systems different than the above specifications. Any provided software may not operate properly. Academic software for your courses (supported under the Microsoft Windows 11 operating system) will be made available for download and remote use.

Note: There is no support for Chromebooks or Apple products for this program.

All costs associated with program requirements are the responsibility of the student.

Availability

Domestic Applicants Apply

International Applicants Apply

Legendfor intake status table

Open

Accepting applications

Waitlisted

Eligible applications will be placed on a waiting list

Closed

Not accepting applications

Suspended

No longer offered this term

The College reserves the right to cancel or make changes to any course or program, fee, procedure, or campus location at any time.

Tuition

The below is a tuition fees estimate ( what's this?) for the indicated start term. Tuition fees are set in accordance with the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities fee guidelines.

Year: 2025-2026

Start Term: Fall

Expand each level below for a fee breakdown.

Year 1

Level one $3,077.69

Fee Breakdown for Level one
Fee Type	Fee Cost
Tuition	$1,357.49
Ancillary Fees	$1,269.20
Material Fees	$451.00
Level one Total	$3,077.69

Level two $2,296.69

Fee Breakdown for Level two
Fee Type	Fee Cost
Tuition	$1,357.49
Ancillary Fees	$939.20
Material Fees	$0.00
Level two Total	$2,296.69

Year 1 Total: $5,374.38

Year 2

Level three $2,629.69

Fee Breakdown for Level three
Fee Type	Fee Cost
Tuition	$1,357.49
Ancillary Fees	$1,209.20
Material Fees	$63.00
Level three Total	$2,629.69

Level four $2,643.69

Fee Breakdown for Level four
Fee Type	Fee Cost
Tuition	$1,357.49
Ancillary Fees	$879.20
Material Fees	$407.00
Level four Total	$2,643.69

Year 2 Total: $5,273.38

Year 3

Level five $2,942.69

Fee Breakdown for Level five
Fee Type	Fee Cost
Tuition	$1,357.49
Ancillary Fees	$1,209.20
Material Fees	$376.00
Level five Total	$2,942.69

Level six $2,524.69

Fee Breakdown for Level six
Fee Type	Fee Cost
Tuition	$1,357.49
Ancillary Fees	$879.20
Material Fees	$288.00
Level six Total	$2,524.69

Year 3 Total: $5,467.38

Estimated Program Total: $16,115.14

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Advanced Tuition Tool

The tuition amounts provided are an estimate only ( what's this? ).

To generate a detailed fees calculation, which includes tuition, ancillary, and material fees for this or a different start term, please access the Advanced Tuition Tool.

Generate My Fees

The below is a tuition fees estimate ( what's this?) for the indicated start term. Tuition and estimated fees for International students are based on program type.

Year: 2025-2026

Start Term: Fall

Expand each level below for a fee breakdown.

Year 1

Level one $10,480.20

Fee Breakdown for Level one
Fee Type	Fee Cost
Tuition	$7,775.00
Ancillary Fees	$2,019.20
Material Fees	$686.00
Level one Total	$10,480.20

Level two $8,949.20

Fee Breakdown for Level two
Fee Type	Fee Cost
Tuition	$7,775.00
Ancillary Fees	$939.20
Material Fees	$235.00
Level two Total	$8,949.20

Year 1 Total: $19,429.40

Year 2

Level three $10,032.20

Fee Breakdown for Level three
Fee Type	Fee Cost
Tuition	$7,775.00
Ancillary Fees	$1,959.20
Material Fees	$298.00
Level three Total	$10,032.20

Level four $9,296.20

Fee Breakdown for Level four
Fee Type	Fee Cost
Tuition	$7,775.00
Ancillary Fees	$879.20
Material Fees	$642.00
Level four Total	$9,296.20

Year 2 Total: $19,328.40

Year 3

Level five $10,345.20

Fee Breakdown for Level five
Fee Type	Fee Cost
Tuition	$7,775.00
Ancillary Fees	$1,959.20
Material Fees	$611.00
Level five Total	$10,345.20

Level six $9,177.20

Fee Breakdown for Level six
Fee Type	Fee Cost
Tuition	$7,775.00
Ancillary Fees	$879.20
Material Fees	$523.00
Level six Total	$9,177.20

Year 3 Total: $19,522.40

Estimated Program Total: $58,280.20

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Advanced Tuition Tool

The tuition amounts provided are an estimate only ( what's this? ).

To generate a detailed fees calculation, which includes tuition, ancillary, and material fees for this or a different start term, please access the Advanced Tuition Tool.

Generate My Fees

Costs and Dates

General information about other costs, due dates, refund policy, housing costs, and more can be found on the Niagara College International website.

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