Combat Systems Engineering Micro-credentials
Building sovereign and resilient combat systems engineering capability to support defence industry delivery at speed
The Combat Systems Engineering (CSE) Micro-credentials are industry-validated credentials designed to strengthen workforce capability across integration-heavy defence environments. The program is delivered through collaboration between Adelaide University and UNSW, together with defence industry partners, with case studies aligned with real-world combat systems delivery environments.
View the six CSE Micro-credentials Download the CSE Workforce Capability GuideA workforce capability solution for integration-focused programs.
The Combat Systems Engineering (CSE) Micro-credentials provide a structured response to these operational pressures. Designed for organisations accountable for delivery performance, CSE shifts workforce development from reliance on individual experience to a scalable, sovereign capability.
The three pillars of impact:
- Rapid, assured workforce capability: Structured capability development delivered across teams, reducing variability between individuals and strengthening consistent, applied systems engineering practice in integration-led environments.
- Reduced delivery and integration risk: Earlier identification of integration challenges, clearer system boundaries and more confident technical decision-making, supporting more predictable program outcomes and reduced downstream rework.
- Workforce depth and resilience: Capability distributed across cohorts rather than concentrated in key individuals, improving continuity, succession planning, and sovereign engineering capability depth across programs.
Applied learning for real-world delivery
Unlike generic systems engineering training, CSE is grounded in the technical domains that characterise modern combat systems practice.
- Aligned to core capabilities across: C4ISREW, military effectors, mission engineering, systems engineering, radar systems and theory and command and control.
- Work integrated: each 50-hour module combines structured online learning with a 3-day in-person workshop, calibrated to fit around active program demands.
- Flexible deployment: credentials can be completed individually to address specific gaps, in combination to support role progression, or as a full suite for team-wide capability.
Trusted by industry leaders
“This micro-credential strengthened our engineers’ understanding of operational command and control systems and their application in real-world defence contexts. The knowledge gained enhances the relevance and impact of the systems they help design and develop.”
Themie Gouthas
CTO, Swordfish Computing
Hear directly from engineers who have completed the program and how it has strengthened their approach to complex defence engineering challenges.
Hear from program participantsSix micro-credentials. One structured capability framework.
The credentials are modular and non-sequential, delivering standalone capability uplift for individuals or organisations, aligned to real-world defence program needs.
Taken together, the six micro-credentials provide a structured pathway for workforce development across mission-level and integrated systems domains, strengthening delivery capacity at scale.
Designed to integrate with active defence programs
CSE is structured to support applied learning while accommodating the operational demands of integration-centric defence environments.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
Each micro-credential runs over six weeks and comprises approximately 50 hours of structured learning.
Delivery combines structured online learning with a focused three-day in-person workshop, where participants apply learning through real-world defence case studies and practical integration scenarios.
FLEXIBLE DEPLOYMENT OPTIONS
- in-person workshops delivered at flexible locations aligned to cohort needs
- bespoke cohorts scheduled to align with internal milestones and workforce availability
- individual enrolments or coordinated organisational rollout.
The 50-hour structure is calibrated to university credit frameworks, enabling recognition into formal postgraduate pathways where applicable.
Planning workforce capability across your organisation?
Download the combat systems engineering workforce capability guide to explore the six micro-credentials, delivery model and options for deploying coordinated cohorts across your engineering teams.
The overview provides a structured summary to support internal workforce planning, stakeholder alignment and course delivery discussions.
Download the CSE Workforce Capability Guide
Industry-validated combat systems engineering capability development
The combat systems engineering micro-credentials have been developed in collaboration with defence industry partners and leading universities to ensure relevance to real-world delivery environments.
Built for the defence ecosystem
Structured capability uplift
Build specialised expertise across C4ISREW, military effectors, radar systems and theory, mission engineering, systems engineering and command and control.
Scalable modular structure
Deploy training at the individual, team or cohort level to build consistent sovereign engineering capability depth across your programs.
Integration-centric focus
Master the system-of-systems thinking required for complex programs where integration performance and mission-level outcomes are critical.
Australia’s first pathway
Engage in a unique education pathway designed specifically for the defence sector, combining world-class research with practical industry application.
Work-integrated learning
Experience a flexible, 50-hour delivery model that blends online theory with focused in-person workshops, calibrated for busy professionals on active programs.
Industry-led delivery
Co-designed and co-delivered with Adelaide University and UNSW, together with industry partners, ensuring learning is grounded in real-world defence contexts.
Enrol now or plan ahead
Courses are available now. Participants can enrol directly in scheduled micro-credentials or our subject matter experts can work with organisations to coordinate tailored cohort delivery.
FOR INDIVIDUALS
FOR ORGANISATIONS
What our participants say
Participants who have completed the combat systems engineering micro-credentials consistently highlight the practical value of revisiting core systems thinking and applying it within real-world defence contexts.
Hear directly from participants about how the program strengthened their understanding of complex combat system environments
Having the foundational knowledge revisited even later in your professional career is of huge value. It allows individuals to revisit important topics, refresh key knowledge.
Senior Systems Engineer
Frequently asked questions
The following questions address common operational and enrolment considerations for organisations and individuals exploring the combat systems engineering micro-credentials.
If you require further information about coordinated cohort delivery or workforce capability planning, contact workforce@dtb.solutions.
What is a combat systems engineering micro-credential?
A combat systems engineering micro-credential is a short, focused credential that develops applied systems engineering capability within defence delivery environments.
Each credential targets a specific combat systems domain and combines structured learning with practical application through real-world defence case studies.
The credentials are designed to be credit-ready, meaning they may contribute towards formal postgraduate qualifications where applicable.
Who are the micro-credentials designed for?
The micro-credentials are also designed for organisations seeking to strengthen applied combat systems engineering capability across engineering teams.
The combat systems engineering micro-credentials are suitable for:
- systems engineers and integration engineers working in defence environments
- engineering managers and program leaders responsible for complex systems delivery
- engineers and experienced technical professionals seeking to transition into defence industry roles.
How are the micro-credentials delivered?
Each micro-credential runs over approximately six weeks and includes approximately 50 hours of structured learning.
Delivery combines self-paced online learning with a three-day in-person workshop, where participants apply learning through real-world defence case studies and practical integration scenarios.
How much time does each micro-credential require?
Each micro-credential requires approximately 50 hours of learning across five–six weeks, including:
- self-paced online learning modules
- a three-day in-person workshop
- a completion session.
Can organisations run private cohorts?
Yes. Organisations can coordinate cohort delivery aligned to workforce capability planning and program milestones. This lets teams undertake micro-credentials together and apply learning directly within active defence programs.
How much does each micro-credential cost?
The cost of each micro-credential is $3,200 per learner.
Travel expenses associated with in-person workshops are not included.
For organisational enquiries or cohort planning, contact workforce@dtb.solutions
What is the eligibility for entry?
Designed for graduate engineers, engineers, experienced technicians, and senior engineers working within complex systems environments.
Applicants must be eligible to work in Australia and obtain an Australian Government Security Clearance.
How do I apply?
Applications can be submitted through the relevant micro-credential course page. Once accepted into a course, an invoice for applicable fees will be issued.
For organisational cohort enquiries or additional information, contact workforce@dtb.solutions
Ready to take the next step?
Places in the Combat Systems Engineering Micro-credentials are limited. Enrol now to secure your place or speak with our team to design a cohort program aligned to your organisations capability requirements.