Drone Operations and Applications

A certificate in drone operations teaches you how to fly drones and use them for practical work. This programme at the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) runs through the Faculty of Geosciences and Environmental Studies and is open to SHS graduates from General Science, Technical Studies, and Visual Arts. It is a less competitive route into a growing field.

What drone operations programmes teach

Programmes of this kind usually start with the basics of flight, safety, and the rules that govern drone use. You will learn how to plan a flight, pilot the drone, and capture aerial images or video. Most courses also introduce the software used to process aerial data, allowing you to produce maps, models, and measurements from what the drone sees.

Entry requirements and scheduling

This certificate is open to students from General Science, Technical Studies, and Visual Arts, as these are the SHS backgrounds admitted to the faculty that runs the programme. Entry is less competitive than for many degree programmes, so it is a practical option if your grades meet the published subject requirements. Classes are held on weekends only, on Saturdays and Sundays, so you can study while working or attending to other commitments during the week.

Career paths with drone skills

Graduates often work as drone pilots or operators in surveying, agriculture, construction, and environmental monitoring. Some move into media or film, capturing aerial footage. The skills also support self-employment, such as starting a drone services business.