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Master'sRobotics, Automation & Control Applications open

Master’s in Advanced PLC IEC 61131-3 Engineering

Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in advanced IEC 61131-3 PLC engineering, structured in 12 modules covering advanced structured text, object-oriented programming, PackML state machines, PLCopen motion control, PLC communications, software engineering, unit testing and safety PLCs, with an assigned technical tutor.

Duration1900 h
ModeOnline
LanguageEnglish
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute diploma
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Run a real engineering trade-off from this programme. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.

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Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Structure projects according to the IEC 61131-3 software model.

02

Programme complex algorithms in structured text.

03

Apply object-oriented programming in the PLC.

04

Implement state machines in line with PackML.

05

Programme motion control with PLCopen blocks.

06

Apply software engineering and unit testing in automation.

07

Validate safety logic on certified PLCs.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Experienced PLC programmers aiming to write modern, maintainable code.
  • Automation software engineers.
  • Control library developers.
  • Motion control engineers.
  • Machine safety specialists.
  • Commissioning engineers.
  • Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter machinery manufacturing.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • IEC 61131-3:2013 (programming languages for programmable controllers)
  • IEC 61131-2:2017 (programmable controller equipment requirements and tests)
  • IEC 61131-6:2012 (functional safety for programmable controllers)
  • ISA-TR88.00.02-2015 (machine and unit states, PackML implementation)
  • IEC 61508-3:2010 (functional safety: software requirements)
  • IEC 61784-3-3:2021 (functional safety fieldbus profiles: PROFIsafe)
  • IEC 62443-4-1:2018 (secure product development life cycle requirements)
  • CODESYS
  • Siemens TIA Portal
  • Beckhoff TwinCAT 3
  • Rockwell Studio 5000
  • TcUnit
Syllabus

12 modules · 1900 h

  1. 1.1Software model: configuration, resources and tasks
  2. 1.2Program organisation units
  3. 1.3Elementary and derived data types
  4. 1.4Variables, scopes and addressing
  5. 1.5Cyclic and event-driven tasks
  6. 1.6Evolution of the third edition
  7. 1.7Implementations in CODESYS and TIA Portal
  8. 1.8Portability between manufacturers
  9. 1.9Exchange with PLCopen XML
  10. 1.10Practical: project structure in CODESYS
  1. 2.1Expressions and operators
  2. 2.2Loops and control structures
  3. 2.3Arrays, structs and pointers
  4. 2.4Functions and function blocks
  5. 2.5Handling strings and dates
  6. 2.6Sorting and search algorithms
  7. 2.7Numerical computation in the PLC
  8. 2.8Good readability practices
  9. 2.9Performance and cycle times
  10. 2.10Lab: algorithms in structured text
  1. 3.1Methods and properties in function blocks
  2. 3.2Inheritance with EXTENDS
  3. 3.3Interfaces and IMPLEMENTS
  4. 3.4Polymorphism in the PLC
  5. 3.5Applied design patterns
  6. 3.6Encapsulation of equipment
  7. 3.7Object-oriented libraries
  8. 3.8Advantages and risks of OOP
  9. 3.9Refactoring legacy code
  10. 3.10Practical: modelling a valve with interfaces
  1. 4.1Ladder diagram for interlocks
  2. 4.2Function block diagram
  3. 4.3Sequential function chart (SFC)
  4. 4.4Steps, transitions and actions
  5. 4.5Parallelism and divergences in SFC
  6. 4.6Instruction list and its obsolescence
  7. 4.7Choosing the right language
  8. 4.8Combining languages in a project
  9. 4.9Readability for maintenance
  10. 4.10Workshop: process sequence in SFC
  1. 5.1State machines with CASE
  2. 5.2PackML state model
  3. 5.3OMAC and ISA-TR88.00.02 standard
  4. 5.4Manual and automatic operating modes
  5. 5.5Alarm and stop management
  6. 5.6Start-up and shutdown sequences
  7. 5.7Recovery after failure
  8. 5.8Data exchange with PackTags
  9. 5.9State diagnostics
  10. 5.10Lab: PackML implementation of a machine
  1. 6.1PLCopen Motion Control blocks
  2. 6.2Single axes and axis states
  3. 6.3Absolute and relative positioning
  4. 6.4Electronic cams and gearing
  5. 6.5Interpolation and axis groups
  6. 6.6Robotics integrated into the PLC
  7. 6.7Homing and references
  8. 6.8Synchronisation with encoders
  9. 6.9Drive diagnostics
  10. 6.10Practical: electronic cam in CODESYS
  1. 7.1Profinet and EtherCAT in the PLC
  2. 7.2Embedded OPC UA servers and clients
  3. 7.3TCP and UDP communication with sockets
  4. 7.4MQTT from the controller
  5. 7.5Modbus TCP master and slave
  6. 7.6Data exchange with databases
  7. 7.7PLC-to-PLC communication
  8. 7.8Cybersecurity in communications
  9. 7.9Connection diagnostics
  10. 7.10Case study: OPC UA server in a PLC
  1. 8.1Modular and layered architecture
  2. 8.2PLCopen coding guidelines
  3. 8.3Version control with Git
  4. 8.4Libraries and dependency management
  5. 8.5Code documentation
  6. 8.6Static code analysis
  7. 8.7Code reviews
  8. 8.8Continuous integration in automation
  9. 8.9Automatic code generation
  10. 8.10Workshop: Git workflow in a PLC project
  1. 9.1Unit testing with CfUnit and TcUnit
  2. 9.2Process simulation
  3. 9.3I/O emulation
  4. 9.4Integration testing
  5. 9.5Virtual commissioning with a digital twin
  6. 9.6Test coverage
  7. 9.7Regression testing
  8. 9.8Validation according to GAMP 5
  9. 9.9Recording of evidence
  10. 9.10Practical: unit testing of function blocks
  1. 10.1Safety programming with PLCopen Safety
  2. 10.2Certified safety blocks
  3. 10.3Separation between standard and safety logic
  4. 10.4IEC 61508-3 requirements
  5. 10.5Validation of safety software
  6. 10.6Program signatures and checksums
  7. 10.7Safe communication with PROFIsafe
  8. 10.8Testing of safety functions
  9. 10.9Validation documentation
  10. 10.10Case study: safety door logic
  1. 11.1Diagnostic buffer and events
  2. 11.2Traces and variable oscilloscope
  3. 11.3Online changes without stopping
  4. 11.4Recipe management
  5. 11.5Process data logging
  6. 11.6Debugging tools
  7. 11.7Firmware management
  8. 11.8Automatic backups
  9. 11.9Secure remote support
  10. 11.10Workshop: diagnostics with real-time traces
  1. 12.1Functional specification of the machine
  2. 12.2Object-oriented software architecture
  3. 12.3Implementation of modes and states
  4. 12.4Motion control and communications
  5. 12.5Unit testing and simulation
  6. 12.6Validation of safety functions
  7. 12.7Documentation and handover
  8. 12.8Conclusions and improvements
  9. 12.9Master's Thesis report
  10. 12.10Master's Thesis: defence before a panel
Methodology, software & labs

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: you progress at your own pace within each intake, so the programme is compatible with work.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is CODESYS, Siemens TIA Portal, Beckhoff TwinCAT 3, Rockwell Studio 5000 and TcUnit, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied on real procedures: object-oriented PLC programming, unit testing of control code and implementation of PackML machines. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final Master's Thesis.

Standards covered: IEC 61131-3:2013, IEC 61131-2:2017, IEC 61131-6:2012, ISA-TR88.00.02-2015, IEC 61508-3:2010, IEC 61784-3-3:2021, IEC 62443-4-1:2018.

Assigned technical tutor:every module ends with a deliverable that your tutor marks individually.
Standards-based learning:guided reading of IEC 61131-3:2013, IEC 61131-2:2017 and IEC 61131-6:2012 applied to real cases, not as a theoretical annex.
Industry software:CODESYS, Siemens TIA Portal, Beckhoff TwinCAT 3, Rockwell Studio 5000 and TcUnit, in free, academic or evaluation versions.
Master's Thesis with defence:the complete object-oriented PLC software of a machine, with PackML modes, motion control, unit testing and validated safety functions, defended before a panel.
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.

Functional specification
Write the functional specification of a machine and its software architecture.
Object-oriented implementation
Implement the code with function blocks, interfaces and PackML states.
Motion and communications
Add PLCopen motion control and OPC UA communication.
Testing and safety validation
Run unit tests and simulation, and validate the safety functions.
Master's Thesis
The complete, documented PLC software of a machine, defended before a panel.
Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Advanced PLC programmerAutomation software engineerControl library developerMotion control engineerMachine safety specialistCommissioning engineer
Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

  • University degree in engineering, science or architecture, or equivalent demonstrable professional experience.
  • 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 1,900 hours over 12–14 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.

You work with CODESYS, Siemens TIA Portal, Beckhoff TwinCAT 3, Rockwell Studio 5000 and TcUnit, 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 Master's Thesis. 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 in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised in the higher programme. Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.

A university degree in engineering, science or architecture, or equivalent professional experience, plus 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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