Apply now
Master'sElectronics, Embedded Systems & Telecom Applications open

Master’s in Industrial Protocols Engineering

Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in industrial protocols engineering, structured in 12 modules covering Modbus, Profibus and Profinet, EtherNet/IP and CIP, EtherCAT, CAN and CANopen, IO-Link, OPC UA, sector-specific protocols, protocol security and certification, with an assigned technical tutor.

Duration1900 h
ModeOnline
LanguageEnglish
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute diploma
Enrol now View syllabus Ask an advisor
Virtual lab · try it before you enrol

Take the controls.

Run a real engineering trade-off from this programme. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.

SIM · LIVE ●
Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Understand the principles of deterministic communication in control systems.

02

Configure Modbus, Profinet, EtherNet/IP and EtherCAT networks.

03

Implement CAN, CANopen and IO-Link communications.

04

Integrate fieldbus protocols with OPC UA and MQTT.

05

Apply protocols specific to energy, buildings and transport.

06

Assess the security of industrial protocols.

07

Develop and implement a complete industrial communication solution.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Industrial communications engineers who need deep, protocol-level knowledge.
  • Protocol stack developers building firmware for field devices.
  • Automation engineers integrating multi-vendor equipment.
  • Systems integration engineers connecting fieldbuses with IT and SCADA layers.
  • OT cybersecurity specialists analysing industrial traffic.
  • Field device engineers preparing products for conformance certification.
  • Engineering or science graduates aiming to work in manufacturing.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • IEC 61158 (industrial communication networks, fieldbus specifications)
  • IEC 61784-1 (fieldbus communication profiles)
  • IEC 61784-3 (functional safety fieldbuses)
  • IEC 62541 (OPC Unified Architecture)
  • IEC 61131-9 (IO-Link single-drop digital communication interface)
  • ISO 11898-1 (CAN data link layer and physical signalling)
  • IEC 61850 (communication networks in power utility automation)
  • IEC 62443-4-2 (technical security requirements for IACS components)
  • Wireshark
  • CODESYS
  • TwinCAT 3
  • PCAN-View
  • SOEM
Syllabus

12 modules · 1900 h

  1. 1.1. OSI model applied to industry
  2. 1.2. Cyclic and acyclic communication
  3. 1.3. Determinism and jitter
  4. 1.4. Master-slave and producer-consumer models
  5. 1.5. Addressing and discovery
  6. 1.6. Process data encoding
  7. 1.7. Error detection with CRC
  8. 1.8. Cycle times and synchronisation
  9. 1.9. Built-in diagnostics in protocols
  10. 1.10. Practical: measuring jitter in a control network
  1. 2.1. Modbus data model
  2. 2.2. RTU and ASCII frames
  3. 2.3. Function codes and exceptions
  4. 2.4. Modbus TCP and MBAP encapsulation
  5. 2.5. Modbus serial-to-TCP gateways
  6. 2.6. Performance limitations
  7. 2.7. Security with Modbus/TCP Security
  8. 2.8. Implementation on a microcontroller
  9. 2.9. Test and simulation tools
  10. 2.10. Lab: Modbus master in Python
  1. 3.1. Profibus physical layer and speeds
  2. 3.2. GSD and GSDML files
  3. 3.3. Profinet conformance classes
  4. 3.4. Profinet IRT and isochronous synchronisation
  5. 3.5. Topology and device names
  6. 3.6. Alarms and diagnostics in Profinet
  7. 3.7. PROFIsafe for functional safety
  8. 3.8. Energy management with PROFIenergy
  9. 3.9. Shared device and I-device
  10. 3.10. Practical: integrating a Profinet device
  1. 4.1. CIP object model
  2. 4.2. Implicit and explicit messaging
  3. 4.3. Connections and RPI
  4. 4.4. Device description with EDS files
  5. 4.5. Functional safety with CIP Safety
  6. 4.6. CIP Motion and synchronisation
  7. 4.7. Device Level Ring
  8. 4.8. Integration in Rockwell PLCs
  9. 4.9. CIP diagnostic tools
  10. 4.10. Lab: implicit exchange with an adapter
  1. 5.1. On-the-fly frame processing
  2. 5.2. Synchronisation with distributed clocks
  3. 5.3. ESM state machine
  4. 5.4. CoE object dictionary
  5. 5.5. CiA 402 drive profiles
  6. 5.6. Slave description with ESI files
  7. 5.7. Safety over EtherCAT
  8. 5.8. Slave design with ESC
  9. 5.9. Link error diagnostics
  10. 5.10. Workshop: EtherCAT master with IgH or SOEM
  1. 6.1. CAN arbitration and physical layer
  2. 6.2. CAN FD and CAN XL
  3. 6.3. CANopen: PDO, SDO and NMT
  4. 6.4. J1939 in heavy vehicles
  5. 6.5. DeviceNet over the CAN physical layer
  6. 6.6. Bus load analysis
  7. 6.7. Object dictionary design
  8. 6.8. Termination and topology
  9. 6.9. CAN analysis tools
  10. 6.10. Practical: CANopen network with two nodes
  1. 7.1. IO-Link master-device architecture
  2. 7.2. Process data and parameters
  3. 7.3. Device description with IODD
  4. 7.4. Communication with IO-Link Wireless
  5. 7.5. Integration into Profinet and EtherNet/IP
  6. 7.6. Smart sensors and diagnostics
  7. 7.7. Automatic parameterisation on replacement
  8. 7.8. Functional safety with IO-Link Safety
  9. 7.9. Use cases in machinery
  10. 7.10. Lab: configuring IO-Link sensors
  1. 8.1. OPC UA architecture
  2. 8.2. Information modelling and nodes
  3. 8.3. Profiles and facets
  4. 8.4. OPC UA FX for the field level
  5. 8.5. OPC UA over TSN
  6. 8.6. MQTT and Sparkplug
  7. 8.7. Comparison of integration protocols
  8. 8.8. Gateways between protocols
  9. 8.9. Performance and scaling
  10. 8.10. Practical: Modbus to OPC UA gateway
  1. 9.1. IEC 61850 in substations
  2. 9.2. DNP3 in telecontrol
  3. 9.3. Telecontrol with IEC 60870-5-104
  4. 9.4. BACnet in buildings
  5. 9.5. KNX in home automation
  6. 9.6. M-Bus for meters
  7. 9.7. HART-IP in process industries
  8. 9.8. TCN railway protocols
  9. 9.9. Protocol selection by sector
  10. 9.10. Case study: integrating a substation with IEC 61850
  1. 10.1. Vulnerabilities of legacy protocols
  2. 10.2. Replay and injection attacks
  3. 10.3. Secure protocol extensions
  4. 10.4. Authentication and encryption in OPC UA
  5. 10.5. Deep packet inspection for OT
  6. 10.6. Traffic anomaly detection
  7. 10.7. Hardening of field devices
  8. 10.8. IEC 62443-4-2 component requirements
  9. 10.9. Robustness testing and fuzzing
  10. 10.10. Workshop: analysis of insecure Modbus traffic
  1. 11.1. Commercial and open-source protocol stacks
  2. 11.2. ASICs and FPGAs for communication
  3. 11.3. Field device development
  4. 11.4. Conformance testing
  5. 11.5. PI, ODVA and ETG certification
  6. 11.6. Interoperability testing
  7. 11.7. Firmware version management
  8. 11.8. Device documentation
  9. 11.9. Certification costs and timescales
  10. 11.10. Case study: certification plan for an EtherCAT slave
  1. 12.1. Definition of the communication system
  2. 12.2. Comparative analysis of protocols
  3. 12.3. Architecture design
  4. 12.4. Implementation of nodes or gateways
  5. 12.5. Performance testing
  6. 12.6. Security and robustness testing
  7. 12.7. Analysis of results
  8. 12.8. Conclusions on the protocols
  9. 12.9. Master's Thesis report
  10. 12.10. Master'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. No fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within each intake, so the programme fits around your job.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Wireshark, CODESYS, TwinCAT 3, PCAN-View and SOEM, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures: configuring Profinet, EtherNet/IP and EtherCAT networks on a test bench, analysing frames and cycle times with traffic captures, and implementing gateways between protocols. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final Master's Thesis.

Standards covered: IEC 61158, IEC 61784-1, IEC 61784-3, IEC 62541, IEC 61131-9, ISO 11898-1, IEC 61850, IEC 62443-4-2.

Assigned technical tutor:every module ends with a deliverable that your tutor marks individually.
Standards-based learning:guided reading of IEC 61158, IEC 61784-1 and IEC 61784-3 applied to real cases, not as a theoretical annex.
Industry software:Wireshark, CODESYS, TwinCAT 3, PCAN-View and SOEM, in free, academic or evaluation versions.
Master's Thesis with defence:A complete industrial communication solution, from protocol comparison to implementation of nodes or gateways and performance and security testing, 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.

System definition
Define the industrial communication system and its timing and data requirements.
Protocol comparison
Carry out a comparative analysis of candidate protocols and select the most suitable.
Architecture and implementation
Design the architecture and implement the nodes or gateways between protocols.
Performance and security testing
Test cycle times, robustness and security of the implemented solution.
Master's Thesis
Analyse the results and present the complete solution, defended before a panel.
Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Industrial Communications EngineerProtocol Stack DeveloperAutomation EngineerSystems Integration EngineerOT Cybersecurity SpecialistField Device Engineer
Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

  • A university degree in engineering, science or architecture, or equivalent demonstrable professional experience.
  • An internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's 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.

Apply now Scholarships
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 Wireshark, CODESYS, TwinCAT 3, PCAN-View and SOEM, 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), a computer able to run the programme's 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.

Keep exploring

Related programmes

See all in Electronics, Embedded Systems & Telecom
Master's9,970 $

Master’s in Sensors and Physical Instrumentation Engineering

Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in sensors and physical instrumentation engineering. 12 modules covering metrology, measurement uncertainty to the GUM, temperature, mechanical, flow, optical, magnetic…

1900 hOnlineElectronics, Embedded Systems & Telecom
Master's9,970 $

Master’s in User Satcom Engineering

Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in user satcom engineering: 12 modules covering satellite systems for users, link budgets, waveforms and protocols, terminal antennas and electronics,…

1900 hOnlineElectronics, Embedded Systems & Telecom
Master's11,090 $

Master’s in Advanced GNSS and Resilient PNT Engineering

Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in advanced GNSS and resilient PNT engineering: 12 modules covering GNSS systems and receivers, precise positioning, augmentation and integrity, GNSS…

1900 hOnlineElectronics, Embedded Systems & Telecom
Master’s in Industrial Protocols EngineeringEnrol
Related programmes

More in Electronics, Embedded Systems & Telecom

Master’s in Product Compliance and Testing EngineeringView programme →Master’s in Advanced GNSS and Resilient PNT EngineeringView programme →Master’s in Regulated Medical Design EngineeringView programme →Master’s in Power Quality Engineering and Active FiltersView programme →Master’s in DevOps for Firmware & Connected Devices EngineeringView programme →Master’s in Firmware Security EngineeringView programme →

All Electronics, Embedded Systems & Telecom programmes → · How to apply · Fees & financing · Scholarships

Scroll to Top
SEIUM – Institute of Advanced Engineering
Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.