Postgraduate Diploma in SCL/ST, Libraries and Control Patterns
Online 800 h Postgraduate Diploma in SCL/ST, Libraries and Control Patterns. 8 modules covering IEC 61131-3, IEC 61131-8 and CODESYS. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Structure automation projects according to IEC 61131-3.
Programme in structured text using object-oriented principles.
Design reusable and versioned libraries.
Apply control patterns such as PackML and state machines.
Implement control algorithms in structured text.
Ensure PLC software quality through testing and version control.
Integrate and deploy PLC projects safely.
Who it's for
- PLC programmer wishing to specialise in SCL/ST, Libraries and Control Patterns.
- Automation engineer wishing to specialise in SCL/ST, Libraries and Control Patterns.
- Industrial software developer wishing to specialise in SCL/ST, Libraries and Control Patterns.
- Machine control engineer wishing to specialise in SCL/ST, Libraries and Control Patterns.
- Systems integrator wishing to specialise in SCL/ST, Libraries and Control Patterns.
- Commissioning engineer wishing to specialise in SCL/ST, Libraries and Control Patterns.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter machinery manufacturing.
What you'll work with
- IEC 61131-3
- IEC 61131-8
- ISA-88
- ISA-TR88.00.02
- PLCopen Motion Control
- IEC 62443-4-1
- IEC 61499
8 modules · 800 h
1.1IEC 61131-3 software model1.2Elementary and derived data types1.3Organisation units: programs, functions and function blocks1.4Cyclic and event-driven tasks1.5Global and retentive variables1.6Comparison of ST, LD and FBD languages1.7CODESYS and TIA Portal environments1.8Naming best practices1.9Execution cycle and task times1.10Practice: first structured project in ST
2.1Control structures and loops2.2Arrays, pointers and references2.3Structures and data unions2.4Character strings and conversions2.5Object-oriented programming in IEC 61131-32.6Methods, properties and interfaces2.7Inheritance and polymorphism2.8Error handling and exceptions2.9Enumerations and structured data types2.10Laboratory: function block with interfaces in CODESYS
3.1Design of block libraries3.2Library versioning3.3Library documentation3.4PLCopen standard libraries3.5PLCopen motion control libraries3.6Unit testing of blocks3.7Distribution and maintenance3.8Dependency management3.9Communication and protocol libraries3.10Workshop: reusable valve and motor library
4.1State machines in ST4.2PackML state model4.3Equipment module pattern4.4Operating mode management4.5Sequences with SFC4.6Alarm supervision pattern4.7Command and status pattern4.8Communication patterns between modules4.9Recipe and machine parameter management4.10Practice: PackML state machine in ST
5.1Discrete PID implementation5.2Anti-windup and bumpless transfer5.3First-order digital filters5.4Ramps and setpoint generators5.5Two-position control with hysteresis5.6Analogue signal scaling5.7Cascade control5.8Library PID blocks versus custom blocks5.9Axis control with PLCopen blocks5.10Laboratory: PID with anti-windup in ST
6.1Code reviews6.2Static code analysis6.3Unit testing with CfUnit6.4Version control with Git6.5Continuous integration for PLCs6.6Simulation and virtual commissioning6.7Complexity metrics6.8PLCopen coding guidelines6.9Online debugging and variable forcing6.10Case study: continuous integration of a CODESYS project
7.1OPC UA communication from the PLC7.2HMI interfaces7.3Data access via web servers7.4Field device integration7.5PLC project cybersecurity7.6Plant change management7.7Delivery documentation7.8Software maintenance7.9Automatic code documentation generation7.10Case study: deployment of a controlled update
8.1Functional specification of the machine8.2Software architecture8.3Library development8.4Pattern implementation8.5Control algorithms8.6Unit testing of blocks8.7Virtual commissioning8.8Analysis of results8.9Report and presentation8.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
Training 100 % online on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetable: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which allows them to combine it 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, Git, CfUnit, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Exercises are based on real procedures for developing reusable equipment libraries, implementing PackML state machines and unit testing function blocks. Assessment is continuous per module plus the final integrative project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Structure automation projects according to IEC 61131-3.
Programme in structured text using object-oriented principles.
Design reusable and versioned libraries.
Apply control patterns such as PackML and state machines.
Implement control algorithms in structured text.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. No university degree is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient level of Spanish to follow technical standards reading.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 800 hours spread over 6 to 8 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
You will work with CODESYS, Siemens TIA Portal, Beckhoff TwinCAT 3, Git, CfUnit. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM own diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrative project. It is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are credited towards the advanced programme. Check the credit transfer policy when enrolling.
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