Master’s in Advanced PLC IEC 61131-3
Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in advanced PLC programming to IEC 61131-3 — SCL/ST, libraries, patterns and diagnostics. 12 modules covering fundamentals, standards, modelling and simulation, design, materials, systems integration, reliability, validation, operation and project management, with an assigned technical tutor.
Master’s in Advanced PLC IEC 61131-3 — studying from Canada
Canada has a notable robotics and automation sector, with research leadership at institutions such as McGill University, the University of Toronto and the University of Waterloo. Industrial automation firms and integrators serve manufacturing, automotive and resource industries across Ontario, Québec and Alberta. The Canadian Space Agency's robotic systems contribute to space robotics expertise. Engineers work on control systems, industrial robots, mechatronics and automation integration.
Fees for Canada: C$12,400 (Canadian dollar), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in Canada
Typical roles
Questions from Canada
Is this programme recognised by professional bodies in Canada for robotics and control engineering?
SEIUM's qualifications are private, not official state degrees, and are not accredited by any national body in Canada. Professional engineering titles are regulated provincially, for example by Professional Engineers Ontario, and engineering graduates in Canada typically pursue licensure through these bodies. Recognition of a private qualification is decided by employers or the relevant body.
Where could this qualification help in Canada's robotics and automation job market?
Canadian employers in manufacturing, logistics, aerospace, mining and automation integration may hire for robotics and control skills. Whether they value a private qualification is their decision, and many also weigh portfolios, experience and recognised credentials. The final project can demonstrate applied ability, though it does not guarantee any job.
How can I study this while working full time in Canada?
The programme is entirely online and taught in English, so you can study from home across Canadian time zones, and no student visa is needed. Choose from 300-hour specialist courses, 800-hour postgraduate diplomas or 1,900-hour master's programmes. Fees are payable in instalments, employer sponsorship is possible, and you receive an assigned technical tutor.
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
Master the technical fundamentals of advanced PLC programming to IEC 61131-3 (SCL/ST, libraries, patterns and diagnostics) and its regulatory vocabulary.
Apply ISO 10218-1 and -2, ISO/TS 15066 (collaborative operation) and ISO 13849 to real design and validation decisions.
Build and correlate calculation models with ROS 2 and MoveIt.
Plan and run test campaigns in a collaborative robot cell and on a 3D vision bench.
Analyse operating data and translate it into engineering decisions.
Prepare the technical and compliance dossier required by the client or the regulator.
Lead the technical side of a Advanced PLC IEC 61131-3 project from start to finish.
Who it's for
- Robotics engineers looking to specialise in advanced PLC programming to IEC 61131-3 (SCL/ST, libraries, patterns and diagnostics).
- PLC programmers who want to take on a broader engineering role.
- Machine vision specialists working on automated production.
- Control engineers seeking a systems-level perspective.
- Robot cell integrators.
- Automation managers responsible for line performance.
- Engineering or science graduates aiming to move into manufacturing.
What you'll work with
- ISO 10218-1 and -2 (safety requirements for industrial robots and robot systems)
- ISO/TS 15066 (collaborative robot operation)
- ISO 13849 (safety-related parts of control systems)
- IEC 62061 (functional safety of machinery control systems)
- ISO 3691-4 (driverless industrial trucks, AGV/AMR)
- IEC 61131-3 (PLC programming languages)
- ISO 9283 (performance criteria for industrial robots)
- IEC 62443 (industrial automation cybersecurity)
- Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 (EU machinery safety requirements)
- ROS 2
- MoveIt
- Gazebo
- NVIDIA Isaac Sim
- MATLAB/Simulink
12 modules
1.1Fundamental concepts and quantities of Advanced PLC IEC 61131-31.2Technology landscape and state of the art1.3Technical terminology and reference documentation1.4Physical and engineering principles applied to the case1.5Functional architecture: from requirements to components1.6Interfaces and dependencies with adjacent systems1.7Typical use cases in the sector1.8Common errors and how to detect them early1.9Data sources and quality criteria1.10Guided initial diagnosis exercise
2.1Applicable regulatory framework: overview2.2Regulatory hierarchy and conflicts between standards2.3Mandatory requirements versus good practice2.4Acceptance criteria and required evidence2.5Technical documentation and traceability2.6Change management and configuration control2.7Audits, inspections and non-conformities2.8Responsibilities and division of scope2.9Interpretation of critical clauses2.10Exercise: regulatory checklist
3.1Setting up the model: assumptions and simplifications3.2Selection of tools and working environment3.3Preparation of input data3.4Workflow and good modelling practice3.5Discretisation and case preparation3.6Boundary conditions and load cases3.7Convergence control and numerical verification3.8Sensitivity analysis and parametric study3.9Automation and reuse of models3.10Exercise: building a base model
4.1Reduced-order and detailed models4.2Coupling between physical domains4.3Parameter calibration with real data4.4Uncertainty propagation4.5Multi-objective optimisation4.6Digital twins and in-service models4.7Computational cost and calculation strategies4.8Cross-validation of results4.9Model documentation and versioning4.10Exercise: complete simulation campaign
5.1Design requirements and starting criteria5.2Solution alternatives and comparative analysis5.3Sizing and safety margins5.4Selection of materials, equipment or components5.5Integration with the rest of the system5.6Cost, schedule and manufacturing constraints5.7Reliability, maintainability and service life5.8Sustainability and efficiency in design5.9Design review and risk management5.10Exercise: documented design proposal
6.1Material families and selection criteria6.2Critical components and their failure modes6.3Manufacturing processes and their limits6.4Tolerances, fits and dimensional control6.5Treatments, coatings and protection6.6Emerging technologies applicable to Advanced PLC IEC 61131-36.7Obsolescence and continuity of supply6.8Environmental footprint and circular economy6.9Qualification of components and suppliers6.10Exercise: comparative technical data sheet
7.1System architecture and functional breakdown7.2Interface definition and control7.3Protocols and data exchange7.4Progressive integration and interface testing7.5Electromagnetic and environmental compatibility7.6Configuration management of the whole system7.7Resolving conflicts between subsystems7.8Fine-tuning the integrated system7.9Traceability from requirements to verification7.10Exercise: interface matrix
8.1Hazard identification and preliminary analysis8.2Failure modes and effects analysis8.3Fault trees and quantitative analysis8.4Allocation of reliability targets8.5Barriers, redundancies and fault tolerance8.6Human factors and operating errors8.7Safety evidence and argumentation8.8Risk management throughout the life cycle8.9Indicators and in-service monitoring8.10Exercise: risk analysis of a case
9.1Verification and validation strategy9.2Test plan: scope and coverage9.3Instrumentation and data acquisition9.4Laboratory testing versus field testing9.5Correlation between model and measurement9.6Handling uncertainty and tolerances9.7Failure analysis and corrective actions9.8Commissioning and acceptance criteria9.9Documentation of the validation file9.10Exercise: validation report
10.1Commissioning and handover to operation10.2Preventive and predictive maintenance plans10.3Condition monitoring and diagnostics10.4Spare parts, logistics and availability10.5Obsolescence management and upgrades10.6Availability and performance indicators10.7Life-cycle cost10.8Life extension and repowering10.9Decommissioning and end of life10.10Exercise: maintenance plan
11.1Scope, schedule and cost of the technical project11.2Estimating and budget control11.3Procurement and supplier relations11.4Technical teams and communication11.5Technical and economic feasibility analysis11.6Environmental and social criteria11.7Sustainability regulations and reporting11.8Change management and stakeholders11.9Project close-out and lessons learned11.10Exercise: business case
12.1Choice of topic and scope of the thesis12.2State of the art and review of sources12.3Problem statement and objectives12.4Applied research methodology12.5Technical development supervised by the thesis director12.6Analysis of results and discussion12.7Conclusions and future work12.8Writing the dissertation12.9Preparing the defence12.10Master's Thesis: defence before a panel and assessment
How you'll learn
Training is 100% online 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 can be combined with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is ROS 2, MoveIt, Gazebo, NVIDIA Isaac Sim and MATLAB/Simulink, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures from a collaborative robot cell, a 3D vision bench and a real-time control laboratory. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final Master's Thesis.
Standards covered: ISO 10218-1 and -2, ISO/TS 15066, ISO 13849, IEC 62061, ISO 3691-4, IEC 61131-3, ISO 9283, IEC 62443, Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- A 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.
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 ROS 2, MoveIt, Gazebo, NVIDIA Isaac Sim and MATLAB/Simulink, 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 demonstrable professional experience), a computer able to run the programme 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.
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