Postgraduate Diploma in SCADA/EMS and Real-Time Operation
Online Postgraduate Diploma of 800 h in SCADA/EMS and Real-Time Operation. 8 modules covering IEC 61970 (EMS application interface, CIM model), IEC 60870-5-104 (telecontrol over TCP/IP) and PSS/E. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Postgraduate Diploma in SCADA/EMS and Real-Time Operation — studying from Canada
Canada's energy sector spans oil and gas in Alberta, hydroelectricity in Québec and Manitoba, nuclear generation in Ontario, and growing wind and solar capacity across several provinces. Transmission and distribution networks are operated by provincial utilities such as Hydro-Québec and Ontario Power Generation, alongside private operators. Grid modernisation, interconnection and energy efficiency are priority areas for engineers. Regulation is handled by provincial energy boards and the federal Canada Energy Regulator.
Fees for Canada: C$1,700 (Canadian dollar), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in Canada
Typical roles
Questions from Canada
Who licenses energy and power network engineers in Canada?
Power and energy engineers in Canada usually obtain Professional Engineer licences from provincial associations, which regulate the use of the title and require accredited education and experience. SEIUM's qualifications are private, not official state degrees and not accredited by a national body, so they do not themselves grant licensing. Employers or relevant bodies decide recognition, so verify this first.
Do Canadian utilities and energy employers value this type of training?
Canadian utilities and energy firms, including those in Ontario, Alberta and Quebec, typically prioritise licensed engineers and verifiable operational experience. A SEIUM qualification may complement your profile, and a strong final project can help demonstrate skills, but its acceptance is for each employer to decide. Ask employers what they expect before enrolling.
Can I study alongside a job, and what about funding and language?
Yes, the programmes are fully online, so you can study from home without a student visa and plan sessions around work. Specialist courses are 300 hours, postgraduate diplomas 800 and master's 1,900. Instruction is in English, and each student has an assigned technical tutor. Fees can be paid in instalments, and employer sponsorship is possible.
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
Describe the functional architecture of an electrical control centre.
Configure data acquisition and telecontrol protocols.
Build the network model and apply state estimation.
Carry out contingency analysis and optimal power flows.
Explain automatic generation control and secondary regulation.
Apply real-time operating procedures and incident management.
Evaluate the cybersecurity and evolution of SCADA/EMS systems.
Who it's for
- Control centre operator wishing to specialise in SCADA/EMS and Real-Time Operation.
- SCADA/EMS systems engineer wishing to specialise in SCADA/EMS and Real-Time Operation.
- Network applications specialist wishing to specialise in SCADA/EMS and Real-Time Operation.
- Telecontrol engineer wishing to specialise in SCADA/EMS and Real-Time Operation.
- Operational security analyst wishing to specialise in SCADA/EMS and Real-Time Operation.
- Control centre cybersecurity engineer wishing to specialise in SCADA/EMS and Real-Time Operation.
- Graduates in engineering or sciences seeking to join system operators.
What you'll work with
- IEC 61970 (EMS application interface, CIM model)
- IEC 60870-5-104 (telecontrol over TCP/IP)
- IEC 60870-6 (TASE.2/ICCP)
- IEC 62351 (security of power system protocols)
- Regulation (EU) 2017/1485 (system operation guidelines)
- NERC CIP (critical infrastructure protection)
- IEC 61968 (application integration at distribution level)
8 modules · 800 h
1.1Functions of a control centre1.2TSO and DSO control hierarchy1.3SCADA/EMS architecture1.4Remote terminal units RTU and IED1.5Real-time databases1.6Human-machine interfaces and videowall1.7Redundancy and high availability1.8Backup centres1.9Evolution towards cloud-based systems1.10Case study: control centre architecture
2.1IEC 60870-5-101 and 1042.2DNP3 and its levels2.3IEC 61850 towards control centres2.4ICCP/TASE.2 between centres2.5Telemetry, telecommands and telesignals2.6Time-tagging and sequence of events2.7Data quality and flags2.8WAN and MPLS networks2.9Latencies and scan cycles2.10Laboratory: configuring an IEC 104 link
3.1IEC 61970 CIM model3.2Topology processor3.3Least-squares state estimator3.4Network observability3.5Detection of bad measurements3.6Phasor-based estimation3.7Estimator quality and convergence3.8Network model maintenance3.9CGMES model exchange3.10Practical: state estimation on a 14-bus system
4.1Real-time load flow4.2Contingency analysis4.3Security-constrained optimal power flow4.4Voltage stability analysis4.5Dynamic security assessment DSA4.6Real-time transfer capability4.7Online short-circuit analysis4.8Corrective and preventive actions4.9Dispatcher training tools DTS4.10Laboratory: N-1 contingency analysis
5.1Automatic generation control AGC5.2Area control error ACE5.3Primary, secondary and tertiary regulation5.4Real-time economic dispatch5.5Short-term unit commitment5.6Reserve management5.7Integration of renewables and forecasting5.8Voltage and reactive power control5.9Low-inertia operation5.10Case study: AGC response to loss of generation
6.1Normal, alert, emergency and restoration states6.2Network Code SO (EU) 2017/14856.3Network Code ER (EU) 2017/21966.4Alarm management and prioritisation6.5Switching operations and work permits6.6Defence plans and load shedding6.7Restoration after a blackout6.8Coordination with neighbouring centres6.9Human factors in the control room6.10Practical: restoration drill in DTS
7.1Threats to SCADA/EMS systems7.2IEC 62443 and NERC CIP7.3IEC 62351 for protocols7.4Segmentation and DMZ7.5Patch management in critical systems7.6Monitoring and OT SOC7.7Artificial intelligence in operations7.8Network digital twins7.9ADMS and DERMS7.10Workshop: threat model of a control centre
8.1Functional requirements of the centre8.2Hardware and software architecture8.3Communications design8.4Network model and applications8.5Operating procedures8.6Cybersecurity plan8.7Migration and testing plan8.8Operator training8.9Report and presentation8.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
Fully 100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, making it possible to combine with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is PSS/E, PowerWorld Simulator, MATPOWER, Wireshark, DIgSILENT PowerFactory, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Practical work is based on real state estimation procedures with redundant measurements, real-time contingency analysis and simulation of automatic generation control. Assessment is continuous across modules, 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.
Describe the functional architecture of an electrical control centre.
Configure data acquisition and telecontrol protocols.
Build the network model and apply state estimation.
Carry out contingency analysis and optimal power flows.
Explain automatic generation control and secondary regulation.
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 documentation.
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 consists of 800 hours in total, spread over 6 to 8 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with full-time work.
You work with PSS/E, PowerWorld Simulator, MATPOWER, Wireshark and DIgSILENT PowerFactory. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
SEIUM's 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 diploma in the same area are recognised towards the higher-level programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
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