Postgraduate Diploma in Degradation, O&M and Water Quality
Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in Degradation, O&M and Water Quality. 8 modules with ISO 22734 (hydrogen generators by electrolysis), ISO 3696 (water for analytical use) and Python (pandas). Dedicated tutor and open enrolment.
Postgraduate Diploma in Degradation, O&M and Water Quality — studying from Malta
Malta's energy sector is undergoing significant change as the country seeks to reduce dependence on imported fuels and meet European Union climate commitments. The national utility Enemalta plc, together with regulators and private developers, is driving investment in gas supply, renewable generation and grid modernisation. Opportunities exist in power distribution, interconnection, energy efficiency and water services, given the island's distinctive resource constraints. Engineers typically find roles with utilities, consultancies and public agencies overseeing energy planning.
Fees for Malta: €895 (Euro), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in Malta
Typical roles
Questions from Malta
Which bodies regulate energy and network engineering in Malta?
The Regulator for Energy and Water Services regulates energy and water markets and network operation in Malta, and the Malta Resources Authority handles energy policy and resources. The Chamber of Engineers (KSU) regulates the title 'engineer'. SEIUM qualifications are private and not accredited by a national body, so employers or the relevant regulator decide how they are recognised.
What employers in Malta hire for energy and network engineering?
Key employers include the national energy and water utility, network operators, renewable energy developers, and consultancies serving the energy sector. Many roles involve grid, interconnection and renewables projects linked to EU targets. Employers generally expect relevant experience and sometimes chartered status, so a private qualification should complement practical background.
How can I study this while working, and what should I check about time and funding?
Programmes are fully online and taught in English, with an assigned technical tutor and a final project. You do not need a student visa to study from Malta. Time commitments range from 300 hours for specialist courses to 1,900 for master's programmes, so plan around your job. Ask about instalment fee options and whether your employer will sponsor you.
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
Identify the degradation mechanisms of alkaline and PEM electrolysers.
Define the quality requirements for feed water.
Manage the electrolyte and process loops.
Diagnose the condition of stacks through monitoring.
Plan the preventive and corrective maintenance of the plant.
Optimise operation to extend the service life of the electrolyser.
Assess the cost of O&M in the levelised cost of hydrogen.
Who it's for
- Electrolyser operations engineer looking to specialise in Degradation, O&M and Water Quality.
- Hydrogen plant maintenance technician looking to specialise in Degradation, O&M and Water Quality.
- Water treatment specialist looking to specialise in Degradation, O&M and Water Quality.
- Reliability engineer looking to specialise in Degradation, O&M and Water Quality.
- Plant O&M manager looking to specialise in Degradation, O&M and Water Quality.
- Electrochemical engineer looking to specialise in Degradation, O&M and Water Quality.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter green hydrogen.
What you'll work with
- ISO 22734 (hydrogen generators by electrolysis)
- ISO 3696 (water for analytical use)
- ASTM D1193 (reagent water)
- ISO 14687 (hydrogen quality)
- EN 13306 (maintenance terminology)
- IEC 60812 (FMEA analysis)
- ISO 55001 (asset management)
8 modules · 800 h
1.1PEM membrane degradation through thinning1.2Dissolution and agglomeration of iridium and platinum1.3Corrosion of porous transport layers1.4Degradation of alkaline diaphragms1.5Deactivation of nickel electrodes1.6Effect of start-up and shutdown cycles1.7Degradation from dynamic operation1.8Degradation rates in µV/h1.9End of stack life1.10Case study: degradation analysis of a PEM stack
2.1Water requirements according to ASTM D11932.2Conductivity, TOC and silica2.3Cationic impurities and poisoning2.4Pretreatment: filtration and descalcification2.5Double-pass reverse osmosis2.6Electrodeionisation (EDI)2.7Polishing with resins in the loop2.8Seawater and desalination2.9Water consumption per kilogram of hydrogen2.10Laboratory: design of a water treatment train
3.1KOH concentration and carbonation3.2Control of impurities in the electrolyte3.3PEM water loop management3.4Release of fluoride ions3.5Filters and resins in circulation3.6Gas cross-contamination3.7Hydrogen purity according to ISO 146873.8Online analysers3.9Sampling and laboratory analysis3.10Practical: sampling plan for an alkaline electrolyser
4.1Cell voltage monitoring4.2Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy4.3Periodic polarisation curves4.4Hydrogen crossover detection4.5Thermography and hot spots4.6Stack health indicators4.7Data analytics and degradation models4.8Digital twin for life prediction4.9Early warnings and thresholds4.10Workshop: analysis of cell voltages using real data
5.1Preventive, predictive and corrective strategies5.2Maintenance plan according to the manufacturer5.3Maintenance of pumps, valves and compressors5.4Stack replacement and refurbishment5.5Management of critical spare parts5.6Planned shutdowns and their duration5.7Safety in hydrogen work5.8Work permits and isolation procedures5.9Reliability-centred maintenance (RCM)5.10Case study: RCM plan for a purification system
6.1Operating strategies that minimise degradation6.2Current density limits6.3Temperature and pressure management6.4Standby modes and protection6.5Trade-off between flexibility and service life6.6Operation coupled with renewables6.7Logging of hours and equivalent cycles6.8Manufacturer performance guarantees6.9LTSA service contracts6.10Practical: operating strategy with degradation penalty
7.1O&M cost in the LCOH7.2Stack replacement cost7.3Availability and lost production7.4Modelling degradation in the economic model7.5KPI operating indicators7.6Benchmarking between plants7.7Outsourcing versus in-house O&M7.8Staff training and competencies7.9Contractual risks in guarantees7.10Laboratory: impact of degradation on the LCOH
8.1Plant and technology characterisation8.2Analysis of degradation mechanisms8.3Design of the water treatment system8.4Monitoring and diagnosis plan8.5Maintenance plan8.6Operating strategy8.7Economic assessment of O&M8.8Monitoring indicators8.9Report and presentation8.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and a dedicated technical tutor. No fixed timetable: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine study with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Python (pandas), MATLAB, SAP PM, Power BI, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real procedures for feed-water quality analysis, electrolyser polarisation curves and failure mode analysis. Assessment is continuous by module plus the final integrating project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Identify the degradation mechanisms of alkaline and PEM electrolysers.
Define the quality requirements for feed water.
Manage the electrolyte and process loops.
Diagnose the condition of stacks through monitoring.
Plan the preventive and corrective maintenance of the plant.
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 a full-time job.
The course uses Python (pandas), MATLAB, SAP PM and Power BI. 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 integrating 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 transfer policy when you enrol.
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