Postgraduate Diploma in Sequence and Logic Generation
Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in Sequence and Logic Generation. 8 modules covering IEC 61131-3, IEC 60848:2013 and Siemens TIA Portal with Openness. Assigned tutor and enrolment open.
Postgraduate Diploma in Sequence and Logic Generation — studying from New Zealand
Robotics and automation are increasingly important in New Zealand, especially in dairy processing, food manufacturing, forestry, horticulture and logistics. Research groups at the University of Auckland and the University of Canterbury lead in robotics and control engineering, and firms in these regions develop automated systems for primary industries. Engineers work on process control, industrial automation and robotic integration for manufacturers and technology providers.
Fees for New Zealand: NZ$2,960 (New Zealand dollar), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in New Zealand
Typical roles
Questions from New Zealand
Which New Zealand bodies recognise robotics and control engineering?
Engineering New Zealand is the professional body, and the Chartered Professional Engineer pathway is the recognised route to professional status. Universities such as the University of Auckland and the University of Canterbury offer accredited engineering degrees. SEIUM's qualifications are private and not accredited by any national body, so their recognition rests with employers or the relevant body.
Do robotics and automation employers in New Zealand value this training?
New Zealand has demand for automation skills in dairy processing, food manufacturing, forestry, and advanced manufacturing. Employers generally value practical project experience and programming ability highly. A SEIUM qualification can strengthen a CV, but whether it counts is for each employer to decide.
Is the programme workable alongside a full-time job in New Zealand?
Yes. The programme is 100% online and taught in English, so you can study from anywhere in New Zealand without a student visa. Master's programmes total 1,900 hours, postgraduate diplomas 800 hours and specialist courses 300 hours. You have an assigned technical tutor, and fees are payable in instalments or sponsored by an employer where 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
Specify sequential behaviour using GRAFCET and GEMMA.
Programme in the IEC 61131-3 languages following good practice.
Apply reusable control logic patterns.
Develop automatic code generators for PLCs.
Apply model-driven design and IEC 61499.
Structure process logic for batch processes in accordance with ISA-88.
Verify sequences through simulation and automated testing.
Who it's for
- PLC programmer who wants to specialise in Sequence and Logic Generation.
- Automation software engineer who wants to specialise in Sequence and Logic Generation.
- Process control engineer who wants to specialise in Sequence and Logic Generation.
- Engineering tools developer who wants to specialise in Sequence and Logic Generation.
- Automation systems integrator who wants to specialise in Sequence and Logic Generation.
- Software standardisation engineer who wants to specialise in Sequence and Logic Generation.
- Graduates in engineering or science looking to enter machinery manufacturing.
What you'll work with
- IEC 61131-3
- IEC 60848:2013
- IEC 61499-1:2012
- ANSI/ISA-88.00.01-2010
- ANSI/ISA-TR88.00.02-2022 PackML
- IEC 62714 AutomationML
- PLCopen XML TC6
8 modules · 800 h
1.1Sequential and combinational systems1.2GRAFCET according to IEC 608481.3Steps, transitions and receptivities1.4AND and OR divergences and convergences1.5Macro-steps and forcing1.6State diagrams versus GRAFCET1.7GEMMA running and stopping modes1.8Specification of alarms and interlocks1.9Ambiguities in textual specifications1.10Case study: GRAFCET for a drilling station
2.1Structured text ST2.2Ladder diagram LD2.3Function block diagram FBD2.4Sequential function chart SFC2.5Data types and structures2.6Function blocks and encapsulation2.7Object-oriented programming in PLCs2.8PLCopen naming conventions2.9Reuse through libraries2.10Laboratory: translating GRAFCET into SFC and ST
3.1State machine in structured text3.2Equipment module pattern3.3Actuator control with supervision3.4Alarm and warning management3.5Manual, automatic and step-by-step modes3.6Orderly start-up and shutdown3.7Recovery after a fault3.8PackML states in machines3.9Interlock logic3.10Workshop: cylinder module template with diagnostics
4.1Template-based engineering4.2Generation from I/O sheets4.3TIA Portal Openness API4.4PLCopen XML export and import4.5Generation from AutomationML4.6Simatic Modular Application Creator tools4.7Generation using Python and C# scripts4.8Validation of generated code4.9Version control of generators4.10Practical exercise: block generator from a signal list
5.1UML and SysML modelling for control5.2Code generation from Simulink PLC Coder5.3IEC 61499 and distributed applications5.4Event-driven function blocks5.54diac and EcoStruxure Automation Expert tools5.6Model-to-code transformations5.7Advantages and disadvantages of the approach5.8Plant models for verification5.9Integration with the engineering workflow5.10Laboratory: IEC 61499 application in 4diac
6.1ISA-88 physical and procedural model6.2Phases, operations and procedures6.3Control recipes6.4Continuous process sequences6.5Regulatory control logic6.6ISA-88 state model6.7Configuration in DCS systems6.8Exception handling6.9Modular architecture with MTP6.10Case study: dosing phase sequence
7.1Sequence simulation on a virtual PLC7.2Unit testing of blocks7.3Model checking of GRAFCET7.4Transition coverage testing7.5Cross code reviews7.6Static rule analysis7.7Traceability from the specification7.8Detection of deadlocks and unreachable states7.9Automatic code documentation7.10Practical exercise: verifying a sequence with test cases
8.1Functional specification of the machine8.2GRAFCET and GEMMA modelling8.3Design of modules and libraries8.4Implementation of the code generator8.5Generated code and manual adjustments8.6Verification through simulation8.7Documentation and traceability8.8Assessment of productivity achieved8.9Written report and presentation8.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
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 enrolment period, which makes it compatible with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Siemens TIA Portal with Openness, Codesys, Eclipse 4diac, MATLAB Simulink PLC Coder, Beckhoff TwinCAT 3, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Trials are studied using real procedures for translating GRAFCET into IEC 61131-3 code, automatic generation of blocks from signal lists, and sequence verification on a virtual PLC. 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.
Specify sequential behaviour using GRAFCET and GEMMA.
Programme in the IEC 61131-3 languages following good practice.
Apply reusable control logic patterns.
Develop automatic code generators for PLCs.
Apply model-driven design and IEC 61499.
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.
- A level of Spanish sufficient 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 comprises 800 hours in total, spread over 6 to 8 months. That is between 10 and 15 hours a week on average, compatible with a full-time job.
We work with Siemens TIA Portal with Openness, Codesys, Eclipse 4diac, MATLAB Simulink PLC Coder, Beckhoff TwinCAT 3. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
An own SEIUM diploma upon passing 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 higher-level programme. Check the credit transfer policy when you enrol.
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