Master’s in DCS for Continuous Processes Engineering
Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in DCS engineering for continuous processes, structured in 12 modules covering DCS architecture, process instrumentation, regulatory control strategies, DCS configuration, alarm management, advanced control, safety instrumented systems and DCS migrations, with an assigned technical tutor.
Master’s in DCS for Continuous Processes Engineering — studying from the United States
Robotics and industrial automation are growing rapidly in the United States, with research centers and companies concentrated in Massachusetts, California, Pennsylvania and Michigan. Manufacturers across automotive, electronics, food processing and logistics deploy robots and control systems to improve productivity and safety. Universities and national programs support advances in collaborative robotics, motion control and AI-driven automation. Engineers work on control theory, sensors, programming and system integration.
Fees for the United States: US$8,850 (US Dollars), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in the United States
Typical roles
Questions from the United States
Which US bodies are relevant to robotics and control engineering?
Key bodies include IEEE, particularly its Robotics and Automation Society, and ISA (International Society of Automation). Industrial safety standards are referenced through A3, the Association for Advancing Automation. Professional PE licensure is issued by state boards where required. SEIUM's private qualifications are not accredited, so employers decide how to value them.
Where do robotics and automation engineers work in the United States?
Employers include robotics companies, automotive and electronics manufacturers, warehouse automation firms, and research labs. Roles include controls engineer, robotics software engineer, and automation specialist. Employers typically assess portfolios, programming skills, and project experience, so build visible work to accompany your qualification.
How much English and time commitment does the programme require?
Programmes are taught fully in English, so strong written and spoken English is needed. They are 100% online, so you study from home without a student visa. Workloads are 300, 800, or 1,900 hours depending on the programme. An assigned technical tutor supports you, and fees can be paid in instalments.
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
Analyse the dynamics of continuous processes.
Design redundant DCS architectures.
Select and configure process instrumentation.
Implement advanced regulatory control strategies.
Manage alarms and operations in line with standards.
Integrate safety instrumented systems with the DCS.
Plan DCS projects and migrations.
Who it's for
- DCS engineers.
- Process control engineers in refining, petrochemicals and chemicals.
- Instrumentation specialists.
- Functional safety engineers.
- Control room managers.
- System migration engineers handling legacy DCS replacements.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter the refining sector.
What you'll work with
- IEC 61511-1:2016 (safety instrumented systems for the process industry)
- ISA-18.2-2016 (management of alarm systems for the process industries)
- IEC 62443-2-1:2010 (security programme for industrial automation and control systems)
- ISA-101.01-2015 (human machine interfaces for process automation systems)
- IEC 60534-2-1:2011 (flow capacity sizing equations for control valves)
- IEC 61804-3:2015 (electronic device description language, EDDL)
- EEMUA 191 (alarm systems: guide to design, management and procurement)
- Directive 2014/34/EU (equipment for potentially explosive atmospheres, ATEX)
- Honeywell Experion PKS
- Emerson DeltaV
- ABB System 800xA
- Yokogawa CENTUM VP
- AVEVA Dynamic Simulation
12 modules · 1900 h
1.1Characteristics of continuous processes1.2Dynamics of processes with dead time1.3Mass and energy balances1.4Typical unit operations1.5Critical process variables1.6P&ID diagrams and loops1.7Control objectives in the plant1.8Interaction between units1.9Examples in refining and chemicals1.10Case study: loop analysis of a unit
2.1Engineering and operator stations2.2Redundant process controllers2.3I/O modules and marshalling2.4Electronically configurable I/O2.5Control buses and networks2.6Historian servers2.7Integration with safety systems2.8Vendors: Experion, DeltaV, 800xA2.9Sizing a DCS2.10Practical: DCS architecture of a plant
3.1Flow, level and pressure measurement3.2Temperature measurement3.3Online analysers3.4Control valves and positioners3.5Valve sizing to IEC 605343.6HART protocol and diagnostics3.7Foundation Fieldbus and Profibus PA3.8Instrument asset management3.9Instrumentation in ATEX zones3.10Lab: HART configuration of a transmitter
4.1PID loop tuning4.2Lambda and SIMC methods4.3Cascade control4.4Ratio and feedforward control4.5Override and selective control4.6Split-range control4.7Dead-time compensation4.8Averaging level control4.9Loop decoupling4.10Workshop: loop tuning on a simulator
5.1Control function blocks5.2Control modules and templates5.3Interlock logic5.4Sequences and phase control5.5Mode and state management5.6Equipment libraries5.7Configuration change management5.8Online and offline downloads5.9Automatic documentation generation5.10Practical: pump control module
6.1High-performance operator interface6.2ISA-18.2 alarm management6.3Alarm rationalisation6.4Automated operating procedures6.5Shift and handover management6.6Training simulators6.7Operator performance indicators6.8Human factors in control rooms6.9Abnormal situation management6.10Case study: alarm flood analysis
7.1Multivariable predictive control7.2Soft sensors and inferentials7.3Unit optimisation7.4Integration of APC with the DCS7.5Product quality control7.6Loop monitoring7.7Benefits of advanced control7.8APC maintenance7.9Distillation and furnace cases7.10Lab: quality inferential with regression
8.1IEC 61511 life cycle8.2HAZOP and risk analysis8.3SIL determination8.4Design of instrumented functions8.5PFD calculation8.6SIS and DCS integration8.7Proof testing of functions8.8Bypass management8.9Functional safety audits8.10Practical: PFD calculation for a SIF
9.1Process historians9.2Balances and data reconciliation9.3Production dashboards9.4Integration with MES and ERP9.5LIMS laboratory management9.6Process data analysis9.7Regulatory and environmental reports9.8Data quality9.9Information cybersecurity9.10Case study: balance reconciliation
10.1Secure architectures according to IEC 6244310.2Segmentation of control networks10.3Account and access management10.4Antivirus and whitelisting10.5DCS patch management10.6Backup and recovery10.7Anomaly monitoring10.8Continuity plans10.9Supplier management10.10Workshop: DCS recovery plan
11.1Phases of a DCS project11.2Functional system specification11.3Integrated FAT11.4Commissioning and start-up11.5Migration of legacy systems11.6Hot cutover and shutdowns11.7Operator training11.8Obsolescence management11.9Contracting and scope11.10Case study: DCS migration plan
12.1Description of the continuous process12.2Proposed control strategies12.3Configuration in a DCS or simulator12.4Alarm and HMI design12.5Associated safety functions12.6Testing and dynamic simulation12.7Analysis of results12.8Conclusions and recommendations12.9Master's Thesis report12.10Master's Thesis: defence before a panel
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: you progress at your own pace within each intake, so the programme is compatible with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Honeywell Experion PKS, Emerson DeltaV, ABB System 800xA, Yokogawa CENTUM VP and AVEVA Dynamic Simulation, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied on real procedures: configuration of control strategies in the DCS, loop tuning with a dynamic simulator and PFD calculation for instrumented functions. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final Master's Thesis.
Standards covered: IEC 61511-1:2016, ISA-18.2-2016, IEC 62443-2-1:2010, ISA-101.01-2015, IEC 60534-2-1:2011, IEC 61804-3:2015, EEMUA 191, Directive 2014/34/EU.
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
- 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 Honeywell Experion PKS, Emerson DeltaV, ABB System 800xA, Yokogawa CENTUM VP and AVEVA Dynamic Simulation, 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 professional experience, plus 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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