Master’s in Model-Based Design Engineering
Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in Model-Based Design engineering, structured in 12 modules covering model-based development, physical plant modelling, control algorithm design, requirements and traceability, model verification, automatic code generation, in-the-loop testing, functional safety and certification, continuous integration and system architecture, with an assigned technical tutor.
Master’s in Model-Based Design Engineering — studying from South Africa
Robotics and automation are growing in South African manufacturing, mining and logistics, where companies seek to improve productivity and safety. Automotive plants, food processors and mining operations use industrial robots, programmable logic controllers and process automation systems. Universities such as Stellenbosch and the University of Pretoria research robotics and control theory. Engineers in this field combine electrical, mechanical and software skills to design and integrate automated systems.
Fees for South Africa: R 166 000 (South African rand), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in South Africa
Typical roles
Questions from South Africa
Will a SEIUM qualification be recognised by the professional bodies in South Africa for this area?
SEIUM qualifications are private, not official state degrees, and are not accredited by any South African body. Professional engineering registration in South Africa is through ECSA, which assesses accredited training and experience. Whether a private SEIUM qualification is recognised is decided by employers or the relevant body, so confirm acceptance before enrolling.
How might this qualification be used by employers in South Africa in robotics and automation?
Manufacturing, mining, logistics and automation integrators in South Africa often value applied skills in control systems, programming and integration. A private qualification may support your CV, particularly with practical projects, but it is not state-recognised. Its value depends on each employer's view, so ask potential employers how they would assess it.
Can I study this programme alongside full-time work from South Africa, and is there a time zone or language issue?
Yes, the programme is 100% online and taught in English, so you can study from South Africa without a student visa. Master's programmes require 1,900 hours, postgraduate diplomas 800 hours and specialist courses 300 hours, with an assigned technical tutor. Fees can be paid in instalments and employer sponsorship is possible. Check time-zone and workload expectations with SEIUM directly.
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
Apply the model-based development workflow.
Model multi-domain physical plants.
Design control algorithms and mode logic.
Manage requirements and traceability in models.
Verify models with testing and formal analysis.
Generate embedded code automatically.
Validate software with MIL, SIL, PIL and HIL testing.
Who it's for
- Model-Based Design engineers looking to master the full workflow.
- Embedded software developers moving to automatic code generation.
- Verification and validation engineers working with simulation-based testing.
- Control engineers designing algorithms in Simulink and Stateflow.
- HIL specialists building and automating real-time test benches.
- Functional safety engineers applying ISO 26262 or DO-331 to models.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter the automotive sector.
What you'll work with
- ISO 26262-6:2018 (road vehicle functional safety — software level)
- IEC 61508-3:2010 (functional safety — software requirements)
- RTCA DO-331 (model-based development supplement to DO-178C)
- RTCA DO-178C (software considerations in airborne systems)
- MISRA C:2012 (guidelines for C in critical systems)
- AUTOSAR Classic Platform (automotive software architecture)
- IEC 61131-3:2013 (PLC programming languages)
- MAB Modeling Guidelines (MathWorks Advisory Board modelling guidelines)
- MATLAB/Simulink
- Stateflow
- Embedded Coder
- Simulink Test
- dSPACE SCALEXIO
12 modules · 1900 h
1.1From hand coding to Model-Based Design1.2The V cycle and Model-Based Design1.3Executable models as specifications1.4Benefits in quality and time1.5Cases in automotive and aerospace1.6The MathWorks workflow1.7Alternative tools: Scilab and Modelica1.8Roles in development teams1.9Organisational maturity1.10Case study: analysis of a development workflow
2.1Modelling mechanical systems2.2Electrical and motor modelling2.3Hydraulic and pneumatic modelling2.4Thermal modelling of components2.5Simscape and acausal modelling2.6Parameterisation with catalogue data2.7Parameter identification2.8Validation of plant models2.9Models of different fidelity2.10Lab: DC motor model in Simscape
3.1Controller design in Simulink3.2Tuning with control tools3.3State machines with Stateflow3.4Mode and supervisory logic3.5Digital filter design3.6Estimation algorithms3.7Data types and scaling3.8Fixed-point modelling3.9Model architecture with model references3.10Practical exercise: speed control with Stateflow
4.1Requirements management in models4.2Using Requirements Toolbox4.3Links between requirements and blocks4.4Test specification from requirements4.5Requirements coverage analysis4.6Formal and temporal requirements4.7Change management4.8Integration with ALM tools4.9Traceability reports4.10Workshop: requirement-model-test traceability
5.1Simulation with test cases5.2Simulink Test and test harnesses5.3MC/DC model coverage5.4Formal verification with Design Verifier5.5Checking MAB guidelines5.6MISRA modelling guidelines5.7Static model analysis5.8Back-to-back model-code testing5.9Automated regression testing5.10Lab: test harness with coverage
6.1Embedded Coder and configuration6.2C code for microcontrollers6.3Generation for PLCs with IEC 61131-36.4HDL generation for FPGAs6.5Optimising the generated code6.6Interfacing with hand-written code6.7Task partitioning6.8MISRA C compliance6.9Verification of the generated code6.10Practical exercise: code generation for a microcontroller
7.1Model-in-the-loop (MIL) testing7.2Software-in-the-loop (SIL) testing7.3Processor-in-the-loop (PIL) testing7.4Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing7.5Speedgoat and dSPACE platforms7.6Real-time plant models7.7Fault injection in HIL7.8HIL test automation7.9Test bench management7.10Case study: HIL bench for an inverter
8.1ISO 26262 and model-based development8.2IEC 61508 and qualified tools8.3DO-178C and DO-3318.4Tool qualification8.5IEC Certification Kit8.6Evidence for certification8.7Safety analysis on models8.8Partitioning of critical software8.9Process audits8.10Practical exercise: tool qualification plan
9.1Model version control9.2Model comparison and merging9.3Continuous integration with Jenkins9.4Automated testing on the server9.5Block library management9.6Software architecture with AUTOSAR9.7Software deployment9.8Model quality metrics9.9DevOps for embedded systems9.10Workshop: continuous integration pipeline for models
10.1Electric motor control10.2Battery management systems (BMS)10.3Power converters10.4Braking systems10.5Robots and machines10.6Process automation10.7Avionics and flight control10.8Medical device software10.9Control in renewable energy10.10Case study: PMSM motor control with FOC
11.1System architecture with System Composer11.2Components and interfaces11.3Product variants11.4Large models11.5Simulation performance11.6Collaboration between teams11.7Managing model suppliers11.8Component reuse11.9Process evolution11.10Practical exercise: architecture with System Composer
12.1Requirements of the embedded system12.2Plant model12.3Control algorithm design12.4Verification in simulation12.5Code generation12.6SIL, PIL and HIL testing12.7Quality evidence12.8Conclusions and improvements12.9Master's Thesis report12.10Master's Thesis: defence before a panel
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 the intake, so it is compatible with full-time work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is MATLAB/Simulink, Stateflow, Embedded Coder, Simulink Test and dSPACE SCALEXIO, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Exercises are based on real procedures for controller design in Simulink, embedded code generation and HIL in-the-loop testing. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final Master's Thesis.
Standards covered: ISO 26262-6:2018, IEC 61508-3:2010, RTCA DO-331, RTCA DO-178C, MISRA C:2012, AUTOSAR Classic Platform, IEC 61131-3:2013, MAB Modeling Guidelines.
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.
- An 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 MATLAB/Simulink, Stateflow, Embedded Coder, Simulink Test and dSPACE SCALEXIO, 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), 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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