Postgraduate Diploma in Food/Pharma Applications and Hygienic Certification
Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in Food/Pharma Applications and Hygienic Certification. 8 modules covering EN 1672-2, ISO 14159 and Siemens TIA Portal. Dedicated tutor and open enrolment.
Postgraduate Diploma in Food/Pharma Applications and Hygienic Certification — 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 27 900 (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 EHEDG hygienic design principles to automated equipment.
Select robots and end effectors suitable for food and pharmaceutical environments.
Design packaging and handling cells with cleaning requirements.
Automate aseptic processes in isolators and classified cleanrooms.
Prepare qualification protocols in accordance with GAMP 5.
Prepare hygienic certification files for equipment.
Manage the continuous improvement of hygienic automated lines.
Who it's for
- Food automation engineer who wants to specialise in Food/Pharma Applications and Hygienic Certification.
- Pharmaceutical validation engineer who wants to specialise in Food/Pharma Applications and Hygienic Certification.
- Hygienic design specialist who wants to specialise in Food/Pharma Applications and Hygienic Certification.
- Quality and HACCP technician who wants to specialise in Food/Pharma Applications and Hygienic Certification.
- Robotics integrator for cleanrooms who wants to specialise in Food/Pharma Applications and Hygienic Certification.
- GMP compliance consultant who wants to specialise in Food/Pharma Applications and Hygienic Certification.
- Graduates in engineering or science looking to enter the food and beverage sector.
What you'll work with
- EN 1672-2
- ISO 14159
- Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004
- ISO 14644-1
- EU GMP Annex 1
- GAMP 5
- 21 CFR Part 11
- ISO 22000
8 modules · 800 h
1.1Physical, chemical and microbiological hazards1.2EHEDG hygienic design principles1.3Product, splash and non-product zones1.4Materials suitable for food contact1.5Surface roughness and cleanability1.6IP ratings and IP69K1.7H1 food-grade lubricants1.8Biofilm formation1.9Hygienic design of welds and joints1.10Practice: hygiene audit of a packaging machine
2.1Washable-design and stainless steel robots2.2Delta robots for food picking2.3Cobots in intensive cleaning environments2.4Food-grade grippers and suction cups2.5Protective covers and robot suits2.6Robots for ISO 14644 cleanrooms2.7Robots in aseptic handling2.8Robot selection by hygiene zone2.9Sealing of joints and transmissions in robots2.10Case study: robot selection for a meat line
3.1Picking and primary packaging3.2Palletising and end of line3.3Robotic cutting and deboning3.4Decorating and handling confectionery3.5Visual inspection of food3.6Batch traceability and labelling3.7Allergen management on lines3.8CIP and SIP cleaning of equipment3.9X-ray foreign body detection3.10Workshop: designing a primary packaging cell
4.1Aseptic filling and isolators4.2Handling in RABS technology4.3Robots in cytotoxic preparation4.4Inspection of vials and ampoules4.5Serialisation and aggregation of packs4.6Automation of quality control laboratories4.7Decontamination with vaporised hydrogen peroxide4.8Cleanroom classification per Annex 14.9Handling bags and vials in cabinets4.10Case study: filling cell in an isolator
5.1GAMP 5 system lifecycle5.2DQ, IQ, OQ and PQ qualification5.3Risk analysis per ICH Q95.4Cleaning validation5.5ALCOA+ data integrity5.6Electronic records under 21 CFR Part 115.7Validation of automation software5.8Change and deviation management5.9Validation of inline vision systems5.10Practice: operational qualification protocol for a robot
6.1EHEDG certification of equipment6.23-A Sanitary Standards6.3Bench cleanability testing6.4Technical documentation for hygienic design6.5BRCGS and IFS audits6.6HACCP systems on automated lines6.7Machinery Directive requirements6.8Material declarations of conformity6.9FDA requirements for food-contact materials6.10Case study: EHEDG certification file
7.1Cleaning and sanitation plans7.2Microbiological environmental monitoring7.3Hygienic maintenance of robots7.4OEE indicators on food lines7.5Changeover management7.6Root cause analysis of non-conformities7.7Staff hygiene training7.8Water sustainability and cleaning chemistry7.9Pest control in automated environments7.10Case study: sanitation plan for a robotic cell
8.1Process and hazard analysis8.2Definition of hygiene zones8.3Selection of equipment and materials8.4Hygienic design of the cell8.5Cleaning and validation plan8.6System qualification8.7Certification file8.8Analysis of results8.9Report and presentation8.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
Delivered 100% online through the SEIUM campus, with downloadable materials, recorded classes and a dedicated technical tutor. No fixed timetable: students progress at their own pace within the enrolment period, making it compatible with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Siemens TIA Portal, ABB RobotStudio, SolidWorks, Kneat Gx, MasterControl, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real hygienic design procedures for food packaging cells, robot qualification in pharmaceutical isolators, and cleanability tests of components. Assessment is continuous, module 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.
Apply EHEDG hygienic design principles to automated equipment.
Select robots and end effectors suitable for food and pharmaceutical environments.
Design packaging and handling cells with cleaning requirements.
Automate aseptic processes in isolators and classified cleanrooms.
Prepare qualification protocols in accordance with GAMP 5.
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 Spanish to follow technical regulatory texts.
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 800 hours, spread over 6 to 8 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
You will work with Siemens TIA Portal, ABB RobotStudio, SolidWorks, Kneat Gx and MasterControl. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM diploma awarded on 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 recognised in the higher programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
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