Postgraduate Diploma in PLC/Robot Emulation and FAT Testing
Online Postgraduate Diploma of 800 hours in PLC/Robot Emulation and FAT Testing. 8 modules with IEC 61131-3, IEC 62714 AutomationML and Siemens PLCSIM Advanced. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Postgraduate Diploma in PLC/Robot Emulation and FAT Testing — 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
Distinguish between emulation and simulation in automation projects.
Configure virtual PLCs connected to plant models.
Programme and emulate robots with virtual controllers.
Build 3D models with physical behaviour and sensors.
Run virtual FAT tests with traceable evidence.
Plan the virtual commissioning of cells and lines.
Standardise emulated components for reuse.
Who it's for
- Virtual commissioning engineer looking to specialise in PLC/Robot Emulation and FAT Testing.
- PLC and robot programmer looking to specialise in PLC/Robot Emulation and FAT Testing.
- Process simulation engineer looking to specialise in PLC/Robot Emulation and FAT Testing.
- Commissioning technician looking to specialise in PLC/Robot Emulation and FAT Testing.
- Robotic systems integrator looking to specialise in PLC/Robot Emulation and FAT Testing.
- Automation validation engineer looking to specialise in PLC/Robot Emulation and FAT Testing.
- Engineering or science graduates looking to enter the automotive sector.
What you'll work with
- IEC 61131-3
- IEC 62714 AutomationML
- FMI 3.0
- VDI 3693 Blatt 1
- IEC 62381:2012
- ISO 10218-2:2025
- IEC 60204-1:2016
8 modules · 800 h
1.1The concept of emulation versus simulation1.2Virtual PLCs and controller emulators1.3Robot emulation with a virtual controller1.4Behavioural models of peripherals1.5Advantages for commissioning1.6Fidelity required by use case1.7Market tools1.8Cost and return on the commissioning digital twin1.9Limitations compared with real equipment1.10Case study: analysis of delays in a real commissioning
2.1Siemens PLCSIM Advanced2.2Emulate3D and Studio 5000 Logix Emulate2.3CODESYS Control Win2.4Virtual communication interfaces2.5Cycle and time synchronisation2.6Emulation of distributed I/O2.7PROFINET network emulation2.8Debugging in an emulated environment2.9Timing limitations2.10Laboratory: connecting PLCSIM Advanced with a plant model
3.1ABB RobotStudio and the virtual controller3.2KUKA.Sim and Office Lite3.3Fanuc ROBOGUIDE3.4Offline trajectory programming3.5Signals between robot and PLC3.6Estimated cycle times3.7Collision detection3.8Calibration between virtual and real3.9Exporting programs to the plant3.10Practice: cell with virtual robot and emulated PLC
4.1CAD import and simplification4.2Kinematics of mechanisms4.3Virtual sensors and detection4.4Conveyors and material flow4.5Part physics and gravity4.6Pneumatic and electric actuators4.7Library of reusable components4.8Model performance4.9Tools such as Process Simulate and Visual Components4.10Workshop: conveyor model with virtual sensors
5.1FAT protocols and their virtual adaptation5.2Sequence and mode testing5.3Alarm and fault testing5.4HMI testing with operators5.5Validation of cycle times5.6Remote participation of the client5.7Recording test evidence5.8Management of non-conformities5.9Relationship between virtual and real FAT5.10Practice: virtual FAT of an assembly station
6.1Planning virtual commissioning6.2Integration of PLC, robot, HMI and model6.3Fault and recovery scenarios6.4Safety testing in a virtual environment6.5Operator training and maintenance6.6Transfer to the plant6.7Measuring time reductions6.8Team organisation6.9Common errors when virtualising6.10Case study: virtual commissioning of a welding line
7.1Modelling standards for components7.2AutomationML as an exchange format7.3FMI for behavioural models7.4Corporate libraries and governance7.5Model version control7.6Acceptable fidelity criteria7.7Reuse across projects7.8Supplier requirements7.9Documentation of the commissioning digital twin7.10Workshop: corporate template for an emulated component
8.1Description of the cell or line8.23D and behavioural model8.3Emulated PLCs and robots8.4Integration and communication8.5Virtual FAT protocol8.6Test execution and results8.7Evaluation against real commissioning8.8Improvement proposals8.9Report and presentation8.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
Fully 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 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 Siemens PLCSIM Advanced, Siemens Process Simulate, ABB RobotStudio, Visual Components, Rockwell Emulate3D, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real virtual FAT procedures for a robotic station, integration of an emulated PLC with a 3D model, and validation of cycle times before commissioning. 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.
Distinguish between emulation and simulation in automation projects.
Configure virtual PLCs connected to plant models.
Programme and emulate robots with virtual controllers.
Build 3D models with physical behaviour and sensors.
Run virtual FAT tests with traceable evidence.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. A university degree is not required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient command 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 comprises 800 hours in total, spread over 6 to 8 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with full-time work.
You will work with Siemens PLCSIM Advanced, Siemens Process Simulate, ABB RobotStudio, Visual Components and Rockwell Emulate3D. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
An own diploma from SEIUM upon passing continuous assessment and the integrating project. It is in-house training, not an official title from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are credited towards the higher programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
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