Postgraduate Diploma in Signalling/Telecom and Auxiliary Power Supply
Online 800 h Postgraduate Diploma in Signalling/Telecom and Auxiliary Power Supply. 8 modules covering EN 50129:2018, EN 50155:2021 and Wireshark. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Postgraduate Diploma in Signalling/Telecom and Auxiliary Power Supply — studying from South Africa
Electronics and telecommunications are substantial sectors in South Africa, with operators such as MTN, Vodacom and Telkom supporting national connectivity. Electronics manufacturers and design houses serve automotive, industrial and consumer markets, and embedded systems engineers are needed across these industries. Research at institutions such as Stellenbosch University and the CSIR contributes to advances in communications and signal processing. Compliance with national radio spectrum rules is overseen by the national communications regulator.
Fees for South Africa: R 20 400 (South African rand), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in South Africa
Typical roles
Questions from South Africa
Which South African bodies recognise electronics and telecom engineers, and does SEIUM feature?
ECSA registers engineering professionals in South Africa, and the Electronic Communications and Postal Act means telecom roles are regulated through ICASA and related licensing. SEIUM is a private online institute whose qualifications are not official state degrees and are not accredited by a national body. Recognition is decided by employers or the relevant professional body, so check with them before enrolling.
Would this programme help me work in embedded systems or telecoms in South Africa?
South Africa has electronics manufacturers, telecom operators and technology firms that employ embedded and communications engineers. Employers typically weigh practical skills, experience and recognised qualifications. A private online qualification can strengthen your profile in specialist areas, but it does not guarantee employment. Ask prospective employers whether they would value it.
Can I study around a job, and what English level is needed?
The programme is entirely online and taught in English, so you need solid English for coursework and tutor communication. Because it is remote, no student visa is needed to study from home. Master's programmes are 1,900 hours, postgraduate diplomas 800 hours and specialist courses 300 hours, each supported by a technical tutor. Fees can be paid in instalments, and employer sponsorship may be 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
Understand the principles of signalling and interlocking.
Analyse the operation of ERTMS/ETCS and CBTC.
Design railway telecommunications networks.
Assess compatibility with train detection systems.
Size train auxiliary power supply systems.
Design the power supply for signalling installations.
Integrate signalling, communications and energy in a project.
Who it's for
- Signalling engineer looking to specialise in Signalling/Telecom and Auxiliary Power Supply.
- Railway telecommunications engineer looking to specialise in Signalling/Telecom and Auxiliary Power Supply.
- ERTMS systems engineer looking to specialise in Signalling/Telecom and Auxiliary Power Supply.
- Power electronics engineer looking to specialise in Signalling/Telecom and Auxiliary Power Supply.
- Railway installations engineer looking to specialise in Signalling/Telecom and Auxiliary Power Supply.
- Systems integration engineer looking to specialise in Signalling/Telecom and Auxiliary Power Supply.
- Engineering or science graduates looking to enter the railway sector.
What you'll work with
- EN 50129:2018
- EN 50155:2021
- CLC/TS 50238-2:2020
- Regulation (EU) 2023/1695 (TSI CCS)
- EN 61287-1:2014
- EN 50122-1:2022
- IEC 61375-1:2012
- EN 50159:2010
8 modules · 800 h
1.1Principles of safe train operation1.2Fixed block and automatic block1.3Relay and electronic interlockings1.4Signals, switches and level crossings1.5Track circuits and axle counters1.6Fail-safe logic and safe failure1.7Control centres and CTC1.8Signalling diagrams1.9ASFA architecture and national systems1.10Workshop: station interlocking logic
2.1ETCS levels2.2Eurobalises and RBC2.3Movement authority and braking curves2.4On-board equipment: EVC and DMI2.5ETCS Level 2 and hybrid Level 32.6CBTC in metros2.7ATO over ETCS2.8Interfaces with rolling stock2.9ERTMS integration testing2.10Practice: calculating ETCS braking curves
3.1GSM-R and its services3.2FRMCS and migration to 5G3.3Trackside fibre networks3.4Broadband train-to-ground communications3.5Railway IP-MPLS networks3.6Public address and passenger information3.7CCTV on trains and at stations3.8Train Ethernet networks: ECN and ETB3.9Cybersecurity in railway networks3.10Laboratory: designing a railway backbone network
4.1Interference in track circuits4.2Return currents and harmonics4.3Axle counters and magnetic fields4.4CLC/TS 50238 requirements4.5Vehicle compatibility testing4.6Earthing and equipotential bonding4.7Stray currents in DC traction4.8Mitigation in vehicle design4.9Documentation for authorisation4.10Case study: interference analysis for a tram
5.1Auxiliary converter architecture5.2AC and DC low-voltage networks5.3Supply for HVAC and comfort systems5.4On-board batteries and backup5.5Chargers and battery management5.6Train line and coach power supply5.7Protection and selectivity5.8Efficiency and load management5.9Power supply from depots5.10Practice: auxiliary load balancing
6.1Static converter topologies6.2Isolation and medium-frequency transformers6.3SiC semiconductors in auxiliary converters6.4Control and modulation6.5Cooling and thermal design6.6EMC of auxiliary converters6.7EN 50155 and EN 61287-1 requirements6.8Reliability and redundancy6.9Converter diagnostics and maintenance6.10Laboratory: simulating an auxiliary converter
7.1Supply to interlockings and relay huts7.2Uninterruptible power supply systems7.3Generators and changeover7.4Surge and lightning protection7.5Earthing of trackside equipment7.6Power supply for balises and LED signals7.7Remote energy monitoring7.8Power supply availability7.9Maintenance of power systems7.10Case study: powering an interlocking
8.1Definition of the section and vehicle8.2Signalling architecture8.3Telecommunications network8.4Compatibility analysis with detection8.5Auxiliary power supply design8.6Power supply for trackside equipment8.7Test and integration plan8.8Risk and availability assessment8.9Report and presentation8.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded lectures and an assigned technical tutor. 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 Wireshark, PSIM, MATLAB/Simulink, OpenTrack, Rohde & Schwarz EMC32, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real ERTMS integration testing procedures in the laboratory, track circuit compatibility tests and auxiliary system load balances. 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.
Understand the principles of signalling and interlocking.
Analyse the operation of ERTMS/ETCS and CBTC.
Design railway telecommunications networks.
Assess compatibility with train detection systems.
Size train auxiliary power supply systems.
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 level of Spanish to follow the reading of 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 consists of 800 hours in total, spread over 6 to 8 months. That is between 10 and 15 hours per week on average, compatible with full-time work.
You will work with Wireshark, PSIM, MATLAB/Simulink, OpenTrack, Rohde & Schwarz EMC32. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor will indicate a free alternative where one exists.
An SEIUM own diploma upon passing the 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 towards the advanced programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
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