Postgraduate Diploma in Technical File, Manuals and Safety Signage
Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in Technical File, Manuals and Safety Signage. 8 modules covering Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 on machinery, IEC/IEEE 82079-1:2019 and Adobe FrameMaker. Dedicated tutor and open enrolment.
Postgraduate Diploma in Technical File, Manuals and Safety Signage — 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 33 400 (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
Structure the technical file in accordance with the Machinery Regulation.
Prepare drawings, diagrams and calculations with revision control.
Write instruction manuals in accordance with IEC/IEEE 82079-1.
Design safety warnings that are understandable and effective.
Select standardised signs and pictograms under ISO 7010 and ISO 3864.
Draft declarations of conformity and incorporation.
Manage the document lifecycle with modular tools.
Who it's for
- Technical writer for machinery wishing to specialise in Technical File, Manuals and Safety Signage.
- Technical documentation manager wishing to specialise in Technical File, Manuals and Safety Signage.
- CE marking technician wishing to specialise in Technical File, Manuals and Safety Signage.
- Product engineer wishing to specialise in Technical File, Manuals and Safety Signage.
- Technical translation coordinator wishing to specialise in Technical File, Manuals and Safety Signage.
- Product compliance consultant wishing to specialise in Technical File, Manuals and Safety Signage.
- Graduates in engineering or sciences seeking to enter machinery manufacturing.
What you'll work with
- Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 on machines
- IEC/IEEE 82079-1:2019
- ISO 3864-1:2011
- ISO 3864-2:2016
- ISO 7010:2019
- IEC 61310-1:2007
- IEC 81346-1:2022
- ISO 12100:2010
8 modules · 800 h
1.1Purpose of the technical file1.2Content according to Annex IV of the Regulation1.3Recipients of each document1.4Internal documentation and deliverable documentation1.5Document structure and coding1.6Language management and translations1.7Digital and paper formats1.8Ten-year retention1.9Common errors in technical files1.10Case study: audit of an incomplete technical file
2.1General assembly and exploded-view drawings2.2Electrical diagrams according to IEC 813462.3Pneumatic and hydraulic diagrams ISO 12192.4Strength and stability calculations2.5Functional safety calculations2.6Component lists and certificates2.7Included test reports2.8Drawing revision control2.9Design software and export2.10Workshop: diagram dossier for a control panel
3.1Legal requirements for the manual3.2Structure according to IEC/IEEE 82079-13.3User and task analysis3.4Installation and commissioning instructions3.5Operating and adjustment instructions3.6Safe maintenance and cleaning3.7Warnings and residual risks3.8Digital-format instructions3.9Clear and simplified technical writing3.10Practical: maintenance chapter for a packaging machine
4.1Hierarchy of safety messages4.2SAFE model for warnings4.3Signal words: danger, warning and caution4.4Message structure according to ISO 3864-24.5Placement of warnings in the text4.6Pictograms in documentation4.7Consistency between manual and labels4.8Comprehension testing with users4.9Liability for deficient instructions4.10Workshop: rewriting warnings in an existing manual
5.1Colours and shapes according to ISO 3864-15.2Standardised signs from ISO 70105.3Product safety sign design ISO 3864-25.4Graphical symbols from IEC 60417 and ISO 70005.5Machine marking and nameplate5.6Control and actuator labelling5.7Visual and audible signals IEC 613105.8Durability and legibility of labels5.9Workplace signage5.10Case study: signage plan for a robotic cell
6.1EU Declaration of Conformity6.2Declaration of incorporation for partly completed machinery6.3Assembly instructions for partly completed machinery6.4CE marking and placement rules6.5Manufacturer and authorised representative details6.6Relationship with other applicable directives6.7Notified bodies and certificates6.8Signatures and liability6.9Errors in declarations6.10Practical: drafting an EU Declaration of Conformity
7.1Document management systems7.2Content management in DITA7.3Reuse of text modules7.4Assisted translation and translation memories7.5Change and version control7.6Updating after modifications7.7Documentation for the end customer7.8Accessibility and electronic formats7.9Documentation quality indicators7.10Laboratory: modular manual in a DITA environment
8.1Machine selection and scope8.2File structure8.3Main drawings and diagrams8.4Complete instruction manual8.5Warnings and signage8.6Declaration of conformity8.7Document consistency review8.8User validation8.9Report and presentation8.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100 % online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetable: students progress at their own pace within the intake period, making it compatible with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Adobe FrameMaker, MadCap Flare, Oxygen XML Editor, EPLAN Electric P8, SDL Trados Studio, in free, academic or evaluation versions. The exercises are based on real procedures for drafting a machine’s instruction manual, designing a safety signage plan and preparing an EU Declaration of Conformity. Assessment is continuous per module, plus the final integrative project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Structure the technical file in accordance with the Machinery Regulation.
Prepare drawings, diagrams and calculations with revision control.
Write instruction manuals in accordance with IEC/IEEE 82079-1.
Design safety warnings that are understandable and effective.
Select standardised signs and pictograms under ISO 7010 and ISO 3864.
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 technical standards 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 comprises 800 hours in total, spread over 6 to 8 months. That is between 10 and 15 hours per week on average, compatible with a full-time job.
You will work with Adobe FrameMaker, MadCap Flare, Oxygen XML Editor, EPLAN Electric P8 and SDL Trados Studio. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor will indicate a free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM own diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrative project. It is in-house training, not an official Ministry qualification.
Yes. Modules already passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised in the advanced programme. Please check the recognition policy when you enrol.
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