Professional Certificate of Competency in Safety Instrumentation Systems for Process Industries

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 3 Months
Mode Online
Level Undergraduate
Degree Undergraduate Certificate
Closing soon February 2027

Course Overview

The Professional Certificate of Competency in Safety Instrumentation Systems for Process Industries at the Engineering Institute of Technology is designed for engineers and technicians seeking to master the critical field of safety instrumented systems (SIS). In process industries, ensuring operational safety and mitigating risks are paramount, making expertise in SIS design and implementation essential. This online certificate equips you with a deep understanding of hazard study methods like HAZOP, risk assessment techniques, and the application of standards such as IEC 61508 and IEC 61511. You will explore the principles of risk reduction, the distinction between basic control and safety systems, and the entire safety life cycle for effective project management.

This part-time, online certificate is structured over three months, allowing you to study flexibly while managing your professional commitments. You will delve into the practical aspects of SIS, including designing systems to meet specific Safety Integrity Level (SIL) targets, understanding fault tolerance, and selecting appropriate instruments and safety-certified PLCs. The syllabus covers essential topics like reliability analysis, application software development for safety duties, and the crucial role of diagnostics and proof testing. Upon completion, you will graduate with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge to confidently manage and implement safety instrumented systems, enhancing safety and compliance in industrial processes.

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Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This course provides a comprehensive understanding of Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) within the process industries. It covers the fundamental principles of functional safety, including hazard identification, risk assessment, and the application of standards like IEC 61508 and IEC 61511. The curriculum delves into the entire SIS lifecycle, from design and SIL determination to instrument selection, reliability analysis, and the crucial aspects of documentation and testing.

1 Module 1: Overview of Safety Instrumented Systems

Safety system basics with an example SIS
Hazards, risks and risk reduction
Principles of safety management
Functional safety standards IEC 61508/61511
Setting SIL targets
Designing to meet SIL targets
Cost of ownership

2 Module 2: Safety Life Cycle Models

Purpose of life cycle models
IEC 61511 requirements
Step by step activities

3 Module 3: Hazard Study Methods

Hazard studies and project stages
Hazard identification methods
HAZOP method
Developing SIS requirements
Fault tree analysis

4 Module 4: Risk Reduction by SIS

Deciding risk targets
Principle of ALARP and tolerable risk
Layers of protection and role of alarms
Risk reduction models
Preparing a safety requirements specification

5 Module 5: SIL Determination Methods

Quantitative and risk matrix methods
Risk graphs
Layers of protection analysis
Practical examples

6 Module 6: Designing SIS Structures

Design procedure steps
IEC 61511 guidelines
Architectures and fault tolerance
Choosing the right structures for the job

7 Module 7: Selecting Instruments for Safety Duties

Switches versus transmitters
Failure modes of sensors and actuators
Minimising dangerous failures
Qualification by design and certification
Qualification by prior use
Smart instruments and diagnostic
Coverage

8 Module 8: Reliability Analysis

Purposes of reliability calculations
SIS failure modes, safe and dangerous
Formulae and how to use them
Worked examples
Obtaining reliability data and the problems
Review of software tools

9 Module 9: Safety-certified PLCs

Logic solvers, old and new
Development of safety PLCs
Hardware and software features
Review of industry types
Communications and networking
Integrated basic and safety control

10 Module 10: Application Software for Safety Duties

The problem with software
IEC software life cycle models
Application software steps
Factory acceptance testing
Quality assurance and certification

11 Module 11: Documentation and Management

Documents needed for the SIS project
Verification and validation
Operations
Management of change

12 Module 12: Diagnostics and Proof Testing

Proof testing and why it is needed
Testing of sensors
Partial closure testing of valves
Optimising the proof test interval

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 979.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 979.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 580.00 - USD 1,974.00
Food & Groceries USD 2,122.00 - USD 2,971.00
Transport USD 849.00 - USD 1,698.00
Utilities & Bills USD 849.00 - USD 1,698.00
Estimated Total USD 3,820.00 - USD 6,367.00

Living cost estimates are based on Perth Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

79%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Energy Engineering & InfrastructureFintech & Mobile MoneyLogistics & Warehouse ManagementMedical Research & Clinical TrialsMine Planning & Project ManagementPower Generation & UtilitiesProduction & Operations ManagementRegulatory & Government AffairsSupply Chain & Food LogisticsSupply Chain & Procurement

Top Employers Hiring for this course

ANZ

Acwa Operations

Air Liquide

Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO)

BHP

Botswana Power Corporation

Chevron

Energy Queensland

Why Study Professional Certificate of Competency in Safety Instrumentation Systems for Process Industries at Engineering Institute of Technology

What makes this program stand out

February 2027 Closing soon

Next intake is in February 2027

Life at Engineering Institute of Technology in Australia

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Professional Certificate of Competency in Safety Instrumentation Systems for Process Industries at Engineering Institute of Technology

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during breaks. No separate work permit is needed.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To join the program, you need an IELTS score with a minimum listening score of 5.0, an overall score of 5.5, and reading, speaking, and writing scores all at 5.0. Ensure you meet these requirements before applying.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Potential job titles include Safety Engineer, Control Systems Engineer, Instrumentation Engineer, Process Safety Consultant, Safety Systems Designer.

What will I actually study in this course?

This professional development course is designed for engineers and technicians who wish to develop their knowledge of the design and implementation of safety instrumented systems as applied to industrial processes.

Course Benefits

  • Receive a Certificate of Completion from EIT.
  • Learn from well-known faculty and industry experts from around the globe.
  • Flexibility of attending anytime from anywhere, even when you are working

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The course has intakes in February and June each year. You can apply for admission based on these months.
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