PMA50116 Diploma of Process Plant Technology

National ID
PMA50116
WA Course Code
BAN5
CRICOS code
092174E
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Why choose this course?

Start your path to a career in process plant operations. This technical course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to undertake projects such as plant design and process plant operations. During your studies you will also learn about engineering principles, how to manage plant modifications, understanding energy and mass balances and managing risk management and safety cases, either individually or as part of a project team.

You will develop the ability to analyse product failures, plant performance and equipment, and gain the specialised knowledge needed to contribute and assist in the development of new products. This course can open up a range of career possibilities in industries such as chemical, oil and gas, hydrocarbons, emerging battery technology, processing and refining.

This course is delivered at the Australian Centre for Energy and Process Training (ACEPT) Centre which is located at the Munster campus. This is a world-class, specialist training facility featuring a fully operational oil and gas facility and process plant. You will experience hands on, practical training in a simulated real-life industry setting.

Students are required to undertake approximately 2.5 hours of supervised work placement per week during the course. This placement is undertaken on campus in a simulated work environment.

Please note that the next intake for this course will be Semester 1, 2024.

Career opportunities

  • Technologist

  • An IELTS score (academic) of 5.5 with no band score less than 5.0 or equivalent.

  • Equivalent to Australian Year 12 with a pass in Year 11 Maths is required for entry into this course.

​Please view Admission requirements for your country of origin.

Please refer to the Non-Tuition Fees section of your Letter of Offer for any additional requirements where a cost may be incurred.

Your study options

Semester 1, 2024

Duration | 1 semester
When | Semester 1, 2024
Where | South Metropolitan TAFE (52787)

Location map

How | On campus and simulated work environment, to a minimum of 20 contact hours per week
Fees (total indicative for course)
  • Tuition fee: $7,500
  • Resources fee: $490
  • Materials fee: $0

Tuition fees are reviewed annually. If tuition fees are increased, you will be required to pay the new fees as they are introduced. You will be provided with an indicative schedule of fees in your Letter of Offer.

Resource fees are for consumables you use in your course e.g. paint, internet etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment. If your course goes longer than one semester, the resource fee may not need to be paid in one amount but may be spaced out over the duration of your course. Your college will advise you of the payment amount each semester.

Material fees are for items that remain your property after the course has been completed e.g. personal protective equipment, tools, text books etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment.

Work placement

There is no work placement requirement for this course, however students are required to undertake approximately 2.5 hours of supervised "work on plant" placement per week during the course. This placement is undertaken on campus in a simulated work environment. The ACEPT distillation process plant gives you the opportunity to learn in a simulated real-life industry environment as it includes a control room, distillation tower and digital resources relevant to the process plant and oil and gas industries.

Year 12
PMA50116 Diploma of Process Plant Technology - BAN5
1 semester
PMA60116 Advanced Diploma of Process Plant Technology - BAM9
1 semester

To achieve this qualification, students must demonstrate competency in 10 units. These 10 are comprised of 4 core units and 6 elective units. Elective units listed below have been selected in consultation with industry.

Students who enrol into this qualification will be eligible for credit transfer of the units that they have already achieved. Fees paid by international students are set on a commercial basis and are paid as a whole of course fee - no refund will apply to credit transfers. Please refer to your letter of Offer for detailed duration and costings for your enrolment.

Core units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • MSMENV272 Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices
  • MSMSUP200 Achieve work outcomes
  • MSMSUP210 Process and record information
  • MSMWHS200 Work safely
Elective units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • MSS404054 Apply statistics to operational processes
  • MSS404084 Undertake process capability improvements
  • PMAOPS511 Determine energy transfer loads
  • PMAOPS512 Determine mass transfer loads
  • PMASUP540 Analyse equipment performance
  • PMAWHS502 Contribute to safety case

Assessment methods

The methods of assessment used in this course include practical activities, such as operating the ACEPT distillation plant according to SOP’s, recording data and follow-up questions in the assessments, direct observation and filling in operational check lists, industrial/engineering scenarios needing analysis and recorded solutions, formal technical report writing, using software to validate results, direct observation of practical (demonstration) activities and written assessments and portfolios.

These assessment strategies and evidence gathering are in accordance with the relevant training package or accreditation guidelines. Detailed Information is available in the assessment matrix, learning plans and assessment tools for each of the units of competency. Assessors use this matrix to ensure assessments, are undertaken across the duration of the course, rather than clustered together at particular times.

Learning resources, facilities and equipment

The following learning resources, facilities and equipment are available at each campus so that you can achieve the skill and knowledge requirements of this course.

Learning resources may include access to training materials, personal protective equipment, learning guides, PowerPoint presentations, videos, handouts, workplace manuals/procedures, workshops and laboratories.

Facilities and equipment may include access to digital resources such as computer hardware and software, laboratory equipment, spill kits, cut out equipment such as pumps and valves, simulation rooms, control room, live distillation unit, live refrigeration unit, general learning rooms, simulation of a distillation tower and safety document systems.

Key dates

Semester and holiday dates are included in your Letter of Offer. View upcoming semester start and end dates.

Semester 2, 2024

Duration | 1 semester
When | Semester 2, 2024
Where | South Metropolitan TAFE (52787)

Location map

How | On campus and simulated work environment, to a minimum of 20 contact hours per week
Fees (total indicative for course)
  • Tuition fee: $7,500
  • Resources fee: $490
  • Materials fee: $0

Tuition fees are reviewed annually. If tuition fees are increased, you will be required to pay the new fees as they are introduced. You will be provided with an indicative schedule of fees in your Letter of Offer.

Resource fees are for consumables you use in your course e.g. paint, internet etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment. If your course goes longer than one semester, the resource fee may not need to be paid in one amount but may be spaced out over the duration of your course. Your college will advise you of the payment amount each semester.

Material fees are for items that remain your property after the course has been completed e.g. personal protective equipment, tools, text books etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment.

Work placement

There is no work placement requirement for this course, however students are required to undertake approximately 2.5 hours of supervised "work on plant" placement per week during the course. This placement is undertaken on campus in a simulated work environment.  The ACEPT distillation process plant gives you the opportunity to learn in a simulated real-life industry environment as it includes a control room, distillation tower and digital resources relevant to the process plant and oil and gas industries.

Year 12
PMA50116 Diploma of Process Plant Technology - BAN5
1 semester
PMA60116 Advanced Diploma of Process Plant Technology - BAM9
1 semester

To achieve this qualification, students must demonstrate competency in 10 units. These 10 are comprised of 4 core units and 6 elective units. Elective units listed below have been selected in consultation with industry.

Students who enrol into this qualification will be eligible for credit transfer of the units that they have already achieved. Fees paid by international students are set on a commercial basis and are paid as a whole of course fee - no refund will apply to credit transfers. Please refer to your letter of Offer for detailed duration and costings for your enrolment.

Core units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • MSMENV272 Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices
  • MSMSUP200 Achieve work outcomes
  • MSMSUP210 Process and record information
  • MSMWHS200 Work safely
Elective units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • MSS404054 Apply statistics to operational processes
  • MSS404084 Undertake process capability improvements
  • PMAOPS511 Determine energy transfer loads
  • PMAOPS512 Determine mass transfer loads
  • PMASUP540 Analyse equipment performance
  • PMAWHS502 Contribute to safety case

Assessment methods

The methods of assessment used in this course include practical activities, such as operating the ACEPT distillation plant according to SOP’s, recording data and follow-up questions in the assessments, direct observation and filling in operational check lists, industrial/engineering scenarios needing analysis and recorded solutions, formal technical report writing, using software to validate results, direct observation of practical (demonstration) activities and written assessments and portfolios.

These assessment strategies and evidence gathering are in accordance with the relevant training package or accreditation guidelines.  Detailed Information is available in the assessment matrix, learning plans and assessment tools for each of the units of competency.  Assessors use this matrix to ensure assessments, are undertaken across the duration of the course, rather than clustered together at particular times.

Learning resources, facilities and equipment

The following learning resources, facilities and equipment are available at each campus so that you can achieve the skill and knowledge requirements of this course.

Learning resources may include access to training materials, personal protective equipment, learning guides, PowerPoint presentations, videos, handouts, workplace manuals/procedures, workshops and laboratories.

Facilities and equipment may include access to digital resources such as computer hardware and software, laboratory equipment, spill kits, cut out equipment such as pumps and valves, simulation rooms, control room, live distillation unit, live refrigeration unit, general learning rooms, simulation of a distillation tower and safety document systems.

Key dates

Semester and holiday dates are included in your Letter of Offer. View upcoming semester start and end dates.

Semester 1, 2025

Duration | 1 semester
When | Semester 1, 2025
Where | South Metropolitan TAFE (52787)

Location map

How | On campus and simulated work environment, to a minimum of 20 contact hours per week
Fees (total indicative for course)
  • Tuition fee: $7,500
  • Resources fee: $490
  • Materials fee: $0

Tuition fees are reviewed annually. If tuition fees are increased, you will be required to pay the new fees as they are introduced. You will be provided with an indicative schedule of fees in your Letter of Offer.

Resource fees are for consumables you use in your course e.g. paint, internet etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment. If your course goes longer than one semester, the resource fee may not need to be paid in one amount but may be spaced out over the duration of your course. Your college will advise you of the payment amount each semester.

Material fees are for items that remain your property after the course has been completed e.g. personal protective equipment, tools, text books etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment.

Work placement

There is no work placement requirement for this course, however students are required to undertake approximately 2.5 hours of supervised "work on plant" placement per week during the course. This placement is undertaken on campus in a simulated work environment.  The ACEPT distillation process plant gives you the opportunity to learn in a simulated real-life industry environment as it includes a control room, distillation tower and digital resources relevant to the process plant and oil and gas industries.

Year 12
PMA50116 Diploma of Process Plant Technology - BAN5
1 semester
PMA60116 Advanced Diploma of Process Plant Technology - BAM9
1 semester

To achieve this qualification, students must demonstrate competency in 10 units. These 10 are comprised of 4 core units and 6 elective units. Elective units listed below have been selected in consultation with industry.

Students who enrol into this qualification will be eligible for credit transfer of the units that they have already achieved. Fees paid by international students are set on a commercial basis and are paid as a whole of course fee - no refund will apply to credit transfers. Please refer to your letter of Offer for detailed duration and costings for your enrolment.

Core units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • MSMENV272 Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices
  • MSMSUP200 Achieve work outcomes
  • MSMSUP210 Process and record information
  • MSMWHS200 Work safely
Elective units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • MSS404054 Apply statistics to operational processes
  • MSS404084 Undertake process capability improvements
  • PMAOPS511 Determine energy transfer loads
  • PMAOPS512 Determine mass transfer loads
  • PMASUP540 Analyse equipment performance
  • PMAWHS502 Contribute to safety case

Assessment methods

The methods of assessment used in this course include practical activities, such as operating the ACEPT distillation plant according to SOP’s, recording data and follow-up questions in the assessments, direct observation and filling in operational check lists, industrial/engineering scenarios needing analysis and recorded solutions, formal technical report writing, using software to validate results, direct observation of practical (demonstration) activities and written assessments and portfolios.

These assessment strategies and evidence gathering are in accordance with the relevant training package or accreditation guidelines.  Detailed Information is available in the assessment matrix, learning plans and assessment tools for each of the units of competency.  Assessors use this matrix to ensure assessments, are undertaken across the duration of the course, rather than clustered together at particular times.

Learning resources, facilities and equipment

The following learning resources, facilities and equipment are available at each campus so that you can achieve the skill and knowledge requirements of this course.

Learning resources may include access to training materials, personal protective equipment, learning guides, PowerPoint presentations, videos, handouts, workplace manuals/procedures, workshops and laboratories.

Facilities and equipment may include access to digital resources such as computer hardware and software, laboratory equipment, spill kits, cut out equipment such as pumps and valves, simulation rooms, control room, live distillation unit, live refrigeration unit, general learning rooms, simulation of a distillation tower and safety document systems.

Key dates

Semester and holiday dates are included in your Letter of Offer. View upcoming semester start and end dates.

There may be further semester intakes available for enrolment. You can view any further intakes when you submit your online application(opens in a new tab).

For information about pathways from TAFE to university, view our Pathways to university page.

How to apply

Apply to study at TAFE in six steps:

  1. find a course;
  2. check entry requirements;
  3. submit an application;
  4. accept your offer and pay;
  5. apply for your student visa; and
  6. receive your visa and come to Australia for your studies.

View our TAFE application process for detailed advice

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TAFE International Western Australia (TIWA) is the Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) provider, for the delivery of training to international students, enrolled in a TAFE course in Western Australia. This nationally recognised course is delivered by a Western Australian TAFE college on TIWA's behalf. TIWA retains responsibility for the quality of the training and assessment delivered by the TAFE colleges and for the issue of certification documentation to students.

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Last updated on November 30, 2022