"RMIT storey hall"

The RMIT difference

RMIT, a unique experience

RMIT is a rich blend of traditional and modern styles, and has developed a singular character through willingness to embrace those things that set it apart. As a dual sector institution (TAFE and higher education), RMIT can offer students a diverse range of options. For instance, an Applied Physics degree student can choose to complement their study with TAFE studies in Professional Writing and Editing. RMIT runs programs called 'dual awards' that make use of the interplays between TAFE and higher education studies, but students are also encouraged to think about the pathways they take through their studies, and to consider what skills and knowledge are important to them, no matter what sector offers them.

No walls

RMIT is located on a number of campuses and sites spread across metropolitan Melbourne and rural Victoria, from the vigorous urban City and Brunswick campuses, to more serene settings in Bundoora and Hamilton. Wherever the campus, RMIT creatively interacts with and draws upon its local communities and environments. The City campus has become an integral feature of the northern end of Melbourne's central business district through this type of interaction. Students can choose from an incredible array of international food for lunch. Programs take advantage of the proximity of businesses for industry collaborations and work experience. Our architecture (both award-winning and heritage-listed) is part of the street environment, not hidden behind sandstone walls.

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Quality Teaching

RMIT is very proud of the expertise, knowledge and creativity of its staff.

Students can be assured they will receive support, assistance and a valuable learning experience from some of the leaders in academia and industry.

The following highlights a sample of some recent staff achievements:

Business Portfolio

It's fitting that our staff strive to innovate in the way they offer programs—RMIT has a tradition of doing things differently. Business portfolio staff are particularly focused on developing novel teaching approaches that enhance learning.

Costa Englezos, the first year coordinator for the Accounting degree, is the founder and coordinator of the Student Mentor Program (SMP). The SMP is an initiative whereby second and final year students from Business help new students settle in to life at RMIT. Costa received an RMIT Business Teaching Award in 2004 for outstanding contribution to teaching in the category of Student Centred Teaching. Costa also received a Special Commendation for Inclusive Teaching in the University's 2004 Teaching Awards.

Other innovations introduced by Business staff are the Business Plan Competition, the Treasury Training Facility, the Young Achievement Australia Business Skills Program, and the Grafic Illusions practice firm.

Colin Dunn, senior lecturer and coordinator of the Entrepreneurship degree program, is the president elect of the International Council for Small Business. This is a prestigious appointment and reflects the international focus and recognition of the program. Colin is also president of the Small Enterprise Association of Australia and New Zealand (SEAANZ).

More information about the Business Portfolio

"RMIT Textiles Building, Brunswick campus"

Design and Social Context

The following staff have received recognition for their talents over the last few years:

  • Barbara Norman, Discipline Leader Environment and Planning, School of Social Science and Planning—awarded Life Fellow, Planning Institute of Australia.
  • Professor Harriet Edquist, Head of School Architecture and Design—her biography of Australian architect Harold Desbrowe-Annear won the RAIA, Victoria Chapter, Bates Smart Award for Architecture in the Media National Award.
  • Mark Lycette, Lecturer Bachelor of Arts (Multimedia), School of Creative Media—one of 20 Victorian animators commissioned to produce an animation for the SBS World Tales initiative which screened in July 2004.
  • Staff from the Community Services Disability Program team, School of International and Community Studies, received the RMIT 2004 Community and Regional Partnerships Research Award for the Disability Training and Development Project in Vietnam. The award recognises outstanding contributions to the communities which RMIT serves.

More information about the Design and Social Context Portfolio

Science, Engineering and Technology

  • George Fernandez (Computer Science)—won an Australian University Teacher of the Year Award in the category of online learning or a similar category.
  • Barry Meehan (Environmental Science)—won RMIT's Distinguished Teaching Award (Higher Education) in 2000.
  • Brian Leonard (Biotechnology and Environmental Biology)—won the Student-Centred Teaching in Higher Education, 2003.
  • Dr Javid Bayandor, RMIT University aeronautical researcher, is the first Australian to win the internationally prestigious International Council of the Aeronautical Sciences (ICAS) John J. Green Award.

More information about the Science, Engineering and Technology Portfolio

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RMIT Biosciences Building at RMIT Bundoora, which won the Sir Zelman Cowen Award for Public Buildings at the 2002 National Architecture Awards.

Hi-tech facilities

RMIT is equipped with some of the most advanced facilities in the country. From our computer laboratories, Virtual Reality Centre and photography studios to the High Performance Supercharger Testing Facility.

RMIT Aerospace, Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering supports an active, industry-based research program that attracts both local and international involvement. Modern research facilities include an industrial wind tunnel capable of testing model and full-scale vehicles; an energy conservation and renewable energy park; robotics; lasers and other manufacturing equipment; as well as a number of computer laboratories.

Our state-of-the-art Biosciences Building at Bundoora houses multi-million dollar teaching and research facilities over two levels and a hi-tech laboratory complex. The building also offers flexible learning spaces and a unique teaching and learning environment.

RMIT provides access to world-class technical resources across a wide range of disciplines. This investment in cutting-edge equipment translates into industry-ready skills, and a competitive edge for graduates.

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"Student operating HPLC device"

Work-ready graduates

Employers are demanding not just graduates with qualifications, but graduates with the experience and ability to contribute to their workplace. RMIT develops programs in collaboration with industry, and has a heavy focus on applied learning. This means that the skills and knowledge taught in RMIT programs are up-to-date and in high demand.

Many of RMIT's programs offer some form of work experience. The Work Integrated Learning (WIL) program is one very important way that graduates gain a competitive edge in seeking employment. Students undertake a paid work placement in industry during the third year of their degree. Students gain first-hand industry experience and apply the theory that they have learnt in the first two years of their program.

Students are full-time employees, entitled to the normal benefits, terms and conditions offered by the employer.

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Professional recognition

Many of RMIT's programs have professional recognition, whereby industry professionals support and officially recognise the program content. This can entitle graduates to membership of certain professional bodies.

Individual program pages outline further information on work experience and professional recognition.

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Australian Technology Network

RMIT is a member of the Australian Technology Network, an influential alliance of five distinctive and prominent Australian universities. The ATN's aim is to help secure Australia's reputation as the clever country, contributing to its social and economic wealth by building strategic partnerships and undertaking solution based research which is relevant to the expectations of industry and the community.