Aerospace engineering and aviation

RMIT is a national leader in aerospace engineering and aviation, with long-standing industry connections and extensive expertise in education and research

RMIT has a long and proud history in aerospace engineering and aviation, with close to 80 years of experience.

Aerospace and aviation are growing fields as the world becomes ever more interconnected and the use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (drones) grows.

RMIT is proud to teach the latest knowledge and technology in areas such as aerodynamics, aerospace materials and structures, aerospace systems, design, dynamics and control, thermodynamics, propulsion, and airline and aviation management and operations.

At RMIT, our students come first. They can expand their skills in and beyond the classroom by joining one of the many aerospace technologies student groups and associations.

Through internships, real world projects and industry events, RMIT students interact with the major players in the aerospace and aviation industries like the Defence Science and Technology (DST) Group, Boeing, Department of Defence, and Thales Group.

Our friendly staff are at the forefront of the sector and bring extensive industry and academic experience into the classroom.

Professor Pier Marzocca - Associate Dean Aerospace Engineering and Aviation

What is aerospace engineering and aviation?

Aerospace engineering and aviation are growing fields focusing on the analysis, design and operation of sophisticated aerospace hardware and software, and the coordination, improvement and management of aviation and airlines.

In aerospace engineering at RMIT, we teach our students to design aircraft, develop propulsion systems, research new materials, test new engines, develop spacecraft, or plan maintenance programs.

RMIT aviation graduates plan and manage ground handling and safety, and are equipped for careers in airline, airport and ancillary organisation management.

In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020, RMIT is ranked in the top 150 for Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering in the world.

Using aerospace engineering to solve problems

Building drones is my favourite thing in the world," says Josie Philips. "You can custom make your drone for any application. It could be remotely piloted, or completely autonomous. There is so much potential.

Bachelor of Engineering (Aerospace Engineering) (Honours)

Kariza Martin: Engineering PhD

When you undertake a PhD or Masters by Research in Engineering at RMIT University, you get to take a look into the future through research.

PhD (Aerospace Engineering)

Our courses

Our diverse range of courses allow you to specialise in areas such as aerospace engineering, aviation management and pilot training.

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Research

We develop enabling technologies for next generation air transportation systems at both aircraft and airframe level and system level.

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Graduate Certificate in Transport Safety Investigation

This intensive graduate certificate is designed for professionals working in a transport safety-related role to gain new skills in planning, managing and participating in the accident investigation processes of air, rail and marine vehicles and their systems.

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Beyond the classroom

HIVE

HIVE is RMIT’s student-led multidisciplinary rocketry team and the proud winner of the inaugural Australian Universities Rocket Competition – 30,000ft.

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X-Aero, the RMIT GoFly Team

X-Aero are creating an evolving concept vertical take off and landing (VTOL) vehicle that has been submitted as a Phase III entry to the Boeing-sponsored GoFly competition.

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Unmanned Aircraft Systems Research Team

The RMIT Unmanned Aircraft Systems Research Team is dedicated to enabling the safe and efficient operation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems in civil, commercial and defence applications.

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Meet our people

Meet Zac McClelland

Having co-founded VicHyper while at RMIT, Zac McClelland graduated straight into his role as Managing Director and continues to lead the team towards achieving Australia’s first Hyperloop.

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Meet Nic Connelly

Nominated as one of the most influential women in Aviation by Aviation/Aerospace Australia, Senior Lecturer and Discipline Lead Nic Connelly has a passion for sharing her love for the Aviation industry.

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Aerospace Engineering and Aviation contacts

Meet the academic and research staff in Aerospace Engineering and Aviation within the School of Engineering.

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News

City buildings could blow air taxi future off course

27 Mar 2023

Air taxis are coming to our cities, but a new study warns regulations will need to address dangerous wind gusts around city buildings and other urban infrastructure.

Sensors to spot the sweetest summer fruit

08 Oct 2020

Researchers are trialling new sensor technology with local fruit growers to reveal how ripe and sweet the fruit is without even taking a bite.

Making defence research partnerships work

11 Jun 2019

Becoming an industry partner of choice requires several key ingredients, writes RMIT aerospace and defence research centre director Professor Michelle Gee.

Student rocket team wins at national competition

24 Apr 2019

RMIT's student-led rocket team have been notching up some big achievements, now they're officially among Australia's best.

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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