Graduate Certificate in Transport Safety Investigation

Graduate Certificate in Transport Safety Investigation

POSTGRADUATE

Manage and lead accident investigations of air, rail and marine vehicles.

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Student type:
Mode of study:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Part-time 1 year
Full-time 6 months
Fees:

AU$17,760 (2023 total)

Next intake:
July
Location:
Melbourne City
Online
Mode of study:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Part-time 1 year
Full-time 6 months
Fees:

AU$21,600 (2023 total)

Next intake:
July
Location:
Melbourne City
Online

Overview

Gain new skills in planning, managing and participating in the accident investigation processes of air, rail and marine vehicles and their systems.

This qualification is also relevant if you hold a bachelor's degree in a cognate field and would like a career in transport safety investigation.

This is a unique graduate certificate with a very limited offering, both locally and internationally. The courses in this program are offered intensively in 1-week blocks, providing a better articulation between your working and academic commitments.

You will have the opportunity to explore fundamental aspects of accident investigation and will gain skills in:

  • understanding and identifying legal, social, economic or environmental impacts and possible risks
  • designing creative solutions through systematic problem solving and technological systems design methodologies
  • analysing complex technical and managerial aspects by applying theory-based engineering fundamentals
  • communicating with stakeholders in a professional and effective manner
  • building, leading and working with teams
  • professional use and communication of research and information.

The Graduate Certificate has been developed in close collaboration with the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), Australia’s national transport safety investigator, ensuring your learning experience is industry-relevant and work-integrated. 

This program has also received the endorsement of the International Federation of Air Line Pilots' Associations (IFALPA) as an IFALPA Accredited Accident Investigation (AAI) course.

Please note: this graduate certificate is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa. If you are holding a temporary visa (other than a student visa) and your visa has a full study entitlement, you may be eligible to apply. For more information, see the international students with other temporary (non-student) visas.

Details

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This certificate combines intensive in-class time with problem-based learning, assignments, analysis of case-studies and role-playing activities.

The in-class component is delivered in intensive mode*. It is taught at the Melbourne City campus, with occasional lab activities on the Bundoora campus. Learning activities are designed to enhance your learning through the practical application of skills and the opportunity to undertake active discussion with your peers. In-class learning includes lectures, guest lectures by practitioners, practical activities, class presentations, group discussion and student-led discussion.

You will be able to solve real-life problems by examining case studies that simulate the experiences in the working field.

Completing assignments and projects will provide you with experience in undertaking research, implementing industry practices, writing effectively, and presenting ideas to a range of audiences orally and/or written. Assessment is ongoing throughout the teaching period and may include class tests, essays, reports, oral presentations, group projects, research projects, practical assignments or final exams.

*Given the ongoing travel restrictions imposed due to the global pandemic, all courses in this program will be delivered online simultaneously with the on campus in-class component. You may choose to attend any subject online in case you cannot travel to RMIT City campus due to existing travel restrictions at the time.

This certificate was developed in collaboration with the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), Australia’s national transport safety investigator.

Their subject matter experts provided input in developing the curriculum, its structure and the study material, which will ensure your learning experience is industry-relevant and work-integrated. Subject matter experts with considerable industry experience will deliver some specialised topics in the curriculum.

In this certificate you will follow specific subjects that focus on work-integrated learning (WIL) experiences, in which your knowledge and skills can be applied and assessed in a real or simulated workplace context, with feedback from industry and/or community on your work.

The majority of this certificate is conducted at the City campus. However, occasional lab activities are held at the Bundoora campus.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

The Graduate Certificate in Transport Safety Investigation consists of 48 credit points.

As part of your studies, you will complete four subjects in intensive blocks. The dates for these blocks in 2022/23 are:

  • Investigation Readiness (OENG1201): intensive offered 4 – 8 July 2022
  • Human Factors for Investigators (OENG1200): intensive offered 11 – 15 July 2022
  • Accident Investigation Fundamentals (OENG1202): intensive offered 21 – 25 November 2022
  • Analysis and Analytical Writing Techniques (OENG1199): intensive offered 28 November – 2 December 2022

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Graduate Certificate in Transport Safety Investigation
Program code: GC165
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Graduate Certificate in Transport Safety Investigation
City Campus
0.5 years full-time or part time equivalent
GC165
Location
City Campus
Duration
0.5 years full-time or part time equivalent
Plan code
GC165
CRICOS
View plan

Career

This is a great career development opportunity for both professionals who are currently working in transport safety-related roles and other professionals who aspire to gain theory-based knowledge and skills to perform accident investigations in the aviation, rail and marine sectors.

This program enables you to expand your skill set and competences in safety related topics which contribute to widen your employment opportunities in a range of industries, such as aviation, maritime, rail, mining, manufacturing, defence, transport and logistics, consultancy, and government departments and authorities.

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The Graduate Certificate in Transport Safety investigation is not accredited.

Admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following entry requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

  • Successful completion of a Bachelor degree (AQF level 7 or 8) in a relevant field, such as Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering, Aviation, Mechanical/Automotive Engineering, Naval Engineering or cognate areas,

OR

  • Three years of relevant work experience*, including at least one year at a manager level (or equivalent),

OR

  • Five years of relevant work experience in the transport sector (aviation, road or maritime).

*Relevant work experience is considered to be in a role related to Accident Investigation and/or Safety Management Systems. In some cases, it is required that work experience is at manager level. Applicants applying on the basis of any work experience must provide a letter from their employer(s) (or equivalent) verifying their roles and the duration of them. The number of years of work experience are considered in terms of full-time equivalence.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

You must meet the University's minimum English language requirements to be eligible for a place in this program.

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

  • Successful completion of an Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) in a relevant field, such as Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering, Aviation, Mechanical/Automotive Engineering, Naval Engineering or cognate areas,

OR

  • Three years of relevant work experience*, including at least one year at a manager level (or equivalent),

OR

  • Five years of work experience in the transport sector (aviation, road or maritime).

*Relevant work experience is considered to be in a role related to Accident Investigation and/or Safety Management Systems. In some cases, it is required that work experience is at manager level. Applicants applying on the basis of any work experience must provide a letter from their employer(s) (or equivalent) verifying their roles and the duration of them. The number of years of work experience are considered in terms of full-time equivalence.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.

Pathways

You can gain entry to this graduate certificate from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs, if you meet the entry requirements.

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Upon successful completion of this graduate certificate, you may be eligible to undertake further studies in related programs at RMIT University, including postgraduate programs, subject to the program's entrance requirements.

Fees

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2023 indicative fees

  • Full-fee places: AU$17,760.

Additional expenses

*The Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) rates for 2023 have been delayed by the Australian Government. The fee information will be published when they are available.

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$315 maximum fee for 2022*.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment*

Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.

*Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Defer your payment

This program is offered on a full-fee paying basis only. If you are offered a place, you will need to pay the full tuition costs of your program. However, eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

Paying your fees and applying for refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

*The Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) rates for 2023 have been delayed by the Australian Government. The fee information will be published when they are available.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2022* is $315. 

For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.

FEE-HELP loans

Eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

SA-HELP Loans

You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.

How does a HELP loan work?

If your FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.

You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.

For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.

This program is approved for income support.

You may be eligible for student income support payments from the Commonwealth Government if you are undertaking a graduate certificate, graduate diploma or an approved professionally oriented masters by coursework program. For more information see Income support for Masters students.

If you are enrolled in an eligible program you will also need to satisfy all other student payment eligibility requirements. You can contact Centrelink or Services Australia for further information about student income support entitlements, your eligibility and how to apply.

You may be eligible to apply for income tax deductions for education expenses linked to your employment.

See the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for more information.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

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The total indicative tuition fee for 2023 commencement is AU$21,600.

In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

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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 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

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.

More information