Master of Engineering (Aerospace)

Master of Engineering (Aerospace)

POSTGRADUATE

RMIT trains the leaders of the future in aerospace. Learn to develop effective solutions to a range of engineering problems.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Part-time 4 years
Fees:

Commonwealth supported places

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Bundoora
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Fees:

AU$44,160 (2024 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Bundoora

Overview

Long associated with cutting edge technology and innovation, the aerospace and aviation industries attract people with advanced engineering knowledge and skills.

The Asia region is a key growth area for the aviation market, with double-digit growth rates in air traffic across China, Hong Kong and Singapore. Massive passenger growth means many more aircraft, larger and more airports, and larger and new airlines. This points to a need for more aerospace engineers, and more aviation-related employees.

During your study in the Master of Engineering (Aerospace), you'll learn how to analyse complex engineering assets in the aerospace and aviation environment; and you will develop engineering, scientific and technological solutions to ensure problem-free operations. Your skills will be further sharpened with systematic problem-solving and adherence to engineering/technological systems design methodologies operating in the industry.

Why choose aerospace engineering at RMIT?

Professional connections

Engage with our expert academics who have extensive experience, strong industry links and well-developed contact networks.

Co-designed with industry

Developed in collaboration with industry, this degree reflects current industry needs, making you more employable.

International opportunities

Take the opportunity to study a dual master’s degree in partnership with FH Aachen – University of Applied Sciences in Germany.

Details

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A range of learning and teaching approaches are used within this degree to develop your capabilities and to assist you in developing skills as an independent and lifelong learner.

RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional aerospace engineering practice. You'll be assessed on structured activities that allow you to learn, apply and demonstrate your professional practice.

These may include problem-based learning, assignments and projects, classroom teaching and/or online collaboration sessions, laboratory, research investigations, assessed tutorials or presentations, self-assessment and peer-assessment, and exams.

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

This degree has strong links with industry through its Industry Advisory Committee, research and teaching collaborations.

Many of the staff teaching within the degree are from local industry or have extensive previous industry experiences and well-developed contact networks. Many are currently engaged in industry-funded research projects. These attributes, when integrated into teaching and courseware development, ensure that your learning experience is industry-relevant and work-integrated.

The Capstone Research Project subject, undertaken in the final year of the degree, provides opportunities for work-integrated learning (WIL) through industry-based projects.

You have the opportunity to complete a dual master’s degree program with FH Aachen – University of Applied Sciences in Aachen, Germany.

Under this degree, you can choose from these two enrolment options:

  • two semesters at RMIT and two semesters at the partner institution
  • three semesters at RMIT and one semester at the partner institution.

On completion of the degree you will be awarded a master's degree from both universities. Five students per year have the opportunity to undertake the dual master's award and selection is based on academic merit (cumulative GPA).

Most lectures take place at the City campus, with some laboratory classes run at the Bundoora campus.

Some projects in the Capstone Research Project subject may require travel to the Bundoora campus. Alternative projects based at the City campus are available.

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 Master of Engineering (Aerospace) consists of 192 credit points.

The degree aims to provide you with skills to step up as a project leader, consultant or manager with advanced knowledge to introduce new technologies and operating practices in aerospace and aviation organisations.

Core subject areas include structures and materials, aerodynamics and performance, propulsion, avionics and ATM systems, flight dynamics and control and aircraft design. The degree is complemented by a range of elective subjects relevant to the aerospace and aviation industry to tailor your study plan according to your professional interests.

You are strongly recommended to undertake at least ten weeks of engineering work experience supervised by a professional engineer. If your work experience meets the requirements it may be assessed concurrently. You can enrol in this degree while undertaking engineering work experience at any time during your study as a university elective subject or you can enrol in it as a technical option subject in some degrees in your final year.

Course structure

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

Master of Engineering (Aerospace)
Program code: MC225
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Master of Engineering (Aerospace)
City Campus
2 years full time (4 semesters); 4 years part time (8 semesters)
MC225P16
088786M
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full time (4 semesters); 4 years part time (8 semesters)
Plan code
MC225P16
CRICOS
088786M
View plan
Master of Engineering (Aerospace)
City Campus
2 years full time
MC225P16
088786M
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full time
Plan code
MC225P16
CRICOS
088786M
View plan

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

You will be equipped with advanced knowledge and skills to further your career in aerospace engineering, operations or as a consultant in aviation, mechanical engineering and automotive engineering.

As a graduate, you could find a role in areas such as:

  • A research and development leader introducing new technologies and procedures to address challenges of contemporary aerospace and aviation organisations
  • A team leader implementing operational strategies
  • An operations manager responsible for the competitive performance of a unit
  • A consultant providing specialist technical advice to industry.

Depending on your role, you’ll likely work alongside a wide range of aerospace and aviation industry stakeholders to collaborate on tomorrow’s opportunities in the industry.

Previous students have gone on to work for companies such as Boeing, Rolls Royce and Airbus. 

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Engineers Australia is the professional body responsible for the accreditation of higher education programs that prepare students to practise as professional engineers.

Engineers Australia is a signatory to the Washington Accord. This means that the degree is internationally recognised, and graduates can practise as professional engineers in many countries around the world.

Graduates of the Master of Engineering (Aerospace) are eligible for graduate and/or professional membership of Engineers Australia.

Admissions

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

Successful completion of an Australian bachelor degree (or international equivalent) in one of the following fields: Aerospace, Mechanical, Manufacturing, Mechatronics, Sustainable Systems or Automotive Engineering with a GPA of at least 2.0 out of 4.0.

Applicants who have a successfully completed a relevant degree (as above) with a GPA of at least 1.5 out of 4, will be considered if they have at least 3 years of relevant industry experience.

OR

Successful completion of an Australian postgraduate qualification (or international equivalent) in a related discipline (as above).

OR

Applicants without any relevant prior qualification will be considered if they have at least 10 years of relevant industry experience.

International qualifications are assessed for comparability to Australian qualifications according to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

If you wish to have industry or employment experience assessed as part of meeting the entry requirements you will need to provide a detailed CV/resume listing previous positions, dates of employment and position responsibilities; a statement from your employer confirming these details (or contact details of employer so RMIT can seek confirmation); and evidence of any relevant professional development undertaken.

Exemptions

Some applicants may be eligible for exemptions. Approved exemptions may change the duration of their study in the program.

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 international equivalent) in one of the following fields: Aerospace, Mechanical, Manufacturing, Mechatronics, Sustainable Systems or Automotive Engineering with a GPA of at least 2.0 out of 4.0.

Applicants who have a successfully completed a relevant degree (as above) with a GPA of at least 1.5 out of 4, will be considered if they have at least 3 years of relevant industry experience.

OR

Successful completion of an Australian postgraduate qualification (or international equivalent) in a related discipline (as above).

OR

Applicants without any relevant prior qualification will be considered if they have at least 10 years of relevant industry experience.

International qualifications are assessed for comparability to Australian qualifications according to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

Exemptions

Some applicants may be eligible for exemptions. Approved exemptions may change the duration of their study in the program.

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.

Additional information

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Non-academic abilities you’ll need to complete this program

The following information outlines the tasks you will be required to undertake during professional experience placement and on-campus learning activities.

The non-academic abilities listed are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.

If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there are a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities. Please contact the Equitable Learning Service to discuss any adjustments you may require.

By understanding the types of activities you’ll participate in, you can:

  • understand more about the program
  • determine if you may need support during your studies
  • make an informed decision about whether the program is suitable for you

If you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition, we can support you by making adjustments to activities in your program so that you can participate fully in your studies.

To receive learning adjustments, you need to register with Equitable Learning Service

The University considers the wellbeing and safety of all students, staff and the community to be a priority in academic and professional experience placement settings.

Pathways

If you have completed shared courses from the Master of Engineering (Airworthiness), you will be eligible for relevant credit transfers.

Masters advanced standing

Students who are assessed as having a relevant qualification equivalent to AQF 7 may be eligible for up to 48 credit points of Masters Advanced Standing. Advanced standing may be available to holders of AQF 7 qualifications in the following disciplines:

  • Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering
  • Bachelor of Aeronautical Engineering
  • Other cognate engineering disciplines (may only be eligible for OENG1120 Research Methods in Engineering)

Postgraduate Study 4+1

Students who have successfully completed relevant RMIT undergraduate engineering qualifications equivalent to AQF 8 may be eligible for 96 credit points of Masters Advanced Standing, as part of the postgraduate study 4+1 scheme. Advanced standing may be available to graduates of the following programs:

Eligibility for the 4+1 scheme is subject to each student's individual situation.

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national policy for Australian qualifications in vocational and higher education.

If you have completed the Master of Engineering (Aerospace), you will meet the eligibility criteria to apply for the PhD (Aerospace Engineering).

When you successfully complete the following programs and achieve a minimum GPA of 2.5 (out of 4.0), you are guaranteed entry into the Master of Engineering (Aviation) with two semesters of advanced standing (equivalent to 96 credit points):

Alternatively, you can gain entry from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs.

Coming from a partner institution?

RMIT has pathway arrangements with many partner institutions around the world.

If your institution has a pathway arrangement with RMIT you may be able to receive credit and reduce the time it will take to complete your preferred RMIT program.

Find out if your institution has a pathway arrangement with RMIT

If you have qualifications from an institution that is not an RMIT partner, credit into your RMIT program will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

You may be eligible for advanced standing up to a maximum of 2 semesters (equivalent to 96 credits points). Eligibility for advanced standing is based on your previous studies and is assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Credit

Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.

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

Upon successful completion of this degree, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT Masters by Research or Doctoral (PhD) program.

Fees

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Entry for this program is primarily through Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs).

Government financial assistance is available to eligible students regardless of the type of place you enrol in.

2024 indicative fees

Commonwealth supported places

  • 2024 Commonwealth supported places (CSP) range from AU$4,445 to AU$16,323*. 

Full-fee places

  • AU$36,480 (2024 annual fee)*.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$351 maximum fee for 2024*.
  • 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

  • You may be eligible to apply for a HELP loan, which can be used to defer payment of up to the full amount of your student contribution fees. You may also be eligible to apply to defer payment of your SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme.
  • For more information and to learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees see postgraduate study fees.

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.

If you are offered a Commonwealth supported place, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government.

Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set on an annual basis by the government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of your individual enrolled courses, not the overall program.

How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?

The Australian Government has introduced changes to university funding and student contribution fees under its Job-ready Graduates Package. 

The fees in the table below apply to students who commence their program in 2024. Fees for continuing students are available at fees for Commonwealth supported students.

Each course (subject) falls into a band. The band determines the student contribution amount for the course.

Amounts listed in the table below are based on a standard, full-time study load (96 credit points per year) with all courses in the same band. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load or for enrolment in courses (subjects) from a combination of bands.

You can learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees for units from different bands at Fees for Commonwealth supported students.

Maximum student contribution amount for Commonwealth supported places in 2024 for commencing students

Student contribution band by course (subject)

Maximum annual student contribution amount (per EFTSL) in 2024
Education, Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages, Agriculture $4,445 per standard year
$555 per standard (12 credit point) course
Allied Health, Other Health, Built Environment, Computing, Visual and Performing Arts, Professional Pathway Psychology, Professional Pathway Social Work, Engineering, Surveying, Environmental Studies, Science, Pathology $8,948 per standard year
$1,118 per standard (12 credit point) course
Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science $12,720 per standard year
$1,590 per standard (12 credit point) course
Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture $16,323 per standard year
$2,040 per standard (12 credit point) course

Student Learning Entitlement

On 1 January 2022, the Government implemented the Student Learning Entitlement (SLE).

  • The SLE allows students 7 years of full-time subsidised study in Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP).
  • Your total SLE amount will be reduced in accordance with your overall study load in a CSP. 
  • Once you have utilised all your SLE, you can not longer study in a CSP.

For more information about SLE, visit Study Assist.

If you are offered a full-fee 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.

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 2024 is $351.  

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.

HECS-HELP Loans

The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the HECS-HELP loan scheme, which allows eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) to defer payment of up to the full amount of their student contribution.

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 HECS-HELP, 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.

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 annual tuition fee for 2024 is AU$44,160.

The total indicative tuition fee for 2024 commencement is AU$90,240.

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