Master of Engineering (Electrical Engineering)
Student type:
Quick facts
-
Entry score
Not applicable
-
Duration
Full-time 2 years, Part-time 4 years -
Location
Melbourne City -
Fees
Next intake
February, JulyEntry score
IELTS 6.5
Duration
Full-time 2 yearsLocation
Melbourne City
Overview
This course prepares you for a leadership role in the internationally fast-growing sectors of power engineering and energy. You'll focus on technical areas of electrical engineering, including:
- renewable energy
- power electronic converter systems
- high-voltage and protection systems
- power transmission and distribution
- building services
- industry control and automation
You'll gain leading-edge knowledge and skills in power engineering with effective business skills in communication, teamwork and management.
The sectors of smart grid technology and renewable energy are experiencing rapid growth. As a result, the field of power engineering has a strong employment market, offering a range of opportunities to electrical engineers. This course is suitable for both electrical engineering graduates looking for specialist knowledge in the latest power engineering technologies, as well as graduates from other disciplines seeking a career change.
Details
RMIT offers a variety of learning and teaching approaches including lectures, seminars, workshops, presentations, group discussions and syndicate work. You will have access to online and digital resources through various student systems, including Canvas, the University’s Learning Management System.
Ongoing assessment throughout the semester may include tests, essays, reports, oral classes, presentations, group projects, research projects, laboratory projects, practical assignments and exams.
Classes are taught by experts in their fields. There is a strong emphasis on laboratory work and professional engineering projects to put theory into practice and to enhance research, teamwork, leadership, communication and project management skills. Note that tutorials and laboratory sessions may run in the afternoon to fit in with the work commitments of part-time students.
The School of Engineering has an Industry Advisory Committee for the Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering courses which is, an important link to industry. Membership includes senior engineers from several major national companies and government and non-government organisations. The Committee provides comments and advice on the contents of these courses.
The School of Engineering has extensive links with industry through research projects, consulting services and industry-sponsored design projects. Examples of the collaborative links in the energy and control area include work with:
- Electric vehicle load profiling and studying how they impact the grid in collaboration with Citipower/Powercor.
- Coordinated charging of electric vehicles in collaboration with Citipower/Powercor.
- Optimisation of behind the meter demand response in commercial and industry customers in collaboration with C4Net, Ausnet and AGL.
- Development of a software prototype for a Multi-Objective Optimisation Tool with Desert Knowledge Australia, Alice Springs.
- Opportunity Assessment: N1 Electric Vehicles and the Grid with Race for 2030 Limited CRC.
- Donald and Tarnagulla Microgrid Feasibility Study – Area Hosting Capacity Assessment (administered by C4NET).
- Intelligent load data analytics for Powercor/Citipower and Jemena in an ARC Linkage Project.
- Power Rectification, Braking and Condition Monitoring for a High Speed Alternator System for Mellin Pty Ltd
- Design and Simulation of High Speed Turbo Alternator for Micro Turbine Power Generation for Mellin Pty Ltd
- Solid State Regulation of a Distribution Transformer to Rapidly Control Voltages of Low Voltage Distribution Feeders for Wilson Transformers in an ARC Linkage Project
- Power line fault monitoring – industry academia start-up company IND Technology Pty Ltd
In several cases, industry has provided direct support by donating laboratory equipment. Examples of such collaboration include co-sponsorship of new laboratories by ABB and Siemens.
- 1 to 1.5 years full-time or equivalent part-time (with advanced standing)
- 2 years full-time or 4 years part-time (without advanced standing)
International student visa holders can only study full-time.
- 1 to 1.5 years full-time or equivalent part-time (with advanced standing)
- 2 years full-time or 4 years part-time (without advanced standing)
Distinguished Professor Xinghuo Yu is a world leading expert in complex systems and power network data analytics.
Professor Grahame Holmes is a world leading expert in power electronic converters. He provides specialist consulting to solve industry problems with power electronic conversion systems.
Professor Brendan McGrath has a particular research interest in modulation theory for power electronic systems. His research addresses fundamental questions concerning the modulation and control of power electronic conversion systems.
Professor Liuping Wang is an expert in control theory and its applications. Her research interests include model predictive control, system identification and control of AC motors.
Professor Alan Wong is an active researcher in partial discharge and fault detection on aging infrastructure. He has a special interest in the pole-top fire problem in the overhead distribution network.
Associate Professor Mahdi Jalili has research interests in complex systems and power network data analytics.
Associate Professor Lasantha Meegahapola has research interests in the areas of large-scale power systems, microgrids, renewable power generation and electric vehicles.
Dr Richardt Wilkinson is the program manager for the Master of Engineering (Electrical Engineering) and has research interests in power electronics, modulation theory, electrical energy conversion, renewable energy, energy harvesting and embedded power electronics controllers.
Dr Manoj Datta is the deputy program manager for the Master of Engineering (Electrical Engineering) and has particular research interests in renewable energy systems and micro-grids.
The Master of Engineering (Electrical Engineering) program consists of 192 credit points. After completing 96 credit points of study approved by the Program Manager, you may exit with a graduate diploma.
During this program you will:
- undertake and be assessed on structured activities that allow you to learn, apply and demonstrate your professional or vocational practice
- interact with industry and the community when undertaking these activities
- complete these activities in real-work contexts or situations
Any or all of these aspects of a work-integrated learning (WIL) experience may be simulated.
Year 1
You'll study four core electrical engineering courses, including Advanced Control Systems, Electrical Energy Conversion, Protection and High Voltage Engineering and Renewable Electrical Engineering Systems. You will also complete Research Methods in Engineering in preparation for the Masters Research Project that you are required to complete in Year 2 of your studies.
Year 2
You'll undertake the Master’s Research Project, working on an individual project to further develop your research, design and project management skills. Some projects include the opportunity to work within the local engineering industry.
These courses provide a realistic work situation, allowing you to learn, apply and demonstrate your professional engineering practice.
In some of the core courses, such as Protection and High Voltage Engineering and Renewable Electrical Engineering Systems, talks by guest speakers from industry and visits to industrial sites such as power plants and substations may form part of the course delivery.
Choose a program structure
| Title | Location | Duration | Plan code | CRICOS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Engineering (Electrical Engineering) | City Campus |
4 semesters full time or 8 semesters part time
|
4 semesters full time
|
MC235 | 079937J |
Choose a program structure
Program code: MC235
Career
With an increasing focus on renewable energy, electrical engineers are in a position to be part of the transformation of the Australian power industry from traditional fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.
You may work in the electrical supply industry where your knowledge of transformers, motors and generators is needed across all areas of operations.
RMIT graduates have gone on to work at a range of organisations including:
- Ausnet Services
- Jemena
- Middleton Group
- Snowy Hydro
- United Energy
- Wilson Transformer Company
Public transport providers also need electrical engineers to develop and maintain the systems that keep trains running and signals operating. With a push to modernise railway infrastructure, engineers are in demand. Within the manufacturing industry robots and automation have become essential elements, and electrical engineers are now called on to design and develop the next-generation control systems that enable this. With the increasing prevalence of data analytics across disciplines, there is an increasing demand for engineers with these skills.
The Master of Engineering (Electrical Engineering) is not accredited, although it has been developed to align with the Engineers Australia accreditation framework.
Engineers Australia is the professional body responsible for the accreditation of higher education programs that prepare students to practise as professional engineers.
Graduates of the Master of Engineering (Electrical Engineering) may be eligible to apply for membership of Engineers Australia.
Admissions
Successful completion of an Australian bachelor degree (or international equivalent) in one of the following fields: Computer Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Communication Engineering or Network 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.
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.
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.
Successful completion of an Australian bachelor degree (or international equivalent) in one of the following fields: Computer Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Communication Engineering or Network 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.
Entry requirements
To study this program 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.
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.
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 successfully completed one of the following qualifications majoring in engineering you will be eligible for exemptions as follows:
Qualification level |
Exemptions |
Remaining program duration |
Bachelor of Engineering degree in the same discipline (AQF level 7 or equivalent) |
Up to 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester of full-time study) |
144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters of full-time study) |
Graduate Certificate in the same discipline |
Up to 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester of full-time study) |
144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters of full-time study) |
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) degree in the same discipline (AQF level 8 or equivalent) |
Up to 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters of full-time study) |
96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters of full-time study) |
Graduate Diploma in the same discipline |
Up to 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters of full-time study) |
96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters of full-time study) |
Fees
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.
2022 indicative fees
- Commonwealth supported places (CSP) range from AU$3,985 to AU$14,630*.
- Full-fee places: AU$35,520*.
Additional expenses
- 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
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.
Payments and 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 commencing their program in 2022. 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 2022 for commencing students
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount (per EFTSL) in 2022 |
|---|---|
Education, Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages, Agriculture |
$3,985 per standard year $498 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 |
$8,021 per standard year $1,002 per standard (12 credit point) course |
Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science |
$11,401 per standard year |
Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture |
$14,630 per standard year |
How does a HELP loan work?
If your FEE-HELP, HECS-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.
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.
The annual tuition fee for 2022 is AU$42,240.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2022 commencement is AU$85,440.
In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) in each calendar year.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) - Student visa holders must have cover for the total duration of their visa.
- Some programs incur additional expenses.
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.
Applying for refunds
For information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student, please see Refunds.
Looking for answers or more general infomation?
For frequently asked questions or how to find more information regarding applications and enrolments, fees, student support services, university policies and more, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions.