Master of Engineering (Electrical Engineering)

Master of Engineering (Electrical Engineering)

POSTGRADUATE

Gain a leadership role in the internationally growing sectors of power engineering and energy.

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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
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

Overview

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 degree 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. It covers such topics as: 
 
  • 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.

Why choose engineering at RMIT?

Learn from experts

Engage with expert academics who have extensive experience and strong industry links.

Practical experience

Gain leading-edge knowledge and skills through a mix of theoretical and hands-on learning.

Strong industry links

Co-designed with industry, boasting input from professional senior engineers.

Details

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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.

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.

The School of Engineering has an Industry Advisory Committee for the Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering course, 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 subjects. 

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 of 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.

Lectures, tutorials and laboratory sessions for this degree are conducted on the City campus, except for the laboratory component of the subject Protection and High Voltage Engineering, which is conducted on the Bundoora East Campus.

  • 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)
  • 1 to 1.5 years full-time (with advanced standing)
  • 2 years full-time (without advanced standing)

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 (Electrical Engineering) 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 degree 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 subjects, 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 subjects provide a realistic work situation, allowing you to learn, apply and demonstrate your professional engineering practice.

In some of the core subjects, 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.

Course structure

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

Master of Engineering (Electrical Engineering)
Program code: MC235
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Master of Engineering (Electrical Engineering)
City Campus
4 semesters full time or 8 semesters part time
MC235
079937J
Location
City Campus
Duration
4 semesters full time or 8 semesters part time
Plan code
MC235
CRICOS
079937J
View plan
Master of Engineering (Electrical Engineering)
City Campus
4 semesters full time
MC235
079937J
Location
City Campus
Duration
4 semesters full time
Plan code
MC235
CRICOS
079937J
View plan

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

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.

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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

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: 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.

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: 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.

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

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

Masters advanced standing

If you have successfully completed one of the following qualifications majoring in engineering you will be eligible for exemptions as follows:

Qualification level Masters exemptions offered Remaining program duration*
Bachelor of Engineering 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) 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)

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

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

You can gain entry into this degree from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs.

Master Advanced Standing

If you have successfully completed one of the following qualifications majoring in engineering you will be eligible for exemptions as follows:

Qualification level Masters exemptions offered Remaining program duration*
Bachelor of Engineering 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) 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)

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

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit.

Credits

Applicants with a bachelor honours degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma or masters degree qualification majoring in a different discipline may also be eligible for credit transfer of up to 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study).

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 weightings, and reference to the learning resources.

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