Master of Nanotechnology and Smart Materials
Quick facts
Student type:
Quick facts
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Entry score
Not applicable
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Duration
Full-time 2 years -
Location
Melbourne City -
Fees
AU$32,640 (2021 annual)
Next intake
Not applicableEntry score
Not applicable
Duration
Not applicableLocation
Not applicableFees
Not applicable
Next intake
Not applicable
Overview
What you will study
Equip yourself with specialist knowledge and advanced skills in the application and research of nanotechnology and new materials.

Your career in nanotechnology
Apply the principles of physics, chemistry and biology to design new products on the nano-scale in this new and rapidly expanding area of science.
Details
This master's program provides a basis for roles in technology development, and interdisciplinary and trans-disciplinary projects.
Using skills in chemistry or physics you will explore the different applications of nanotechnology and materials science such as optics, photonics, communications, medicine, and defence.
This program will provide extensive hands-on lab experiences to both reinforce the coursework material and to introduce students to the breadth of career opportunities in the rapidly expanding world of nanotechnology.
Both the coursework and lab work components of the program are intrinsically multidisciplinary, with chemistry and physics core concepts strongly supplemented by training in relevant biology, engineering and computational science approaches.
Grounding and depth
You will gain a strong foundation in the physics and chemistry of nanotechnology and smart materials and learn about relevant research tools to independently or collaboratively design and make new materials with customised properties.
The program will develop your understanding of structure and property relationships at the nano-scale.
It covers important aspects of bio-nano science and quantum physics with various fields of nanotechnology.
Facilities and research
We have leading nanotechnology and nanoscience facilities, enabling high-precision research in areas including nanofabrication, testing and analysis, nanoscale biophotonics, energy research, catalysis and disease detection, among other areas.
Nanotechnology research at RMIT has vast applications ranging from medicines fighting disease at the molecular level to the next generation of optics-based IT technologies that will transform communication systems and information security.
The program provides learning experiences that focus on the emerging needs of industry and research.
Research is a key feature of the program and you will undertake a significant research component, specialising in either chemistry or physics related nanotechnology with input and feedback from current researchers and project supervisors.
You will perform a series of intensive, small-group immersion activities in a number of different nanotechnology environments, including research laboratories, modelling experiences and off-site workshops.
These experiences may include quantum imaging and biophotonics, ab initio and molecular modelling, medical imaging and synchrotron science.
Industrial and applied researchers working in the NanoSmart field will lead seminars throughout the program.
Work-integrated learning is embedded in the program through research projects where there may be external industry assessors or industry based supervisors.
Industrial and applied researchers working in the NanoSmart field will lead seminars throughout the program.
Academic staff in nanotechnology at RMIT have extensive links with universities and companies around the world, which creates opportunities for students to gain experience overseas as part of their degree.
Such international travel is dependent upon funding, both from RMIT and from external bodies, and is subject to approval by the program manager.
The Master of Nanotechnology and Smart Materials consists of 192 credit points. After completing 96 credit points of study approved by the program manager, you may exit with a graduate diploma.
Research is a key feature of the program and you will undertake a significant research component.
You will specialise in either chemistry or physics related nanotechnology.
Year 1
Complete the following core courses:
- Introduction to Nanotechnology and Smart Materials
- Masters Science
- Biophysical and Biomolecular Chemistry
- Research Methods
- Advanced Nanotechnology
- MicroNano Fabrication Cleanroom Processes
Select and complete one elective:
- Analytical Spectroscopy
- Optics and Radiation Physics
- Photonics and Nuclear Physics
- Quantum and Statistical Physics
- Chemistry of Materials 2
- Advanced Spectroscopic Analysis
Year 2
Complete the following core courses:
- Nanotechnology Seminar Course 1
- Project Planning and Literature Review
- Nanotechnology Seminar Course 2
- Applied Science Research Project 24
- Applied Science Research Project 36
Choose a program structure
Title | Location | Duration | Plan code | CRICOS | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Master of Nanotechnology and Smart Materials | City Campus |
2 years Full-Time
|
2 years Full-Time
|
MC204 | 088088D |
Choose a program structure
Program code: MC204
Career
Nanomaterials are already revolutionising daily life and careers in the 21st century.
They can be found in almost all facets of global industry; making an impact on our medicine, food, industrial and environmental processes.
Nanotechnology experts apply the principles of physics, chemistry and biology to design new products on the nano-scale.
This program is designed to provide students with a wide range of technical and theoretical expertise and exposure to the diversity of uses of nanomaterials in industry and society.
From this foundation, students will be well-prepared to pursue their future careers in industry or academia, both within Australia or internationally.
Career outlook
Nanotechnology is a transformative force for manufacturing and is predicted to be worth $US3 trillion globally by 2020.
Graduates are in high demand for research or industry-based careers in Australia and overseas.
There are graduate shortages in the nano-enabling specialisations of chemistry - particularly polymer, colloidal, organic and bio-organic chemistry; materials science and engineering; and microelectronics fabrication.
Graduates may work in industries related to telecommunications, computing, defence, solar energy, medicine, aerospace, paints and coatings, cosmetics and environmental remediation.
Graduates will also be research-ready to undertake a PhD program at RMIT or elsewhere.
There is no formal professional accreditation for this program.
Graduates may be eligible for membership of professional bodies such as the Royal Australian Chemical Institute or the Australian Institute of Physics depending on their specialisation.
Admissions
An Australian bachelor degree or equivalent in applied science, science or engineering, with a Grade Point Average (GPA) no less than 2.5 out of 4.0.
Applicants with a GPA between 2.0 and 2.5 and with at least two years' relevant work experience may be considered.
International qualifications are assessed according to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
You must have successfully completed:
An Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) in applied science, science or engineering, with a minimum GPA of 2.5 (out of 4.0)
OR
If you have a GPA between 2.0 and 2.5, you may also be considered if you have at least two years' relevant work experience in industry.
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 (Paper Based Test): minimum score of 580 (TWE 4.5)
- TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 92 (with minimum of 20 in all sections)
- 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 Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
Pathways
Graduates of the Master of Nanotechnology and Smart Materials will be equipped to undertake a research PhD in their specialised discipline (for example Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Applied Chemistry or Applied Physics).
Fees
2021 indicative fees
Full-fee places: AU$32,640.
Additional expenses
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$313 maximum fee for 2021.
- 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.
Learn more about fees for postgraduate study.
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.
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.
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.
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 2021 is $313.
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 2021 is AU$37,440.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2021 commencement is AU$74,880.
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.