Master of Engineering (Sustainable Energy)
Student type:
Quick facts
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Entry score
Not applicable
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Duration
Full-time 2 years, Part-time 4 years -
Location
Bundoora, Melbourne City -
Fees
Next intake
February, JulyEntry score
IELTS 6.5
Duration
Full-time 2 yearsLocation
Bundoora, Melbourne City
Overview
What you will study
Immerse yourself in the technology to improve energy efficiency, learn to use renewable resources and reduce the environmental and social impacts of conventional energy resources.
Your career in sustainable energy
As an RMIT graduate, you'll be employed in local and international industries. You'll work on sustainable energy projects at professional consulting and managing levels. Our graduates are also able to take on complex scientific tasks on sustainable energy-related projects in research institutes.
Details
Devise innovative solutions to social and environmental problems around energy supply, distribution and consumption. You'll learn to manage the transition towards a more sustainable energy sector is a priority for governments, the private sector and the general community.
A final-year research project forms an essential part of this course. Through this self-selected project (from a range of available topics), you will draw on not only the advanced engineering skills you have built, but also coursework around ethical, economic and social responsibility.
An emphasis on ensuring graduates are work-ready means you’ll gain a solid understanding of not only the technical aspects of sustainable engineering but broader issues such as the economic, social and environmental context for sustainable energy.
The Master's Research Project course may provide opportunities for work-integrated learning (WIL) that can involve private or public organisations.
Most lectures take place at the Melbourne City campus, and some lab classes run at the Bundoora campus. Some projects in the Master's Research Project subject may require travel to the Bundoora campus. Alternative projects based entirely at the Melbourne City campus are available.
The Master of Engineering (Sustainable Energy) consists of 192 credit points. After completing 96 credit points of study approved by the Program Manager, you may exit with a graduate diploma. For more information about this please contact Study@RMIT.
Industry plays a vital role in the development, delivery and assessment of the program, through the program advisory committee (PAC), which includes industry representatives, academic staff and alumni.
Some of the institutes, companies and industries that are inputting the program by sharing their projects with our students or delivering expert lectures include:
- CSIRO
- DNV GL - Energy
- Melbourne Water
- Acciona Energy
- Moreland Energy Foundation
- Genesis Now
- Western Water
- Honeywell
Year 1
In your first year this program covers different aspects of sustainable energy engineering that include understanding the concept of sustainability in energy, energy efficiency and learning about a wide range of renewable energy technologies. There is opportunity for group work, collaborative sessions and laboratory activities throughout these courses.
Year 2
Your second year comprises a research project as well as a range of electives to broaden new skills in different areas of your interest.
Note: You cannot complete Year 2 program electives which have already been completed in Year 1. Undertaking the Sustainable Energy Fundamentals elective is highly recommended if you are coming from a background with minimum exposure to topics such as thermodynamics, chemistry of energy, heat transfer, fluid mechanics and electrical power systems.
Choose a program structure
Choose a program structure
Program code: MC229
Career
On completion, graduates will be able to:
- plan and effectively manage an independent project on sustainable energy topics at a professional engineering level;
- locate and critically review scientific and engineering literature and apply engineering practices and research methods to conduct sustainable energy projects and evaluate their results; and
- communicate findings effectively to a professional audience
Career outlook
Sustainable energy is a growth area. As a result, the demand for engineers and scientists with a postgraduate qualification in sustainable energy is growing rapidly.
Within their organisations, graduates take on lead roles in:
- developing and implementing plans to improve energy efficiency and productivity to cut fuel bills, and reduce greenhouse gas/pollution emissions to meet regulatory requirements
- researching, developing, demonstrating, commercialising, designing and evaluating innovative solar, wind and hydro, biomass, hydrogen and other sustainable energy supply, storage and utilisation technologies
- devising innovative sustainable solutions to current problems associated with adverse economic, social and environmental problems linked to energy supply, distribution and consumption
- maintaining and optimising the performance of installed sustainable energy technologies and systems
- managing consultative processes with social groups affected by energy-related projects and developments
Graduates have gone on to work at a range of organisations such as:
- Melbourne Water
- Canadian Solar Inc.
- Honeywell
- Exergy Australia Pty Ltd
- AGL Energy
- Origin Energy
- Genesis Now
- Stantec
- Schneider Electric
- T & O Energy Consulting Pty Ltd
- Acciona Energy
- DNV GL - Energy
- Vestas Australia Wind Technology Pty Ltd
- Pacific Hydro
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 (Sustainable Energy) are eligible for graduate and/or professional membership of Engineers Australia.
Admissions
Successful completion of an Australian bachelor degree (or international equivalent) in one of the following fields: Engineering, Science, Information Technology, Physics and Chemistry 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.
Prior studies in the chemistry of energy (thermo-fluid science) is desirable.
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).
Successful completion of an Australian bachelor degree (or international equivalent) in one of the following fields: Engineering, Science, Information Technology, Physics and Chemistry 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.
Prior studies in the chemistry of energy (thermo-fluid science) is desirable.
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).
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
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.
2021 indicative fees
- Commonwealth supported places (CSP) range from AU$3,700 to AU$14,500*.
- Full-fee places: AU$34,560*.
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
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 announced amendments 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 2021 and are subject to the passage of legislation. 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 2021
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount in 2021 |
Agriculture, english, languages, mathematics, nursing, postgraduate clinical psychology, teaching |
$$3,700 per standard year $462 per standard (12 credit point) course |
Architecture, creative arts, engineering, environmental studies, health, information technology, science |
$7,700 per standard year |
Dental, medical and veterinary science |
$11,300 per standard year |
Arts, commerce, communications, economics, humanities (excluding languages), law, management |
$14,500 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 2021 is $313.
You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.
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$39,360.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2021 commencement is AU$81,600.
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.