Master of Engineering (Civil Engineering)

Master of Engineering (Civil Engineering)

RESEARCH

Contribute to an industry focused research project and identify solutions to civil and infrastructure 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:

Research Training Scheme

Next intake:
Continuous (scholarship application closing dates apply)
Location:
Bundoora
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Fees:

AU$39,360 (2024 annual)

Next intake:
Continuous (scholarship application closing dates apply)
Location:
Bundoora
Melbourne City

Overview

Develop your advanced engineering skills by contributing to an industry focused research project and identify solutions to existing and emerging civil and infrastructure engineering problems.

The School of Engineering conducts research in a broad spectrum of topics with the overall vision of delivering sustainability, longevity and efficiency of infrastructure essential for the 21st century.

Our research strengths are in the fields of:

  • asset management and decision making for optimised management of infrastructure
  • challenges in supporting infrastructure in reactive and unsaturated soils
  • design of new material and structural forms and optimisation
  • innovative and sustainable materials
  • predicting remaining life of structures including bridges, buildings, tunnels and underground utilities considering changes in climate
  • strengthening of structures using innovative techniques
  • sustainable construction

You can select between applied research well supported by industry which will deliver innovative new products and processes, and fundamental research leading to ground breaking new knowledge.

You will be closely supervised while you work on a project within one of the following research areas:

  • computational mechanics
  • construction engineering
  • construction management
  • construction materials
  • geotechnical engineering
  • high-strength and high-performance concrete
  • infrastructure maintenance and management
  • structural engineering
  • structural optimisation
  • transport engineering
  • water systems engineering and water resources

This masters degree may be undertaken in a project or thesis mode.

The primary research activities are conducted within these related research centres:

The School of Engineering has received recognition for world class research well supported by competitive grants and industry funding. In the 2015 QS world rankings civil and structural engineering at RMIT was ranked among the top 51-100 in the world based on academic reputation, research citations and employer satisfaction. We have received world-wide recognition for fundamental research in:

  • behaviour of unsaturated soils
  • infrastructure resilience
  • structural optimisation
  • time dependent structural reliability

The School of Engineering has world-class laboratory facilities for heavy structures, geotechnical engineering, construction materials and product development and accelerated testing for material and structural degradation in simulated environments.

Details

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Research at RMIT

Time spent on research

Full-time candidates are expected to commit at least four days per week (or at least two days per week for part-time candidates) to their research. The academic year is 48 weeks.

Regular contact with your supervisor

A schedule of meetings with your supervisor/s must be established to assess progress against milestones and timely completion.

Resources, facilities and support

You will have access to the Learning Hub and other online and digital resources through the myRMIT student portal.

You will be part of an active research community and have access to resources and workshops to help you succeed.

School of Graduate Research

The School of Graduate Research works with Schools to further support candidates during their postgraduate research degree.

RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.

We have relationships with a broad range of academic and industry organisations including:

  • AECOM
  • Australian Road Research Board
  • Brookfield Multiplex
  • Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC
  • Hansen Yuncken
  • Intrax Consulting Engineers
  • Leightons Contractors
  • Markham Global Pty Ltd
  • Melbourne Water
  • Metro Trains
  • Municipal Association of Victoria
  • Over 20 local councils
  • Sinclair Knights Merz
  • Transport and Main Roads, Queensland
  • VicRoads
  • Yarra Trams

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.

You will undertake the masters program under the supervision of an appointed research supervisor.

The masters program is structured to enable you to:

  • Complete a compulsory research methods course
  • Receive training in research integrity and ethics
  • Select studies in qualitative and quantitative research techniques
  • Complete a thesis/project which demonstrates your contribution to the field and your ability to communicate complex research for peers and the community to an international standard.

Research Integrity modules

You are required to complete the online modules:

  • Research integrity
  • Copyright and intellectual property

Research methods for engineering and related disciplines

Research methods courses step you through the literature review and preparing your research proposal for confirmation of candidature. They are taught in large discipline groups.

You may need to complete an ethics module to ensure your research is ethical and responsible.

Research Techniques

You may elect to take (where relevant) electives in qualitative or quantitative research techniques once data collection has begun. You can use your own data to explore different research analysis techniques. Your supervisor will help you decide when you should take these electives.

Co-curricular activities

You are encouraged to participate in activities offered by the university, College and School according to your needs and interests.

This Masters degree may be undertaken in a project or thesis mode. Prospective candidates should discuss these modes of submission with their potential supervisor/s prior to application.

Course structure

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

Master of Engineering (Civil Engineering)
Program code: MR218
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Master of Engineering
City Campus
2 years full-time, 4 years part-time
MR218
079820M
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time, 4 years part-time
Plan code
MR218
CRICOS
079820M
View plan
Master of Engineering
City Campus
2 years full-time
MR218
079820M
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time
Plan code
MR218
CRICOS
079820M
View plan

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

Career

A masters degree will provide you with a foundation for further studies into a PhD and employment in senior leadership and management research-based positions in a variety of government, non-government and corporate organisations.

Admissions

The minimum requirements for admission to a master by research program are:

  • a bachelor degree requiring at least four years of full-time study in a relevant discipline awarded with honours. The degree should include a research component comprised of a thesis, other research projects or research methodology courses that constitute at least 25% of a full-time academic year (or part-time equivalent). The applicant must have achieved at least a credit average in the final year; or
  • evidence of appropriate academic qualifications and/or experience that satisfies the Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research Training and Development or nominee that the applicant has developed knowledge of the field of study or cognate field and the potential for research sufficient to undertake the proposed program.

At RMIT a grade of credit represents academic achievement of 60% or higher.

None

These entrance requirements are the minimum academic standard you must meet in order to be eligible to apply for the program. You will need to complete a selection task as part of your application.

A selection process will be conducted in conjunction with the School and supervisors you nominate. 

For further information on the steps you need to take to apply for a research program see How to apply – Research programs.

The minimum requirements for admission to a master by research program are:

  • a bachelor degree requiring at least four years of full-time study in a relevant discipline awarded with honours. The degree should include a research component comprised of a thesis, other research projects or research methodology courses that constitute at least 25% of a full-time academic year (or part-time equivalent). The applicant must have achieved at least a credit average in the final year; or
  • evidence of appropriate academic qualifications and/or experience that satisfies the Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research Training and Development or nominee that the applicant has developed knowledge of the field of study or cognate field and the potential for research sufficient to undertake the proposed program.

At RMIT a grade of credit represents academic achievement of 60% or higher.

None

Research proposal and supervisor

Proposal

You must attach a substantive research proposal that is 2 to 5 pages in length which articulates the intent, significance and originality of the proposed topic using the following headings:

a) title / topic
b) research questions to be investigated in the context of existing research/literature in the area
c) significance and impact of the research
d) methodology / research tasks required to undertake the research
e) particular needs (e.g. resources, facilities, fieldwork or equipment that are necessary for your proposed research program, if applicable)

Supervisor

Your application will not be considered if you have not discussed your research topic with a proposed senior and associate supervisor or joint senior supervisors. You must provide the names of the academic staff in the school you have applied to and with whom you have discussed your proposed research.

For further information on the steps you need to take to apply for a research program see How to apply – Research programs.

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.

Pathways

You can gain entry to this program from a range of RMIT four year Bachelor and Honours degrees or Postgraduate programs.

Further study

If you excel in your master degree by research, you can continue your research in a doctorate (PhD). This involves four years of research under the supervision of a senior researcher.

Fees

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Fee information for masters by research and doctorate (PhD) programs.

If you are an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or New Zealand citizen you may be eligible for a Research Training Scheme (RTS) place where your tuition costs are funded by the Commonwealth Government under the RTS and you have full exemption from tuition fees.

Acceptance in an RTS place is very competitive and places are granted on the condition that you meet annual progress requirements and complete within the allotted time for your program and your status as a part-time or full-time candidate.

This means a maximum of 2 years for a full-time Masters by Research or 4 years for a PhD (or the equivalent part-time).

Contact the School of Graduate Research for more information.

The student services and amenities fee (SSAF) is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

In addition to the SSAF there may be other expenses associated with your program.

Candidates may be eligible to apply for income tax deductions for education expenses linked to their employment. See the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website 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$39,360.

The total indicative tuition fee for 2024 commencement is AU$79,680.

The student services and amenities fee (SSAF) is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

In addition to the SSAF there may be other expenses associated with your program.

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