Associate Degree in Engineering Technology
Student type:
Quick facts
-
Duration
Full-time 2 years -
Location
Melbourne City -
Fees
Next intake
February, July
Entry score
ATAR 41.80
Duration
Full-time 2 years Location
Melbourne city
Overview
Launch your career in engineering at RMIT
Graduates may work in a range of fields including aerospace, civil and structures, computer and networks, electronics design, electrical systems and automation, mechatronics, mechanical design and product development.
What you will study
Be introduced to the fundamentals of engineering before choosing an area of specialisation.
Details
Accredited by Engineers Australia, tthis course provides a very flexible pathway to an engineering degree.
With a common first year you choose your major at second year from one of seven engineering disciplines. Upon graduating from this program you may be eligible for entry into the relevant bachelor degree program or you can work in a relevant field.
You'll choose subjects relevant to your engineering major and undertake a real-world project to design, develop, and present a product.
This associate degree has seven majors:
- Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics
- Aerospace Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer and Network Engineering
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Sustainable Systems Engineering
In the first year, you'll learn fundamental principles of engineering that apply across the different major areas. At the end of the first year you’ll select the major you'll specialise in.
If you have maintained a grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or higher, you'll be eligible for guaranteed entry into a degree program relevant to your major, with credit for 192 credit points.
This course is accredited by Engineers Australia. It is also supported by an Industry Advisory Committee (IAC) composed of staff from local engineering organisations. The IAC provides regular feedback on the program and the changing needs of industry.
As an RMIT engineering student you'll have loads of opportunities to network with engineers and industry from the get-go.
Read more about engineering industry connections
The degree has an active learning approach. A key emphasis of the program is its linkages to current industry needs.
Teachers
The program is taught by professionals with current research and industry experience.
Format
Learning and teaching approaches include lectures, seminars, workshops, presentations, and group discussion work.
Inside the course experience
The Associate Degree in Engineering Technology provides the essential knowledge and skills to start your career.
Year 1
You’ll be introduced to fundamental engineering skills including:
- drafting
- use of hand and power tools
- machine processes and manufacturing
You’ll also cover materials engineering, which includes:
- metals
- composites
- plastics and adhesives
You’ll learn the processes used to construct objects from these materials and the external factors that can change the effectiveness of these materials. You’ll also develop skills in computer-aided drafting (CAD) using specialised software.
At the end of this year, you’ll choose your engineering major.
Year 2
You’ll choose subjects relevant to your engineering major. All majors emphasise professional and personal development, allowing you to build skills in:
- communication
- decision making
- team leading
You’ll undertake an engineering project to design, develop, and present a product. The engineering project is carried out in conjunction with industry or simulates a real engineering environment.
Choose a program structure
| Title | Location | Duration | Plan code | CRICOS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree in Engineering Technology | City Campus |
2 years Full time
|
2 years Full time
|
AD026 | 079303K |
Choose a program structure
Program code: AD026
Career
This degree is aimed at students starting out in a career in engineering. It allows you to specialise in one of seven major engineering disciplines.
Aerospace graduates may work in the aerospace industry as an aircraft maintenance engineer or aerospace design engineer at paraprofessional level.
A civil major will allow you to work in civil and structural fields that include laboratory technicians, research assistants, construction supervisors, or CAD draftspeople.
A major in computer and network engineering will allow you to pursue a career in networking, internetworking, IP telephony, network design, or network support.
With a major in electrical and electronics, you can work in electronic design, service engineering, or microprocessor programming.
Students who major in mechanical or advanced manufacturing and mechatronics can work in roles including product design and process, production planner, or automation specialist.
Sustainable systems major graduates will focus on the development of a sustainable system approach.
The following majors are fully accredited by Engineers Australia:
- Civil Engineering
- Computer and Network Engineering
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
The following major is provisionally accredited by Engineers Australia:
Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics
The Sustainable Systems Engineering major is not yet accredited by Engineers Australia.
Graduates are eligible for graduate membership of Engineers Australia as an Engineering Associate.
Australia is one of eight countries that are signatories to the International Engineering Alliance, also known as the Dublin Accord, for engineering technicians. Graduates with this qualification are recognised in all countries that are signatories to the Accord.
Admissions
RMIT is committed to providing transparency to the admissions process. In line with this commitment, we provide you with information that will help in making informed choices about your undergraduate study options. Find out more about RMIT’s commitment to admissions transparency.
You must meet the minimum academic entry requirements for this program. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee you entry due to the competitive nature of this program. Overseas qualifications will be assessed for Australian equivalence.
*ATAR refers to the lowest selection rank to which an offer was made (including consideration of any adjustments) for current and recent year 12 applicants.
RMIT’s selection criteria, outlined below according to your highest completed level of education, will provide you with a better understanding of the minimum admissions requirements needed for this program.
Selection criteria
This information is for applicants who are currently undertaking an Australian Year 12 or equivalent or whose highest qualification is a completed secondary education within the last two years (2017, 2018).
Selection criteria
You are required to meet the following minimum academic requirements:
- successful completion of an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent) including units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or at least 20 in English other than EAL and units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 20 in Mathematics (any).
You may be eligible for adjustment factors which will be applied to your selection rank. You can find more information under the heading 'Adjustment factors'.
ATAR profile
View the ATAR profile and selection rank from students offered a place into this program wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR in 2019.
This information is for applicants who have completed an accredited award at an Australian Registered Training Organisation.
Selection criteria
You are required to meet the following minimum academic requirements:
- successful completion of an Australian certificate IV or above (or equivalent)
- demonstrated proficiency equivalent to Year 12 subject prerequisites of units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or at least 20 in English other than EAL and units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 20 in Mathematics (any).
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. You can find more information under the heading 'Additional information'.
You may be eligible for adjustment factors which will be applied to your selection rank. You can find more information under the heading 'Adjustment factors'.
This information is for applicants whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education program.
Selection criteria
You are required to meet the following minimum academic requirements:
- successful completion of at least four courses (subjects) at an Australian undergraduate level (or equivalent)
- demonstrated proficiency equivalent to Year 12 subject prerequisites of units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or at least 20 in English other than EAL and units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 20 in Mathematics (any).
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. You can find more information under the heading 'Additional information'.
You may be eligible for adjustment factors which will be applied to your selection rank. You can find more information under the heading 'Adjustment factors'.
This information is for applicants who left secondary school more than two years ago and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since then.
Selection criteria
You are required to meet the following minimum academic requirements:
- successful completion of an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent) more than two years ago, including units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or at least 20 in English other than EAL and units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 20 in Mathematics (any).
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. You can find more information under the heading 'Additional information'.
Work and life experience does not provide any additional consideration for entry to this program.
You may be eligible for adjustment factors which will be applied to your selection rank. You can find more information under the heading 'Adjustment factors'.
Available only to current or recent Year 12 applicants
Subject adjustments
Satisfactory completion in Maths: Specialist Mathematics equals 1 aggregate point. Satisfactory completion in Physics equals 1 aggregate point.
Regional adjustments
RMIT automatically allocates adjustment factors to Year 12 applicants from a low socio-economic status area for all certificate IV, diploma, advanced diploma, associate degree and degree level programs that select primarily on ATAR. Low socio-economic status areas are determined by applying the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Socio-Economic Index for Areas (SEIFA) Index of Education and Occupation.
School Network Access Program (SNAP)
The SNAP access scheme is designed to increase tertiary participation by giving priority access to RMIT diploma and degree programs to eligible applicants currently studying Year 12 at a SNAP partner school.
Available to all applicants
Equity access schemes
Equity access schemes take into account personal information and location, difficult circumstances, disadvantaged financial background and disability or medical condition that may have impacted on an applicant’s most recent academic performance.
This program has been recognised as being under-represented by female applicants. Additional adjustment factors may apply to those applying to category 1 of the Special Entry Access Scheme or RMIT access application.
Find out more about the eligibility requirements for each Special Entry Access Scheme and RMIT access categories.
If you are applying through VTAC you should apply for the Special Entry Access Scheme.
If you are applying directly to RMIT you should apply for RMIT Access. The system will prompt you to do this during your application.
Elite Athlete Program
The RMIT Elite Athlete Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence, allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic responsibilities.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
The Indigenous Access Program supports your application to RMIT through an informal interview process where you will receive help from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with vocational education training, higher education study or work or life experience, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
- are 19 years of age or over as of 1 January in the year in which you will start your studies and
- have not been enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years and
- have no prior secondary school (Year 12), VET studies, HE studies or relevant work experience that can be considered for entry, or these do not meet the minimum academic requirements for the program
The STAT overall score will be competitively ranked for selection.
STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of study and can be used to meet Year 12 English and Year 11 Mathematics prerequisites. You must meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about RMIT STAT results including minimum STAT scores required to meet prerequisites.
Personal statement
If you have been excluded from a program due to academic progress you are encouraged to submit a personal statement outlining the strategies you will adopt to ensure academic success.
If you are applying to RMIT through VTAC you can complete and submit the VTAC personal statement via your online VTAC account.
If you are applying direct to RMIT you can upload your completed personal statement via your online direct application.
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 or an equivalent senior secondary school qualification with a minimum average of 50% (see calculator below).
Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program or a recognised post secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.
Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.
Mathematics; or
VCE Units 3 and 4 in Mathematics (any), with a study score of at least 20.
To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
- IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.0 (with no individual band below 5.5)
- TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 60 (with minimum of 10 in Reading, 9 in Listening, 16 in Speaking and 19 in Writing)
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 50 (with no communication band less than 42)
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 169 with no less than 162 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 Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
Pathways
Even though there are no formal pathways into this course, there are often other ways you can gain entry.
Depending on the course, this may include completing a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree or undertaking recognised professional experience.
For more information, use our Pathways finder or contact Info Corner to discuss your options.
Credit and recognition of prior learning
Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience. Find out if you might be eligible.
Graduates are guaranteed entry with credit for 16 courses (equivalent to 192 credit points) into the following RMIT programs relevant to their study major:
- Bachelor of Engineering (Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics) (Honours)
- Bachelor of Engineering (Aerospace Engineering) (Honours)
- Bachelor of Engineering (Automotive Engineering) (Honours)
- Bachelor of Engineering (Civil and Infrastructure) (Honours)
- Bachelor of Engineering (Computer and Network Engineering) (Honours)
- Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical and Electronic Engineering) (Honours)
- Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical Engineering) (Honours)
- Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering) (Honours)
- Bachelor of Engineering (Sustainable Systems Engineering) (Honours)
Graduates are guaranteed entry with credit for 15 courses (equivalent to 180 credit points) into the following RMIT program if relevant to their study major:
Refer to the program pages above for details on which majors are considered relevant.
When you successfully complete the Associate Degree in Engineering Technology, you are guaranteed entry into a range of other RMIT programs.
You will receive four semesters of advanced standing (equivalent to 192 credit points) into the following programs and the major you complete determines the program you can enter:
Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics major - Bachelor of Engineering (Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics Engineering) (Honours)
Aerospace major - Bachelor of Engineering (Aerospace Engineering) (Honours)
Civil major - Bachelor of Engineering (Civil and Infrastructure) (Honours)
Computer and Network major - Bachelor of Engineering (Computer and Network Engineering) (Honours)
Electrical and Electronics major
- Bachelor of Engineering (Computer and Network Engineering) (Honours)
- Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical Engineering) (Honours)
- Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical and Electronic Engineering) (Honours)
Mechanical major
- Bachelor of Engineering (Automotive Engineering) (Honours)
- Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering) (Honours)
Sustainable Systems major - Bachelor of Engineering (Sustainable Systems Engineering) (Honours)
You will receive three semesters of advanced standing (equivalent to 180 credit points) in the Bachelor of Engineering (Telecommunications) (Honours) (BH071) when you complete the Electrical and Electronics major.
Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry into other RMIT undergraduate programs.
Fees
2020 indicative fees
In 2020, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,684 to AU$11,155*.
Additional expenses
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$308 maximum fee for 2020.
- 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 HECS-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.
Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.
All undergraduate and honours degrees have Commonwealth supported places (CSP) available. In 2020, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,684 to AU$11,155.
In a CSP, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set each year by the Australian Government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of the courses in which you enrol, not the overall program.
How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?
Courses (subjects) fall into one of three bands. 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 2020
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount in 2020 |
Band 1: humanities, behavioural science, social studies, clinical psychology, foreign languages, visual and performing arts, education, nursing |
$6,684 per standard year $835 per standard (12 credit point) course |
Band 2: mathematics, statistics, computing, built environment, other health, allied health, science, engineering, surveying, agriculture |
$9,527 per standard year |
|
$11,155 per standard year |
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.
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 and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to the full amount of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.
You will 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 2020 is $308.
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 Sartori Memorial Scholarship is available for students commencing this program.
- The Boeing Scholarship is available for final students in this program.
The annual tuition fee for 2020 is AU$30,720.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2020 commencement is AU$63,360.
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.
- The Sartori Memorial Scholarship is available for students commencing this program.
- The Boeing Scholarship is available for final students in this program.