Bachelor of Space Science
Quick facts
Student type:
Quick facts
-
Duration
Full-time 3 years, Part-time 6 years -
Location
Melbourne City -
Fees
Next intake
February Duration
Full-time 3 years Location
Melbourne City Fees
AU$35,520 (2020 annual)
Next intake
February
Overview
Want to be part of a new era in space exploration? Ever thought about launching satellites into orbit, conducting science on the moon or a mission to Mars? Today Australia needs skilled specialists to work in a rapidly growing space industry that is worth AU$495 billion. Opportunities exist for you. RMIT will help fill this gap by training the next generation of highly capable graduates who will become leaders in space science.
There is substantial government and industry investment in space science technology that highlights this growing gap in skills, both in Australia and internationally. Graduates will need critical skills in space science and technology, connecting the upstream space (build/launch) and downstream (application of space-related products and services) industries.
This degree encompasses our space industry and space agency partnerships with government and industry. These include connections with Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Electro Optic Systems, Department of Defence, Geoscience Australia and space agencies around the world such as USA (NASA), Japan, (JAXA), Europe (ESA) and Germany(DLR) Additional facilities at RMIT include the SPACE Research Centre and the Sir Lawrence Wackett Centre.
There is no degree quite like this one in Australia. We lead the way in both space science and engineering research. We provide a unique mix of physics, engineering, geospatial science, mathematics, and specialised space studies. During your studies, you'll have the opportunity to undertake a 12-week industry placement so you can immerse yourself in the world of space. These placements are run through Boeing, Geoplex and Nova Systems.
Our facilities include physics and engineering laboratories, workshops, the SPACE Research Centre (satellite tracking and satellite navigation units), Earth observation laboratories, and an optical telescope at our Bundoora Campus.
Details
As a student of this course, you'll learn how to design and build nano and micro satellites, and to manufacture satellite sub systems. You’ll also be positioned to gain specialist knowledge in satellite operations, both within the government sector (Geoscience Australia, Bureau of Meteorology and CSIRO) and within private companies such as Optus. You’ll also discover Australia’s role as a global leader in the integration and application of space derived information such as Earth Observation data.
In your final year, you’ll complete a space science project of your choosing. We offer subjects in building rockets, conducting science in zero-G, satellite remote sensing, IT and data analysis, mission control, signal and systems engineering alongside spaceflight systems design. You will also understand more deeply mechanics and calculus, computer programming, systems engineering, space exploration, satellites and space debris.
There are many exciting opportunities for you to engage and participate in industry-based learning activities. Companies this degree is connected to include:
- Geoplex
- Nova Systems
- Black Sky Aerospace
- Australian Space Agency
- L3
- Equatorial Launch Australia
The School of Science has close ties with industry through our Program Advisory Committee (PAC) and through a range of consulting and research projects. These are undertaken by staff. Feedback from PAC has been important to informing the design of this course.
PAC provides valuable input and is a major driver for change in the school’s courses. This is especially true in relation to industry trends and future graduate capabilities, the use of state-of-the-art equipment and support for the introduction of work-integrated learning (WIL) and global engagement.
There are five main course learning outcomes. These include:
- Understanding science and engineering
- Knowledge capability
- Inquiry and problem solving
- Communication
- Personal and professional responsibility
By the end of the course, you’ll be able to demonstrate an understanding of scientific methods, understand the nature and role of science and engineering within space science, and be able to carry out a research project.
Choose a program structure
| Title | Location | Duration | Plan code | CRICOS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Space Science | City Campus |
3 years Full Time
|
3 years Full Time
|
BP330 | 0100712 |
Choose a program structure
Program code: BP330
Career
Graduates of this course will be the connectors, coordinators, managers and visionaries who link information and skills from across the space sector.
Once you graduate, you’ll be ready to work across the following roles in space science:
- Space industry consultant
- Satellite engineer
- Space debris tracking
- Sounding rocket engineer or scientist
- Payload scientist
- Propulsion technician
- Project manager
- Flight or mission controller
Australia will be creating jobs that relate to communications technologies, services and ground stations, Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and debris monitoring, and Positional, Navigation and Timing (PNT) infrastructure. There will also be many opportunities across Earth Observation (EO) services, research and development and remote asset management.
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 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL and units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 20 in one of Mathematical Methods or Specialist Mathematics
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 2020.
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 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL and units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 20 in one of Mathematical Methods or Specialist Mathematics
You may satisfy the required 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 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL and units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 20 in one of Mathematical Methods or Specialist Mathematics
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: a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL and units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 20 in one of Maths: Mathematical Methods or Maths: Specialist Mathematics.
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. For more details see 'Additional Information' below.
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 applicants currently studying Year 12
School Network Access Program (SNAP)
The SNAP access scheme is designed to increase tertiary access and participation of eligible applicants by giving them priority access to RMIT diploma and degree programs to applicants currently studying Year 12 at a SNAP partner school.
Available only to applicants currently studying Year 12 or whose highest qualification is a completed Year 12
Subject adjustments
A study score of 25 in one but no more than one of Maths: Mathematical Methods or Maths: Specialist Mathematics equals 3 aggregate points per study. Satisfactory completion in Physics equals 3 aggregate points. Overall maximum of 6 points.
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.
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.
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.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
The Indigenous Access Program supports you through an informal interview process where you will receive support 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
- have not been enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years
- have no prior secondary school (Year 12), vocational education training studies, higher education studies or relevant work experience that meets 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 equivalent senior secondary school qualification) with a minimum 65% average (check 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.
If you don't meet the entry requirements, there may be other RMIT programs you are eligible for that can lead you to your preferred program. Explore your pathway options.
Higher Mathematics; or
VCE Units 3 and 4 in Mathematical Methods (CAS) or Specialist Mathematics, with a study score of at least 25.
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 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 Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
Pathways
Even though there are no formal pathways into this program, there are often other ways you can gain entry.
Depending on the program, 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 Study@RMIT 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.
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 annual tuition fee for 2020 is AU$35,520.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2020 commencement is AU$109,440.
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.