Bachelor of Engineering (Automotive Engineering) (Honours)
Student type:
Quick facts
-
Duration
Full-time 4 years -
Location
Melbourne City, Bundoora -
Fees
Next intake
February, July Duration
Full-time 4 years Location
Melbourne City, Bundoora
Overview
Advance your skills so you can design and work with the fast-moving technologies of the automotive industry.
This degree is built on core studies in mechanical engineering, with a specialisation in automotive engineering to develop economical and sustainable automotive designs, or solve automotive engineering problems.
You'll study vehicle power systems, vehicle noise and vibration, vehicle handling and control, and sustainable vehicle design, automotive manufacturing and vehicle aerodynamics.
The degree incorporates complete car design with a focus on new technologies that benefit society such as driverless cars, full-electric, hybrid power trains and fuel cells. It takes a global view and is increasingly environmental in outlook.
The emphasis will be on hands-on learning, with your work largely laboratory-based, where you'll conduct experiments and design your own projects.
With the opportunity to undertake industry placements either locally or internationally, you'll be work-ready when you graduate. There are also opportunities to tackle research projects in partnership with industry, like the Engineers Without Borders Challenge.
This degree is an outcome of industry and student demand.
Why study automotive engineering at RMIT?
Studying automotive engineering at RMIT offers the following benefits:
- Prepare yourself for employment
With the opportunity to undertake industry placements either locally or internationally, you'll be work-ready when you graduate. There are also opportunities to tackle research projects in partnership with industry, like the Engineers Without Borders Challenge. - Hands-on learning experiences
Your work will be largely laboratory-based, where you'll conduct experiments and design your own projects. - A globally accredited qualification
As a graduate, you will be eligible for membership of Engineers Australia, and your qualification will be recognised by all 18 countries that are signatories to the International Engineering Alliance, the Washington Accord. These include the USA, UK, China, New Zealand, Japan, Korea and Singapore.
Details
In the final year of your studies you'll undertake a major project that is either industry-based or simulates an industrial situation.
Before graduating from this degree, you are strongly encouraged to complete up to 12 weeks of engineering industry experience. This allows you to gain first-hand experience in an engineering practice environment under the supervision of a practising professional engineer. The nature and timing of this engineering experience can take a range of forms.
You may choose to undertake a six-month or one-year industry placement position, commencing in the middle or at the end of your third year in either Australia or overseas with associated academic credit. You'll gain valuable industrial experience that may lead to a full-time job upon completion of the degree. This optional industry placement may lengthen the time needed to graduate by six or 12 months.
The School of Engineering has an Industry Advisory Committee which is an important link to industry.
Membership includes senior engineers from a number of major national companies and government and non-government organisations.
The Committee provides comments and advice on the contents of these courses.
RMIT encourages you to aspire to a global career, not just a local one, and as an engineering student you’ll have a range of global opportunities.
Globalisation is a strong trend in automotive engineering, with car companies linking up around the world, mergers and takeovers becoming common, and manufacturers producing vehicles for the world market. Engineers are increasingly expected to move around the world, and some manufacturers use Australia as the base for launching models into South-East Asia.
Reflecting this international theme, RMIT has strong links with universities and automotive companies worldwide.
As part of this degree you can elect to take courses in European universities, and student exchanges and industrial placements have taken place with Germany, Switzerland, France, the UK and the USA.
What you will study
In the first two years of your automotive engineering degree, you will learn the fundamentals of engineering sciences, mathematics, engineering design, and engineering professional practice.
As you progress, you'll customise your degree by focusing your studies in automotive engineering or other areas such as manufacturing, mechanical, business, mathematics or computing.
Years 1 and 2
In the first two years, you'll study basic mechanical and automotive engineering and science courses at the City campus. These are aimed at developing competence in essential analytical problem-solving skills and design capabilities.
All engineering students also study an Introduction to Engineering course, incorporating a humanitarian-focused Engineers Without Borders Challenge. You’ll have the opportunity to extend this aspect of your studies by completing an Engineers Without Borders elective, enabling you to experience humanitarian engineering first-hand later in your studies.
In these two years, you will be exposed to the fundamentals of engineering sciences, mathematics, engineering design, and engineering professional practice.
Years 3 and 4
In the final years of the degree, specialist automotive courses are offered in our Bundoora East Campus. You will do in depth study of vehicle design, mechanical vibrations and vehicle handing and control and vehicle noise and vibration. You will also continue your in depth technical skill development in complementary mechanical engineering fields.
Your final-year (capstone) project will develop and reinforce the skills and knowledge you need - as defined by Engineers Australia - to commence your professional engineering career. You may have the opportunity to present your project at EnGenius, an end of year student showcase event.
You’ll also have the opportunity to complete a work-integrated learning (industry experience) elective in Year 2, 3 or 4 of your degree.
Project-based subjects in your final year provide a capstone experience in which you’ll conduct an independent research project. The nature of this project may be analytical, experimental, design, computational or any combination of these.
Choose a program structure
| Title | Location | Duration | Plan code | CRICOS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Engineering (Automotive Engineering) (Honours) | City Campus |
4 years full time
|
4 years full time
|
BH074 | 079774A |
Choose a program structure
Program code: BH074
Career
Automotive engineering is a growing global industry.
Automotive engineers are employed by major car, truck and bus companies, as well as racing teams and parts manufacturers.
Graduates from RMIT have gone on to work at a range of organisations including:
- F1 teams
- Porsche
- Ford
- General Motors
- Toyota
- Audi
- BMW
- Daimler-Chrysler
- Bosch
The Bachelor of Engineering (Automotive Engineering) (Honours) is fully accredited by Engineers Australia.
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 are able to practise as professional engineers in many countries around the world.
Graduates of the Bachelor of Engineering (Automotive Engineering) (Honours) are eligible for graduate and/or professional membership of Engineers Australia.
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 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 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 25 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'.
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 Maths: Specialist Mathematics equals 1 aggregate point. A study score of 25 in one but no more than one of Chemistry or Physics equals 1 aggregate point per study. A study score of 25 in Systems Engineering 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.
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.
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 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 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.
Selection criteria
Higher Mathematics; or
VCE Units 3 and 4 in Mathematical Methods (CAS), 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 (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
This course offers pathway options. If you don’t meet the entry requirements, a formal pathway might be your way in.
Undertaking a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree can help you meet the entry requirements for your preferred course. These qualifications often provide credit, reducing the duration of your bachelor degree and helping you get the degree you want.
Use our Pathways finder or contact Study@RMIT for more information.
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$37,440.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2020 commencement is AU$159,360.
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.