Bachelor of Engineering (Automotive Engineering) (Honours)

Bachelor of Engineering (Automotive Engineering) (Honours)

UNDERGRADUATE

Accelerate your career with this in-depth, practical degree, in which you'll study automotive handling and control, noise and vibration, manufacturing, and design.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

ATAR 78.00*

Duration:
Full-time 4 years
Part-time 8 years
Fees:

Commonwealth supported places

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Bundoora
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 4 years
Fees:

AU$43,200 (2024 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Bundoora

Note: from 2023, this degree is no longer offered.

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 modern transport problems such as electrification and automation.

You'll study vehicle power systems, vehicle noise and vibration, vehicle handling and control, sustainable vehicle design, automotive manufacturing, vehicle aerodynamics, and autonomous vehicles.

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:

Graduate job-ready

Undertake local or international industry placements, and tackle research projects in partnership with industry, creating professional networks.

Hands-on learning

Your work will be largely laboratory-based, where you'll conduct experiments and design your own solutions for various industry-relevant projects.

Globally accredited

Qualify for membership of Engineers Australia, with a degree recognised by all 18 countries that are signatories to the Washington Accord*.

*Signatories to the International Engineering Alliance, the Washington Accord, include the USA, UK, China, New Zealand, Japan, Korea and Singapore.

Harrison Schipke talks to camera

Meet Harrison Schipke

I spent close to two years in Munich, working at BMW and another automotive firm, Alpina, where I got to experience a whole new culture, a new work environment, and learned some very, very important skills in engineering. And I can't thank RMIT enough for it. Harrison Schipke, Bachelor of Engineering (Automotive Engineering) (Honours)/Bachelor of Business (Management)

Details

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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.

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

The School of Engineering has an Industry Advisory Committee which is an important link to industry.

Membership includes senior engineers from several 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.

Global work, exchange and study experiences

RMIT offers a range of opportunities for our students to study abroad through global work, exchange and study experiences with over 165 partner universities worldwide.

Years 1 and 2 are conducted on the City campus and years 3 and 4 on the Bundoora campus.

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.

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 undertake in-depth study of vehicle design, mechanical vibrations and vehicle handing and control and vehicle noise and vibration. You will also develop your technical skills 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.

Course structure

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

Bachelor of Engineering (Automotive Engineering) (Honours)
Program code: BH074
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Bachelor of Engineering (Automotive Engineering) (Honours)
City Campus
4 years full time
BH074
079774A
Location
City Campus
Duration
4 years full time
Plan code
BH074
CRICOS
079774A
View plan
Bachelor of Engineering (Automotive Engineering) (Honours)
City Campus
4 years full time
BH074
079774A
Location
City Campus
Duration
4 years full time
Plan code
BH074
CRICOS
079774A
View plan

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

Please note: As this program is no longer offered, in 2023 the Bachelor of Engineering (Automotive Engineering) (Honours) (BH074) is only available to RMIT students articulating from an approved pathway program.

Career

Automotive engineering is a growing global industry.

Automotive engineers are employed by major car, truck and bus companies, and racing teams and parts manufacturers.

Graduates of this degree have gone on to work at a range of organisations including:

  • F1 teams
  • Porsche
  • Ford
  • General Motors
  • Toyota
  • Audi
  • BMW
  • Daimler-Chrysler
  • Bosch.
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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

Please note: As this program is no longer offered, in 2023 the Bachelor of Engineering (Automotive Engineering) (Honours) (BH074) is only available to RMIT students articulating from an approved pathway program.

You must have successfully completed the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) (or equivalent qualification).

Prerequisites

Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) units 3 and 4:

  • a study score of at least 25 in English other than EAL; or
  • a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL)

or equivalent studies.

AND

Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) units 3 and 4:

  • a study score of at least 20 in one of Maths: Mathematical Methods or Maths: Specialist Mathematics

or equivalent studies.

Rankings and adjustment factors

Entry to this program is competitive. Eligible applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement plus any adjustment factors.

You may be eligible to receive adjustment factors which include equity access schemes and/or subject adjustments to a maximum of 28 aggregate adjustment points. For more information about what adjustment factors RMIT considers visit Admission to RMIT.

We will consider your entire academic record to determine your eligibility for entry. The highest level of education you have previously completed will usually determine how you are ranked.

Selection criteria by applicant type

Please select the highest level of education you have or will be completing in order to find out the selection criteria that applies to you, in addition to meeting the above entry requirements.

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This program is no longer available to applicants whose highest level of education is recent secondary education.

In 2023, this program is only available to current RMIT students articulating from one of the below programs:

  • AD026 Associate Degree in Engineering Technology (Mechanical major)
  • C6130 Advanced Diploma of Engineering (Mechanical)
  • BH126 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours).

In 2023, this program is only available to current RMIT students articulating from one of the below programs:

  • AD026 Associate Degree in Engineering Technology (Mechanical major)
  • C6130 Advanced Diploma of Engineering (Mechanical)
  • BH126 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours).

This program is no longer available to applicants whose highest level of education is work and life experience.

Additional information

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Non-academic abilities you’ll need to complete this program

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.

View the ATAR profile and selection rank from students offered a place into this program wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR in the most relevant recent intake period.

The student profile provides insight into the likely peer group for this program.

*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 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 admission to RMIT.

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have successfully completed a qualification recognised by RMIT as equivalent to the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) with a minimum average of 65% (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.

Entry score calculator
Minimum Score Required

Don’t meet the requirements?

Higher Mathematics; or Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) Units 3 and 4 in Mathematical Methods (CAS), with a study score of at least 25.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

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.

Additional information

Expand all sections

Non-academic abilities you’ll need to complete this program

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

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Understanding pathways

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.

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Even though there are no formal pathways into this course, there are often other ways you can gain entry.

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.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

When you successfully complete this program, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT postgraduate program or RMIT Masters by Research or Doctoral (PhD) program.

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You are guaranteed entry to the Bachelor of Engineering (Automotive Engineering) (Honours) from a range of RMIT programs. Successful completion and the grades you achieve determine the amount of credit you will receive.

When you successfully complete the Associate Degree in Engineering Technology Mechanical major, you will receive four semesters of advanced standing (equivalent to 192 credit points).

When you successfully complete the Advanced Diploma of Engineering (Mechanical), you will receive three semesters of advanced standing (equivalent to 144 credit points).

Alternatively, you can gain entry from RMIT Foundation Studies or a range of vocational study programs.

Coming from a partner institution?

RMIT has pathway arrangements with many partner institutions around the world.

If your institution has a pathway arrangement with RMIT you may be able to receive credit and reduce the time it will take to complete your preferred RMIT program.

Find out if your institution has a pathway arrangement with RMIT

If you have qualifications from an institution that is not an RMIT partner, credit into your RMIT program will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.

When you successfully complete this program, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT postgraduate program or RMIT Masters by Research or Doctoral (PhD) program.

Fees

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2024 indicative fees

In 2024, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$4,445 to AU$16,323*.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$351 maximum fee for 2024.
  • 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.

Paying your fees and applying for 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.

Low completion rates

From 2022, there are new government rules about eligibility for higher education student funding as part of the Australian Government’s Job-ready Graduates legislation. If you're starting a program in or after 2022 and are enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or have a HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP loan, these changes affect you. For details, please see Low completion rate and government funding.

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 introduced changes to university funding and student contribution fees under its Job-ready Graduates Package. 

The fees in the table below apply to students who commence their program in 2024. 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 2024 for commencing students

Student contribution band by course (subject)

Maximum annual student contribution amount (per EFTSL) in 2024
Education, Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages, Agriculture $4,445 per standard year
$555 per standard (12 credit point) course
Allied Health, Other Health, Built Environment, Computing, Visual and Performing Arts, Professional Pathway Psychology, Professional Pathway Social Work, Engineering, Surveying, Environmental Studies, Science, Pathology $8,948 per standard year
$1,118 per standard (12 credit point) course
Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science $12,720 per standard year
$1,590 per standard (12 credit point) course
Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture $16,323 per standard year
$2,040 per standard (12 credit point) course

Student Learning Entitlement

On 1 January 2022, the Government implemented the Student Learning Entitlement (SLE).

  • The SLE allows students 7 years of full-time subsidised study in Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP).
  • Your total SLE amount will be reduced in accordance with your overall study load in a CSP. 
  • Once you have utilised all your SLE, you can not longer study in a CSP.

For more information about SLE, visit Study Assist.

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 FEE-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 2024 is $351.  

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.

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$43,200.

The total indicative tuition fee for 2024 commencement is AU$184,320.

In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

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