Bachelor of Engineering (Biomedical Engineering) (Honours)
Student type:
Quick facts
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Entry score
ATAR 85.55
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Duration
Full-time 4 years, Part-time 8 years -
Location
Melbourne City, Bundoora -
Fees
Next intake
February, July Entry score
IELTS 6.5
Duration
Full-time 4 years Location
Melbourne City, Bundoora Fees
AU$36,480 (2019 annual)
Next intake
February, July
Overview
Why study biomedical engineering at RMIT?
Learn how to bridge clinical medicine and the technology that supports it and help people affected by health conditions.
Studying biomedical engineering at RMIT offers the following benefits:
In biomedical engineering, you can specialise in everything from the fabrication of 3D nanoscaffolds for tissue engineering, to designing a program that diagnoses heart issues, to prosthetics that feel and act like real limbs.
- Kate Firipis, Bachelor of Engineering (Biomedical Engineering) (Honours) graduate
Details
How you will learn biomedical engineering
Through a combination of classroom training and industry placements, you'll receive an industry-focused education in the fundamentals of biomedical engineering.
During this program you’ll take courses from a variety of disciplines such as physics, mathematics, biochemistry and medical science.
In your first two years you’ll study the fundamentals of engineering and the basics of biology, anatomy and physiology. As you progress into third and fourth years you’ll become industry-ready through major design projects that mirror the work of practising biomedical engineers.
Through a combination of classroom training and industry placements, you’ll receive an industry-focused education in the fundamentals of biomedical engineering.
You’ll have the opportunity to design creative solutions through inspiring and sustainable design-and-build projects, as well as taking part in the Engineers Without Borders Challenge - a humanitarian-focused course offered in all RMIT engineering degrees.
This program will:
- develop the knowledge and skills essential for a professional career in biomedical engineering
- prepare you for employment in the medical, biomedical, biomechanical, medical equipment, medical laboratory, bioinformatics, and other biomedical and health related industries.
The schools teaching into this program have extensive links with industry, particularly through research projects and consulting. In a number of cases industry has provided direct support by donating laboratory equipment.
As well, the program has an Industry Advisory Committee (IAC), which is an important link to industry. Membership includes senior staff from major biomedical and related companies and relevant government and non-government organisations. The IAC provides feedback on the currency of the program and the changing needs of Industry.
Industry partners and IAC members actively contribute to the program through participation in seminars, marketing events, industry awards and scholarships.
You may be able to undertake an industry sponsored design project in your final year (as part of Engineering Capstone Project Part A and Part B). You also have the opportunity of undertaking an Industry Placement for six or twelve months: either locally as advertised by local businesses, or internationally through the RMIT International Industry Experience and Research Program (RIIERP).
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.
Through partner organisations in Europe, Asia and the United States, the RMIT International Industry Experience and Research Program (RIIERP) offers workplace training and academic research placements of between six and 12 months.
There are also opportunities for global work, exchange and study experiences.
Years 1 and 2
You'll study the fundamentals of engineering and the basics of biology, anatomy and physiology.
In the engineering field, you'll learn about electronics and mechanics in relation to biomedical applications.
Within the sciences, you’ll study biomaterials, anatomy and human physiology.
All engineering students will 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.
Years 3 and 4
To get you industry-ready, you'll do major design projects that mirror the work of practising biomedical engineers.
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’ll also complete a work-integrated learning (industry experience) elective in Year 2, 3 or 4.
Choose a program structure
| Title | Location | Duration | Plan code | CRICOS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Engineering (Biomedical Engineering) (Honours) | City Campus |
Four years full time
16 semesters part time
|
Four years full time
|
BH069 | 079597B |
Choose a program structure
Program code: BH069
Career
Work in one of Australia’s largest research and government funded industries and help improve the lives of others.
The vibrant and expanding biotechnology industry produces devices for medical electronics, clinical and rehabilitation engineering and biomaterials.
Typically you'll work in:
- hospitals (servicing and optimising equipment)
- medical device manufacturing
- defence
- nanotechnology
- biotechnology
- start-up companies
You could also be employed as a regulator in government organisations, or as a researcher for government, universities or private companies.
You’ll find significant support provided by governments to start your own company, and may work in private medical and pathology laboratories.
The Bachelor of Engineering (Biomedical Engineering) (Honours) is provisionally 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.
Engineering programs normally go through two stages of accreditation:
- Provisional accreditation – Engineers Australia evaluates the program content, structure, delivery and assessment methods. On successful evaluation, the new program is awarded provisional accreditation status.
- Full accreditation – Once the program has a cohort of graduates, Engineers Australia re-evaluates it: this time with a view to awarding full accreditation.
Engineers Australia is a signatory to the Washington Accord. This means that programs with full accreditation are internationally recognised and graduates are able to practise as professional engineers in many countries around the world.
Admissions
*ATAR refers to the lowest selection rank to which an offer was made (including consideration of any adjustments).
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.
RMIT admits students from a range of educational pathways, including Year 12 results, previous higher education or vocational education study, work experience, and for some programs - interviews, auditions or portfolios.
To get a better understanding of admissions at RMIT, view our ATAR information.
The highest level of education you have previously completed will determine which category applies to you.
Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement, e.g., ATAR or GPA (including any adjustments).
Applicants with recent secondary education (current or within the past two years)
Successful completion of an Australian Year 12 senior secondary certificate of education or equivalent in 2016, 2017 or 2018. If applicable, this includes equity access schemes and any other adjustment factors.
School Network Access Program (SNAP)
The SNAP access scheme is designed to increase tertiary access and participation of eligible students from SNAP partner schools.
Applicants with Vocational Education and Training study
Satisfactory completion of an Australian Certificate IV or above or equivalent.
Applicants with Higher Education study
Satisfactory completion of at least four courses (subjects) at an Australian undergraduate level or overseas equivalent.
Applicants with Work and Life Experience
Satisfactory completion of an Australian Year 12 senior secondary certificate of education or equivalent more then two years ago.
You must sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) Multiple Choice if:
- You have no prior Year 12, VET qualifications, HE results or relevant work experience that meet the minimum entry requirements for the program; and
- You are 19 years of age or over (as of 1 Jan 2019) and have not enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years.
The STAT Multiple Choice will satisfy Year 12 English and Year 11 Mathematics prerequisites. Applicants must meet all other prerequisites or equivalents. Learn more about RMIT STAT results.
Form: Non-Year 12 applicants may submit additional information if they would like it to be considered.
- For semester 1 intake, this can be completed through the VTAC Personal Statement online.
- For semester 2 intake, this can be completed through the personal statement in the Apply Direct application.
Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) /RMIT Access
This is a gender underrepresented program and awards bonus points to female applicants. To be eligible you must submit a SEAS/RMIT Access application and complete category 1.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
The Indigenous Access Program will support your application into RMIT programs through an informal interview process with support from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Your relevant life, work, educational and training experience as preparation for study, in addition to any formal qualifications, are all considered.
Elite Athlete Program
The RMIT Elite Athlete Program (REAP) supports elite athlete and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence.
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.
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 6.5 (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 92 (with minimum of 20 in all sections)
- 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
Graduates will be equipped to undertake a research degree in biomedical science.
Fees
In 2019, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,566 to AU$10,958*.
* 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.
Additional expenses
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$303 maximum fee for 2019.
Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.
Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.
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.
All undergraduate and honours degrees have Commonwealth supported places (CSP) available. In 2019, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,566 to AU$10,958.
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 2019
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount in 2019 |
Band 1: humanities, behavioural science, social studies, clinical psychology, foreign languages, visual and performing arts, education, nursing |
$6,566 per standard year |
Band 2: mathematics, statistics, computing, built environment, other health, allied health, science, engineering, surveying, agriculture |
$9,359 per standard year |
|
$10,958 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 2019 is $303.
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 2019 is AU$36,480.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2019 commencement is AU$151,680.
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.