Bachelor of Engineering (Computer and Network Engineering) (Honours)/Bachelor of Computer Science
Student type:
Quick facts
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Duration
Full-time 5 years, Part-time 10 years -
Location
Melbourne City -
Fees
Next intake
February, July
Entry score
ATAR 83.10
Duration
Full-time 5 years Location
Melbourne City Fees
AU$40,128 (2019 annual)
Next intake
February, July
Overview
Become the complete professional, with expertise in both the hardware and structure of computer systems as well as the software that is used to control them.
Businesses will spend more on software and computer systems in the years to come, and the demand for graduates with both engineering and computer science expertise is expected to be very high.
Computer engineers work with embedded computer systems or 'smart devices'. They're also responsible for major IT systems and many of the downloadable apps available today.
Network engineers design, implement and maintain the digital communication networks that are vital for many big businesses.
Graduates of this program will have their engineering knowledge, skills and capabilities complemented and enhanced by excellent programming skills and capabilities in designing, implementing and maintaining complex software systems.
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.
To ensure you graduate job-ready, you’ll also have an opportunity to undertake a work-integrated learning (industry experience) elective.
Details
RMIT offers a variety of learning and teaching approaches including lectures, seminars, workshops, presentations, group discussions and syndicate work.
You'll have access to online resources through the myRMIT student portal.
Ongoing assessment throughout the semester includes examinations, essays, reports, oral classes, presentations, group projects, research projects, laboratory projects and practical assignments.
The School of Engineering and the School of Science have extensive links with industry through their Industry Advisory Committees, and through research projects and consulting services.
Membership of these Committees includes practising engineers or external members drawn from a diverse industry base and institutions.
Their involvement ensures that the program remains relevant to your needs as a graduate, and to the needs of employers, by providing feedback on the currency of the programs and the changing needs of industry. They also contribute significantly through input into the design of new programs.
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.
You can spend one or two semesters in universities in Canada, the USA, Mexico, Denmark, Germany, Sweden, China or Korea. You can also undertake industry work experience with some of the world's leading companies in Europe.
There are also opportunities to study abroad through Education Abroad.
Year 1
During your first year your skills in chemistry and mathematics are furthered. You are introduced to the fundamentals of chemical engineering (mass and energy balance) and the design of chemical processes.
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.
Year 2
You will develop your knowledge of core chemical engineering areas such as fluid flow, reaction engineering, biochemical engineering, thermodynamics, and heat transfer.
Year 3
You’ll focus on business studies and be introduced to core business concepts and analysis skills, which you'll build on in the areas of human resources and employment relations, ethics and governance, international business, entrepreneurship, logistics and supply chain management and marketing.
Year 4
You’ll hone your skills in environmental, safety and economic analysis of processes, design of process equipment, and control schemes.
Your core chemical engineering skills are consolidated and applied in a major process design project. In fourth and fifth years you’ll specialise in environmental, metallurgical or petroleum engineering.
Year 5
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, 4 or 5.
Choose a program structure
Choose a program structure
Program code: BH091
Career
Our graduates work in industries including defence, health and science, business, communication and security. They design and build computer and communication networks, and work with both the hardware and structure of computer systems and the software controlling them.
Telecommunication operators such as Telstra, equipment manufacturers such as Cisco, and IT departments of all organisations employ network engineers to carry out design, implementation and maintenance tasks.
Universities and research organisations also need computer scientists and engineers to improve their computer technologies.
Job opportunities exist with governments to improve defence, security and emergency services.
The Bachelor of Engineering (Computer and Network Engineering) (Honours)/Bachelor of Computer Science 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 program is internationally recognised, and graduates are able to practise as professional engineers in many countries around the world.
Graduates of the Bachelor of Engineering (Computer and Network Engineering) (Honours)/Bachelor of Computer Science are eligible for graduate and/or professional membership of Engineers Australia.
The Bachelor of Engineering (Computer and Network Engineering) (Honours)/Bachelor of Computer Science is also accredited to Professional Level by the Australian Computer Society, which accredits information and communication technology related programs in Australia.
Admissions
*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.
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.
Gain a better understanding of the Admission criteria for this program by viewing RMIT’s Admission 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.
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent senior secondary school qualification) with a minimum 70% 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.
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.
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
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$40,128.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2019 commencement is AU$211,200.
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.