RMIT's sustainable systems engineering degree links formal learning with workplace experience and maintains a continuous thread of systems thinking and sustainable design.

Meeting the future needs and challenges of sustainability will require a comprehensive design approach, focusing on whole-of-system requirements, and an understanding of lifecycle.

You will take a systems approach to engineer the best possible sustainable solutions that present leading business opportunities.

You will learn through a variety of teaching methods including, lectorials, seminars, tutorials, workshops, practical and laboratory sessions, site visits and online materials.

Ongoing assessment throughout the semester may include tests, quizzes, essays/reports, presentations, projects, assignments and exams.

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, all of whom provide comments and advice on the contents of this degree.

You will have several opportunites to undertake work integrated learning activities, which will develop your employability skills and capabilities.

In the final year of your studies, you will undertake a major capstone project that is either industry-based or simulates an industrial situation. You will combine and further develop the key theoretical and practical knowledge necessary for your field - as defined by Engineers Australia - while you work with industry leaders to solve a project challenge.

Before graduating from this degree, you are strongly encouraged to complete a minimum 10 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.

Opportunities exist for an overseas work placement of between 6 and 12 months (this satisfies the work experience recommendation). These placements are normally taken during a one-year break in the middle or at the end of the third year of the degree.

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

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.

You will focus on the development of a sustainable systems approach. This brings together the fundamentals of sustainable systems design, engineering science, engineering mathematics, engineering design, sustainability, artificial intelligence (AI), electronics, and engineering professional practice.

You will also study an Introduction to Engineering subject, incorporating a humanitarian-focused Engineers Without Borders Challenge. You will 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.

Along with core subjects in design for sustainability, systems thinking and life cycle assessment, you can take specialist subjects in renewable energy systems, energy efficiency and demand management, transport and logistics, and supply chain analytics. These streams provide you with the specialist skills to work in the respective industries.

You will also have the option to select 4 subjects as a minor option. These subjects are offered from diverse engineering fields of study, such as engineering project management, sustainable water management, humanitarian innovation, spacecraft technologies, smart construction, and intelligent manufacturing technologies.

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 will be able to complete a work integrated learning (industry experience) elective in Year 2, 3 or 4.