Bachelor of Engineering (Computer and Network Engineering) (Honours)
Student type:
Quick facts
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Entry score
ATAR 80.35
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Duration
Full-time 4 years, Part-time 8 years
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Location
Melbourne city campus
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Fees
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Next intake
February, July
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Entry score
IELTS 6.5
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Duration
Full-time 4 years
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Location
Melbourne city campus
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Fees
AU$35,520 (2018 annual)
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Next intake
February, July
Program brochure
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Overview
At RMIT, computer and network engineering are taught together, with a focus on Internet of computerised, smart and intelligent Things (IoT), so you learn the fundamental ideas related to both fields. You can choose to specialise in either area to ensure that you graduate work-ready.
You'll gain the knowledge and skills to find better solutions to challenges in design, construction and maintenance of software and hardware components of computing and computer-controlled devices, equipment and systems. This could include communication networks and automation of electrical and electronic systems; audio and visual information acquisition, processing and communications; human-machine interaction, industrial or medical instrumentation and monitoring; and provision of security for computer systems and networks.
In computer engineering, you'll learn how to create new opportunities for businesses by driving new technologies and solutions to make businesses more productive and competitive. From designing and developing new microcontroller-based products and systems, to enhancing functionalities of those that currently exist, there are plenty of possibilities in a world of ever-changing market needs and consumer demands.
During network engineering studies you'll learn about the design, implementation and maintenance of digital communication networks. In this program, network engineering looks at technology, audio and visual communications over wired and wireless networks, network management and software defined networks, optimising network performance and network security.
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.
Why study computer and network engineering at RMIT?
Studying computer and network engineering at RMIT offers the following benefits:
- Prepare yourself for employment
With at least 12 weeks of industry placements undertaken locally or internationally, you'll be work-ready when you graduate. There are also opportunities to tackle research projects in partnership with industry. - 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. Combining and further developing the key theoretical and practical knowledge necessary for your field - as defined by Engineers Australia - you’ll work with industry leaders to solve a project challenge.
Before graduating from this program, you are strongly encouraged to complete a minimum 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.
Opportunities exist for an overseas work placement of between six and 12 months (this satisfies the work experience requirement). These placements are normally taken during a one-year break in the middle or at the end of the third year of the degree.
As an RMIT engineering student, you’ll have opportunities to engage with industry from the beginning of your degree.
Through work placements, industry projects, internships, seminars and events, you’ll be in contact with industry every step of the way.
You’ll have the chance to do 12 weeks’ work experience, research projects in collaboration with industry and the opportunity to work overseas with leading organisations.
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 to study abroad through Education Abroad.
Years 1 and 2
The first two years of the program will introduce you to the basic principles of computer and network engineering. You'll also study mathematics and physics - critical disciplines for engineers.
Through project work, you'll gain knowledge of engineering methods, teamwork, communication and leadership skills and learn how to be an effective leader.
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
You'll delve deeper into your specialist area. There are five compulsory courses plus electives from computer and/or network engineering.
By completing individual and team-based projects that mirror the work of practising engineers, you’ll graduate industry-ready.
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 (Computer and Network Engineering) (Honours) | City Campus |
4 years full time or 16 semesters part time
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4 years full time
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BH072 | 079618B |
Choose a program structure
Program code: BH072
Career
Computer and network engineers work in industry and business to design and build computer and communication networks. You may also be sought after by universities and research organisations to improve computer technologies.
Job opportunities exist with governments to improve defence, security and emergency services.
You'll also have the skills to run your own computer or network services business.
Within their organisations, graduates take on roles such as a network engineer or computer engineer.
Graduates have gone on to work at a range of organisations including :
- Telstra
- Optus
- Cisco
- Huawei
This program is fully accredited by Engineers Australia. Graduates of the program are eligible for graduate membership of Engineers Australia. Full membership as a professional engineer may be obtained after an appropriate period of professional practice.
Australia is one of 15 countries that are signatories to the International Engineering Alliance, also known as the Washington Accord, for professional engineers. The qualification of graduates from this degree is recognised in all countries that are signatories to the Accord.
Admissions
Successful completion of an Australian Year 12 senior secondary certificate of education or equivalent.
RMIT is committed to admissions transparency. View the 2018 ATAR distribution information for our degrees and information about how admissions work at RMIT.
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.
Entry requirements
Current Year 12 prerequisite units 3 and 4 - a study score of at least 20 in one of Mathematical Methods (any) or Specialist Mathematics; and a study score of at least 25 in any English (except EAL) or at least 30 in English (EAL).
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.
SEAS Form: This is a gender under-represented program and awards SEAS bonus points to female applicants. To be eligible you must submit a VTAC SEAS application and select category 1.
The Honours program has a significant research component. Prior to submitting your application, you must contact the School and confirm a supervisor and a research topic.
English language requirements
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): 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 band less than 50)
- Cambridge English Advanced (CAE): CAE Grade B (with no communication band less than Good)
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
All undergraduate and honours degrees have Commonwealth supported places (CSP) available.
In a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set each year by the government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of your individual enrolled courses, not the overall program.
As a CSP student, you may be eligible to apply for a HECS-HELP loan, which allows you to defer payment of up to 100% of your student contribution.
Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.
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 2018
| Student contribution band by course (subject) | Maximum annual student contribution amount in 2018 |
|---|---|
| Band 1: humanities, behavioural science, social studies, clinical psychology, foreign languages, visual and performing arts, education, nursing | $6,444 per standard year $805 per standard (12 credit point) course |
| Band 2: mathematics, statistics, computing, built environment, other health, allied health, science, engineering, surveying, agriculture | $9,185 per standard year $1,148 per standard (12 credit point) course |
Band 3: law, accounting, administration, economics, commerce, dentistry, medicine, veterinary science |
$10,754 per standard year $1,344 per standard (12 credit point) course |
HECS-HELP
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 100% of their student contribution.
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 100% 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 2018 is $298.
You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA‑HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.
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.
There is a range of scholarships available for students studying engineering and related technologies, including the SEH Women in Engineering Scholarships.
RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds. Learn more about RMIT Scholarships.
The annual tuition fee for 2018 is AU$35,520.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2018 commencement is AU$156,480.
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.