Bachelor of Engineering (Sustainable Systems Engineering) (Honours)
Student type:
Quick facts
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Entry score
ATAR 80.05
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Duration
Full-time 4 years
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Location
Melbourne City, Bundoora
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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, Bundoora
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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
Through this program, you’ll learn how to protect, restore and create engineered and natural systems that are socially, environmentally, and economically sustainable.
With climate change a matter of national and international importance, a demand has arisen for engineers able to conceive and develop sustainable systems. The consumption of natural resources and energy in areas such as transport, building, and other areas are part of this need.
Sustainable systems engineering brings together the new technologies and innovative engineering approaches needed for sustainable global development.
As part of this program you’ll undertake a broad range of studies, graduating with the skills to design engineering solutions which meet the needs of society within economic and ecological constraints.
Your studies will focus on the development of a sustainable systems approach, combining the fundamentals of engineering sciences, mathematics and engineering design. Program specialisations exist in energy, or transport and logistics.
Why study sustainable systems engineering at RMIT?
Studying sustainable systems engineering at RMIT offers the following benefits:
- Industry-relevant experience
You will have a number of opportunities for industry interaction during your studies including work placements and industry-based projects. Our teachers are experienced practitioners and we collaborate closely with industry to ensure our sustainable systems mechanical engineering degree meets the needs of the workplace. - 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, like the Engineers Without Borders Challenge.
Details
Meeting the future needs and challenges of sustainability will require a comprehensive design approach, with a focus on whole-of-system requirements, and an understanding of lifecycle.
You'll take a holistic approach to engineering the best possible compliance-driven sustainable solutions that present leading business opportunities.
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.
The Bachelor of Engineering (Sustainable Systems Engineering) (Honours) also has a Program Advisory Committee which provides comments and advice on the contents of the program. This Committee includes senior engineers from major national companies and government and non-government organisations to ensure that the program continues to meet the needs of industry.
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
You'll focus on the development of a sustainable systems approach. This brings together the fundamentals of engineering sciences, mathematics, engineering design and engineering professional practice.
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
Along with core courses in sustainable systems and life cycle assessments, in later years of the program you can take specialist elective courses in energy and transport and logistics. These streams provide you with the specialist skills to work in the respective industries.
This program links formal learning with workplace experience and maintains a continuous thread of systems thinking and sustainable design.
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 (Sustainable Systems Engineering) (Honours) | City Campus |
4 years full time
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4 years full time
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BH076 | 079775M |
Choose a program structure
Program code: BH076
Career
Sustainable systems engineers work with technologies and engineering approaches to ensure global development is sustainable, and to develop clean manufacturing processes and improvements in technology.
Graduates will find work in the areas of
- energy
- transport
- logistics
- sustainable product design
- energy efficiency
- renewable energy
- sustainable transport systems and vehicles
- manufacturing
- logistics
Graduates have gone on to work at a range of organisations including:
- audit companies
- global consulting firms
- software companies
- traffic and transport consultancies
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. Upon full accreditation, the qualification of graduates from this degree will be 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
Higher Mathematics; or
VCE Units 3 and 4 in Mathematical Methods (CAS), 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.
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.