Bachelor of Engineering (Sustainable Systems Engineering) (Honours)
Student type:
Quick facts
-
Duration
Full-time 4 years -
Location
Melbourne City, Bundoora -
Fees
Next intake
February, July
Entry score
ATAR 83.85
Duration
Full-time 4 years Location
Melbourne City, Bundoora Fees
AU$36,480 (2019 annual)
Next intake
February, July
Overview
Are you interested in sustainable systems engineering? You'll learn how to protect, restore and create engineered and natural systems that are socially, environmentally, and economically sustainable in this course.
Climate change is 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, manufacturing processes 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 the opportunity to undertake industry placements either 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.
The School of Engineering has an Industry Advisory Committee which is an important link to industry.
Membership includes senior engineers from a number of major national companies and government and non-government organisations.
The Committee provides comments and advice on the contents of this program.
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 may have the opportunity to present your project at EnGenius, an end of year student showcase event.
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
|
4 years full time
|
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 and logistics.
Graduates have gone on to work at a range of organisations including:
- Deloitte Consulting
- WSP Global Inc.
- GHD Ply Ltd
- Tilt Renewables
- Metro Trains
- Telstra
- Advisian
- Apricus Australia
- Sustainable Development Consultants
- Mornington Peninsula Shire
- Napier & Blakeley Pty Ltd
- PHM Technology
- Genesis Now
- CarbonetiX
The Bachelor of Engineering (Sustainable Systems Engineering) (Honours) 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 (Sustainable Systems Engineering) (Honours) are eligible for graduate and/or professional membership of Engineers 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 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.
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.
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.
The following information outlines the tasks you will be required to undertake during professional experience placement and on-campus learning activities.
The non-academic abilities listed are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.
If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there are a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities. Please contact the Equitable Learning Service to discuss any adjustments you may require.
The following information outlines the tasks you will be required to undertake during professional experience placement and on-campus learning activities.
The non-academic abilities listed are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.
If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there are a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities. Please contact the Equitable Learning Service to discuss any adjustments you may require.
By understanding the types of activities you’ll participate in, you can:
- understand more about the program
- determine if you may need support during your studies
- make an informed decision about whether the program is suitable for you
If you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition, we can support you by making adjustments to activities in your program so that you can participate fully in your studies.
To receive learning adjustments, you need to register with Equitable Learning Service
The University considers the wellbeing and safety of all students, staff and the community to be a priority in academic and professional experience placement settings.
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$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.