Advanced Diploma of Computer Systems Engineering
Student type:
Quick facts
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Entry score
Not published
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Duration
Full-time 2 years, Part-time may be available -
Location
Melbourne City -
Fees
Next intake
February, JulyEntry score
IELTS 5.5
Duration
Full-time 2 years
Location
Melbourne City
Fees
AU$18,000 (2019 annual)
Program brochure (PDF) Create a personalised brochure
Next intake
February, July
Overview
This program will get you started in the cutting-edge world of computer engineering, providing you with the skills to design, install, validate, evaluate and administer computer equipment and systems.
In this program, you’ll learn to manage risk, estimate and coordinate projects, and provide technical advice and sales.
You'll gain theoretical and practical skills in computer hardware and software applications for assembly, installation, testing and maintenance of office personal computers and computer networks.
On graduating from this program you’ll be qualified for work as a technical officer or service supervisor.
Details
RMIT offers a variety of learning and teaching approaches including lectures, seminars, studios, 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.
RMIT has a strong Industry Advisory Committee (IAC), which links the program and industry. The IAC includes representatives from local computer systems industries. The committee meets twice yearly and provides feedback on our programs to ensure that they reflect the changing needs of industry.
You’ll also be able to connect with industry representatives through participation in seminars, marketing events, industry awards and scholarships.
This program includes core and specialist units in the major study areas.
Areas of specialised study include:
- administer UNIX-based computers
- assemble and test personal computers
- client-server networks
- commission computer systems
- computational solutions
- design and implement internetworking systems
- electrical principles
- engineering and material science
- enterprise networks
- environmental and sustainability
- install and configure internetworking systems
- local area networks
- network operating systems
- network security
- network services
- project management
- web services
- wireless local area networks
- work-integrated learning
April 2018 intake
Students will complete 4 courses over 9 weeks. Students will also have the opportunity to load up to 25 hours per week in the Semester 2, 3 and 4 to complete by 2019. Semester 1 classes will be for approximately 20-22 hours per week.
Choose a program structure
Choose a program structure
Program code: C6121
National curriculum code: UEE60411
Career
Computer engineers can be of great benefit to forward-thinking businesses as they improve profitability by designing and developing systems that speed up processes and increase efficiency.
As a graduate of this program you’ll be ready to work in the installation, maintenance and administration of computers systems and networks infrastructure. You may become responsible for computer systems support and/or administering and upgrading electrical facilities in small, medium or large-sized enterprises.
Your skills will be applicable to a wide range of business, manufacturing and operational occupations where application of knowledge in computer systems and network technology underpins the business operations.
This program is provisionally accredited by Engineers Australia. Full accreditation will be sought for this program as soon as it is feasible to do so within the accreditation time lines set by Engineers Australia.
Once it is fully accredited, graduates of the program will be eligible for graduate membership of Engineers Australia at Engineering Associate level.
Australia is a signatory to the International Engineering Alliance, also known as the Dublin Accord, for engineering technicians. Once it is fully accredited, graduates of the program will be recognised in all countries that are signatories to the accord.
Admissions
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent senior secondary school qualification) with a minimum 50% 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 pathway options.
Entry requirements
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.
To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
- IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 5.5 (with no individual band below 5.0)
- TOEFL (Paper Based Test): minimum score of 530 (TWE 3.5)
- TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 50 (with minimum of 5 in Reading, 5 in Listening, 14 in Speaking and 15 in Writing)
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 42 (with no communication band less than 36)
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 162 with no less than 154 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 Upper Intermediate Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
Pathways
Graduates who achieve a minimum GPA of 2.0 out of 4.0, will be guaranteed entry into the BH072, Bachelor of Engineering (Computer/Network Engineering) (Honours) with one and half years (144 credit points) of credit.
Graduates who do not achieve a GPA of 2.0 out of 4.0 may still be eligible for admission into the Bachelor degree if they achieve the lowest selection rank (after adjustments) to receive an offer.
Please note that you will need to complete some units which are only offered in first semester. While the total number of credits in advanced standing equates to 144 credits points (equivalent to 1.5 years of study), the amount of time required to complete the remaining study may exceed 2.5 years.
When you successfully complete the Advanced Diploma of Computer Systems Engineering and achieve a minimum GPA of 2.0 (out of 4.0), you are guaranteed entry in the Bachelor of Engineering (Computer and Network Engineering) (Honours) and will receive three semesters of advanced standing (equivalent to 144 credit points).
Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry into other RMIT undergraduate programs.
Fees
The tuition fees you will pay for this program will depend on whether you are offered a Victorian Government subsidised place or a full-fee place.
To find out if you are eligible for a government subsidised place, follow the steps at ‘How to check if you are eligible’**.
2019 Fees
- 2019 government subsidised place: AU$5750* per annum
- 2019 full-fee place: AU$18000* per annum
*Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.
Use our fee finder to get an estimate of your fees for this program.
The student tuition fees as displayed by the fee finder are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide. Learn more about fees for vocational study.
- 2018 full-fee place: AU$13750* per annum
- Maximum VET Student Loan for program: AU$5000**
*Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.
**The maximum loan amount for a program is indexed annually on 1 January, and the maximum loan amount denoted above is correct at the time of publication.
Eligibility criteria waver
**The Victorian Government is currently waiving two (2) eligibility criteria around prior qualifications. This means that more people who want to study a vocational education program at RMIT, and already have a qualification, will be able to access a government subsidised place in a program. Find out how to check your eligibility.
VET Student Loans
The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the VET Student Loans scheme (VSL), which allows eligible students in eligible programs to defer payment of their tuition fees, up to the maximum loan amount for their program.
How does a VET Student Loan work?
If your VSL application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT your tuition fees on your behalf, up to the maximum loan amount for your program.
If your program is eligible for the VSL scheme and has a loan cap that doesn’t cover the total amount of the tuition fees for your program, then you’ll need to pay RMIT the difference once you exceed the cap.
Your VET Student Loan becomes part of your Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) debt. You will start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is adjusted each year (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 see VET Student 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.
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$18,000.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2019 commencement is AU$36,000.
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.



