Master of Engineering (Sustainable Energy)

Master of Engineering (Sustainable Energy)

POSTGRADUATE

Play a defining role in sustainable energy and engineering.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Part-time 4 years
Fees:

Commonwealth supported places

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Bundoora
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Fees:

AU$46,080 (2025 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Bundoora
Melbourne City

Overview

Design innovative solutions to social and environmental problems around energy supply, distribution and consumption, and begin a rewarding career in sustainable energy.

Immerse yourself in the latest technologies that improve energy efficiency. Learn how to use renewable resources to reduce the environmental and social impacts of conventional energy resources.

With the Master of Engineering (Sustainable Energy), taught in the heart of Melbourne, you'll learn why managing the transition towards a more sustainable energy sector is a priority for governments, the private sector and the general community.

Through your studies in this degree, you will learn to:

  • plan and effectively manage an independent project on sustainable energy topics at a professional engineering level
  • locate and critically review scientific and engineering literature, and apply engineering practices and research methods to conduct sustainable energy projects and evaluate their results
  • communicate findings effectively to a professional audience.

A final-year research project forms an essential part of this degree. Through this self-selected project (from a range of available topics), you will draw on not only the advanced engineering skills you have built, but also coursework around ethical, economic and social responsibility.

Why study engineering at RMIT?

Graduate job-ready

Complete a final year research project and build a competitive edge before you graduate.

Designed with industry

Developed in consultation with industry representatives, academic staff and alumni.

On the cutting edge

Learn with the latest technology in sustainable energy from industry experts and guest speakers.

RMIT University is ranked in the top 10 universities in Australia for engineering [QS rankings by subject 2024].

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Studying sustainable energy

The Master of Engineering (Sustainable Energy) teaches the technologies and practices needed to lead the future of sustainable energy, including energy efficiency and renewable power generation systems such as solar, wind, hydro, wave and tidal.

Mike Snow looking into the distance

Your career in sustainable energy

As an RMIT graduate, you'll work on sustainable energy projects at professional consulting and managing levels. Our graduates are also able to take on complex scientific tasks on sustainable energy-related projects in research institutes.

 

 

Portrait of Gregorius Nauledo, Master of Engineering (Sustainable Energy)
I have been well equipped with insightful lectures, tutorials, exercise, and lab works. I have done projects such as designing a PV plant and auditing and simulating building’s energy system. I believe that these experiences will help me shape my future career.

- Gregorius Nauledo, Master of Engineering (Sustainable Energy), Australia Awards Scholarship recipient

Details

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An emphasis on ensuring graduates are job-ready means you’ll gain a solid understanding of not only the technical aspects of sustainable engineering but broader issues such as the economic, social and environmental context for sustainable energy.

The Masters Research Project subject may provide opportunities for work-integrated learning (WIL) that can involve private or public organisations.

Most lectures take place at the Melbourne City campus, and some lab classes run at the Bundoora campus. Some projects in the Master's Research Project subject may require travel to the Bundoora campus. Alternative projects based entirely at the Melbourne City campus are available.

The Master of Engineering (Sustainable Energy) consists of 192 credit points. After completing 96 credit points of study approved by the Program Manager, you may exit with a graduate diploma. For more information, please contact Study@RMIT.

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

Industry plays a vital role in the development, delivery and assessment of this degree, through the program advisory committee (PAC), which includes industry representatives, academic staff and alumni.

Some of the institutes, companies and industries that are have input into the curriculum by sharing their projects with our students or delivering expert lectures include:

  • CSIRO
  • DNV GL - Energy
  • Melbourne Water
  • Acciona Energy
  • Moreland Energy Foundation
  • Genesis Now
  • Western Water
  • Honeywell.

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.

Year 1

In your first year this degree covers different aspects of sustainable energy engineering that include understanding the concept of sustainability in energy, energy efficiency and learning about a wide range of renewable energy technologies. There are opportunities for group work, collaborative sessions and laboratory activities throughout these subjects.

Year 2

Your second year comprises a research project and a range of electives to broaden new skills in different areas of your interest.

Note: You cannot complete Year 2 degree electives previously completed in Year 1. Undertaking the Sustainable Energy Fundamentals elective is highly recommended if you are coming from a background with minimum exposure to topics such as thermodynamics, chemistry of energy, heat transfer, fluid mechanics and electrical power systems.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Master of Engineering (Sustainable Energy)
Program code: MC229
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Master of Engineering (Sustainable Energy)
City Campus
2 years (4 semesters) full time. 4 years (8 semesters) part time
MC229
079934A
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years (4 semesters) full time. 4 years (8 semesters) part time
Plan code
MC229
CRICOS
079934A
View plan
Master of Engineering (Sustainable Energy)
City Campus
2 years (4 semesters) full time
MC229
079934A
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years (4 semesters) full time
Plan code
MC229
CRICOS
079934A
View plan

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

Upon completion of this degree, your postgraduate qualification will be in high demand, as the need for engineers and scientists skilled in sustainable energy is growing every day. 

Our graduates take lead roles in a wide range of projects and jobs, including:

  • Developing and implementing plans to improve energy efficiency and productivity to cut fuel bills, and reduce greenhouse gas/pollution emissions to meet regulatory requirements
  • Researching, developing, demonstrating, commercialising, designing and evaluating innovative PV, solar thermal, solar fuels, wind and hydro, biomass, biofuels, hydrogen and other sustainable energy supply, storage and utilisation technologies
  • Devising innovative sustainable solutions to current problems associated with adverse economic, social and environmental problems linked to energy supply, distribution and consumption
  • Maintaining and optimising the performance of installed sustainable energy technologies and systems
  • Managing consultative processes with social groups affected by energy-related projects and developments.

Graduates have gone on to work at a range of organisations such as:

  • Melbourne Water
  • Canadian Solar Inc.
  • Honeywell
  • Exergy Australia Pty Ltd
  • AGL Energy
  • Origin Energy
  • Genesis Now
  • Stantec
  • Schneider Electric
  • T & O Energy Consulting Pty Ltd
  • Acciona Energy
  • DNV GL - Energy
  • Vestas Australia Wind Technology Pty Ltd
  • Pacific Hydro
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The Master of Engineering (Sustainable Energy) is not accredited, although it has been developed to align with the Engineers Australia accreditation framework. Engineers Australia is the professional body responsible for the accreditation of higher education programs that prepare students to practise as professional engineers. Graduates of the Master of Engineering (Sustainable Energy) may be eligible to apply for membership of Engineers Australia.

Entry requirements and admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following entry requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

Successful completion of an Australian bachelor degree (or international equivalent) in one of the following fields: Engineering, Science, Information Technology, Physics and Chemistry with a GPA of at least 2.0 out of 4.0.

Applicants who have a successfully completed a relevant degree (as above) with a GPA of at least 1.5 out of 4, will be considered if they have at least 3 years of relevant industry experience.

Prior studies in the chemistry of energy (thermo-fluid science) is desirable.

OR

Successful completion of an Australian postgraduate qualification (or international equivalent) in a related discipline (as above).

OR

Applicants without any relevant prior qualification will be considered if they have at least 10 years of relevant industry experience.

If you wish to have industry or employment experience assessed as part of meeting the entry requirements you will need to provide a detailed CV/resume listing previous positions, dates of employment and position responsibilities; a statement from your employer confirming these details (or contact details of employer so RMIT can seek confirmation); and evidence of any relevant professional development undertaken.

International qualifications are assessed for comparability to Australian qualifications according to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

You must meet the University's minimum English language requirements to be eligible for a place in this program.

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

Successful completion of an Australian bachelor degree (or international equivalent) in one of the following fields: Engineering, Science, Information Technology, Physics and Chemistry with a GPA of at least 2.0 out of 4.0.

Applicants who have a successfully completed a relevant degree (as above) with a GPA of at least 1.5 out of 4, will be considered if they have at least 3 years of relevant industry experience.

Prior studies in the chemistry of energy (thermo-fluid science) is desirable.

OR

Successful completion of an Australian postgraduate qualification (or international equivalent) in a related discipline (as above).

OR

Applicants without any relevant prior qualification will be considered if they have at least 10 years of relevant industry experience.

International qualifications are assessed for comparability to Australian qualifications according to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

To study this course 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 (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 English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).

Additional information

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Non-academic abilities you’ll need to complete this program

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

This program provides a pathway for engineers and scientists, and those with an alternative acceptable qualification and significant industry experience.

You may be eligible for advanced standing based on your previous studies.

Upon completion of the first year of the program (96 credit points), including core courses, you will be eligible to exit the program with the Graduate Diploma in Sustainable Energy. 

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Upon successful completion of this masters degree, you may be eligible to undertake further studies in related programs at RMIT University, including postgraduate research programs, subject to the program's entrance requirements.

You can gain entry into this degree from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs.

Credit

Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Upon successful completion of this degree, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT Masters by Research or Doctoral (PhD) program.

Fees

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Entry for this program is primarily through Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs).

Government financial assistance is available to eligible students regardless of the type of place you enrol in.

2025 indicative fees

Commonwealth supported places

  • 2025 Commonwealth supported places (CSP) range from AU$4,627 to AU$16,992*. 

Full-fee places

  • AU$37,440 (2025 annual fee)*.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$365 maximum fee for 2025*.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment*

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.

*Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Defer your payment

  • You may be eligible to apply for a 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.
  • For more information and to learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees see postgraduate study fees.

Paying your fees and applying for refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

If you are offered a Commonwealth supported place, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government.

Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set on an annual basis by the government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of your individual enrolled courses, not the overall program.

How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?

The Australian Government has introduced changes to university funding and student contribution fees under its Job-ready Graduates Package. 

The fees in the table below apply to students who commence their program in 2025. Fees for continuing students are available at fees for Commonwealth supported students.

Each course (subject) falls into a band. 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 2025 for commencing students

Student contribution band by course (subject)

Maximum annual student contribution amount (per EFTSL) in 2025
Education, Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages, Agriculture $4,627 per standard year
$578 per standard (12 credit point) course
Allied Health, Other Health, Built Environment, Computing, Visual and Performing Arts, Professional Pathway Psychology, Professional Pathway Social Work, Engineering, Surveying, Environmental Studies, Science, Pathology $9,314 per standard year
$1,164 per standard (12 credit point) course
Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science $13,241 per standard year
$1,655 per standard (12 credit point) course
Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture $16,992 per standard year
$2,124 per standard (12 credit point) course

Student Learning Entitlement

On 1 January 2022, the Government implemented the Student Learning Entitlement (SLE).

  • The SLE allows students 7 years of full-time subsidised study in Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP).
  • Your total SLE amount will be reduced in accordance with your overall study load in a CSP. 
  • Once you have utilised all your SLE, you can not longer study in a CSP.

For more information about SLE, visit Study Assist.

If you are offered a full-fee place, you will need to pay the full tuition costs of your program. However, eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

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 2025 is $365.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from course to course.

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.

FEE-HELP loans

Eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

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, FEE-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 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.

You may be eligible to apply for income tax deductions for education expenses linked to your employment.

See the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for more information.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

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In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)

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 2025 is $365. 

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information