Master of Energy Efficient and Sustainable Building

Master of Energy Efficient and Sustainable Building

POSTGRADUATE

Contribute to the realm of engineering and sustainable building practices.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

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

AU$33,600 (2025 annual)

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

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Fees:

AU$45,120 (2025 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

Advance your knowledge and technical skills to deliver energy efficient and sustainable buildings through a comprehensive understanding of the context, principles and practice of environmentally sustainable design.

In an increasingly urbanised world, shifting environmental priorities have placed sustainability in the spotlight.

A widening skills gap across industry means the demand for skilled professionals in energy efficient and sustainable building practices is on the rise.

In response to this industry demand, this degree will provide you with the essential skills and theory to design, develop and implement solutions for new and retrofitted buildings and sustainable built environment.

Your studies will prepare you to navigate the complex and rapidly changing environment of industry issues, trends, and economic and sustainability policies. You will get hands-on experience in sustainability assessment tools and software used in the design and planning process. 

You will enhance your abilities to professionally communicate complex sustainability strategies and engage effectively within interdisciplinary teams to drive project outcomes and improve sustainability practice.

You will graduate with specialist knowledge of sustainable building design and technologies, building energy and climate engineering, and the management of sustainable building projects.

Why study energy efficient and sustainable building at RMIT?

Become career-ready

Gain the practical skills required to succeed in the industry through a mix of theoretical and hands-on learning.

Industry-focused skills

Developed in collaboration with industry, reflecting current industry needs, ensuring you are equipped with highly employable skills.

Professional recognition

Gain accreditation from the Chartered Institute of Building, the world's largest professional body for construction management and leadership.

Man wearing a hard hat and construction vest smiling (black & white image)

What you will learn

Delve into the complexities of creating sustainable futures and advance your knowledge and technical skills to deliver energy efficient and sustainable buildings.

Details

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This degree is designed to apply theory through practice as you critically respond to industry issues and trends, as well as economic and sustainability policy needs by the governments.

Guest seminars and industry guidance will inform your learning as you work through real-world case studies and develop a final-year project.

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.

This degree has been designed in response to a current skills gap in the energy efficient and sustainable building sector.

Developed in consultation with industry, the degree aligns closely with current industry needs. Consulting bodies on the curriculum remain actively involved in your learning, providing guest seminars and insight into final-year projects.

This degree is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).

2 years full-time or 4 years part-time.

The Graduate Certificate in Energy Efficient and Sustainable Building and Graduate Diploma in Energy Efficient and Sustainable Building are available as exit awards of this degree. Any advanced standing you receive for the masters program is not transferrable to an exit award. If you wish to exit early with one of these programs, you must have completed all courses specified in the relevant program structure.

Available 2 years full-time.

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.

Browse program plans (below) to see the courses our students are currently studying.

Course structure

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

Master of Energy Efficient and Sustainable Building
Program code: MC209
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Master of Energy Efficient and Sustainable Building
City Campus
2 Years Full-Time/4 Years Part-Time
MC209
084668E
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 Years Full-Time/4 Years Part-Time
Plan code
MC209
CRICOS
084668E
View plan
Master of Energy Efficient and Sustainable Building
City Campus
2 Years Full-Time
MC209
084668E
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 Years Full-Time
Plan code
MC209
CRICOS
084668E
View plan

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

Career

Helicopter, wide-shot of Melbourne City

Make a sustainable career move

Build a career with impact as a designer or engineer on energy efficient, resource smart and sustainable built environment that supports health and well-being.

Work as an executive-level manager, designer or engineer on energy efficient and sustainable building projects and developments.

Work in the public and private sectors as environmental sustainability officers, capital project managers, sustainability coordinators, facilities management officers and assets managers.

Apply technical design and project management expertise across specialist areas including:

  • environmentally sustainable design (ESD)
  • building sustainability assessment
  • facilities management
  • energy management
  • sustainable construction management
  • building energy engineering
  • facade engineering
  • building physics
  • building services engineering.

The skills you learn in your master's degree will also equip you to work in engineering consultancy, architectural design, building equipment manufacturing, property and infrastructure development, and other sectors related to the built environment.

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The program is accredited under the following industry body:

  • Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)
  • Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)

Entry requirements and admissions

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

You must have:

  • successfully completed an Australian bachelor's degree (or equivalent overseas qualification).

OR

  • a minimum of 3 years significant work experience or professional practice related to energy efficiency, sustainability or building and construction. 

To have your professional experience considered you must submit with your application a CV and a personal statement detailing your experience.

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.

You must have:

  • successfully completed an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification)

OR

  • a minimum of 3 years significant work experience or professional practice related to energy efficiency, sustainability or building and construction.

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

To have your professional experience considered you must submit with your application:

  • a CV
  • a personal statement detailing your experience.

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).

Pathways

Successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Energy Efficient and Sustainable Building guarantees entry into this master program with 48 credit points of advanced standing (equivalent to 0.5 year full-time study).

Successful completion of the Graduate Diploma in Energy Efficient and Sustainable Building guarantees entry into this master program with 96 credit points of advanced standing (equivalent to 1 year full-time study).

Undergraduate study

Successful completion of the Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours) guarantees entry into this master program with 96 credit points of advanced standing (equivalent to 1 year full-time study).

Masters advanced standing

If you have successfully completed one of the following qualifications specialising in architecture, interior architecture, landscape architecture, interior design, industrial design, building, construction management, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, property economics, property valuation, urban planning, environmental science, environmental sustainability or project management, you may be eligible for advanced standing as follows:

Qualification level

Advanced standing

Remaining program duration

Bachelor degree (AQF level 7)

48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study)

144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full time study)

Bachelor honours degree (AQF level 8)

96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study)

96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study)

Graduate certificate (AQF level 8)

48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study)

144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full time study)

Graduate diploma (AQF level 8)

96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study)

96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study)

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national policy for Australian qualifications in vocational and higher education.

Credit and recognition of prior learning

Applicants with a bachelor degree (honours), graduate certificate, graduate diploma or masters qualification majoring in a different discipline may also be eligible for credit transfer of up to 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study).

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 are guaranteed entry to the Master of Energy Efficient and Sustainable Building with two semesters of credit (equivalent to 96 credit points) when you successfully complete the Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours).

Alternatively, 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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2025 indicative fees

  • Full-fee places: AU$33,600 (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

This program is offered on a full-fee paying basis only. If you are offered a 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

Hacer Women in Construction Scholarship

For women studying construction or project management, or energy efficient and sustainable building; worth $7,000, and a paid position in the Hacer Group 2-year Graduate Program.

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