Bachelor of Engineering (Sustainable Systems Engineering) (Honours)

Bachelor of Engineering (Sustainable Systems Engineering) (Honours)

UNDERGRADUATE

Combat climate change and bring together new technologies and innovative engineering approaches to create liveable cities.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 4 years
Part-time 8 years
Fees:

Commonwealth supported places

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

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 4 years
Fees:

AU$45,120 (2025 annual)

Next intake:
February, July, October
Location:
Melbourne City
Bundoora

This program has been discontinued and is only available to current RMIT students articulating from an approved pathway program.

Overview

Sustainable systems engineering brings together the new technologies and innovative engineering approaches needed for sustainable global development.

In RMIT's Bachelor of Engineering (Sustainable Systems Engineering) (Honours), you'll learn how to protect, restore and create engineered and natural systems that are socially, environmentally and economically sustainable.

As part of this systems engineering degree you’ll undertake a broad range of studies, graduating with the skills to design engineering solutions that meet the needs of society within economic and ecological constraints.

Your studies will focus on developing a sustainable systems approach, combining the fundamentals of sustainable systems design, engineering design, engineering mathematics and engineering science. Degree specialisations exist in renewable energy systems, energy efficiency and demand management, transport and logistics, and supply chain analytics.

Why study sustainable systems engineering at RMIT?

Prepare for your career

Graduate work-ready with local and international placements, and opportunities to undertake research projects in industry partnerships.

Build a sustainable future

Learn to protect, restore and create engineered and natural systems that are socially, environmentally and economically sustainable.

Hands-on learning

Get comfortable in a laboratory environment. Learn to conduct experiments and design solutions for industry-relevant projects.

Animated student holding qualification

Guaranteed Pathway options available

Didn't get the ATAR you needed? Guaranteed Pathways lets you preference pathway packages so you can secure your place in your goal degree and graduate with two internationally-recognised RMIT qualifications.

Details

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RMIT's sustainable systems engineering degree links formal learning with workplace experience and maintains a continuous thread of systems thinking and sustainable design.

Meeting the future needs and challenges of sustainability will require a comprehensive design approach, focusing on whole-of-system requirements, and an understanding of lifecycle.

You will take a systems approach to engineer the best possible sustainable solutions that present leading business opportunities.

Learning and teaching

You will learn through a variety of teaching methods including, lectorials, seminars, tutorials, workshops, practical and laboratory sessions, site visits and online materials.

Assessment methods

Ongoing assessment throughout the semester may include tests, quizzes, essays/reports, presentations, projects, assignments and exams.

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.

The School of Engineering has an Industry Advisory Committee which is an important link to industry.

Membership includes senior engineers from several major national companies and government and non-government organisations, all of whom provide comments and advice on the contents of this degree.

You will have several opportunites to undertake work integrated learning activities, which will develop your employability skills and capabilities.

In the final year of your studies, you will undertake a major capstone project that is either industry-based or simulates an industrial situation. You will combine and further develop the key theoretical and practical knowledge necessary for your field - as defined by Engineers Australia - while you work with industry leaders to solve a project challenge.

Before graduating from this degree, you are strongly encouraged to complete a minimum 10 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 6 and 12 months (this satisfies the work experience recommendation). These placements are normally taken during a one-year break in the middle or at the end of the third year of the degree.

Global work, exchange and study experiences

RMIT offers a range of opportunities for our students to study abroad through global work, exchange and study experiences with over 165 partner universities worldwide.

Years 1 and 2 are conducted on the Melbourne City campus and years 3 and 4 are conducted on the City and Bundoora campuses.

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.

Years 1 and 2

You will focus on the development of a sustainable systems approach. This brings together the fundamentals of sustainable systems design, engineering science, engineering mathematics, engineering design, sustainability, artificial intelligence (AI), electronics, and engineering professional practice.

You will also study an Introduction to Engineering subject, incorporating a humanitarian-focused Engineers Without Borders Challenge. You will 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 subjects in design for sustainability, systems thinking and life cycle assessment, you can take specialist subjects in renewable energy systems, energy efficiency and demand management, transport and logistics, and supply chain analytics. These streams provide you with the specialist skills to work in the respective industries.

You will also have the option to select 4 subjects as a minor option. These subjects are offered from diverse engineering fields of study, such as engineering project management, sustainable water management, humanitarian innovation, spacecraft technologies, smart construction, and intelligent manufacturing technologies.

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 will be able to complete a work integrated learning (industry experience) elective in Year 2, 3 or 4.

Course structure

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

Bachelor of Engineering (Sustainable Systems Engineering) (Honours)
Program code: BH076
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Bachelor of Engineering (Sustainable Systems Engineering) (Honours)
City Campus
4 years full time
BH076
079775M
Location
City Campus
Duration
4 years full time
Plan code
BH076
CRICOS
079775M
View plan
Bachelor of Engineering (Sustainable Systems Engineering) (Honours)
City Campus
4 years full time
BH076
079775M
Location
City Campus
Duration
4 years full time
Plan code
BH076
CRICOS
079775M
View plan
Bachelor of Engineering (Sustainable Systems Engineering) (Honours)
City Campus
4 years full-time, 8 years part-time
BH076P23
110994D
Location
City Campus
Duration
4 years full-time, 8 years part-time
Plan code
BH076P23
CRICOS
110994D
View plan
Bachelor of Engineering (Sustainable Systems Engineering) (Honours)
City Campus
4 years full-time
BH076P23
110994D
Location
City Campus
Duration
4 years full-time
Plan code
BH076P23
CRICOS
110994D
View plan

Please note: This program has been discontinued and is only available to current RMIT students articulating from an approved pathway program.

Students transferring from the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (BH126) program should apply for the BH076P23 plan code.

Students articulating from the Associate Degree in Engineering Technology (Mechanical Major) (AD026) should apply for the BH076 plan code.

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

Please note: From 2023, the BH076 plan is only available to RMIT students articulating from an approved pathway program. All other applicants should apply for the BH076P23 plan.

Career

 

Climate change is a matter of global importance. Demand has arisen for engineers able to conceive and develop sustainable systems. The consumption of natural resources and energy in areas such as transport, buildings, manufacturing processes, are part of this need.

A sustainable systems engineer works with technologies and engineering approaches to ensure global development is sustainable, and to develop clean manufacturing processes and improvements in technology.

Graduates of RMIT's Bachelor of Engineering (Sustainable Systems Engineering) (Honours) will find careers in energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable transport systems and vehicles, logistics, product design, manufacturing, and infrastructure. 

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

  • Aurecon
  • Arup
  • Jacobs
  • John Holland
  • Vestas
  • Yarra Valley Water
  • Mott MacDonald
  • Fulton Hogan
  • CPB Contractors
  • PEAKURBAN
  • Coles
  • Perspektiv
  • Bouygues Construction Australia
  • Yarra Valley Railway
  • John Holland
  • SMEC
  • Latrobe City Council
  • Cleanaway Waste Management
  • Blue Power Partners
  • Metro Trains
  • WSP Global Inc.
  • Deloitte Consulting
  • Sustainable Development Consultants
  • GHD 
  • Tilt Renewables
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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 degree 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.

 

Entry requirements and admissions

Please note: This program has been discontinued and is only available to current RMIT students articulating from an approved pathway program.

Students transferring from the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (BH126) program should apply for the BH076P23 plan code.

Students articulating from the Associate Degree in Engineering Technology (Mechanical Major) (AD026) should apply for the BH076 plan code.

You must have successfully completed the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) (or equivalent qualification).

Prerequisites

Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) units 3 and 4:

  • a study score of at least 25 in English other than EAL; or
  • a study score of at least 27 in English as an Additional Language (EAL)

or equivalent studies.

AND

Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) units 3 and 4:

  • a study score of at least 20 in one of Maths: Further Mathematics; Maths: Mathematical Methods; or Maths: Specialist Mathematics

or equivalent studies.

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.

View the ATAR profile and selection rank from students offered a place into this program wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR in the most relevant recent intake period.

The student profile provides insight into the likely peer group for this program.

*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. Find out more about admission to RMIT.

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

You must have successfully completed a qualification recognised by RMIT as equivalent to the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) with a minimum average of 65% (see 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.

Entry score calculator
Minimum Score Required

Don’t meet the requirements?

Please note: October intake is not available to students with advanced entry.

Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) Units 3 and 4 in Further Mathematics, Mathematical Methods (CAS) or Specialist Mathematics, with a study score of at least 20.

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

Expand all sections

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

Animated character in front of RMIT pixel, with a flying degree above their head

Understanding pathways

Undertaking a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree can help you meet the entry requirements for your preferred course. These qualifications often provide credit, reducing the duration of your bachelor degree.

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This course offers pathway options. If you don’t meet the entry requirements, a formal pathway might be your way in.

Guaranteed Pathways available

Didn't get the ATAR you needed for entry into this degree?

At RMIT we've got your back, with a range study options to help you achieve your goals, no matter your ATAR.

Guaranteed Pathways gives you the option to preference pathway packages when you apply to RMIT.

If you apply and are successful in gaining a place in a Guaranteed Pathway package, you will progress straight into the Bachelor Degree upon successful completion of the relevant vocational degree (otherwise known as TAFE) first.

With a Guaranteed Pathway package, you can graduate with two internationally-recognised RMIT qualifications.

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.

When you successfully complete this program, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT postgraduate program or RMIT Masters by Research or Doctoral (PhD) program.

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When you successfully complete the Associate Degree in Engineering Technology Sustainable Systems major you are guaranteed entry to the Bachelor of Engineering (Sustainable Systems Engineering) (Honours) with four semesters of advanced standing* (equivalent to 192 credit points).

Alternatively, you can gain entry from RMIT Foundation Studies or a range of vocational study programs.

*Based on full-time study load of 96 credit points per year. Individual circumstances may vary and please be aware that not all courses are offered each semester. These circumstances may affect the total duration of a program.

Coming from a partner institution?

RMIT has pathway arrangements with many partner institutions around the world.

If your institution has a pathway arrangement with RMIT you may be able to receive credit and reduce the time it will take to complete your preferred RMIT program.

Find out if your institution has a pathway arrangement with RMIT

If you have qualifications from an institution that is not an RMIT partner, credit into your RMIT program will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Please note: any credit received may reduce the choice of majors or minors available in the program.  

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.

When you successfully complete this program, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT postgraduate program or RMIT Masters by Research or Doctoral (PhD) program.

Fees

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2025 indicative fees

In 2025, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$4,627 to AU$16,992*.

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 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.

Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.

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.

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 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.

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.

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