Advanced Diploma of Engineering (Aeronautical)

Advanced Diploma of Engineering (Aeronautical) - MEM60122

VOCATIONAL

Develop the advanced skills required for you to work in aerospace manufacturing, design and maintenance at a paraprofessional level.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Fees:

Fee finder

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

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Fees:

AU$21,500 (2025 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

This advanced diploma provides you with the advanced technical and managerial skills needed for technicians and engineers working in aerospace manufacturing, design and maintenance at a paraprofessional level.

You’ll be equipped to work in small to large enterprises, as well as the defence forces.

Aircraft maintenance engineers work on aircraft engines, airframes, airframe systems, electrics, instruments, radio systems and aircraft sheet metal work.

Specialist areas include:

  • aircraft design and layout
  • mechanical (fault diagnosis of airframe and engine systems)
  • structures (producing, maintaining and repairing sheet metal, bonded and non-metallic composite materials, and components on aircraft).

Why study aeronautical engineering at RMIT?

Career-focused education

Gain the managerial skills needed for roles in aircraft manufacturing, design and maintenance at a paraprofessional level.

Led by industry

An advisory committee, made up of leading industry representatives, ensures this degree reflects current industry needs.

Develop technical skills

Undertake hands-on work, access a range of equipment and learn the latest experimental techniques.

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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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Learning and teaching

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 student portal.

Ongoing assessment throughout the semester includes examinations, essays, reports, oral classes, presentations, group projects, research projects, laboratory projects and practical assignments.

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 advanced diploma has a strong Industry Advisory Committee (IAC), which links the program and real-life industry developments, and comprises staff from local aeronautical engineering and aviation management organisations.

It provides regular feedback on the programs and the changing needs of industry.

You’ll also complete a simulated industry-based project (or equivalent) as part of your studies.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this advanced diploma and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

This course will develop your skills and knowledge of aerospace engineering.

You’ll learn aerodynamics and stability analysis, and aircraft system fault diagnosis, as well as skills in aerospace mechanisms and power transmission devices.

Aircraft and control concepts and integrated control systems are introduced, covering areas such as automatic flight controls, multi-axis stability, and design and operation of power-assisted controls.

Training in aircraft systems includes the principles, purpose and operation of aircraft fluid power systems. Aerospace drawing is also covered.

You will learn how to undertake technical investigation, reporting and troubleshooting for the aerospace industry.

Course structure

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

Advanced Diploma of Engineering (Aeronautical)
Program code: C6187
National curriculum code: MEM60122
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Advanced Diploma of Engineering (Aeronautical)
City Campus
2 Years
C6187
112017D
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 Years
Plan code
C6187
CRICOS
112017D
View plan
Advanced Diploma of Engineering (Aeronautical)
City Campus
2 Years
C6187
112017D
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 Years
Plan code
C6187
CRICOS
112017D
View plan

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

Career

Graduates will be eligible for work in a wide range of roles, including:

  • production supervisor/planner
  • maintenance supervisor/planner
  • technical R&D officer
  • systems technician
  • design supervisor
  • quality supervisor.
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This program is fully accredited by Engineers Australia. 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.

Entry requirements and admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following academic (entry) requirements to be considered for entry into this course.

Option 1:

Advanced Diploma of Engineering (Aeronautical) (plan code C6187):

Successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) (or equivalent)

OR

Successful completion of Post-Secondary studies in a related field (Certificate II or above)

OR

At least 6 months of full-time work experience in a related field as per a detailed resume (or part-time equivalent).

Option 2:

Guaranteed Pathway - Advanced Diploma of Engineering (Aeronautical)/Bachelor of Engineering (Aerospace Engineering) (Honours) (plan code C6187PATH1):

Successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) (or equivalent)

OR

Successful completion of Post-Secondary studies in a related field (Certificate II or above)

OR

At least 6 months of full-time work experience in a related field as per a detailed resume (or part-time equivalent).

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 a qualification recognised by RMIT as equivalent to the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) with a minimum average of 50% (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.

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 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 (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)
  • C1 Advanced: 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 English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).

Pathways

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Understanding pathways

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

Explore the pathway finder
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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 gives you the option to preference pathway packages in VTAC.

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.

Graduates of this course will be guaranteed entry into the course/s below.

For more information, explore our Pathway finder, or contact Study@RMIT.

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You can gain entry to this advanced diploma from RMIT Foundation Studies or a range of vocational study programs.

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 the Advanced Diploma of Engineering (Aeronautical) you are guaranteed entry in the Bachelor of Engineering (Aerospace 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

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Tuition fees

  • 2025 full-fee place: AU$9,000* per annum

*Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.

Fee finder

Use our fee finder to get an estimate of your fees for this program.

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

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.

Defer your payment

The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the VET Student Loans scheme, which allows eligible students in eligible programs to defer payment of their tuition fees, up to the maximum loan amount for their program.

Payments and 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.

VET Student Loans

The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the VET Student Loans scheme, 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 VET Student Loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT your tuition fees on your behalf, up to the maximum loan amount for your program.

Your VET Student Loan becomes part of your VETSL debt. You will start repaying your accumulated VETSL 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.

The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology advises that:

  • VET student loans will not be approved for students who do not meet eligibility requirements; and
  • a VET student loan gives rise to a HELP debt that continues to be a debt due to the Commonwealth until it is repaid.

For more information see VET Student Loans or Study Assist.

VET Student Loan cap

If your program is eligible for the VET Student Loan 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 by the due date once you exceed the cap.

It’s easy for you to keep track of your VET Student Loan debt, and you can choose to make upfront payments at any time before the census date. 

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