Australian residents
International students
Intakes: 

2023: February, May, July

Duration: 
2 years
Location: 
Footscray Park
Fees: 

2023: A$19,400*
* fee per semester

Application due dates:
We are currently accepting applications for this course.
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Overview

Gain specialised skills in electrical power, telecommunications, or civil engineering and aim for a top engineering career with the Master of Engineering from Victoria University.

The Master of Engineering prepares you for work in fast-growing industries, with a strong emphasis on real-world problem-solving and international trends.

You’ll acquire targeted skills through a combination of coursework, design exercises and research. You’ll have the chance to develop and implement innovative telecommunication, power-distribution or civil-engineering solutions, with real-world applications.

Our College of Engineering and Science has world-class facilities, including high-tech engineering labs, strong industry connections and a passionate research community.

Awards & recognition

Engineering at VU is:

  • #1 in Victoria, Overall Quality of Education in Engineering, undergraduate level (GOS 2020)
  • top 3%  of universities worldwide (THE, 2023)
  • #1 in Australia, employability (QILT, 2017-2020) 
  • well above world standard (outstanding performance) – electrical and electronic engineering, and engineering overall (Excellence in  Research for Australia, ERA, 2018).

Specialisations

This Civil Engineering specialisation offers in-demand technical skills for a range of careers in infrastructure design and improvement.

It builds on the highly successful and industry-renowned Bachelor of Engineering (Civil Engineering, Honours) and is designed to fulfil the growing demand for professionals with advanced knowledge and problem-solving skills in civil engineering.

Civil engineering is one of the oldest technical professions providing infrastructure for societies. It has a role in both private and public sectors, with job opportunities in planning, designing, constructing and management of essential community infrastructure.

More VU Civil Engineering graduates are in full-time employment in Victoria than any other university graduates (QILT, 2019). With a Master of Engineering, specialising in Civil Engineering, you will be prepared to work in construction, transport, water provision, mining, defence, or government.

The Electrical Power specialisation comprises coursework, design projects and research, with a particular focus on contemporary 'Smart' electricity systems.

The course builds on the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Electrical and Electronic Engineering), and is designed to meet the global and national demand for professionals with advanced skills in creating Smart-compliant electricity grids.

Through work-related learning, you will gain expertise in upgrading electricity grids to 21st-century standards – incorporating sensors, electronics, controls, and wireless devices. You will graduate ready for a successful career in this high-demand area.

Gain specialised skills and expertise in the telecommunications field, specifically for wireless and network engineering, with the Master of Engineering Telecommunications specialisation. 

The course builds on the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Electrical and Electronic Engineering), and is designed to meet employment demand in the telecommunications industry within Australia and overseas.

Through coursework, design exercises and research, you will gain advanced understanding of connecting mobile broadband and fibre to premises - the current growth drivers of the global telecommunications industry. 

You will benefit from our high research achievements in this area, which place us 'well above world standard' according to the ERA.

Benefits of studying engineering at VU

Following the overwhelming success of the revolutionary VU Block Model with undergraduate students, we have rolled out the Block Model to our postgraduate courses.

This course is delivered in eight-week mode, which means you study two units (subjects) at a time over eight weeks (or one unit at a time over eight weeks for part-time study), rather than juggling several units at once. And with its focused timetables and smaller, collaborative classes, VU’s Block Model gives you more time to connect with your peers, lecturers and industry partners, helping you to build strong professional networks.

The VU Block Model has improved our student results and engagement, and has won multiple international awards for innovation and excellence.

When you study for a Masters of Engineering with VU, you’ll be part of a world-class research environment. The Engineering at VU is ranked well above world standard (outstanding performance) by Excellence in Research for Australia.

You’ll have access to state-of-the art labs with modern equipment. Our support services, programs and infrastructure give you the best road to success in your postgraduate study.

The College of Engineering and Science has associated institutes and centres that conduct independent research. The centres work closely with industry and community partners to produce cutting-edge, innovative engineering solutions.

As part of your masters research, you’ll have the chance to work with world-class programs within the Institute for Sustainable Industries & Liveable Cities.

We offer fantastic opportunities to work with other universities and industry partners, as part of your research.

University partnerships include:

  • Deakin University
  • University of NSW
  • Technion
  • University of California Los Angeles
  • Sunchon National University (Korea)
  • Nanjing University of Technology
  • Fudan University (China)

Industry and government partners include:

  • Barwon Water
  • Central Highlands Water
  • Crusader Hose Pty Ltd
  • CSIRO
  • Dairy Innovation Australia Ltd
  • Departments of Health, Primary Industries, Sustainability and Environment
  • Fonterra cooperative
  • Ericsson
  • Greater Western Water
  • GWMWater
  • Intrax
  • Maribyrnong City Council
  • Melbourne Water
  • Multiplex
  • Regional Victoria Food Clusters
  • Structerre
  • Telstra
  • Transurban
  • Veolia Water Australia Pty Ltd
  • Victoria Chemical Company
  • Water Research Australia.

We have a range of scholarships for postgraduate research to assist with the costs of study.

The College of Engineering and Science also provides 10 summer research scholarships to conduct research during the summer (up to 12 weeks) under the supervision of established researchers, and write-up scholarships for students to complete manuscripts for publication with their supervisors.

As a postgraduate student you might want to take up one of many opportunities to further develop your academic language and study skills. VU’s Learning Hubs are welcoming spaces where you can improve your study and employability skills.

We offer maths, writing, careers and English-language advice and show you effective ways to study and manage your time.

Our programs include:

  • workshops
  • drop-in sessions
  • peer mentoring
  • maths and writing resources
  • resume and career guidance.

We also have accessibility support services and counselling services available for all students

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Careers in engineering

On graduation you'll be able to prepare for a career in one of the following:

  • power generation, transmission, distribution, management and control
  • managing, designing and developing telecommunication network systems
  • microelectronic and electronic design
  • water-related government organisations and private firms.

Average salaries

Check the government job information site (Labour Market Insights) for salaries and job growth rates:

Job titles

Job titles vary depending on the specialisation chosen.

Electrical power

  • instrument designer
  • energy economist
  • power engineer supervisor
  • power project coordinator.

Telecommunications

  • telecommunications engineer
  • telecommunications network engineer.

Civil engineering

  • civil engineer
  • construction engineer
  • environmental engineer
  • geotechnical engineer
  • project engineer
  • roads and transport engineer
  • structural engineer
  • water engineer.

These specialisations will enhance your employment opportunities in the private and public sectors, in positions of managing, designing, or developing telecommunication network systems or electrical power.

You will graduate with a wide range of career options in a variety of organisations including:

  • telecommunications operators
  • telecommunications equipment manufacturers
  • information technology companies
  • specialised test and measurement companies
  • installation and operations for private companies, defence and other government departments

The career opportunities in Power Engineering are as follows:

  • system analysis and planning
  • research and development
  • design and procurement
  • project implementation and management
  • testing and commissioning
  • asset management
  • plant and system operation
  • maintenance management
  • market operation and management.

As a Civil Engineer, you can run your own practice or work for government authorities, private industry consulting firms or major construction companies on planning, investigation, design, construction and/or rehabilitation of:

  • office, residential and industrial buildings, sporting and shopping complexes
  • sustainable urban residential developments and municipal facilities
  • transportation systems for passengers and freight including roads, bridges, railways and airports
  • water infrastructure works including reservoirs, pump stations, pipelines, treatment plants, drainage and flood control
  • irrigation and alternative water supply systems including wastewater recycling and stormwater harvesting
  • pollution control facilities for solid, liquid and gaseous wastes
  • mining developments and structural foundations (geological / soil investigations)
  • energy extraction facilities and renewable energy sources such as hydro, solar, wind and geothermal
  • ports, harbours, marinas, breakwaters, beach rehabilitation and other coastal.
Job skills training delivers results

Job skills training delivers results

Former international student Ravina Kamble says VU's job skills training helped her secure her first professional position in Australia before graduating.

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This program is accredited with Engineers Australia and graduates are eligible to apply for graduate membership.

Student and graduate members can gain access to EA Connect to find more work placement opportunities in the engineering industry.

2020 Engineers Australia Award Recipients from VU Engineering:

  • Mr Jake Day - Engineers Australia Institution Graduate award
  • Ms Sarah Row - Engineers Australia Structural College National Graduate Award 2020
  • Mr Lawrence Gibbs - Engineers Australia Mechanical College National Graduate Award 2020.

Course structure

To be eligible for the Master of Engineering, students are required to complete 192 credit points in total, consisting of:

  • 48 credit points of Common Interdisciplinary studies;
  • 48 credit points of Research studies;
  • 96 credit points of Core Specialisation studies.

Common Interdisciplinary Units

Research Units

Specialisations

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Conceptually map the most recent theoretical developments in their Engineering specialisation and justify their application in various contemporary and emerging professional contexts;  
  2. Contribute to the discourse and practice around 'engineering sustainability' and elaborate the links between Engineering and innovation;  
  3. Critically apply knowledge and skills relevant to both their chosen specialisation and the broader discipline of Engineering to new and uncertain professional practice scenarios, exhibiting a high level of personal autonomy and accountability;  
  4. Design and evaluate Engineering projects or research which address complex issues and communicate subsequent findings to specialist and non-specialist audiences; and  
  5. Formulate and implement project management strategies that accurately meet stakeholder needs and expectations.  

What's a unit?

A unit or 'subject' is the actual class you'll attend in the process of completing a course.

Most courses have a mixture of compulsory 'core' units that you need to take and optional elective units that you can choose to take based on your area of interest, expertise or experience.

Credits

Each unit is worth a set amount of study credits based on the amount of time you study. Generally, 1 credit is equal to 1 hour of study per week.

Admission & pathways

Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee you entry into this course. Some courses receive more applications than the number of places available. In this situation we will also assess your education, work and other relevant experience.

If you do not meet the minimum requirements you may be eligible for one of our special admission programs. We also encourage you to explore our study pathways to help you reach your goal.

Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.

Entry requirements

Completion of an Australian Bachelor of Engineering degree or equivalent three or four year undergraduate degree in a cognate discipline to the specialisation offered in the degree.
OR
Completion of an Australian Bachelor of Engineering Honours degree or equivalent four year undergraduate degree in a cognate discipline to the specialisation offered in the degree.
OR
Completion of an Australian Graduate Diploma of Engineering (or equivalent) in a cognate discipline to the specialisation offered in the degree.
PLUS
IELTS (or equivalent): Overall score of 6.5 (with no band less than 6.0 in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking)

Find out if you meet the entry requirements, including English language and academic requirements.

There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.

Find out more about pathways and credits.

Use our credit calculator to find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.

If you have completed study with another university or institution and believe you are eligible to receive credit for skills and past study, you can apply for advanced standing.

Applications for advanced standing can be made after a discussion with your course chair or academic adviser.

Additional information

Applicants with an engineering degree outside the specialisations listed and with five years of relevant work experience in a cognate* discipline will be eligible to submit an application for this course.

Credit Calculator

Find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.

CALCULATE YOUR CREDIT

How to apply

We are currently accepting international applications, and we welcome you to apply for this course.

Click 'apply' to begin, and we will guide you through the application process.

Apply

If you have questions, please get in touch:

Information and fees listed above are for non-resident students. Fees are accurate at the time of viewing and will be subject to annual increases. Some courses require students to purchase equipment or clothing that they will need in the course. These equipment or clothing costs are not included in the course fees listed above – check your Letter of Offer for an estimate on non-tuition-fee-related expenses.

VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this course information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that course information is current with the Student Contact Centre.