Master of Engineering (MC-ENG)

Overview

Award title	Master of Engineering
Year & campus	2025
CRICOS code	069275C
Fees information	Subject EFTSL, level, discipline and census date
Study level & type	Graduate Coursework
AQF level	9
Credit points	300 credit points
Duration	36 months full-time or 72 months part-time

The professional Master of Engineering is a three-year full-time program consisting of 300 credit points (may also be taken part-time), offered in seventeen specialisations: Biomedical, Biomedical with Business, Biochemical, Chemical, Chemical with Business, Civil, Civil with Business, Electrical, Electrical with Business, Environmental, Mechanical, Mechanical with Business, Mechanical with Aerospace, Mechatronics, Software, Software with Business, Spatial and Structural. Students can enter the Master of Engineering via a number of pathways:

Based on prior study of (suitable) Mathematics and (suitable) Science subjects at the first-year university level, plus a completed undergraduate degree;
Based on the prior completion of a designated “Engineering Systems” major in the New Generation/Melbourne Model Bachelor of Biomedicine, Bachelor of Environments, Bachelor of Science;
Based on prior completion of a designated sequence of Breadth subjects in the New Generation/Melbourne Model Bachelor of Commerce;
Based on an undergraduate Bachelor of Engineering or equivalent.

Advanced standing will be awarded for equivalent subjects taken in prior study to applicants on the following basis:

Credit, Advanced Standing and Accelerated Entry Policy (MPF1293) https://policy.unimelb.edu.au/MPF1293

Distinction

Upon completion of the Master of Engineering, it is possible for a student to be awarded Master of Engineering with Distinction provided a student has achieved a high level of academic performance. Eligibility of the Distinction award is dependent on a calculated distinction score.

The distinction score will only take into account Level 9 subjects undertaken at the University of Melbourne. This means Study Abroad and Exchange subjects will not be considered. One 12.5 point subject with the lowest mark will be omitted in the calculation of the distinction score. All level 9 subjects with credit points of more than 12.5 points must be included in the calculations. Only marks from the first attempt at a subject will be used. The average mark will be weighted by the credit points of the subjects. A Master of Engineering with Distinction will be awarded if the score is 80 or above.

Hurdle Requirement

In order to achieve the Engineering Practice Hurdle requirement, students will need to document the attainment of professional skills at an adequate level. This may include the successful completion of any of the following:

Skills Towards Employment Program (STEP)
ENGR90033 Internship subject
CHEN90028 Industry Project subject
An agreed level of internship at an approved engineering form (without receiving University credit)

Completion of the degree will not be approved until this requirement has been met.

Links to further information

Master of Engineering

Entry requirements

1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed:

an undergraduate degree with a weighted average mark of at least H3 (65%) or equivalent; and
at least 25 points of appropriate tertiary-level Mathematics and at least 25 points of appropriate tertiary-level Science that meet the specific prerequisite requirements of the stream within the Master of Engineering that the applicant seeks to enter

Applicants who are completing prerequisite subjects as single subject study in order to meet the Mathematics and/or Science entry requirements will be required to achieve a grade of at least H3 (65%) or equivalent in each individual prerequisite subject to satisfy this entry requirement.

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.

2. In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider;

prior academic performance; and if relevant
professional experience

3. The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments.

4. Applicants are required to satisfy the University’s English language requirements for graduate courses. For those applicants seeking to meet these requirements by one of the standard tests approved by the Academic Board, performance band 6.5 is required.

Note.

Applicants with the following may be awarded up to 100 points of credit:

• Graduates of Melbourne Model undergraduate degrees who complete one of a set of prescribed Engineering Systems majors or sequences (pathways) and continue in the same stream with a weighted average mark of at least H3 (65%) or equivalent;

• a Bachelor of Engineering, or equivalent as recognised by the Melbourne School of Engineering, in a cognate discipline appropriate to the stream of the Master of Engineering into which entry is sought with a weighted average mark of at least H3 (65%) or equivalent.

Available credit for other University of Melbourne graduates and graduates of other universities is normally evaluated on a case-by-case basis, but the Academic Board may approve standard credit arrangements for specified entry pathways.

Graduate Degree Packages for School Leavers

The University of Melbourne offers Graduate Degree Packages to high achieving school leavers, allowing them to secure places (Commonwealth Supported Places for domestic students or International fee places) in the Master of Engineering provided that they meet certain requirements.

For a Commonwealth Supported Place or an International Fee Place, the applicant must:

complete an Australian Year 12 or the International Baccalaureate (IB) in 2018 or later either:

— in Australia; or

— outside Australia and be an Australian citizen;

achieve an ATAR (or notional ATAR) of at least 96.00;

apply for a University of Melbourne Graduate Degree Packages for commencement in the year following completion of Year 12 or IB via VTAC;

enrol immediately or be granted deferral in the year following Year 12;
successfully complete a Bachelor of Biomedicine, Commerce, Design or Science at the University of Melbourne including all the specified prerequisite subjects; and
commence the Master of Engineering within 18 months of completing the undergraduate degree.

Applicants should refer to the University handbook for the additional entry requirements for the undergraduate degrees in the Graduate Degree Packages.

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The Master of Engineering welcomes applications from students with disabilities. It is University and degree policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student’s participation in the degree.

The Master of Engineering requires all students to enrol in subjects where they will require:

The ability to comprehend complex science, technology and engineering related information;
The ability to clearly and independently communicate a knowledge and application of science, technology and engineering principles and practices during assessment tasks; and in some areas of study,
The ability to actively and safely contribute in clinical, laboratory, and fieldwork/excursion activities.

Students must possess behavioural and social attributes that enable them to participate in a complex learning environment. Students are required to take responsibility for their own participation and learning. They also contribute to the learning of other students in collaborative learning environments, demonstrating interpersonal skills and an understanding of the needs of other students. Assessment may include the outcomes of tasks completed in collaboration with other students.

There are additional inherent academic requirements for some subjects, and these requirements are listed within the description of the requirements for each of these subjects.

Students who feel their disability will impact on meeting this requirement are encouraged to discuss this matter with the relevant Subject Coordinator and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Professional accreditation

Engineers Australia

Full accreditation awarded to the Biomedical, Biochemical, Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Environmental, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Software and Structural specialisations.
Provisional accreditation has been awarded to the Spatial specialisation.
Full accreditation for the Chemical with Business, Civil with Business, and Mechanical with Business was awarded in 2016.

Provisional accreditation for the Biomedical with Business, Electrical with Business and Software with Business specialisations

EUR-ACE®

The following streams have been accredited by EUR-ACE®:
Biomedical, Biomedical with Business, Biochemical, Chemical, Chemical with Business, Civil, Civil with Business, Electrical, Electrical with Business, Environmental, Spatial, Mechanical, Mechanical with Business, Mechatronics, Software, Software with Business and Structural specialisations.

Australian Computer Society

The Master of Engineering (Software) has been awarded Professional level accreditation.

IChemE

IChemE accredited at M-Level for the Chemical and Biochemical specialisations.

Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors has awarded provisional accreditation to the Spatial specialisation.

Intended learning outcomes

This course has as its objectives that graduates should:

Have a sound fundamental understanding of the scientific principles underlying technology;
Have acquired the educational and professional standards of the professional institutions and boards with which the School's courses are accredited;
Possess a broad knowledge base of their chosen discipline, and of other disciplines so as to facilitate effective communication with those other professionals with whom engineers routinely communicate;
Understand the basic principles underlying the management of physical, human and financial resources;
Have acquired the mathematical and computational skills necessary for the solution of theoretical and practical problems for further professional development and for meeting future changes in technology;
Possess analytical, problem-solving and, where relevant, design skills, including those appropriate for sustainable development;
Have verbal and written communication skills that enable them to make a meaningful contribution to the changes facing our society;
Have developed professional ethics and responsibility towards the profession and the community;
Have an appreciation of the interpersonal and management skills required by engineers in undertaking professional activities; and
Understand the social, cultural, global and environmental responsibilities of the professional engineer, and the need for sustainable development.

Generic skills

Master of Engineering graduates are expected to have the following qualities and skills:

An advanced understanding of the changing knowledge base in their specialist area of engineering;
An ability to evaluate and synthesise the research and professional literature in their specialised area of engineering;
Advanced skills and techniques applicable to their specialist area of engineering;
Well-developed problem-solving abilities in the specialist area of engineering, characterised by flexibility of approach;
Advanced competencies in engineering professional expertise and scholarship;
A capacity to articulate their knowledge and understanding in oral and written presentations;
An advanced understanding of the international context and sensitivities of their specialist area within engineering;
An appreciation of the design, conduct and reporting of original research;
A capacity to manage competing demands on time, including self-directed project work;
A profound respect for truth and intellectual integrity, and for the ethics of scholarship;
An appreciation of the ways in which advanced knowledge equips the student to offer leadership in the specialist area;
The capacity to value and participate in projects which require team-work;
An understanding of the significance and value of their knowledge to the wider community (including business and industry);
A capacity to engage where appropriate with issues in contemporary society; and
Advanced working skills in the application of computer systems and software and a receptiveness to the opportunities offered by new technologies.

Graduate attributes

Engineers Australia Elements of Competency

1.1 Knowledge of science and engineering fundamentals
1.2 In-depth technical competence in at least one engineering discipline
1.3 Techniques and resources
1.4 General knowledge
2.1 Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution
2.2 Understanding of social, cultural, global and environmental responsibilities and the need to employ principles of sustainable development
2.3 Ability to utilise a systems approach to complex problems and to design design and operational performance
2.4 Proficiency in engineering design
2.5 Ability to conduct an engineering project
2.6 Understanding of the business environment
3.1 Ability to communicate effectively, with the engineering team and the community at large
3.2 Ability to manage information and documentation
3.3 Capacity for creativity and innovation
3.4 Understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities and committed to them
3.5 Ability to function effectively as an individual and in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams, as a team leader or manager as well as an effective team member
3.6 Capacity for lifelong learning and professional development
3.7 Professional attitudes

Engineering Faculty Graduate Attributes

Strong analytical skills
Depth of understanding
Practical ingenuity creativity
Understanding of global issues
Communication
Business and management
Creativity
Leadership
Lifelong learners
High ethical standards and professionalism

University of Melbourne Graduate Attributes

Academically excellent
Knowledgeable across disciplines
Attuned to cultural diversity
Active global citizens
Leaders in communities

Course structure

Engineering Practice Hurdle Requirement

Students enrolled in the master of engineering degree will need to satisfy the requirements of the Engineering Practice hurdle prior to being awarded the degree. Students will be introduced early in their degree to the online e-portfolio system as a way of documenting their attainment of graduate attributes which accord with University and professional accreditation standards. Students will keep a record of their stepwise attainment of these capabilities throughout their engineering studies at Melbourne. The artifacts recorded in the e-portfolio may include formal study elements, such as design reports, as well as reflections on extracurricular activities such as employment and volunteering activities.

Hurdle Requirement

Skills Towards Employment Program (STEP)
The University’s Leaders in Community Award (LiCA) program.
ENGR90033 Internship subject.
CHEN90028 Industry Program subject
An agreed level of internship at an approved engineering firm (without receiving University credit)

Completion of the degree will not be approved until this requirement has been met.

The Master of Engineering consists of 300 points of study, typically across six semesters. This includes:

100 points of foundation study tailored to individual students who enter from non-engineering backgrounds and;
200 points, including at least one 25-point project completed in the final year of study, of mainly engineering discipline specific study at the level of depth required to practice as a professional engineer upon graduation.

See each specialisation for the core (compulsory) and elective subject requirements.

The Master of Engineering consists of 200 points of study, typically across four semesters. This includes:

200 points, including at least one 25-point project completed in the final year of study, of mainly engineering discipline specific study at the level of depth required to practice as a professional engineer upon graduation.

See each specialisation for the core (compulsory) and elective subject requirements.

Majors, minors & specialisations

Specialisations within the Master of Engineering

Name	Credit Points

Biochemical	300
Biomedical	300
Biomedical with Business	300
Chemical	300
Chemical with Business	300
Civil	300
Civil with Business	300
Electrical	300
Electrical with Business	300
Environmental	300
Materials	300
Mechanical	300
Mechanical with Business	300
Mechanical with Aerospace	300
Mechatronics	300
Software	300
Software with Business	300
Spatial	300
Structural	300

Further study

Completion of the Master of Engineering can be used as the basis to apply for entry to research Masters or PhD programs.

Students who complete the Master of Engineering with an overall mark of 75% (H2A), or above, will have met the entrance requirements in relation to: minimum qualifications, academic achievement and evidence of research ability.

Note: All Master of Engineering specialisations include a 25-or-more credit point research or design project, or both, and the Master of Engineering is deemed to be a suitable research-preparation degree.

Students who complete the Master of Engineering will have met the University’s English language entry requirements for PhD admission. All other criteria for selection into the University’s PhD program will equally be satisfied.

Last updated: 19 April 2025