Monash University: University Handbooks: Off-Campus Learning Guide 2004: Units indexed by faculty
Previous page | Next page | Section contents | Title and contents

Off-Campus Learning Guide 2004
Engineering

Maintenance management and reliability engineering: postgraduate programs

General information

Maintenance and reliability engineering have become powerful tools in improving industrial profitability. This has surely never been more so with many existing physical assets required to be in service longer and to work better. Since 1985, hundreds of engineers, managers and senior technical people, from across all disciplines, have increased their skills and capability by completing Monash University postgraduate programs in maintenance management and reliability engineering.

Organisations from many industries have gained by improved asset performance through such investment in their people's knowledge and skills, and individuals have equipped themselves for career advancement. A recent Institution of Engineers study identified specific skills engineers will need in the public sector, and half of these are included in our programs. The IEAust also reported that the last five years had seen a dramatic swing away from managers without up-to-date technical skills, and that retraining in technical postgraduate courses was the best way for managers to boost their skills: an MBA no longer guaranteed improved earning power.
The programs are only offered by off-campus learning - there are no on-campus classes, except at the compulsory residential school held each year at Gippsland campus (except for the reliability engineering program, which has no residential requirement). Details of these schools are sent six weeks ahead. Students consider the residential school and the contacts with other students and staff to be most valuable. (These programs are also offered in North America via the University of Tennessee, with the residential school held at Knoxville. Different fees, application processes and residential school arrangements apply - contact the coordinator for details).
Normally, four units are studied in a year, but a lesser study load is possible. All units are offered on a full year basis (March to October) and there is no mid-year entry available. Each unit is of six credit points and requires about four hours of effort per week, but this does vary with the individual.
Students in the Graduate Diploma in Engineering Maintenance Management may seek reversion to the graduate certificate. The qualification is awarded if the required units have been passed.
The following particulars are common to all the programs. Any differences are given under each program heading.

Professional recognition

The programs satisfy the requirement of the Institution of Engineers Australia for continuing professional development.

Fees

HECS places are expected to continue to be available, but may be subject to a quota and will be allotted in order of application. Once HECS places have been filled, full-fee places will be available ($1350 per unit in 2003) and should be tax-deductible for students employed in this field.

Anybody is welcome to enrol in a single unit (on a fee-paying basis) without enrolling in a complete program leading to an award. However, a complete qualification is best and can only be gained by applying for a program (and passing it). Excellent results on completion of a single unit will be favourably regarded for entry to the program.

Assessment

Assessment varies from unit to unit, with all having assignments or projects and some also having an examination.

Computer requirement

Students are assumed to have basic computer literacy and to have access to a personal computer.

Further information

More detailed information on these postgraduate programs is included in the fact sheet, available from the coordinator, Mr Ray Beebe, telephone (03) 5122 6496, fax (03) 5122 6500 or email ray.beebe@eng.monash.edu.au.

Completed applications

Applications must include a certified copy of a degree testamur or other formal qualifications, but copies of certificates from private short non-award courses are NOT required. Applicants without a degree must supply a CV, as detailed under the graduate certificates below. Credits may be granted for completion of similar units studied previously that did not form part of a completed award, and it is the responsibility of the applicant to request such credits and provide evidence of completion.

A letter from the applicant's employer is required, indicating support for (i) access to plant and data for study projects and (ii) attendance at the residential school, where required. If self-employed, or for other special reasons, the requirement for a letter may be waived.
Completed applications are to be forwarded to the Student Services Officer, Monash Engineering, Gippsland, Churchill Victoria 3842 Australia, by 30 November 2003 to be eligible for a first-round offer. Later applications will be accepted if places are available.

Previous page | Next page | Section contents | Title and contents