Mechanical engineers design, build, test and maintain all kinds of machines from robots to cars to space vehicles. They are continually designing, building and testing new forms of environmentally safe technologies such as solar energy, solar vehicles, and wave and wind energy. They are also involved in advanced manufacturing, materials handling, powder technology, automotive technology, and biomechanics.

This degree

You will study a common first year allowing you to learn more about engineering and its different fields before deciding which discipline to study. The common first year provides you with sound fundamentals in mathematics, statistics, physics, chemistry, computing, engineering science and communication, mechanics, materials and fluids. You then focus on your chosen major study from second year.

Your degree includes a 12-week hands-on industry placement. You may gain credit for relevant work experience, either in Australia or overseas, by participating in our Professional Options Program.

Engineers work in a variety of industries, for example: construction, mining, resources, aeronautical, electronics, engineering management, telecommunications, power generation and distribution, renewable energy, aerospace, water resource management, robotics and manufacturing, railroad and shipbuilding.

What you will study

Mechanical Engineering students are trained through learning experiences including laboratory experiments, problem-based learning, computer simulations, teamwork assignments, industrial case studies and site visits to industry.

Technical subjects in the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) - Mechanical Engineering include:

• Engineering computing and instrumentation and workshop practice
• Mechanical engineering design
• Control of machines and processes
• Process design and analysis
• Manufacturing process analysis
• Manufacturing systems
• Sustainable energy
• Transport and engine technologies
• Dynamics of engineering systems
• Bulk solids handling technology
• Fluid power
• Heat transfer and aerodynamics

You can select electives from a number of specialist areas in your final year including: sustainable energy and engineering systems, manufacturing engineering, applied mechanics, automotive and bulk materials handling.

From second year you also have the option to complete a double major, combining two engineering disciplines. Available double major combinations include:

• Mechanical Engineering and Materials Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering and Mining Engineering

• Biomedical Engineer
• Computer Architect
• Computer Systems Engineer
• Civil Engineer
• Construction Manager
• Electronics Engineer
• Electrical Engineer
• Environmental Engineer
• Geotechnical Engineer
• Materials Engineer
• Mechanical Engineer
• Metallurgist
• Mining Engineer
• Network Engineer 
• Production Engineer
• Security Engineer
• Software Engineer
• Structural Engineer
• Systems Analyst
• Telecommunications Engineer
• Transport Engineer
• Water Quality Manager