Mechanical engineering involves the planning, design and development of machinery, solving problems and improving the machines used in everyday life.

In the first two years of your mechanical engineering degree, you will learn the fundamentals of engineering sciences, mathematics, engineering design, and engineering professional practice.

As you progress, you'll customise your degree by focusing your studies in the general field of mechanical engineering or other areas such as manufacturing, automotive, business, mathematics or computing.

You’ll have the opportunity to design creative solutions through inspiring and sustainable design-and-build projects, as well as taking part in the Engineers Without Borders Challenge – a humanitarian-focused course offered in all RMIT engineering degrees.

Your final-year project will combine and develop the skills and knowledge defined by Engineers Australia - the experience you need to commence your professional engineering career.

Degree specialisations:

• Computer-aided engineering and design
• Industrial aerodynamics and computational fluid dynamics
• Energy conservation and renewable energy
• Mechatronics, dynamics and control

Career Outcomes

As a mechanical engineer your creativity and technical skills will be in high demand across many industries managing and maintaining existing technologies and developing new ones.

There are many job opportunities for mechanical engineers. Examples include:

• the design, manufacture and testing of motor vehicles
• the design, specification and installation of large air conditioning systems
• the design of materials handling systems in the packaging and mining industries
• power generation and renewable power sources
• construction and maintenance in the petrochemical industry
• the design of trains and trams
• computerised control in the pharmaceutical industry
• the aeronautical industry
• the implementation of new manufacturing methods in the electronics industry
• the development of engineering computer software
• research and development in industry and other technical institutions
• technical sales in the marketing divisions of engineering companies
• engineering management in large and small organisations, both in Australia and overseas.

Mechanical engineers are problem solvers with abilities that also make them suitable for many jobs outside the engineering discipline requiring skills in numeracy, creativity and analytical thinking.

Professional recognition and accreditation

The Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering) (Honours) is fully accredited by Engineers Australia.

Engineers Australia is the professional body responsible for the accreditation of higher education programs that prepare students to practise as professional engineers.

Engineers Australia is a signatory to the Washington Accord. This means that the degree is internationally recognised, and graduates are able to practise as professional engineers in many countries around the world.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering) (Honours) are eligible for graduate and/or professional membership of Engineers Australia.