Why study mechanical engineering at UoN?

Mechanical engineers work to improve the design, safety and energy efficiency of wind turbines, ships, aircraft, trains, cars, mining equipment, lifts, air conditioners and much more. The profession is also playing an important role in the shift from a carbon economy to a renewable energy system. Find out more

What you will study

The Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) will give you the skills required to analyse and design solutions for a range of engineering problems. Major studies include advanced materials and manufacturing, bulk solids handling, design, engineering management and renewable energy. Find out more

Graduating with Honours

With increasing competition in all sectors of employment, students who graduate with Honours have a distinct advantage. It is often considered by employers as an added skill and has been used by previous graduates to pursue higher positions and salaries. Find out more

Become a graduate in demand

Employment prospects for graduates are excellent, both in Australia and internationally. Pursue your career within consultancies, private industries and government agencies in the areas of power generation, mining, mineral processing, metal and materials production, transport, air conditioning and refrigeration, defence, materials handling and manufacturing. Find out more

Meet our achievers

Why would you do this degree? Find out from graduates, students and academics. Discover how their future is taking shape, and learn first-hand what it's like to study at uni. Find out more

Why study mechanical engineering at UoN?

Mechanical engineers work to improve the design, safety and energy efficiency of wind turbines, ships, aircraft, trains, cars, mining equipment, lifts, air conditioners and much more. The profession is also playing an important role in the shift from a carbon economy to a renewable energy system.

Studying the Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) will see you learn from academics recognised internationally for outstanding research the field and at a University ranked in the world’s top 120 universities for engineering and technology (QS rankings 2010).

You will build essential practical skills in modern laboratories and have the opportunity to undertake practical experience with an industry-related project in your final year.

Mechanical engineering is probably the broadest of all engineering disciplines, you could find yourself designing and developing everything from door locks to space shuttles.

In simple terms, mechanical engineering is about turning energy into motion and power. The field covers the generation, conversion, transmission and use of mechanical and thermal energy, and includes the design, construction, and operation of devices and systems. It also involves studying the behaviour of solids, liquids and gases under various conditions.

After a mechanical engineering degree you could find yourself working on:

• Aircraft engines and automobiles
• Climate control systems
• Computer systems
• Electrical generators
• Engine cooling
• Power plants
• Propulsions systems
• Renewable energy systems
• Respirator and air-conditioning systems
• Robots

New areas of investigation include:

• Flexible manufacturing
• High-performance composite materials development
• Industrial pollution control
• Mechanical design automation
• Noise and vibration restriction
• Prosthetic limb and joint design

Where do we find mechanical engineers?

Almost all industries need mechanical equipment, and in turn, mechanical engineers. Broadly, mechanical engineers work in the petrochemical, manufacturing, transportation, automotive, aerospace, electronic, mining, and robot industries, and in growth sectors like communications, banking, public utilities, consulting practices and entertainment.

Mechanical engineers are also employed at universities, government research organisations and in the public service. Given this broad range, there are great opportunities for mechanical engineers.

What you will study

The Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) will give you the skills required to analyse and design solutions for a range of engineering problems. Major studies include advanced materials and manufacturing, bulk solids handling, design, engineering management and renewable energy.

You will gain practical experience through completing 12 weeks of industrial experience throughout the degree, In your final year, you will have the opportunity to undertake an industry-related project.

Combined degrees

There are a couple of combined degree options if you are interested in a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical).

The following combinations can be completed in five years, when you study full-time:

• Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical)/Bachelor of Business
• Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical)/Bachelor of Science

Graduating with Honours

With increasing competition in all sectors of employment, students who graduate with Honours have a distinct advantage. It is often considered by employers as an added skill and has been used by previous graduates to pursue higher positions and salaries. You can develop and carry out research on a topic of interest, potentially leading to further academic study such as a PhD.

The Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) uses the WAM as a measure for determining Honours.

There are three levels of Honours.

Honours Class 1 - you will require a minimum WAM of 77 and a minimum mark of 75 in the research courses (at least 30 units).

Honours Class II, Division 1 - you will require a minimum WAM of 72 and a minimum mark of 65 in the research courses (at least 30 units).

Honours Class II, Division 2 - you will require a minimum WAM of 67 and a minimum mark of 65 in the research courses (at least 30 units).

Performance is based on a three year WAM where 2000, 3000 and 4000 level courses are weighted.

To calculate your WAM download this PDF

To find out more about Honours, contact the Enquiry Centre, 02 4921 5000.

Become a graduate in demand

Employment prospects for graduates are excellent, both in Australia and internationally. Pursue your career within consultancies, private industries and government agencies in the areas of power generation, mining, mineral processing, metal and materials production, transport, air conditioning and refrigeration, defence, materials handling and manufacturing.

Most mechanical engineers work in design, supervision or management and typical professional positions include:

• Engineering design
• Construction and commissioning of mechanical systems
• Management of operating plant and projects
• Supervision and maintenance of manufacturing processes and automated systems

Professional recognition

This degree is accredited by Engineers Australia, the Professional Engineers Board Singapore, and other affiliated international organisations. The program is internationally accredited by the Washington Accord.

Meet our achievers

Paul

Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical)

My success started as an engineering student at the University of Newcastle, where I designed a train lighting system. It had a massive impact on the quality of the journey for tens of thousands of commuters. From that first success, many more grew and I enjoyed bigger projects, an international client-list, and more opportunities to shape the world. It's been only six years since my first breakthrough, but now I'm managing a multi-million dollar engineering business. It's a great life, and a lot is down to the Uni's support.