Why study mechatronics engineering at UoN?

Mechatronics is a unique fusion of electrical, computer and mechanical technologies. If you like solving challenging technological problems and are looking for an exciting and challenging career, then mechatronics could be the path for you.

The Bachelor of Engineering (Mechatronics) will give you a diverse and strong skill-set in IT, computer hardware, networking and software.

You will be taught in modern laboratory facilities by teaching staff who are recognised internationally for outstanding research. In your final year of study, you have the opportunity to undertake an industry-related project.

As a mechatronics engineer, you will be a versatile problem solver and play an important role in project engineering and use your skills and knowledge in both electrical and mechanical systems.

This is a relatively young discipline that is rapidly developing with further significant growth envisaged. With a marked increase of automated manufacturing and growing complexity of new technologies and products, a multi-disciplinary approach to engineering system design is becoming a key asset sought by industry.

From the control of robots to the optimisation of modern vehicles, from the design of appliances to biomechanics, mechatronics engineers become involved in a diverse range of exciting modern technologies. This may also include the design, automation and operational performance of electro-mechanical systems.

Mechatronics engineers are concerned with the design, automation and operational performance of electro-mechanical systems. As such mechatronics combines knowledge about mechanical systems, electrical and electronic systems and information technology.

In particular, they often become involved in providing technical advice or assistance relating to the creation of new products.

Using mechanical and electronic processes as well as computers, mechatronics is the science of developing new solutions to industrial problems.

The University of Newcastle has been ranked in the world’s top 120 universities for engineering and technology (QS rankings 2010).

Benefit from academic and professional training

The mechatronics degree is a four year degree comprising 320 units in which students complete core courses from the areas of mechanical and electrical engineering. Find out more

Gain industrial experience

We place great importance on hands-on, research-led teaching and the solution of real world problems. Find out more

Graduating with Honours

With increasing competition in all sectors of employment, graduating with Honours is 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

Mechatronics engineers have excellent job prospects and a wide range of employment options in industry, consultancy and defence. The demand for mechatronics engineers is increasing due to the complexity of new systems and products and the steady growth of automated 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

Benefit from academic and professional training

The mechatronics degree is a four year degree comprising 320 units in which students complete core courses from the areas of mechanical and electrical engineering.

Throughout the degree, theoretical studies are complemented by practical laboratory and field exercises. You will acquire a multidisciplinary education and strong skills in mechatronic design.

The University of Newcastle offers two degrees in mechatronics:

• Four-year Bachelor of Engineering Mechatronics
• Five-year Bachelor of Engineering Combined Mechanical and Mechatronics

You will take core courses in mechanical, electrical and computer engineering, plus five courses that provide a specialisation in analysis and design of mechatronic systems. Within the specialised courses, you will learn about mechatronics applications in underwater vehicles, aerospace vehicles, automotive, industrial robotics for automated manufacturing, and renewable energy devices.

Major study ares in the Bachelor of Engineering (Mechatronics) include:

• Control systems
• Electronic design
• Mechanical engineering design
• Mechanics of fluids and solids
• Sensors and machines

Minor studies in the degree include:

• Computer aided engineering
• Computer networks
• Electrical systems
• Engineering management
• Finite element analysis
• Heat transfer
• Microprocessor systems
• Modelling and simulation

In the last two years of the degree, you will also complete four projects in mechatronics and twelve-weeks of work experience in industry.

Gain industrial experience

We place great importance on hands-on, research-led teaching and finding solutions to real-world problems. Our close industry and professional partnerships mean that you can get valuable practical experience while studying one of our degrees.

You will complete 12 weeks of industrial experience throughout the degree.

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 (Mechatronics) 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

Mechatronics engineers have excellent job prospects and a wide range of employment options in industry, consultancy and defence. The demand for mechatronics engineers is increasing due to the complexity of new systems and products and the steady growth of automated manufacturing.

Career options for mechatronics engineers

Engineers working in the area of mechatronics do analysis and design of products with a particular form which utilises the connection of sensors and computers with components such as robots, vehicles, aircraft, structures and electronic circuits.

Using their multi-disciplinary skills and a unique view of engineering products, mechatronics engineers are well placed to perform overall analysis, design and specification of new products. Hence, they are usually part of design teams. Their multi-disciplinary education also enables mechatronics engineers to manage other specialised engineers.

Mechatronics is an exciting and rapidly growing new area of engineering, with many exciting opportunities in both private industry and publicly funded enterprises. You can build a career in a range of industries including:

• Aerospace
• Automated manufacturing
• Automotive
• Autonomous robotic systems
• Chemical processing
• Communications
• Computers
• Education
• Electronics
• Healthcare
• Industrial robotics
• Manufacturing and process
• Marine engineering
• Maritime
• Medicine and bio-medical
• Mining
• Renewable energy
• Research and development
• Security and defence
• Smart materials

Mechatronics engineers specialise in integrated computer controlled mechanical and electrical systems found in the manufacturing and mining industries. They are also employed in electrical plants and companies where automation and process control is required.

Professional recognition

This degree is accredited by Engineers Australia and other affiliated international bodies. It is internationally accredited by the Washington Accord.

Meet our achievers

Chris

Bachelor of Engineering (Mechatronics)

Chris completed his Bachelor of Engineering (Mechatronics) at the University of Newcastle in 2008 and was a university medallist. He worked in industry as a research and development engineer in automated manufacturing for the metals industry.

His interests in Mechatronics brought him back to the University of Newcastle, where he is now doing a PhD in the area of non-linear control and estimation of robotic systems in collaboration with industry and defence. Chris' current work has already found potential application in underwater vehicles and quadrotor helicopters and car suspension systems. In addition to being a doctoral student, Chris is a consultant at Advanced Control and System dynamics (ac-sd.com) – a division of the commercial arm of the University of Newcastle, which provides consultancy services to industry in the areas of modelling and computer simulation, control system design, and estimation.

“Mechatronics is an amazing field which allows you put together knowledge from different disciplines and create highly innovative solutions to challenging technological problems.”

“A single degree has given me the opportunity to work in very interesting problems in various industry sectors: metals industry, robotics for manufacturing, and marine and aerospace systems.”