Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)(Mechanical)
Engineering the technology of tomorrow
From the aerodynamics of aerospace vehicles to the intricate movements of artificial organs - mechanical engineering is the driving force behind these moving marvels and countless others, from high-speed elevators in towering skyscrapers to the powerful engines that provide power to our cities.
Mechanical engineering is about mastering the design, manufacturing, and control processes to innovate the future generations of intricate machines. In this degree, you will delve into technical concepts and theories, learning how to make these machines work seamlessly and efficiently. You will be equipped with the tools to bring your ideas to life through our cutting-edge workshops, including creation and innovation studios, and Computer, Automation, Robotics, and Mechatronics laboratories, to provide the perfect platform to hone your skills.
What will you do?
Our Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical) has strong links to industry and a focus on design and creativity. You will:
- explore core mechanical engineering disciplines such as aerospace, mechatronics and robotics, mining engineering, and petroleum engineering
- complete design-build projects
- gain hands-on experience in state-of-the-art facilities like our flight simulator, gas turbine, IC engine, wind tunnel, advanced structures and materials labs
- benefit from internships, placements and projects with experts in the field
- complete an eight-week practical experience.
In your final year you’ll apply your advanced capabilities in an industry-focused research project.
Majors are available in:
- Aerospace engineering
- Biomedical engineering
- Mechanical engineering
- Mechatronics and robotics
- Renewable energy
- Defence Enterprise*
*Please note the Defence Enterprise major is only available to Australian Citizens
Minors are available in:
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
- Entrepreneurship
- Humanitarian Engineering
Where could it take you?
Our mechanical engineering graduates are in high demand. As an accredited engineer, you could develop life-saving technology such as prosthetics or artificial organs, design zero-emission transport vehicles, or innovate in the sustainable energy field to find green ways of powering cities. You might be an aerospace or sports engineer, being part of the teams that design hypersonic aircraft or autonomous vehicles. Perhaps you’ll plan, build and test robots and robotic systems with artificial intelligence.
This program is accredited by Engineers Australia.
Direct access to industry leaders and paid internship opportunities: The Academy by Deloitte
This degree gives you the opportunity to be part of our new The Academy by Deloitte You’ll be part of a supportive student cohort that learns from one another and industry leaders. Formal and informal experiences will allow you to build relationships within the Deloitte network.
Entry Requirements
Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions
information for this program.
I am a:
Before applying make sure you understand the eligibility and entry requirements for your chosen degree.
Look out for any prerequisites or assumed knowledge subjects. Some degrees also have additional entry requirements like interviews and auditions.
Domestic applicants
SATAC Code | 334831 |
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2024 CSP ATAR | 80 |
2024 CSP IB | 29.5 |
Guaranteed Entry Score - ATAR | 80 |
Guaranteed Entry Score - IB | 29.5 |
Deferment | Yes - 2 year |
Intake | February and July* *Students commencing in July may have a slightly limited selection of courses. |
Prerequisites | SACE Stage 2: Mathematical Methods , Specialist Mathematics and Physics. IB: Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (HL) and Physics (SL grade 4/ HL grade 3) MathTrackX is an online bridging program available as a recognised alternative to Mathematical Methods. Unsure if you will meet prerequisites or ATAR? Check out our Engineering Pathway. |
Selection Criteria
Recent Secondary Education | Applicants with recent secondary education are those whose admission is primarily based on the completion of Year 12 within the last two years, however if you completed your secondary education more than two years ago, you may still be able to be considered on the basis of your secondary schooling. You must not have completed more than 2 years full time equivalent university study (48 units). You compete for a place with your Selection Rank (ATAR plus any applicable adjustment factors). Applicants who have not achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR plus any applicable adjustment factors) required for selection may be selected based on the grades in selected year 12 subjects. Applicants do not need to apply to be considered for subject-based entry, as this will automatically be done. For more information, please see: https://www.adelaide.edu.au/study/undergraduate/entry-pathways/recent-secondary-education/ Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information. |
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Higher Education Study | You must have completed at least six months full time equivalent higher education study (the number of courses and units will vary depending on your prior institution however at the University of Adelaide, this equates to 4 courses / 12 units). A Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated for each separate program you have undertaken (apart from some double degree programs where the GPA is combined). You compete on the basis of your best GPA. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information. |
Vocational Education and Training (VET) study | You must have completed an AQF Certificate IV or above from a Registered Training Organisation. Your application will be ranked according to the level of the award. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information. |
Work and life experience | To be eligible to sit the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) as as pathway for entry, you must be 18 years or over before 1 February 2025. If you have studied at higher education level in the last two years (for 2025 entry this means you were enrolled in either 2024 or 2023), you must not have accumulated more than a TOTAL of 2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) higher education study (ie. including any study prior to 2023). If you meet this criteria, you will be ranked according to your result in the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). Your STAT result is not weighted between verbal and quantitative components. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information. |
Other Entry Pathways |
2024 Admissions Data for school leavers
ATAR (raw ATAR, excluding any applicable adjustment factors) |
Lowest ATAR to receive an offer | 71.8 |
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Median ATAR to receive an offer | 89.23 | |
Highest ATAR to receive an offer | 99.95 | |
Selection Rank (ATAR plus any adjustment factors) |
Lowest Selection Rank to receive an offer | 80 |
Median Selection Rank to receive an offer | 93.9 | |
Highest Selection Rank to receive an offer | 99.95 | |
Minimum eligibility score | 80 | |
Additional criteria considered | Selection rank only |
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Admissions Transparency Data
Student Profile
Applicant background Semester one/Full year intake 2024 Number of students Percentage of all students (A) Higher Education study
(includes a bridging or enabling course)53 32.5% (B) Vocational education and training (VET) study N/A N/A (C) Work and life experience
(admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)N/A N/A (D) Recent secondary education: - Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
(regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors)
92 56.4% - Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered
(e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)
N/A N/A - Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor
(e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement)
N/A N/A International students 18 11.0% All students 163 100.0% - Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
Ready to Apply?
Find out more about the application process and start your studies at the University of Adelaide.
Be sure to check the critical dates to avoid missing application deadlines.
ApplyFees and Scholarships
Choose your applicant type to view the relevant fees and scholarships information for this program.
I am a:
Domestic applicants
Indicative annual tuition fees |
Commonwealth-supported place: $8,750
|
Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.
More information on Student Contribution Amounts.
Scholarships
These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.
Careers
Career Readiness
Students who as part of their studies take part in The Academy by Deloitte experience will have the benefit of undertaking a paid internship with Deloitte. This internship is designed to shape their business readiness through significant real-world client exposure, access to multiple networking opportunities and relevant professional training.
Our graduates are leaders with sought-after skills and attributes. Industry demand for our graduates is high, and will continue to grow.
Mechanical engineers work in the fields of materials engineering, combustion, noise and vibration control, energy technology, control systems, robotics, quality management, bioengineering, aeronautics, space, fluid mechanics, water supply, mining, manufacturing, production planning, maintenance planning, consumer product design, pollution control, and failure analysis.
Our graduates have gone on to work with a range of organisations including the European Space Station, the Australian Institute of Sport, Boeing, BAE Systems, Santos, SAAB, and AGL.
The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.
Industry Placement
Professional Accreditation
Potential careers
Graduates of this program have gone on to roles such as:
Mechanical Engineer; Mechatronic Engineer; Production Engineer; Machinist; Manufacturing Engineer; Marine Engineer; Maritime Engineer; Medical Device Developer; Medical Technician; Biotechnologist ...
Degree Structure
The first two years of the program include mathematics, physics and an introduction to the basic principles of design, structural analysis, thermodynamics, materials, fluid mechanics, control and computer programming. This is complemented by laboratory and project work. In the third year, courses are extended to develop students' understanding in these fields. This is coupled with a design project, to prepare students for the final year. The fourth year of the degree allows for some technical specialisation. This is enabled through the completion of elective courses, in addition to project work and a management course.
A major is a great way to specialise and pursue topics of interest without narrowing future options. Majors are available in Aerospace Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics and Robotics, Renewable Energy, Defence Enterprise. Minors are available in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Entrepreneurship and Humanitarian engineering.
Students are required to complete eight weeks of approved practical experience.
Program Learning Outcomes
The learning outcomes for this program were informed by the University of Adelaide Graduate Attributes, Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies and the characteristics of the Adelaide Engineering graduate.
Graduates of a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical) will be able to:
- Contribute to the design of creative, sustainable, economic and safe solutions, which satisfy the objectives of clients and stakeholders.
- Demonstrate a broad, theory-based understanding of the mathematical, natural and physical sciences underpinning engineering practice, and evaluate the differences between theoretical and applied system behaviour.
- Demonstrate a conceptual understanding of the computer and information sciences that underpin engineering practice.
- Demonstrate a substantial and contemporary body-of-knowledge of engineering methods, tools and processes for a specific discipline, complemented by relevant knowledge from related disciplines.
- Professionally and ethically conduct themselves and their work, respecting the communities and cultural norms within which that work is carried out.
- Communicate objectively and effectively, in written and oral forms, to lay and expert audiences.
- Apply critical and independent thinking to make sound judgements, based on evidence, theory and logical reasoning.
- Maintain and develop knowledge of advancements in engineering practice and research in the specific discipline, and apply this knowledge innovatively when devising solutions
- Be an effective, emotionally and culturally intelligent team member, with leadership potential.
- Apply a systems approach to managing and developing solutions to complex problems.
Academic Program Rules
The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.
Areas of Specialisation
Majors
Majors are available in:
- Aerospace Engineering
Aerospace Engineers design and launch equipment to help explore our solar system and beyond, and their future prospects are equally vast. This major prepares graduates for opportunities in the field through courses in aeronautical engineering, space vehicle design and aerospace structures. - Biomedical Engineering
Biomedical engineers combine problem-solving skills and technical know-how with focused study in medicine and healthcare. This major focuses on developing technologies and systems that enhance patient care, medical devices, and overall health outcomes. - Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical engineers design and build mechanical systems and machines. This major focuses on the materials and numerical methods used to solve engineering challenges in the field, and includes topics in advanced manufacturing. - Mechatronics and Robotics
Dreams of the future become today's innovations when engineers take ideas from science fiction and turn them into science fact. This major prepares students to take these quantum leaps, by studying the components that make up complex mechatronic and robotic systems. - Renewable Energy
This major focuses on the design of systems that generate and consume energy efficiently and sustainably including tidal, wind, and solar thermal generation. - Defence Enterprise
Minors
Minors are available in the following:
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Students will develop expertise in designing, developing, and analysing AI-driven software systems across various domains, such as self-driving cars, automated manufacturing, personalised healthcare, smart satellite imagery, and human-centred AI for improved decision-making. - Entrepreneurship
Take the technical knowledge from the degree and create ventures in areas from large corporations, to small businesses, the not-for-profit sector, and community organisations through an Entrepreneurship minor. All technology advances in the past decade were once an idea that is now a reality through entrepreneurs. Students learn the processes, risks, rewards, motivations and societal impacts of innovation and entrepreneurship within regional, national and global perspectives. - Humanitarian Engineering
Learn how to work in emergency and humanitarian fields while having a positive global impact on developing populations through the Humanitarian Engineering minor. Students conduct design work with a focus on culture, economic background, and political climate, while developing a strong awareness of communities and the people who reside in them. Graduates are equipped to solve problems in complex environments, allowing them to make real-world change.
Example Study Plan
To satisfy the requirements for Core Courses students must complete courses to the value of 57 units.
All courses are 3 units unless stated otherwise.
Example Indicative study plan
Core Courses Students must complete all of the following: |
CHEM ENG 1009 Materials I CIVILENG 1004 Engineering Mechanics -Statics ELEC ENG 1101 Electronic Systems ENG 1001 Introduction to Engineering ENG 1002 Programming (Matlab and C) MATHS 1011 Mathematics IA MATHS 1012 Mathematics IB MECH ENG 1007 Engineering Mechanics - Dynamics MATHS 2106 Differential Equations for Engineers II MATHS 2107 Statistics & Numerical Methods II MECH ENG 2019 Dynamics & Control I MECH ENG 2021 Thermo-Fluids I MECH ENG 2100 Design Practice MECH ENG 2101 Mechatronics IM ENG 3004 Systems Engineering and Industry Practice ENG 3005 Research Methods and Project Management MECH ENG 3102 Heat Transfer & Thermodynamics MECH ENG 3111 Acoustics and Vibrations ENG 4002A Honours Engineering Research Project - Part A (0 unit) ENG 4002B Honours Engineering Research Project - Part B (6 units) |
Core Course, choice of Students must complete one of the following: |
CIVILENG 2001 Strength of Materials or MECH ENG 2002 Stress Analysis & Design |
Engineering Internship |
A total of 8 weeks of approved engineering work placement is required. Students will need to enrol into the ENG 3100 Engineering Internship UG (0 units) course to complete this requirement. |
Assessment
Related Degrees
Testimonial
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Last updated: Thursday, 12 Sep 2024