Shape the way we live.
Mechanical engineers work with machines and mechanical systems to develop better manufacturing methods. This program teaches you the finer points of engineering and machine design, fluid mechanics and production engineering, with a choice to further specialise in environmental engineering or supply chain management.
- Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
- * Estimated tuition fees are based on 2025 rates. Refer to international fees for more information.
- Not all majors/minors and elective options are available at every campus. You should refer to the What Can I Study tab, and the proposed study sequence for your chosen campus and intake for further information.
- The first intake for international students on a Student visa is Semester 1 2017
- The first intake for international students on a Student visa is Semester 1 2017
Mechanical engineers work with machines and mechanical systems to develop better manufacturing methods. This program teaches you the finer points of engineering and machine design, fluid mechanics and production engineering, with a choice to further specialise in environmental engineering or supply chain management.
- Learn how to use mathematical and scientific principles to solve a wide range of technical problems
- Get plenty of hands-on experience, including 12 weeks’ work experience with professional engineers and engineering associates
- Complete a major final-year research project on a topic of your choice
- Learn from industry professionals through guest lectures that expose you to current engineering professional practice
- Recreate interactive real-life scenarios in USC’s state-of-the art visualisation studio and dedicated engineering laboratories
Exemption for first year Mathematics
Students who enter the program having achieved a 'Very High Achievement' in Maths C in secondary school will be eligible for an exemption for courses MTH103 Introduction to Applied Mathematics and MTH104 Introductory Calculus on application to the Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering and may substitute two engineering relevant courses in order to fulfil the requirements of the degree.
Post-admission requirements
Students must complete 60 days of suitable field experience.
Career opportunities
Government agencies, pharmaceutical companies, engineering consultancies, research organisations and across a range of industries in mining, chemical processing, construction, manufacturing, oil and gas, automotive, aviation, transport, defence and agriculture.
Accreditation and membership
This program qualifies you for registration as a mechanical engineer with the accrediting body, Engineers Australia, and is provisionally recognised to allow you to work in Australia and overseas.
Program structure
Introductory courses (7)
COR109 Planning and Environmental Law
ENG101 Professional Practice: Legal Frameworks and Issues
ENG102 Medical Microbiology
ENG103 Food Safety: Laws, Regulations and Quality Assurance
MTH103 An Introduction to Australian Politics: The Makings of a Republic?
MTH104 Making Public Policy in a Global Era
SCI107 Social Justice, Welfare and the State
Advanced courses (21)
ENG202 International Politics: An Australian Perspective
ENG204 Politics and the Media
ENG205 Green Justice: Environment and Social Issues
ENG221 Health, Society and Culture
ENG225 Disability: Culture, Community and Change
ENG226 Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
ENG227 Coastal Conservation Planning
ENG228 Restoration Ecology
ENG300 Agricultural and Forest Ecology
ENG301 Communication and Thought
ENG302 Foundations of Engineering
ENG303 Engineering Statics
ENG335 Introduction to the Internet of Things
ENG336 Introduction to Applied Mathematics
ENG400 Introductory Calculus
ENG401 Physics
ENG402 Introduction to Engineering Design
ENG403 Thermodynamics
ENG405 Dynamics 1
MTH201 Mechanics of Materials
MTH203 Engineering Materials
Minor courses (4)
Students must select one minor (4 courses) from the following:
- Engineering Design
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental Studies for Engineers
- Management for Engineers
- Supply Chain Management
- Wider Engineering Studies
Compulsory work experience
Students must obtain an aggregate of at least 60 days of suitable engineering work experience during their program. This experience may be in an engineering office or laboratory where the student would be working principally with professional engineers and engineering associates. It may, however, be preferable for students to spend some time in field or factory activities to gain insight into the industrial practice and to see what is involved in converting designs into finished products. Students are required to keep record of such experience. This record of experience is to be endorsed by an appropriate person in the organisation providing the experience and by the student's Program Coordinator.
Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.
Total units: 384
Program requirements and notes
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Successfully complete 384 units as outlined in the Program Structure
- Complete a minimum of 60 days of suitable work experience. Students must meet all costs associated with the acquisition of practical experience to satisfy this requirement
- The acceptability or otherwise of employment experience, and the period of that type of experience that may be credited towards the 60 days, will be determined by the Program Coordinator.
- In nearly all cases students find and obtain the required experience as part of paid vacation employment during the summer break.
- Students complete their work experience programs in an area of their choice, and in the majority of cases they do so within commuting distance of their residential addresses.
Program notes
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses)
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations. Not all courses will necessarily include all methods
- As part of your USC program, you may apply to Study Overseas to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider
- Not available to international students on a Student Visa
- When enrolling please refer to the relevant Recommended Study Sequence
- Refer to the 'Planning your study' page to manage your progression.