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 options to specialise in areas such as electrical and electronic engineering, mechatronic engineering, town planning studies and 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.
- Campus note: Subject to external accreditation for Moreton Bay campus offering.
- ^First year courses offered at Moreton Bay campus from Semester 1, 2020. Public Health for Engineers minor, Supply Chain Management minor and Town Planning Studies minor not on offer at Moreton Bay campus 2020.
- Campus note: Subject to external accreditation for Moreton Bay campus offering.
- ^First year courses offered at Moreton Bay campus from Semester 1, 2020. Public Health for Engineers minor, Supply Chain Management minor and Town Planning Studies minor not on offer at Moreton Bay campus 2020.
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 options to specialise in areas such as electrical and electronic engineering, mechatronic engineering, town planning studies and supply chain management.
In this program you will:
- 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
- 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
High achieving mathematics students can apply for exemptions to introductory mathematics and calculus subjects. However, exempted courses will need to be replaced with engineering relevant courses to fulfil requirements of the degree. Apply through the School of Science and Engineering.
Post-admission requirements
Students must complete 60 days of suitable field experience.
Career opportunities
- Government agencies
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Engineering consultancies
- Research organisations
- Mining industry
- Chemical processing
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Oil and gas
- Automotive
- Aviation
- Transport
- Defence
- Agriculture
Membership
Engineering students are eligible for free membership to Engineers Australia. Once their degree is completed they are eligible for Graduate membership.
This program is internationally recognised to allow you to work in Australia and overseas.
Program structure
Introductory courses (8) 96 units
ENG101 History Teaching: Curriculum A
ENG102 History Teaching: Curriculum B
ENG103 Teaching and Learning in Mathematics: Curriculum A
ENG104 Teaching and Learning in Mathematics: Curriculum B
MTH103
MTH104
SCI107
SCI110
Developing courses (8) 96 units
MEC200
MEC205 Introduction to Sport and Exercise Science
MEC221
MEC225 Motor Control and Learning
MEC226 Introduction to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education
MEC227 Foundations of Engineering
MTH201 Engineering Statics
MTH203 Introduction to the Internet of Things
Graduate courses (12) 144 units
ENG302 Introduction to Engineering Design
ENG304 Introduction to Applied Mathematics
ENG401 Introductory Calculus
ENG402 Physics
MEC300 Science Research Methods
MEC301 Thermofluids 1
MEC302 Dynamics 1
MEC303 Mechanics of Materials
MEC335 Engineering Materials
MEC336 Manufacturing Technology
MEC400 Mechanical Design 1
MEC405 Calculus II and Linear Algebra
Minor courses (4) 48 units
Students must select one minor (48 units) from the following:
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering (for Mechanical Engineers)**
- Mechatronic Engineering (for Mechanical Engineers)**
- Civil Engineering (for Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineers)
- Climate Change and Coastal Zone Studies
- Environmental Studies for Engineers^
- Management for Engineers^
- Town Planning Studies^
- Public Health for Engineers^
- Entrepreneurship
- Visualisation and Animation
- Wider Engineering Studies
^Not available at Moreton Bay campus
**Not available at Sunshine Coast campus
-
Honours
The Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) (Honours) may be awarded with Honours. The class of Honours to be awarded to a student is dependent upon:
- the percentage results achieved by study or transfer in twelve courses (144 units) as specified in the table below; and
- the student achieving at least 65% in ENG402 Numerical Analysis.
Courses MTH203 Engineering Project Management MEC301 Engineering Research Methodology ENG302 Engineering Project 1 MEC303 Engineering Project 2 MEC335 Mechanical Design 2 MEC336 Materials Technology MEC300 Thermofluids 2 ENG304 Computational Mechanics ENG401 Production Engineering ENG402 Engineering System Design MEC405 Thermofluids 3 MEC400 Advanced Dynamics and Control A student must complete a minimum of 8 courses (96 units) in the table and the research project for an honours grade to be awarded.
The minimum levels of achievement normally required for each class of honours are shown in the following table:
Honours results classification Overall Percentage attained in Specified Courses* Honours Class I 80% - 100% Honours Class IIA 70% - 79% Honours Class IIB 60% - 69% *The percentage result shall be rounded up if ≥ 0.5 or rounded down if < 0.5.
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) and following the recommended study sequence
- The unit value of all courses is 12 units unless otherwise specified
- It is each students responsibility to enrol correctly according to your course requisites, program rules and requirements and be aware of the academic calendar dates
- 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
- Refer to the Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses.