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.
- Campus note: Subject to external accreditation for Moreton Bay campus offering.
- Campus note: Subject to external accreditation for Moreton Bay campus offering.
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.
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 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) 84 units
COR109 Exercise Physiology I
ENG101 Communication and Thought
ENG102 Foundations of Engineering
ENG103 Engineering Statics
MTH103 Introduction to the Internet of Things
MTH104 Introduction to Applied Mathematics
SCI107 Introductory Calculus
Developing and Graduate courses (21) 252 units
ENG202 Physics
ENG204 Introduction to Engineering Design
ENG205 Thermodynamics
ENG221 Dynamics 1
ENG225 Mechanics of Materials
ENG226 Engineering Materials
ENG227 Manufacturing Technology
ENG228 Mechanical Design 1
ENG300 Mechanical Design 2
ENG301 Fluid Mechanics
ENG302 Materials Technology
ENG303 Engineering Project Management
ENG335 Computational Mechanics
ENG336 Production Engineering
ENG400 Engineering System Design
ENG401 Heat Transfer
ENG402 Engineering Project 1
ENG403 Engineering Project 2
ENG405 Engineering Research Methodology
MTH201 Dynamics 2
MTH203 Calculus II and Linear Algebra
Minor courses (4) 48 units
Students must select one minor (48 units) 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.
Honours
The Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) (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 below; and
- the student achieving at least 65% in ENG402 Engineering Research Project 2.
- MTH203 Numerical Analysis
- ENG300 Numerical Analysis
- ENG301 Fluid Mechanics
- ENG302 Materials Technology
- ENG303 Engineering Project Management
- ENG335 Computational Mechanics
- ENG336 Production Engineering
- ENG400 Engineering System Design
- ENG401 Heat Transfer
- ENG402 Engineering Project 1
- ENG403 Engineering Project 2
- ENG405 Engineering Research Methodology
A student must complete a minimum of 8 courses (96 units) in the list above, including the research project for an honours grade to be awarded.
The mnimum 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% |
| Honours (unclassified) |
50% - 59% |
*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.