Learn how to construct, monitor and maintain mechanical systems.
Our rankings
Ranked 56th globally for engineering and technology by the 2019 QS University Rankings by Subject
Our graduates are ranked 1st in Australia and 5th globally for employability by the 2019 QS Graduate Employability Rankings
The Bachelor of Engineering Honours (Mechanical) will develop your ability to design, manage and maintain a diverse range of mechanical applications. Through practical learning and industry experiences, you will be ready to transform the use of machines across a range of innovative and emerging industries.
As a mechanical engineering student, you will learn from leading experts how to analyse mechanical design using the principles of motion, energy and force to ensure the safety and reliability of products. You will also develop an understanding of how efficient systems and processes support the manufacture of products at a competitive cost.
During your four-year degree you will cover all aspects of mechanical engineering, including power generation, transport, building services, machinery, manufacturing, computer-aided design, advanced materials and environmental studies. Through these studies you will gain a comprehensive knowledge of how to design a mechanical component, a whole machine, a mechanical system and a mechanical process.An embedded honours thesis will enable you to design your own research project in an area of your interest.
As part of your degree you will undertake the award-winning Professional Engagement Program enabling you to change your approach to learning through self-reflection and extra-curricular activities throughout your degree.
Mechanical engineers are found in almost every type of engineering, working across the aerospace, automotive, chemical, communication, computer and power generation industries. With an increasing need for mechanical engineers within the environmental, biomedical and nanotechnology fields, your skills and experiences will provide the foundations for a diverse career, with opportunities to innovate around every corner.
As a mechanical engineer, you'll be involved in the design, management and maintenance of a diverse range of mechanical applications. These could include power generation and transport systems, environmental systems, renewable energy, computing and biomedical systems, advanced materials, manufacturing, oil and gas exploration, or vehicle and engine design.
The application of mechanical engineering knowledge has enormous potential, ensuring a high level of demand among employers in both commercial and industrial fields.
All majors below are optional. Best aligned majors include Materials and Environmental Engineering. This course also offers the Space Engineering major to high-achieving students with an ATAR (or equivalent) of 99 or above. Additional study will be required if an optional major is selected. Certain majors may have limited capacity.
View detailed course structures for this course: Bachelor of Engineering Honours (Mechanical)
A typical unit of study has a value of 6 credit points, with a maximum of 48 credit points during the first year. Students undertake an Honours thesis in the final year.
There are over 20 engineering majors to choose from. The majors that best align with this degree and their detailed course structures are:
This course includes mandatory completion of the Professional Engagement Program (PEP). The program requires completion of 600 hours of professional engagement experiences integrated continuously throughout the degree. It is designed to allow students to contextualise their learning, enhance their own professional development, and build the foundations of a strong professional engineering career. The professional engagement activities are spread over 3 flexible stages. This involves
| Year | Sem | Unit of study | |||
| The Professional Engagement Program (PEP) is embedded throughout each semester of the degree. | |||||
| 1 | 1 | Introduction to Mechanical Engineering | Engineering Computing | Integrated Engineering 1 | Mathematics |
| 2 | Engineering Mechanics | Materials 1 | Mechanical Construction | Mathematics | |
| 2 | 1 | Instrumentation | Engineering Dynamics | Fluid Mechanics 1 | Engineering Analysis |
| 2 | Thermal Engineering 1 | Mechanical Design 1 | Mechanics of Solids 1 | Mechanical specialist elective | |
| Integrated Engineering 2 (2 credit points) | |||||
| 3 | 1 | Materials 2 | Manufacturing Engineering | System Dynamics and Control | Fluid Mechanics 2 |
| Integrated Engineering 3 (2 credit points) | |||||
| 2 | Mechanics of Solids 2 | Thermal Engineering 2 | Mechanical Design 2 | Mechanical specialist elective | |
| 4 | 1 | Thesis | Major unit or specialist elective | Major unit or specialist elective | Elective |
| Integrated Engineering 4 (2 credit points) | |||||
| 2 | Thesis | Major unit or specialist elective | Mechanical specialist elective | ||
More detail is available on the Course and Unit Study Portal.
Admission this course is on the basis of the following criteria:
Admission pathways are open to domestic applicants on the basis of equity or other adjustment factors, including for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants. For details, visit admission pathways.
Mathematics (equivalent of band 4 in the NSW HSC subject Mathematics* OR band E3 in Mathematics Extension 1 or 2, if higher level maths has been undertaken)
In 2019, the maths prerequisite will apply to domestic and international students completing a secondary education (year 12) qualification in Australia (including Australian state and territory year 12 qualifications taken outside Australia).
From 2020, the maths prerequisite applies to domestic students undertaking a secondary education qualification in Australia (including Australian state and territory year 12 qualifications taken outside Australia), higher education studies (e.g. bachelor’s degree, diploma) and approved preparation programs.
From 2020, it will also apply to international students undertaking a secondary education qualification or an approved preparation or foundation program, in Australia (this includes Australian state and territory year 12 qualifications and foundation programs undertaken outside Australia).
For details, including equivalent requirements for other qualifications, visit Mathematics course prerequisites.
*The subject requirement refers to Mathematics (not Mathematics General or Mathematics Standard), or Mathematics Advanced which will be first examined in the NSW HSC in 2020.
The Faculty of Engineering offers one-year exchange programs with partner universities in Europe, Asia and North America.
In addition to your Professional Engagement Program (PEP) commitments, there are opportunities to join a diverse range of engineering student societies and engage in outreach activities, industry placements and competitions throughout your degree.
This course is accredited by Engineers Australia and by other major professional engineering institutions. Our graduates are also recognised internationally through the Washington Accord of the International Engineering Alliance.
Indicative Undergraduate Student Contribution Amount
The student contribution amount for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 for a standard full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The exact student contribution that you pay will depend on the calendar year in which you undertake your study in the course, and the specific units of study in which you enrol. For further information about how to calculate your specific total student contribution, please refer to the University's Tuition Fees website.
Annual review and fee increases
Importantly, student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the University, and will increase each year of your period of study (subject to a Commonwealth specified cap), effective at the start of each calendar year.
Additional incidental costs
Please note that for some courses there are additional costs in addition to the student contribution. Some of these additional costs are significant, for example, course-specific materials, tools, protective clothing, and equipment. Please consult the University's web page for more information: https://sydney.edu.au/students/materials-and-equipment.html.
Visa/MasterCard/American Express/JCB surcharge
Please note that a surcharge of 1.53% will apply for payments made by Visa, MasterCard, American Express or JCB. The surcharge is subject to review and may change. Information about payment methods and the surcharge is set out at: http://sydney.edu.au/study/finances-fees-costs/fees-and-loans/paying-your-fees.html.
Potential for inaccuracy
Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information here, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about fees.
Indicative International Tuition Fees for Undergraduate Students
The tuition fee for international undergraduate students is an indication of the fees payable in Year 1 for a standard full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). Depending on the calendar year in which you undertake your study, and if your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFTSL, your tuition fee will differ from the indicative amount. For further information about how to calculate your specific total tuition fees, please refer to the University's Tuition Fees website
Annual review and fee increases
Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review, and will increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.
Additional incidental costs and health insurance
For some courses there are incidental costs additional to the tuition fees. Some of these incidental costs are significant, for example, course-specific materials, tools, protective clothing, and equipment. Further information about these costs is available from https://sydney.edu.au/students/materials-and-equipment.html. In addition to the fees indicated here for the course of study, International Students studying on an Australian Student Visa must have appropriate health insurance for the duration of their studies on a Student Visa through a government approved provider of the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) scheme. This is a requirement of the Australian Government, unless otherwise exempted by the Government. Further information is available from https://sydney.edu.au/study/finances-fees-costs/living-costs/health-insurance.html.
Visa/MasterCard/American Express/JCB surcharge
Please note that a surcharge of 1.53% will apply for payments made by Visa, MasterCard, American Express or JCB. The surcharge is subject to review and may change. Information about payment methods and the surcharge is set out at: http://sydney.edu.au/study/finances-fees-costs/fees-and-loans/paying-your-fees.html.
Potential for inaccuracy
Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information here, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about fees.
