Program Overview
Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering is all about the development, installation, operation and maintenance of machinery, solving practical engineering problems and improving efficiency – putting mechanical engineering graduates in high demand in many industries.
Ideal for anyone with an interest in how things work and being hands-on finding solutions and innovations. You'll explore the theory and practise used in mechanisms, machines, vibration, manufacturing, control, thermodynamics, fluids, robotics, and computer simulation. You'll gain the knowledge and skills to work in industry to design new devices, and to carry out research into mechanical systems including the system operation and control.
As well as covering the core theories, methods and practices used in modern mechanical engineering, you'll get opportunities to specialise in areas of personal interest. The course has a strong focus on research and design and emphasises the necessary skills and ways of thinking to lead future change in this exciting field.
During your study you'll have hands-on experience with computer programming; use industrial equipment in laboratory classes and industry design standards and analysis software; and develop control methodologies for real mechanical engineering applications.
Quick details
- Status: Available
- Attendance: Full-time, Part-time
- Starting Dates: Semester 1, Semester 2
- Course Code: MJD-EMECH
- CRICOS Code: B
- Full Time/Part Time Duration: 4-years full time
- TISC Code: UH011
Why study Mechanical Engineering?
- You’ll make valuable connections with UWA’s industry partners from mining, resource, manufacturing, consulting, health services sectors and members of the mechanical engineering industry advisory panel – giving your career a head start.
- You'll become a mechanical engineer with a broad skillset, which will place you in high demand across industries from offshore and petroleum engineering through to the mining, mineral processing, construction, power generation, automotive and aerospace-manufacturing industries.
- You’ll be joining a community of like-minded inventors and innovators, who enjoy getting hands-on working with thermodynamics, measurement and noise, machine components and more in the UWA Makers Lab.
Student clubs
Whatever you’re interested in, you’ll find people here to share your journey.
Enhance your employability while making lifelong friends and connections by joining one of our many student clubs, such as:
- The Institution of Mechanical Engineers UWA Student Chapter (IMechE UWA)
- The UWA Motorsport Team (UWAM)
- UWA Aerospace
- The University Engineers' Club (UEC)
- The UWA Young Engineers' Club (UWAYE)
- Engineers Without Borders (EWB)
Find out more about all our student clubs from the UWA Student Guild.
You'll learn to
- Utilise advanced technical mechanical engineering skills in problem identification, simplification, analysis, planning, design, implementation and operation for an exciting career in engineering.
- Understand and implement the mathematical foundations underlying mechanical engineering concepts
- Develop a deep practical understanding of the core concepts of mechanical engineering and extend this knowledge to more specialised areas such as sound and vibration, control, thermodynamics, fluids, robotics, computer simulation and materials
- Synthesise and design, select and size mechanical components and systems that satisfy specific design criteria.
- Apply the principles of project planning, project management, social and environmental responsibility, and risk and safety management.
- Work effectively in a team, bringing leadership and accountability to successfully solve real-world problems
Work Experience
The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) offers work integrated learning (WIL) opportunities where you can:
- Gain practical hands-on industry relevant experience and skills
- Bridge the gap between theory and practice
- Develop employability skills through a science work placement
As part of your studies, you will complete a 12-week practicum and professional-development experience. This can be achieved by spending at least eight weeks in an engineering environment of your choice.
Course Structure
The list below includes the Bachelor of Engineering foundation units as well as the Mechanical Engineering major units.
Level 1
- Core: Take all units (36 points):
- ENSC1004 Engineering Materials (6)
- GENG1000 Engineering Practice 1 (0)
- GENG1010 Introduction to Engineering (6)
- GENG1101 Engineering Drawings (6)
- MATH1011 Multivariable Calculus (6)
- MATH1012 Mathematical Theory and Methods (6)
- PHYS1001 Physics for Scientists and Engineers (6)
- Bridging: Students can only take up to 12 points of bridging in the BE.
- CHEM1003 Introductory Chemistry (6)
- MATH1722 Mathematics Foundations: Specialist (6)
- PHYS1030 Physics Bridging Unit (6)
Level 2
- Core: Take all units (48 points):
- CITS2401 Computer Analysis and Visualisation (6)
- ENSC2003 Engineering Electrical Fundamentals (6)
- ENSC2004 Engineering Mechanics (6)
- GENG2000 Engineering Practice 2 (0)
- GENG2003 Fluid Mechanics (6)
- GENG2004 Solid Mechanics (6)
- MECH2002 Engineering Materials 2 (6)
- MECH2003 Manufacturing (6)
- MECH2004 Engineering Dynamics (6)
Level 3
- Core: Take all units (36 points):
- GENG3000 Engineering Practice 3 (0)
- GENG3402 Control Engineering (6)
- GENG3405 Numerical Methods and Modelling (6)
- MATH3023 Advanced Mathematics Applications (6)
- MECH3001 Mechanisms and Machines (6)
- MECH3024 Engineering Thermodynamics (6)
- MECH3424 Measurement and Instrumentation (6)
Level 4
- Core: Take all units (30 points):
- GENG5010 Professional Engineering Portfolio (0)
- GENG5507 Risk, Reliability and Safety (6)
- MECH4426 Vibration and Sound (6)
- MECH4429 Applied Engineering Thermodynamics (6)
- MECH4502 Analysis and Design of Machine Components (6)
- MECH5551 Mechanical Engineering Design Project 1 (6)
- Option - Group A: Take 6 - 18 points from Group A.
- GENG4411 Engineering Research Project Part 1 (6)
- GENG4412 Engineering Research Project Part 2 (6)
- MECH5552 Mechanical Engineering Design Project 2 (6)
- Option - Group B: Take 6 - 12 points from Group B.
- AUTO3002 Mechatronics (6)
- AUTO4507 Robot Manipulators and Automation (6)
- GENG5501 Coastal and Offshore Engineering (6)
- GENG5504 Petroleum Engineering (6)
- GENG5505 Project Management and Engineering Practice (6)
- GENG5514 Finite Element Method (6)
- MECH4428 Degradation of Materials (6)
- MECH5504 Design and Failure Analysis of Materials (6)
Your degree options
This major is offered as a degree-specific major for the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
Provisional accreditation
The Mechanical Engineering major (MJD-EMECH) in any course leading to a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) is provisionally accredited by Engineers Australia (EA).
Graduate with two degrees
The combined degree option allows you to pair your Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) degree with another passion, broadening your career options and giving you an edge in a rapidly changing workforce.
You can combine the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) with:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Modern Languages
You’ll graduate with two Bachelor degrees in just five years*, opening up a world of possible career paths while broadening your knowledge, networks and horizons.
Duration: 5 years ATAR: 88
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)
Ideal for high-achievers with a passion for engineering, this combined degree gives you the opportunity to get hands-on undergraduate research experience, one-on-one mentoring from leading academics and overseas exchange and education opportunities.
Duration: 5.5 - 6.5 years ATAR: 98
*Chemical Engineering major will take 5.5 years to complete.
*Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Bachelor of Modern Languages will take 5.25 to 5.5 years to complete.
Careers and further study
This course opens up a world of future study pathways and career opportunities.
Career Pathways
As one of the broadest engineering disciplines, Mechanical Engineering will provide you with versatile skills for numerous career options in areas such as mining and energy production, manufacturing, agriculture, robotics, aerospace and more.
Example careers include:
- Mechanical engineer
- Operations manager
- Technology manager
- Principal engineer
- Robotics control engineer
- Researcher
- Consultant
Fees and scholarships
Learn more about the fees that apply to you for this course. For fee type definitions and further assistance, see the Fee Calculator Help page. You can also search our database for scholarships that are relevant to you or this course
Domestic Student Fees
Fee calculator
Scholarships
Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.
Search Scholarships
Cost of living
There are a few things to consider before applying to study at university. One could be your cost of living. This can depend on factors such as lifestyle, accommodation, tuition fees, medical insurance, textbooks and more. For an indication of expenses and average costs, see our Cost of living page.
Admission requirements
The University of Western Australia welcomes applications from international and domestic school-leavers. If you’re interested in studying one of these majors, find out the admission details below.
Minimum entry requirements
Below you’ll find a list of admission equivalencies for this course's Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR).
- All India Senior School Certificate (CBSE): 11.5
- Canadian High School (except Quebec): 70
- French Baccalaureate: 12
- Gao Kao (PR China NCEE)/750: 525
- GCE A-Levels: 9
- German Abitur: 3.3
- Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education: 15
- Indian Senior School Certificate (CISCE): 60
- Indonesian Sekolah Menengah Atas (SMA) - Pass of 65: 79
- International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB): 26
- Malaysian STPM: 11
- Monash University Foundation Year: 270
- NCUK Foundation Program: 9
- Norwegian Vitnemål: 3.8
- Singapore - Cambridge A Levels: 8
- South African National Senior Certificate: 4.6
- South Korean College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT): 330
- Sweden Slutbetyg: 15
- Trinity College Foundation: 300
- Unified Examination Certificate (UEC): 12
- University of Western Australia College (UWAC) Foundation Program: 66
- US College Board Advanced Placements: 8
- US College Board SAT: 1170
- Western Australian Universities' Foundation Program (WAUFP): 60
- Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) 2016 onwards: 80
Admission requirements
For applicants with recent secondary education, information on admission criteria is available on our entry requirements page or on the UWA Handbook for course specific requirements and prerequisites.
Admission Requirements
- Scaled score of at least 50 in Mathematics Methods ATAR
- Scaled score of at least one of the following three subjects*: Chemistry ATAR, Physics ATAR or Mathematics Specialist ATAR
*All three subjects are recommended. If you do not have all three, then you can use up to two of your free electives to pick up missing prerequisite knowledge in your first year.
English competency
English is the language of instruction and assessment at UWA and you will need to meet the English language requirements of the University to be eligible for a place.
Minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0.
How to apply
The application process to this course is different for the assured and graduate entry pathways, and for international and domestic applicants.
Refer to the below regarding application processes for each of the pathways . More information regarding admission requirements and prerequisites for each pathway can be found on the 'Admission Requirements' tab.
Domestic Pathways
- Domestic Assured Pathway/School Leaver Entry: Applications are lodged via TISC. Refer to TISC Online for current course codes and application deadlines.
- Domestic Graduate Entry: Applications are lodged via GEMSAS, which open and close in accordance with the GEMSAS timeline. All domestic applicants must submit a valid GAMSAT score by the application closing date.
International Pathways
- International Assured Pathway/School Leaver Entry: Applications are lodged via UWA's online application system or via an authorised international education agent.
- International Graduate Entry: Applications are lodged via UWA's online application system or via an authorised international education agent.
