Course overview

Mechanical engineers are instrumental in the design, development, production and maintenance of the products and systems that enable our lives. They lend their expertise to almost every sector, from agricultural machinery, to assistive technology for the health sector, renewable energy systems and the infrastructure they power. This internationally recognised course prepares you to be an industry-ready engineer equipped with the confidence and skills to solve future challenges.

No matter what sectors or technologies spark your interest, Deakin provides the ultimate training ground to design, construct and test your ideas. Gain experience using advanced simulation technologies in our multi-million-dollar engineering precinct while accessing the same tools used by industry professionals. Work alongside engineers on projects that inspire creativity, and develop your ability to communicate, collaborate and thrive in a team environment. 

Ready to be part of the solution?

Mechanical engineers are crucial to the design and development of the complex systems, devices and machinery that will be needed to tackle global challenges of the future, including health assistive technologies and biomedical devices, renewable energy systems, advanced manufacturing facilities and low emissions transport.

By studying Deakin’s Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honours), you will be able to confidently apply principles of design, technology and science to develop innovative solutions to real-world problems. You will learn the professional, engineering and entrepreneurial skills required to develop and run the mechanical systems and technologies of the future.

This highly sought-after skill set allows you to transition into a variety of engineering roles. Graduates can expect to gain employment in supplier companies, leading manufacturing and design companies, aircraft, ship building, automotive, aerospace, renewable energy and biomedical areas.

During the course you will cover core mechanical disciplines including materials and manufacturing, machine design, structural and thermo-fluids systems design, and industrial control, all while developing professional skills that make you more employable – such as project management, communication and teamwork. Importantly, throughout your degree you will put these skills into practice with frequent industry-linked experiences including:

• project-oriented design-based learning (PODBL) with industry partners
• access to Deakin’s state-of-the-art Centre for Advanced Design in Engineering Training
• international and national competition challenges such as the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge and the Warman Design and Build Competition.

Project-oriented design-based learning (PODBL) in collaboration with industry, means that practical, real-world learning experiences are woven throughout the duration of our engineering courses. And with a minimum of 30 days’ work experience in one or more organisations, you will gain insight into your future career options.

With an international skills shortage in the engineering industry, Deakin graduates are in demand both in Australia and abroad. Secure your future career by learning the design, development and production skills needed to work in a diverse range of industries that contribute to developing the systems of the future.

 

Course structure

To complete the Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honours), students must attain 32 credit points, which must include the following:

• Thirty (30) credit points of core units
• 2 elective units (2 credit points) *
• Completion of three (3) zero-credit point compulsory units:
  • SEJ010 Introduction to Safety and Project Oriented Learning
  • STP050 Academic Integrity
  • STP010 Career Tools for Employability

Intakes by location

The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.

Additional course information

Flexible entry into the course allows students to upgrade their qualifications and to obtain credit for previous studies/experience. Applicants with appropriate TAFE qualifications or other approved post-secondary studies may apply for Recognition of Prior Learning. Credit may be considered for skills obtained in the workforce or by informal means.

Students must have access to a suitable computer and a network connection.  The learning experiences and assessment activities within this course may also require that students have access to a range of software. Access to high-cost specialist equipment is provided but students may be required to purchase minor equipment for particular unit(s) as detailed in unit site.

Course duration - additional information

Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.

Mandatory student checks

Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.

Workload

You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include classes, seminars, practicals and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.

Participation requirements

In order to satisfy course accreditation requirements, as specified and administered by Engineers Australia, all online enrolled students, or students enrolled online for specific units, are required to participate in campus-based learning activities at Waurn Ponds (Geelong) during intensive week each trimester in order to ensure that graduates possess and have demonstrated the minimum necessary knowledge and skill base, engineering application abilities, and professional skills, values and attitudes at successful completion of the course to be sufficiently prepared to enter professional engineering practice.

Attendance and participation in learning activities during intensive week is linked to assessment requirements within the Engineering programmes, and failure to attend may result in students not meeting the hurdle requirement of the respective assessment.  This may result in a fail grade being awarded for the respective affected unit(s) for that particular trimester.

International students: Please note that due to Australian Government regulations, student visas to enter Australia cannot be issued to students who enrol in Deakin online. To participate in the mandatory campus based scheduled sessions during the trimester intensive week, it is suggested that you apply for a tourist visa to enter Australia. Please be advised that Deakin University cannot guarantee that you will be granted a tourist visa by the Australian Government.

International students studying online may not be granted a visitor visa to complete mandatory components of the course at a campus.

Work experience

Through SEL703 Professional Practice, you’ll gain industry experience by completing at least 30 to 60 days of practical work experience in an engineering workplace with assessment tasks designed to develop and enhance your understanding of the engineering profession, professional practice and continuing professional development, possible career outcomes, and the opportunity to establish valuable professional networks.

Recognition of prior learning

If you have completed previous studies which you believe may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section on your application that you wish to be considered for Recognition of Prior Learning. You will need to provide a certified copy of your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will then contain information about your Recognition of Prior Learning.
Your Recognition of Prior Learning is formally approved prior to your enrolment at Deakin during the Enrolment and Orientation Program. You must bring original documents relating to your previous study so that this approval can occur.

Career outcomes

With an international skills shortage in the engineering industry, and roles expected to rise significantly in the next five years, Deakin graduates are in demand both in Australia and further abroad.

Not only that, employers seek out Deakin graduates for their forward-thinking, innovative and entrepreneurial qualities.

Graduate ready to transition into a number of areas and roles including:

• product development
• biomedical
• aerospace
• automotive
• renewable energy
• advanced manufacturing
• mining
• defence
• railroad
• textiles
• research and development
• control and systems design.

Professional recognition

Deakin’s Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honours) is accredited by Engineers Australia, which gives the degree international recognition, allowing graduates to practise as professional engineers in many countries around the world.