Why Study/Key Benefits

The Associate Degree of Engineering, majoring in Mechatronics, combines mechanical engineering, electronics and computer science. It is designed to provide practical and theoretical skills for work in mechatronics-related industries while also providing a pathway into the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours).

Key benefits include:

• Practical and theoretical training in mechatronics.
• Study of PLC programming, SCADA, robotics, instrumentation and control systems engineering.
• Hands-on laboratory learning.
• A capstone project providing practical engineering experience.
• Four professionally focused, industry-linked projects as part of Work Integrated Learning.
• A six-week engineering work experience placement.
• Development of programming, analytical problem-solving and engineering skills.
• Access to engineering laboratories and facilities.
• Teaching from staff with industry experience.
• Pathway to the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) after completing the Associate Degree.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The Associate Degree consists of 200 credit points.

Core engineering units – 150 credit points:

• COS10027 Technology in an Indigenous Context Project
• COS10028 Introduction to Programming
• EAT10002 Engineering Mechanics
• EAT10003 Engineering Materials
• EAT10005 Energy and Motion
• EAT10027 Humanitarian Engineering Design Project
• EAT20001 Computer Aided Drafting and Design
• EAT20005 Project Management Practice and 3D Design Applications
• EAT20024 Professional Practice in Engineering — compulsory, 0 credit points
• EAT20035 Engineering Capstone Project
• MTH00005 Applied Engineering Mathematics
• MTH10015 Calculus and Applications
• MTH10016 Linear Algebra and Applications

Mechatronics specialisation – 50 credit points:

Students select one of two current study options.

Option 1 – Microcontroller Systems Design:

Mandatory:

• COS20007 Object Oriented Programming
• EEE20001 Digital Electronics Design

Select two:

• EEE20006 Circuits and Electronics 1
• ENG20009 Engineering Technology Inquiry Project
• ENG20010 Engineering Technology Design Project
• TNE20003 Internet and Cybersecurity for Engineering Applications

Option 2 – Mechatronics Machine Dynamic Systems Design:

Mandatory:

• EEE20001 Digital Electronics Design
• MEE20006 Engineering Dynamics

Select two:

• COS20007 Object Oriented Programming
• EEE20006 Circuits and Electronics 1
• ENG20009 Engineering Technology Inquiry Project
• SWE20004 Technical Software Development

Disciplines/Specialisations

The Associate Degree of Engineering currently offers majors in:

• Civil
• Electrical
• Mechanical
• Mechatronics

The Mechatronics major integrates:

• Mechanical engineering
• Electronics
• Programming
• Digital electronics
• Robotics
• Instrumentation
• Control systems
• PLC programming
• SCADA
• Machine dynamics
• Engineering design

Programme Highlights

• 2-year engineering qualification.
• 200 credit points.
• Mechatronics major.
• CRICOS registered: 108893E.
• Practical laboratory learning.
• Robotics and control systems exposure.
• PLC and SCADA-related study.
• Programming and digital electronics.
• Four industry-linked projects.
• Six-week engineering work experience placement.
• Engineering capstone project.
• Pathway to the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours).
• Engineers Australia is listed by Swinburne under professional accreditations for the Associate Degree of Engineering.
• Current Swinburne course information identifies the university as #1 in Australia for Automation and Control in the ARWU Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2025; this is a university-level ranking claim rather than a programme-specific accreditation or ranking.

Career Outcomes

Swinburne identifies the following career opportunities for graduates:

• Engineering officer
• Associate engineer
• Junior engineer

The Mechatronics major is designed to prepare students for roles involving combinations of mechanical systems, electronics, programming, robotics, instrumentation and control systems.

Potential industry environments identified by Swinburne include:

• Manufacturing
• Automotive
• Aerospace

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

Current programme details:

• Course: Associate Degree of Engineering, majoring in Mechatronics
• Course code: AB-ENG
• CRICOS: 108893E
• Campus: Hawthorn
• Duration: 2 years full-time
• Total credit requirement: 200 credit points
• 2027 intake 1: 1 March 2027
• Application deadline: 24 February 2027
• 2027 intake 2: 2 August 2027
• Application deadline: 28 July 2027

International Student Visa Requirements

International students intending to study this programme in Australia generally require a Student visa (subclass 500).

Key requirements include:

• A valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
• Enrolment in the relevant CRICOS-registered course.
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), unless an exemption applies.
• Meeting the Genuine Student (GS) requirement.
• Meeting applicable health requirements.
• Meeting applicable character requirements.
• Demonstrating sufficient financial capacity where required.
• Providing English-language evidence where required for the visa.
• Meeting welfare requirements if the student is under 18.