Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Double Major) (Mechanical Engineering and Mining Engineering)

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Wollongong

Program Overview

Program Overview:
This degree gives you a solid foundation in engineering while helping you develop strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. It’s designed for students who want the best of both worlds — the technical depth of Mechanical Engineering and the practical expertise of Mining Engineering. You’ll learn how machines and systems are designed and built, as well as how mining operations are planned and managed. By combining these two disciplines, you’ll graduate ready to take on complex challenges and pursue a dynamic, versatile career in engineering.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1:
Your first year introduces you to the core principles of engineering — mathematics, physics, computing, and engineering science. This broad base helps you understand how different engineering disciplines connect before you choose your specialisation.

Year 2:
You’ll begin focusing on your major areas. Subjects like Dynamics of Engineering Systems (MECH 321) and Geomechanics (CIVL 361) will help you bridge mechanical and mining concepts, developing your analytical and design skills.

Year 3:
This year deepens your specialisation. You’ll explore topics such as Thermodynamics of Engineering Systems (MECH 341), Manufacturing Engineering Principles (MECH 382), and Foundations of Mine Planning (MINE 322) — building expertise in both machine design and mining operations.

Year 4 (and Year 5):
In your final years, you’ll take on advanced subjects like Finite Element Methods in Engineering (MECH 419) and Mine Planning and Development (MINE 422). You’ll also complete a 12-week professional experience placement, gaining valuable industry insight, and finish with a capstone design or research project that showcases your skills.

Focus Areas:
Mechanical Engineering and Mining Engineering — combining the design and manufacture of machines, systems, and processes with expertise in mine planning, geomechanics, mineral processing, and mining management.

Learning Outcomes:
By the time you graduate, you’ll be able to apply engineering fundamentals to real-world mechanical and mining challenges. You’ll know how to communicate and collaborate effectively, lead multidisciplinary projects, and develop innovative, sustainable engineering solutions that meet modern industry needs.

Professional Accreditation:
All UOW engineering degrees are accredited by Engineers Australia and recognised under the Washington Accord — ensuring your qualification is respected globally and meets international engineering standards.

Reputation and Employability:
The University of Wollongong is known for producing career-ready engineers. In the 2022 QILT survey, employer satisfaction for UOW engineering graduates was 89.6% — the highest among all NSW universities — reflecting the strong reputation and industry relevance of its programs.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Here’s how you’ll gain practical, hands-on experience in the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Double Major) at the University of Wollongong:

From your very first year, you’ll dive straight into real engineering practice—not just theory. You’ll spend time in modern labs, using industry-standard software and purpose-built facilities that mirror real engineering workplaces. The program focuses on learning by doing, with plenty of opportunities for industry projects, technical workshops, and practical placements. You’ll work in teams, solve real-world problems, and apply your knowledge using the same tools and technology professionals use every day.

Specifically, you’ll benefit from:

A 12-week industry placement (420 hours): Get valuable on-the-job experience working in an engineering company or organisation—either in Australia or overseas—developing professional skills and industry connections.
Cutting-edge engineering laboratories and facilities: Learn and experiment in technology-rich spaces, including the Australian Institute for Innovative Materials, the SMART Infrastructure Facility, and the Sustainable Buildings Research Centre.
Industry-standard engineering software and tools: Use up-to-date computer-aided design and analysis software that prepares you for professional engineering environments.
Industry-sponsored projects and exhibitions: Collaborate on real projects supported by industry partners and showcase your work at the annual Innovation Exhibition—an event where students present their designs and research to peers and professionals.
Research and design-based coursework: Undertake a major project or thesis under the supervision of expert academic staff, applying your technical skills to a significant engineering challenge.
Collaborative, team-based learning: Work in groups to design, build and test engineering solutions—reflecting how professional engineers operate in the workplace.
Digital tools and simulation: Gain experience with modern computational, modelling, and data-analysis tools, developing the problem-solving mindset needed for complex engineering systems.
Strong industry connections: Benefit from partnerships, guest lectures, and cadetship opportunities with leading organisations such as BlueScope and ANSTO, giving you insight into current industry challenges and innovations.

This program doesn’t just teach engineering—it immerses you in it. With real-world projects, world-class facilities, and strong industry links, you’ll graduate ready to take on engineering challenges with confidence and experience.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduate Outcomes Summary

Graduates from this program emerge as highly sought-after professionals across a wide range of engineering fields. Typical career paths include roles such as Systems Engineer, Civil or Structural Engineer, and Project Engineer — among many others. Because this degree combines two majors, you’ll graduate with a versatile skill set and the flexibility to move across different industries. It means you’re not confined to one narrow specialisation and can easily adapt as technologies and industry needs evolve.

Progression & Future Opportunities

University support for employment:
The University of Wollongong (UOW) is strongly committed to helping students transition smoothly into the workforce. As part of your degree, you’ll take part in Work Integrated Learning subjects — including a 12-week industry placement that gives you practical, real-world experience. Through UOW’s dedicated Careers team, you’ll also have access to personalised career advice, internship opportunities, and professional development workshops. The Faculty of Engineering regularly hosts industry-sponsored projects and invites guest lecturers from leading engineering firms, ensuring that your learning is connected to what’s happening in the field right now.

Employment outcomes and salary growth:
According to UOW’s 2022 Graduate Outcomes Survey, 80.2% of recent domestic graduates found full-time employment — a significant increase from 65.5% in 2021. The median full-time salary also rose to AUD $67,800 in 2022, up from $63,400 the previous year. These results reflect the strong reputation UOW engineering graduates have with employers and the university’s continued focus on employability.

Industry connections and partnerships:
UOW has long-standing relationships with major organisations such as BlueScope and ANSTO, offering students valuable opportunities for cadetships, internships, and hands-on work-integrated learning experiences. In fact, UOW graduates have been rated first in the nation for employer satisfaction, showing how highly industry values the university’s practical, job-ready approach to engineering education.

Accreditation and global recognition:
All UOW engineering programs are accredited by Engineers Australia and internationally recognised through the Washington Accord. This accreditation ensures that your qualification is respected in many countries worldwide — opening doors for global career opportunities and professional mobility.

Career pathways:
Graduates of UOW’s engineering programs go on to work in diverse and exciting roles, including:

Graduate Mining Engineer
Graduate Structural Engineer
Site Engineer
Design Engineer
Production Engineer
Systems Engineer
Environmental Engineer
Telecommunications Engineer
Transport Engineer

Further Academic Progression

After completing this double-major honours degree, you’ll have excellent options for further study. Many graduates choose to continue into a Master of Engineering or pursue a specialised program in areas such as Civil, Electrical, Environmental, Materials, Mechatronic, or Mining Engineering. If you’re drawn to research, you could also undertake a Higher Degree by Research — such as a PhD — and contribute to solving some of the world’s most complex engineering challenges.