Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical Engineering)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of New South Wales

Program Overview

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Mechanical Engineering at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) gives you the knowledge and hands-on experience to design, build and improve the machines that power our world — from engines and transport systems to renewable energy technologies, robotics and advanced manufacturing.

It’s a great choice if you enjoy maths, physics and creative problem-solving, and want to turn innovative ideas into real, working systems. Throughout your studies, you’ll combine theory with practical experience, working in design studios, labs and team-based projects that reflect real industry challenges.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Foundations of Engineering:
Your first year builds a strong foundation in engineering principles. You’ll take courses such as Engineering Design and Innovation (DESN1000), Mathematics 1A (MATH1131 / MATH1141), Physics 1A (PHYS1121) and Design and Manufacturing (MMAN1130). These subjects develop your quantitative, analytical and design-thinking skills — preparing you for the multidisciplinary nature of modern engineering.

Year 2 – Core Mechanical Principles:
In second year, you’ll dive deeper into mechanical concepts with courses like Mechanics of Solids 1 (ENGG2400), Fluid Mechanics for Engineers (ENGG2500), Thermodynamics (MMAN2700) and Engineering Design & Professional Practice (DESN2000). You’ll start thinking like a mechanical engineer — analysing materials, fluids and energy systems while learning professional design practices.

Year 3 – Advanced Applications and Systems:
Your third year is about applying what you’ve learned to more complex systems. You’ll explore Mechanical Design 1 (MECH3110), Mechanics of Solids 2 (MMAN3400), Advanced Thermofluids (MECH3610) and Linear Systems and Control (MMAN3200). Alongside these, a general education elective helps you broaden your perspective beyond engineering. This year sharpens your skills in design innovation, system control and thermofluid analysis.

Year 4 – Integration and Specialisation:
In your final year, you’ll bring everything together through a major design or research project and advanced electives. Courses like Mechanical Design 2 (MECH4100) and the Research Thesis sequence (MMAN4951–4953) give you the chance to tackle a real-world engineering challenge or conduct your own investigation. You can also choose electives that align with your interests — whether that’s robotics, renewable energy, or advanced manufacturing.

Focus Areas

Mechanical system design
Thermodynamics and fluid mechanics
Mechanics of solids
Control systems and dynamics
Manufacturing and digital tools
Industry-integrated learning

Learning Outcomes

By the time you graduate, you’ll be able to:

Apply scientific, mathematical and engineering principles to solve complex problems
Design, test and analyse mechanical systems and processes
Conduct experiments and interpret data effectively
Collaborate in diverse teams and communicate technical ideas clearly
Approach engineering challenges with professional, ethical and environmental awareness

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The degree is fully accredited by Engineers Australia and recognised under the Washington Accord. This means your qualification meets international standards, giving you professional engineer eligibility not only in Australia but also in many other countries around the world.

Reputation and Employability

UNSW’s Faculty of Engineering is ranked #1 in Australia and among the top 25 globally for Engineering and Technology in the QS 2025 Subject Rankings. Graduates of UNSW Engineering are highly sought after, with around 87.5% securing full-time employment shortly after graduation. Employers value the combination of technical excellence, design experience and professional readiness that UNSW engineers bring.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

When you choose the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Mechanical Engineering at the University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney), you’re signing up for far more than just lectures. From day one, you’ll be developing hands-on skills and real-world experience that make a genuine difference. You’ll have access to cutting-edge facilities — from advanced manufacturing labs and aerodynamics wind tunnels to robotics platforms and 3D printing workshops — where you can design, test, prototype and refine your ideas, just like professional engineers do in the field.

Just as importantly, you’ll learn how to collaborate in teams, solve real-world challenges, and build the professional mindset that today’s employers value most.

Here’s how experiential learning comes to life in this program:

Work-Integrated Learning (Industrial Training): You’ll complete at least 60 days of approved professional engineering placement, giving you real insight into how the industry works — from workplace culture and engineering practices to client needs and project management.
Undergraduate Research Opportunities: Through programs like “Taste of Research”, you can spend around 60 days working alongside academics and industry partners on real engineering challenges — a great way to sharpen your technical skills and explore future research pathways.
State-of-the-art labs and workshops: UNSW’s facilities are built for innovation. In the Mechatronics Teaching Laboratory, you’ll work with robot manipulators, PLCs, IMUs, and drone platforms. In the Advanced Manufacturing Lab and Automated Composites Lab, you’ll prototype and test designs using industry-standard tools like CATIA and SolidWorks.
Access to professional software and computing tools: You’ll gain hands-on experience using leading engineering programs such as ANSYS, AutoCAD, MATLAB, and SolidWorks, all available through UNSW’s myAccess system and the School’s dedicated computer labs.
Team-based design and project courses: You’ll take part in group design projects where you plan, build, and test mechanical systems — developing the teamwork, communication, and creative problem-solving skills that are essential in any engineering career.
Specialised testing and prototyping facilities: Whether it’s experimenting in wind tunnels, working with engine test rigs, or creating components in 3D printing and acoustics labs, you’ll get to see how theory translates into real engineering performance.
Industry networking and placement support: UNSW actively helps you connect with employers through initiatives like the “Find Industrial Training” series, which offers advice, networking events, and guidance to help you secure meaningful placements.

In short, UNSW’s Mechanical Engineering program is all about learning by doing — giving you the confidence, skills, and experience to step straight into the engineering world.

Progression & Future Opportunities

If you’re thinking about studying the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Mechanical Engineering at UNSW Sydney, here’s what your future could look like:

Graduates from this program often go on to become Mechanical Engineers, Design Engineers, Project Engineers, or Manufacturing Engineers, working across industries such as energy, automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing. The degree builds a strong foundation in problem-solving, innovation, and design — giving you the credentials to pursue a career both in Australia and internationally.

Progression & Future Opportunities

University Services:
UNSW offers excellent career support through its Employability Team, which provides access to a dedicated Jobs Board featuring internship and graduate opportunities across Australia and in more than 30 countries. The Faculty of Engineering also requires students to complete 60 days of Industrial Training, ensuring you gain professional experience and build valuable industry connections before you graduate.

Employment Stats & Salary Outlook:
UNSW engineering graduates enjoy some of the best employment outcomes in Australia. Around 87% of UNSW Engineering graduates were employed full-time in 2021–22. Across the country, the median starting salary for engineering undergraduates is approximately AUD $71,500. UNSW graduates overall report a median salary of about AUD $70,000 within four to six months of finishing their degree — rising to around AUD $88,000 three years after graduation.

University–Industry Partnerships:
The School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering maintains strong connections with industry, including two ARC Industry Transformation Training Centres focused on composites manufacturing and fire safety technologies. The Faculty also collaborates with major partners such as GPSat Systems (aerospace and defence) and Baoshan Iron & Steel (industrial manufacturing) to support student research, training, and career development.

Long-Term Accreditation Value:
As an honours-level qualification from Australia’s top-ranked engineering faculty, this degree holds strong value worldwide. It’s fully accredited by Engineers Australia, meaning your qualification is professionally recognised across numerous countries — a major advantage if you plan to work internationally.

Graduation Outcomes

By the time you graduate, you’ll have the technical expertise, hands-on training, and professional connections needed to step directly into full-time engineering work. The combination of strong employability statistics and built-in industry experience means you’ll be well prepared for a successful engineering career from day one.

Further Academic Progression

If you’re inspired to specialise further, UNSW also offers clear pathways into advanced study — including the Master of Engineering, Master of Engineering Science, or PhD programs in fields such as advanced manufacturing, energy systems, or robotics. With UNSW’s world-class research strength and industry partnerships, continuing your academic journey here can open even more doors for your future.