Bachelor of Engineering (Mechatronic) (Honours)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of the Sunshine Coast

Program Overview

Program Overview:
The Bachelor of Engineering (Mechatronic) (Honours) at the University of the Sunshine Coast equips students to design and develop cutting-edge robotic and automated systems. Ideal for those passionate about mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering, the program blends theory with practical experience in robotics, electronics, and system design.

Curriculum Structure:
First Year: Students build a solid foundation in engineering through units like Materials in Engineering, Foundations of Engineering Design, and Physics. They learn applied mathematics, engineering statics, and computing fundamentals, preparing them for more advanced studies.

Second Year: The focus shifts to applied electrical and mechanical engineering, including courses such as Digital Logic and Computer Programming, Thermodynamics, and Electrical Machines and Drives. Students begin exploring systems, signals, and sustainable engineering practices while strengthening their analytical skills.

Third Year: Students engage in advanced topics like Robotics and Autonomous Systems, Electronic Design, and Machine Component Design. They also develop engineering management and system design skills, gaining hands-on experience through interactive modeling and embedded systems projects.

Fourth Year / Honours: The final year emphasizes research and real-world application through Engineering Project 1 & 2, Advanced Control Systems Engineering, and Image Processing and Machine Vision. Students synthesize knowledge across all disciplines to innovate in mechatronic systems.

Focus Areas: Robotics, automation, mechanical design, electronics, embedded systems, control systems, machine vision

Learning Outcomes: Design and implement complex mechatronic systems, apply engineering principles across mechanical, electrical, and computing domains, manage engineering projects, and engage in research-driven innovation

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): Provisional accreditation by Engineers Australia; eligibility for professional membership

Reputation (Employability Rankings): Recognized for strong employability in engineering fields; graduates work in robotics, manufacturing, industrial engineering, and product design

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Here’s how you’ll gain hands-on practical skills in the Bachelor of Engineering (Mechatronic) (Honours) at the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) — and why this program is such a strong choice for aspiring engineers:

From day one, you’ll be tackling real engineering problems, not just theory. Using UniSC’s state-of-the-art engineering facilities—including CNC manufacturing labs and a dedicated robotics & automation lab—you’ll design, build, and test mechatronic systems, learning in a way that mirrors professional engineering practice. You’ll apply these skills in courses like “Robotics and Autonomous Systems”, where you’ll develop, analyse, and evaluate robotic and autonomous systems.

But it doesn’t stop in isolated labs — you’ll combine work experience, project-based learning, research-style tasks, and specialised tools throughout the program. Here’s how the experiential learning is built into your degree:

Experiential learning includes:

Industry placements: A mandatory minimum of 60 days (around 12 weeks) of approved work experience is built into the program, giving you exposure to real-world engineering environments.
Capstone projects: In “Engineering Project 1” and “Engineering Project 2”, you’ll work in teams to carry out research or development tasks, designing and building mechatronic systems from start to finish.
Robotics and autonomous systems: The course “MCH302 Robotics and Autonomous Systems” teaches robot programming, sensing, path planning, and mobile robot control — with hands-on application in a practical setting.
Robotics & automation lab: Work directly with an ABB industrial robot, conducting experiments in robot path-planning, pick-and-place operations, and other automation techniques.
Manufacturing and prototype labs: Use CNC machines to turn your ideas into physical prototypes, integrating mechanical, electronic, and software systems under expert supervision.
Advanced engineering labs: Access UniSC’s broader engineering laboratories to conduct experiments in system dynamics, control, and fluid/thermal modelling, giving you a laboratory experience that matches professional engineering standards.
Digital and embedded systems: From digital logic and computer programming to image processing and machine vision, you’ll embed computation and control into mechanical and electronic systems, preparing you for modern mechatronics challenges.
Collaborative campus environment: At the Moreton Bay campus, you’ll have access to modern buildings, collaborative spaces, engineering studios, and the library — all designed to support team projects and independent research.

This hands-on, integrated approach ensures that by the time you graduate, you’ll not only understand mechatronic systems theoretically but will also have the practical experience, technical confidence, and professional skills to succeed in the engineering field.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Future Progression & Opportunities:

Graduates of the Bachelor of Engineering (Mechatronic) (Honours) program at the University of the Sunshine Coast are well-prepared to step into innovative and high-demand roles such as Mechatronics Engineer, Robotics Engineer, Systems Engineer, or Product Design Engineer. The program equips students with hands-on experience and multidisciplinary knowledge to design, develop, and manage complex automated systems:

University support services: UniSC offers career development assistance, work-integrated learning placements, and access to industry networking events to help secure employment.
Employment stats and salary figures: Mechatronic engineers in Australia earn an average starting salary of around AUD 70,000–80,000, with strong growth prospects as experience increases.
University–industry partnerships: Students benefit from collaborations with leading companies in automotive, robotics, and manufacturing sectors through internships and research projects.
Accreditation value: Graduates are eligible for membership with Engineers Australia, ensuring long-term professional recognition and mobility.
Graduation outcomes: Many graduates secure roles in automotive engineering, data communications, industrial engineering, manufacturing, product design, and robotics engineering.

Further Academic Progression:
Students can pursue postgraduate studies such as a Master of Engineering, specialized Robotics or Automation programs, or research-focused PhD opportunities, building on the strong technical and practical foundation provided by this degree.