Overview
Get set for an exciting career inventing devices and generating clever solutions to engineering challenges, with a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical Engineering) from VU.
Mechanical engineers use their in-depth knowledge of the physical sciences and maths to improve the quality of life on Earth. Recent engineering breakthroughs include 3D printing machines, unmanned vehicles and high-performance prostheses.
Our Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical Engineering) degree focuses on modelling and simulation of components, machines, processes and systems.
You’ll work on real problems and projects in the workplace and community. This ensures that you are career-ready when you graduate.
Our degree prepares you for work a wide range areas, including:
- computer-aided engineering design
- modelling and simulation
- transport systems
- machine health monitoring
- design of medical devices and prostheses
- mining
- defence
- manufacturing.
Dynamic learning & work experience
VU follows a teaching method of problem-based learning. Many classes are run as workshops where you are encouraged to work in a team and generate your own learning agenda.
We have an ‘open door’ policy if you need extra assistance. Classes are small and lecturers get to know students very quickly.
You’ll have access to state-of-the art labs with modern equipment. The latest Modelling and Simulation software packages are used throughout the course.
Our work placements and industry projects give you the practical experience needed to confidently begin your career. Students are required to complete 12 weeks of industry placement.
Build your own race car
Victoria University Motorsport (VUM) is a student group led by mechanical engineering undergraduate students. The group is open to all undergraduates studying at VU.
Students design and build a race car which they enter in the annual Formula SAE competition. This extra-curricular activity provides an excellent professional development opportunity and brings together students with a shared passion for engineering and motorsports.
Diverse engineering opportunities
Mechanical engineers design a huge range of devices, from vehicle engines and wind turbines to solar-power heaters and even washing machines.
Some of these are incredibly important to improving quality of life, and progressing society.
Recent breakthroughs in which mechanical engineers have played a critical role include:
- artificial kidney (wearable dialysis machine)
- 3D printing machines
- high-performance prostheses
- hypersonic flight
- unmanned vehicles.
Study overseas while earning course credits
At VU you can spend part of your degree studying overseas all while gaining credits towards your course.
Immerse yourself in a new culture and learn from a new perspective, while building experiences that will help you to stand out in the competitive job market.
Women in engineering
Female engineers excel in solving problems of social significance, making a positive impact on society and the environment.
Our Women in Science & Engineering program supports our current university students, and inspires women to choose engineering and science careers.
We run hands-on workshops in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines for secondary-school students. Our support continues throughout undergraduate and postgraduate study, with mentoring, seminars and workshops featuring female engineers.
Scholarships for engineering students
VU offers a range of scholarships for undergraduate students who are in financial need.
The College of Sport, Health and Engineering provides additional scholarship opportunities, including 10 scholarships to undergraduates to conduct supervised research during the summer.
Learning advice
VU’s Learning Hubs are welcoming spaces where you can improve your study and employability skills.
Our students can attend Learning Hubs at one of five VU campuses.
We offer maths, writing, careers and English-language advice and can show you effective ways to study and manage your time.
Our programs include:
- workshops
- drop-in sessions
- peer mentoring
- maths and writing resources
- resume and career guidance.
We also have accessibility support services and counselling services available to all students.
A campus with everything
Our Footscray Park Campus has everything you need, all set a pleasant stroll from the Maribyrnong River and parklands.
Facilities include:
- aquatic and fitness centre
- childcare services
- learning common spaces with WiFi, tables and chairs
- restaurants and café
- state-of-the-art lecture theatres.
Our library gives you constant access to online resources from wherever you are. It also has the following for your use:
- 14 group study rooms
- 15 laptops for loan
- 296 PCs and six Apple Macs
- printing, copying and scanning
- excellent WiFi access.
Need some advice?
Request a call back from one of our experienced VUHQ course advisers to get your questions answered.
Request a call back
Careers in mechanical engineering
VU's mechanical engineering graduates are known in the industry as well-rounded, accredited engineers, with highly sought-after technical and problem-solving skills.
You could find work as one of the following:
- mechanical engineer
- design engineer
- product engineer
- product innovation engineer
- development engineer
- production engineer
- sales engineer
- systems engineer
- production manager
- engineering manager.
Industries that employ mechanical engineers include:
- medical
- automotive
- aviation
- transport
- construction
- food production
- medical engineering
- manufacturing
- marine
- defence
- mining
- petrochemical
- resources
- power generation
- investment banking and finance.
Salaries
Find average salaries for various engineering-related professions in Australia on Labour Market Insights.
Employment rates
Find engineering employment rates in Australia.
Accreditation
This program is accredited by Engineers Australia and graduates are eligible to apply for graduate membership.
Course structure
To attain the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical Engineering), students will be required to complete 384 credit points, consisting of:
- 96 credit points of First Year Core studies;
- 288 credit points of Core Mechanical Engineering studies.
Students are required to produce documented evidence of the completion of 12 weeks professional experience.
Accreditation:
This program is accredited by Engineers Australia and graduates are eligible to apply for graduate membership.
First Class Honours:
To be eligible for completion with First Class Honours, students must achieve:
- A minimum weighted average of 60% over year levels 1 to 3;
- A minimum weighted average of 80% in year level 4;
- An average HD grade for the final year units, NEF4101 Research Project 1 and NEF4201 Research Project 2
Course structure and units
First Year Core Units
-
- Unit code
- NEF1102
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NEF1103
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NEF1104
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NEF1105
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NEF1201
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NEF1202
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NEF1204
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NEF1205
- Credits
- 12
Year 2, Semester 1
-
- Unit code
- NEC2102
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NEF2101
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NEM2101
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NEM2102
- Credits
- 12
Year 2, Semester 2
-
- Unit code
- NEF2251
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NEM2104
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NEM2201
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NEM2202
- Credits
- 12
Year 3, Semester 1
-
- Unit code
- NEF3101
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NEM3101
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NEM3103
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NEM3203
- Credits
- 12
Year 3, Semester 2
-
- Unit code
- NEF3202
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NEM3102
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NEM3201
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NEM3202
- Credits
- 12
Year 4, Semester 1
-
- Unit code
- NEF4001
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NEF4101
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NEF4105
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NEM4101
- Credits
- 12
Year 4, Semester 2
-
- Unit code
- NEF4201
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NEF4205
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NEF4206
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NEM4202
- Credits
- 12
Compulsory Minors
Achieve more with the VU Block Model
We are the first Australian university to use a 'block' model of learning, where you study one unit at a time rather than juggling several at once.
Introduced in 2018, the VU Block Model has improved our student results and achievements, and has won awards for innovation and excellence. Initially for first-year students, it now applies to all students studying at our Melbourne campuses.
You'll study in short bursts, called blocks, of three 2-3 hour face-to-face teaching sessions per week.
Each block focuses on one unit (subject) and is only four weeks long, with up to four days between. Our two semesters have four blocks each, and there are optional blocks over winter and summer where you can catch up on a missed unit.
Some courses have labs and pracs too, and these are generally scheduled on the same days as teaching sessions. There are also workshops where you'll develop your study skills and prepare for your future career.
Find out more about the VU Block Model.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
| 1. | Integrate conceptual understanding of mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences with advanced specialist bodies of knowledge within the mechanical engineering discipline; | ||
| 2. | Exhibit expertise and professional judgement in engineering design practice which acknowledges contextual factors impacting the mechanical engineering discipline; | ||
| 3. | Adapt theoretical knowledge applicable to the discipline and propose creative, innovative and sustainable engineering practices; | ||
| 4. | Critically evaluate both sources and validity of information and use established processes for information management; | ||
| 5. | Plan and execute a research project, professional project or piece of scholarship which demonstrates intellectual independence and contributes to the evidence base within the mechanical engineering discipline; | ||
| 6. | Discriminate and defend the application of established engineering methods and processes to promote systems which resolve existing and emerging complex engineering problems (including those that require cross-disciplinary knowledge and skills); | ||
| 7. | Present clear and coherent expositions of knowledge and ideas to a variety of audiences; | ||
| 8. | Exemplify the requisite characteristics for team leadership and membership appropriate to specific purposes, projects and contexts; | ||
| 9. | Apply professional ethics and accountabilities in their engineering practice and a commitment to ongoing professional development. |
What's a unit?
A unit or 'subject' is the actual class you'll attend in the process of completing a course.
Most courses have a mixture of compulsory 'core' units that you need to take and optional elective units that you can choose to take based on your area of interest, expertise or experience.
Credits
Each unit is worth a set amount of study credits based on the amount of time you study. Generally, 1 credit is equal to 1 hour of study per week.
Fees & scholarships
Fee type for this course: Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Fee type definitions
The amount you pay for your course depends on whether you’re offered a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or a full fee-paying place.
Students who enrol in a:
- Commonwealth supported place pay tuition fees that are partly subsidised by the Australian government
- full fee-paying place need to pay the full amount for all enrolled units before census each study period.
In addition to your tuition fees, you may also be charged a Student Services & Amenities Fee (SSAF).
Scholarships & assistance
Apply for a scholarship to help with your study costs.
We can help with fee assistance and advice.
Admissions
Victoria University is committed to providing a transparent admissions process. Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.
Applicants for this course will need to have met the academic requirements and prerequisites for this course outlined below.
Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee entry into this course. Past academic performance may be considered.
Admission criteria
The minimum criteria for admission varies depending on your education background. If you’re not sure which criteria applies to you, use the help tool on this page or make an enquiry and we can assist.
Applicants with recent secondary education (within the last 2 years)
- Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (e.g. VCE) or
- an Australian or overseas equivalent or
- an International Baccalaureate (IB).
Importance of ATAR for this course
We consider both ATAR and other criteria
ATAR is not a consideration. We use other criteria
Admission criteria
Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (VCE or equivalent) including Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English.
PLUS:
Units 3 and 4 with a study score of 20 in Mathematics (any).
Why is ATAR not applicable?
You will not need an ATAR score to meet the admission requirements for this course. Only the successful completion of your secondary school studies, and any additional prerequisites. Our courses and support programs are designed to prepare students from diverse cultures for success, regardless of their prior experience, ATAR, age, socioeconomic or educational background.
Applicants with vocational education and training (VET/TAFE) study
This information is for people who have completed an accredited award at an Australian Registered Training Organisation.
Admission criteria
Completion of an Australian Advanced Diploma or Diploma (or equivalent).
OR:
Completion of the Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation (or equivalent).
Applicants with higher education study
This information is for people whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course.
Admission criteria
Full or partial completion of an Australian Higher Education award (or equivalent).
OR:
Completion of two units of Higher Education studies.
OR:
Completion of a bridging or enabling course eg. Foundation course or equivalent.
Applicants with work & life experience
This information is for applicants who left secondary school more than two years ago and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since then.
Admission criteria
Five years (minimum) work/life experience in Manufacturing, Engineering, Project Management or similar.
OR:
Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate more than two years ago.
PLUS:
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English (or equivalent).
PLUS:
Units 3 and 4 with a study score of 20 in Mathematics (any) (or equivalent).
Pathways & credits
There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.
Pathways from VU courses
If you have completed any of the following course(s), you will be guaranteed a place in this course. In some cases you may receive credit for your previous study, reducing the time it takes to complete your course.
You will be credited for up to 144 credit points of study.
You will be guaranteed entry only.
You will be guaranteed entry only.
Find out more about pathways and credits.
Credit for skills and past study
Use our credit calculator to find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.
If you have completed study with another university or institution and believe you are eligible to receive credit for skills and past study, you can apply for advanced standing.
Applications for advanced standing can be made after a discussion with your course chair or academic adviser.
How to apply
Available start dates:
- 24 February 2025
- 28 July 2025
Before you apply
Before applying, you should consider whether you also want to apply for:
- Special admission programs: Depending on your life circumstances you may be eligible for special consideration of your application.
- Advanced standing: If you have significant experience or studies elsewhere you may be eligible for credit for some units of your course and not have to undertake them.
Find out more about applying for our courses.
Apply through VTAC
Apply through VTAC if any of the following apply to you:
- you are applying for more than one course
- you are completing Year 12 in 2023
- you have an existing VTAC application to study in 2024
VTAC very late applications are due 14 January 2025.
Apply via VTACSpecial Entry Access Scheme
You can apply for consideration of your life circumstances during the application process by submitting a VTAC Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) application.
Apply direct to VU
Apply directly to VU if any of the following apply to you:
- you are a current VU student
- you are only applying for this course and are not completing Year 12 in 2023
Direct applications are due on 16 February 2025 for our next intake which starts on 24 February 2025.
Already a VU student?
If you are already a VU student, apply direct to VU using our Admissions centre to transfer into this course. Remember it’s best to be accepted into your new course before withdrawing from your current one.
After you apply
- It’s important to check for emails from us (which may go to your spam/junk folder).
- Complete any requests for information by the given dates, otherwise your application may not be considered
Enquire now
Please fill out the form below, and we'll get back to you shortly.
Get help
- Visit a student service centre
- 1300 VIC UNI (1300 842 864)
- Request a call back
- Visit the glossary
At Victoria University, we aim to display accurate and complete course information online. However, we are unable to guarantee that every course change is currently displayed. You may contact the University directly on +61 3 9919 6100 to confirm the most up-to-date course fees, pathways and credit transfer, recognition of prior learning, admission and enrolment procedures, examinations and services available to our students.
