Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honours)

2024 Deakin University Handbook

Year	2025 course information
Award granted	Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honours)
Deakin course code	S462
Faculty	Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment
Campus	For students who commenced prior to 2022
Duration	4 years full-time or part-time equivalent
CRICOS course code	079996J Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition	The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8
* Only the first year of this Engineering program is available at the Melbourne Burwood Campus. Students enrolled at the Melbourne Burwood Campus will be required to transfer to the Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus or online mode for the second year of their program. International students holding student visas – this course is registered for delivery to student visa holders at Geelong Waurn Ponds campus.
The final intake to this course version was in 2021. Students should contact a Student Adviser in Student Central for course and enrolment information. Further course structure information can be found in the handbook archive.

Course sub-headings

Course overview

Mechanical engineers lend their expertise to almost every industry sector imaginable. They are instrumental in the design, development, production and maintenance of the products and systems that enable our lives and will be needed for future challenges in society. Not only will this internationally recognised course prepare you to be an industry-ready professional engineer, it provides you with practical experience using advanced technologies in our multi-million-dollar engineering precinct.

No matter what industry sectors or technologies spark your interest, Deakin provides the ultimate training ground to design, construct and test your ideas. You will have access to the same tools as industry professionals and work alongside professional engineers on projects that inspire your creativity. You will also have ample opportunity to develop your ability to communicate, collaborate and thrive in teams and in your future career.

Ready to be the brains behind machines big and small?

Mechanical engineers are crucial to the design and development of the systems, devices and machinery that power our lives, including complex products like biomedical devices, electric cars, automated or robotics equipment and renewable energy systems.

By studying Deakin’s Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honours), you will be able to confidently apply principles of technology and science to develop innovative solutions to real-world problems. You will learn the design, engineering and entrepreneurial skills required to develop and run the complex mechanical systems, devices and machines of the future

This highly sought-after skill set allows you to transition into a variety of engineering roles, from automotive manufacturing and robotics design, assistive technology necessary in the health sector or through to engineering spacecrafts fit for deep space. Graduates can expect to gain employment in supplier companies, leading manufacturing and design companies, aircraft, ship building, automotive, aerospace and biomedical areas.

During the course you will cover core mechanical disciplines including machine, structural and thermo-fluids design and industrial control, all while developing professional skills that make you more employable – like project management, communication and teamwork. Importantly, throughout your degree you will put these skills into practice with frequent industry-linked experiences including:

project-oriented design-based learning (PODBL)
access to Deakin’s state-of-the-art Centre for Advanced Design in Engineering Training
international and national competition challenges such as the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge and the Warman Design and Build Competition.

Project-oriented design-based learning (PODBL) in collaboration with industry, means that practical, real-world learning experiences are woven throughout the duration of our engineering courses. And with a minimum of 60 days’ work experience in one or more organisations, you will gain insight into your future career options.

With an international skills shortage in the engineering industry, Deakin graduates are in demand both in Australia and abroad. Secure your future career by learning the design, development and production skills needed to work in a diverse range of industries that contribute to developing the systems of the future.

Indicative student workload

You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include classes, seminars, practicals and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.

Professional recognition

Deakin’s Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honours) is accredited by Engineers Australia, which gives the degree international recognition, allowing graduates to practise as professional engineers in many countries around the world.

Career opportunities

With an international skills shortage in the engineering industry, and roles expected to rise significantly in the next five years, Deakin graduates are in demand both in Australia and further abroad.

Not only that, employers seek out Deakin graduates for their forward-thinking, innovative and entrepreneurial qualities.

Graduate ready to transition into a number of areas and roles including:

product development
biomedical
aerospace
automotive
field and test engineering
advanced manufacturing
mining
defence
railroad
textiles
research and development
control and systems design.

Participation requirements

In order to satisfy course accreditation requirements, as specified and administered by Engineers Australia, all online enrolled students, or students enrolled online for specific units, are required to participate in campus-based learning activities at Waurn Ponds (Geelong) during intensive week each trimester in order to ensure that graduates possess and have demonstrated the minimum necessary knowledge and skill base, engineering application abilities, and professional skills, values and attitudes at successful completion of the course to be sufficiently prepared to enter professional engineering practice.

Attendance and participation in learning activities during intensive week is linked to assessment requirements within the Engineering programmes, and failure to attend may result in students not meeting the hurdle requirement of the respective assessment. This may result in a fail grade being awarded for the respective affected unit(s) for that particular trimester.

International students: Please note that due to Australian Government regulations, student visas to enter Australia cannot be issued to students who enrol in Deakin online. To participate in the mandatory campus based scheduled sessions during the trimester intensive week, it is suggested that you apply for a tourist visa to enter Australia. Please be advised that Deakin University cannot guarantee that you will be granted a tourist visa by the Australian Government.

International students studying online may not be granted a visitor visa to complete mandatory components of the course at a campus.

Placement can occur at any time, including during standard holiday breaks. Learn about key dates at Deakin.

Elective units may be selected that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.

Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.

Mandatory student checks

Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.

Articulation and credit transfer

Flexible entry into the course allows students to upgrade their qualifications and to obtain credit for previous studies/experience. Applicants with appropriate TAFE qualifications or other approved post-secondary studies may apply for Recognition of prior learning. Credit may be considered for skills obtained in the workforce or by informal means.

Equipment requirements

Students must have access to a suitable computer and a network connection. The learning experiences and assessment activities within this course may also require that students have access to a range of software. Access to high-cost specialist equipment is provided but students may be required to purchase minor equipment for particular unit(s) as detailed in unit site.

Work experience

Through SEP499* Professional Engineering Practice, you will gain industry experience by completing at least 30 to 60 days of practical work experience in an engineering workplace, developing and enhancing your understanding of the engineering profession, possible career outcomes, and the opportunity to establish valuable professional networks.

*From 2022 alternate unit SEL703

Course duration

Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.

Further information

Student Central can help you with course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements.

Contact Student Central

Other learning experiences

In your final year of the course, you may apply to undertake an international study tour to engage in a structured program of study, usually involving short project work overseas to gain discipline specific technical expertise and to enhance your global engineering awareness and experience.

Research and research-related study

The key assessment of research and research skills in the programme is through the two linked 2 credit point units in the final year of the course. The first of these units is for students to develop a detailed research proposal and undertake preliminary proof-of-concept or testing of their experimental methods. The second unit is designed to undertake the proposed research and critically evaluate the outcomes of the project. The project is predominantly student-led with direction from an academic supervisor that has expertise in the research field.

Fees and charges

Fees and charges vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study, and their study discipline or your study load.

Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.

Estimate your fees

For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students website.