Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honours)
2025 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 2024 |
| Online | No |
| Duration | 4 years full-time or part-time equivalent |
| Course Map - enrolment planning tool | Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central. |
| 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 2023. From 2024 please refer to S467 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) handbook entry. 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
- Indicative student workload
- Professional recognition
- Career opportunities
- Participation requirements
- Mandatory student checks
- Course Learning Outcomes
- Course rules
- Course structure
- Work experience
- Other learning experiences
- Research and research-related study
- Fees and charges
Course overview
Mechanical engineers are instrumental in the design, development, production and maintenance of the products and systems that enable our lives. They lend their expertise to almost every sector, from agricultural machinery, to assistive technology for the health sector, renewable energy systems and the infrastructure they power. This internationally recognised course prepares you to be an industry-ready engineer equipped with the confidence and skills to solve future challenges.
No matter what sectors or technologies spark your interest, Deakin provides the ultimate training ground to design, construct and test your ideas. Gain experience using advanced simulation technologies in our multi-million-dollar engineering precinct while accessing the same tools used by industry professionals. Work alongside engineers on projects that inspire creativity, and develop your ability to communicate, collaborate and thrive in a team environment.
Ready to be part of the solution?
Mechanical engineers are crucial to the design and development of the complex systems, devices and machinery that will be needed to tackle global challenges of the future, including health assistive technologies and biomedical devices, renewable energy systems, advanced manufacturing facilities and low emissions transport.
By studying Deakin’s Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honours), you will be able to confidently apply principles of design, technology and science to develop innovative solutions to real-world problems. You will learn the professional, engineering and entrepreneurial skills required to develop and run the mechanical systems and technologies of the future.
This highly sought-after skill set allows you to transition into a variety of engineering roles. Graduates can expect to gain employment in supplier companies, leading manufacturing and design companies, aircraft, ship building, automotive, aerospace, renewable energy and biomedical areas.
During the course you will cover core mechanical disciplines including materials and manufacturing, machine design, structural and thermo-fluids systems design, and industrial control, all while developing professional skills that make you more employable – such as 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) with industry partners
- 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 30 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
- renewable energy
- 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.
Course Learning Outcomes
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Demonstrate a comprehensive theory based understanding of engineering fundamentals and underpinning concepts in the natural and physical sciences. Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and application of mathematics, numerical analyses, statistics and information technology in the context of engineering principles and practice. Demonstrate knowledge of contextual factors that impact on engineering including; • Sustainability • Management • Economics • Project management Demonstrate fluent and systematic application of established engineering techniques, tools, resources and processes and, where appropriate, research principles and methods in: |
| Communication | Communicate effectively in a range of contexts using oral, written, graphical and interpersonal communication to professional, non- professional and lay audiences. |
| Digital literacy | Utilise a range of digital technologies and information sources to discover, select, analyse, employ, evaluate, and disseminate both technical and non-technical information. |
| Critical thinking | Use critical and analytical thinking and judgment in evaluating data and information and integrating knowledge to develop new understanding and/or formulate appropriate engineering design solutions and manage their implementation, operation and delivery ensuring sustainable solutions. |
| Problem solving | Apply creative, innovative and proactive approaches to complex engineering problems and projects. Plan and execute a research based project, professional project and/or piece of scholarship. |
| Self-management | Demonstrate self-management through professional and ethical conduct, and identification and planning of future learning needs. |
| Teamwork | Demonstrate effective team membership and team leadership through creative, innovative and proactive behaviour. |
| Global citizenship | Demonstrate ability to function effectively as an international engineer. |
Approved by Faculty Board 27 June 2021
Course rules
To complete the Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honours) students must pass 32` credit points and meet the following course rules to be eligible to graduate.
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first study period
- SEJ010 Introduction to Safety and Project Oriented Learning
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin
- STP010 Career Tools for Employability
- Thirty (30) credit points of core units
- 2 elective units (2 credit points) *
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements. See the enrolment codes and terminology to help make sense of the University’s vocabulary.
* Students must complete a minimum 1 (1) level 3, 4 or 7 SE elective unit (one credit point). It is strongly recommended that the remaining elective be a level 3, 4, or 7 unit.
Course structure
Core
Level 1 - Trimester 1
| DAI001 | Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points) |
| STP010 | Career Tools for Employability (0 credit points) |
| SEJ010 | Introduction to Safety and Project Oriented Learning (0 credit points) |
| SET111 | Sustainable Design |
| SEJ104 | Engineering in Society + |
| SEB101 | Engineering Physics + |
| SIT199 | Applied Algebra and Statistics |
Level 1 - Trimester 2
| SEJ103 | Materials Engineering Project (2 credit points)+ |
| SEP105 | Introduction to Programming for Engineers |
| SIT194 | Introduction to Mathematical Modelling |
Level 2 - Trimester 1
| SEM200 | Machine Design (2 credit points)+ |
| SEM218 | Fluid Mechanics + |
| SEP291 | Engineering Modelling |
Level 2 - Trimester 2
| SEJ201 | Structural Design (2 credit points)+ |
| SEM216 | Stress and Failure Analysis + |
| SEM202 | Thermodynamics + |
Level 3 - Trimester 1
| SED344 | Product Modelling and Design (2 credit points)+ |
| SEM302 | Advanced Stress Analysis + |
| SEM313 | Manufacturing + |
Level 3 - Trimester 2
| SEJ302 | Control Systems Engineering (2 credit points) |
| SEM310 | Thermo-Fluid Systems |
| SEM327 | Dynamics of Machines + |
Level 4 - Trimester 1
| SEJ441 | Engineering Project A (2 credit points)~ |
| SEM400 | Computational Fluid Dynamics + |
Plus 1 SE level 3, 4, or 7 elective (one credit point) OR 1 elective (one credit point) *
Level 4 - Trimester 2
| SEJ446 | Engineering Project B (2 credit points)~+ |
| SEL703 | Professional Practice ^ |
Plus 1 SE level 3, 4, or 7 elective (one credit point) OR 1 elective (one credit point) *
* Students must complete at least one (1) level 3, 4 or 7 SE elective unit (one credit point).
~ It is recommended students undertake SEJ441 and SEJ446 in consecutive trimesters.
^ Students are encouraged to complete this unit in Trimester 3 of the third year of study. Must have successfully completed STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0 credit point unit)
+ Students enrolled online for these units are required to attend campus mode conducted activities during the corresponding Intensive Activities in a trimester. Attendance at campus mode activities is linked to assessment requirements within the Engineering programs, failure to attend will result in not meeting the hurdle requirement of the respective assessment. Thus, a fail grade shall be awarded for the respective affected unit(s) for that particular trimester.
Work experience
Through SEL703 Professional Practice, you will gain industry experience by completing at least 30 to 60 days of practical work experience in an engineering workplace with assessment tasks designed to develop and enhance your understanding of the engineering profession, professional practice and continuing professional development, possible career outcomes, and the opportunity to establish valuable professional networks.
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.
For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students website.