Master of Engineering (Mechanical)

Specialise in cutting-edge technologies

Mechanical engineers are experts in everything from prosthetic limbs and robots to motor vehicles, aircrafts and space stations. They design and develop materials, processes and products—always innovating new ways to improve our lives and the world.

This intensive degree is suited to high-achieving engineering graduates, as well as engineers with relevant work experience. It is fully accredited by Engineers Australia.

What will you do?

Our Master of Engineering (Mechanical) comprises a foundation year and an advanced studies year. With a strong hands-on learning and design focus, you’ll:

  • explore advanced mechanics and structural design
  • study applied aerodynamics and thermodynamics
  • pursue specialist topics according to your interests and career goals
  • build communication and project management skills
  • undertake a significant research project.

Where could it take you?

You could develop life-saving medical technologies, or innovate in the sustainable energy field. You might design, build and test robots and robotic systems with artificial intelligence. Perhaps you’ll be an aerospace engineer or check naval ships for damage using vibration mechanics.


  • Ranked #50 in the world for computer science and engineering^
  • Undertake a major research project supervised by world-class academic staff
  • Graduates qualify for professional membership with Engineers Australia

^ARWU, 2022

Entry Requirements

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Before applying make sure you understand the eligibility and entry requirements for your chosen degree.

Look out for any prerequisites or assumed knowledge subjects. Some degrees also have additional entry requirements like interviews and auditions.

Domestic applicants

SATAC Code 3CM063
Deferment Yes - 2 year
Intake February and July
Selection Criteria
Graduate entry

Higher Education Study A completed four-year Bachelor of Engineering degree or equivalent in a related discipline with a minimum GPA of 4.5.

  • Admissions Transparency Data
    Student Profile
    Applicant background Semester one/Full year intake 2023
    Number of students Percentage of all students
    International students 24 92.3%
    All students 26 100.0%

Ready to Apply?

Find out more about the application process and start your studies at the University of Adelaide.

Be sure to check the critical dates to avoid missing application deadlines.

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Fees and Scholarships

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Domestic applicants

Indicative annual tuition fees
Australian Full-fee place: $43,500

Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.

FEE-HELP
This is an Australian full-fee program. As a domestic student you may be eligible to:

  • receive a zero interest government assistance package to cover your course fees and
  • use over $100,000 in HELP assistance over your lifetime
Check your eligibility today at Study Assist

Scholarships

Scholarships are not only for high achievers—they are also available to provide students with an equal opportunity to study at university, no matter where they live or what their financial situation might be.

Scholarships are available to both new and continuing students. We encourage students to apply for any scholarships for which they may be eligible.

To browse scholarships offered by the University, visit: University Scholarships

To explore scholarships offered by organisations external to the University, visit: External Scholarships

Careers

Career Readiness

Mechanical engineers have great employment prospects both locally and globally. They offer expertise in the fields of materials engineering, combustion, noise and vibration control, energy technology, control systems, robotics, quality management, bioengineering, aeronautics, fluid mechanics, water supply, mining, manufacturing, production planning, maintenance planning, consumer product design, pollution control and failure analysis.

The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

Graduate Attributes

The objective of this program is to produce graduates with specific attributes as outlined in University of Adelaide Graduate Attributes.
  1. Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth
  2. Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving
  3. Teamwork and communication skills
  4. Professionalism and leadership readiness
  5. Intercultural and ethical competency
  6. Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency
  7. Digital capabilities
  8. Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

Professional Accreditation

The Master of Engineering (Mechanical) is fully accredited by Engineers Australia.

Potential careers

Graduates of this program have gone on to roles such as:

Engineer;  Mechanical Engineer;  Aircraft Engineer;  Manufacturing Engineer;  Noise Control Engineer;  Robotics Engineer

Degree Structure

The Master of Engineering is a 48-unit program comprising:
  • 12 units of core courses;
  • 12 units of foundation courses;
  • 12 units of advanced technical coursework and;
  • a project to the value of 12 units, which introduces candidates to research.
Normally, students will complete the requirements for the Master of Engineering in two years of full-time study.

Graduates of a Bachelor of Engineering from the University of Adelaide or another institution whose program is equivalent to an AQF level 8 honours program will be eligible to be considered for credit—allowing them to complete the master's program in less than two years, with a minimum of one year of full-time study.

International students from non-English speaking backgrounds will be required to take an English language communications course as part of the program.

The availability of all courses is conditional on the availability of staff, facilities and sufficient enrolments.

Program Learning Outcomes
The learning outcomes for this program were informed by the University of Adelaide Graduate Attributes, Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies and the characteristics of the Adelaide Engineering graduate.

Graduates of a Master of Engineering (Mechanical) will be able to:

  1. Employ highly developed oral and written communication skills to communicate complex information and present persuasive arguments.
  2. Exercise professional judgement, founded on a strong commitment to principles of continuing professional development, ethics, sustainability and social responsibility.
  3. Contribute pro-actively to the work of teams, both as a team member and a team leader, and maintain respectful, constructive and diverse team environments.
  4. Plan and manage resources using systematic methodologies to create solutions to complex engineering problems.
  5. Think critically and independently, apply logic and exercise judgement to create safe and sustainable outcomes.
  6. Apply in-depth knowledge of the principles and methods of research, and of the research directions in the nominated field of specialisation to devise innovative engineering solutions.
  7. Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the natural and physical sciences, and mathematical and computer sciences, which underpin the nominated field of specialisation.
  8. Apply an in-depth specialist body of knowledge and skills in the nominated field of specialisation.
  9. Create innovative solutions to complex socio-technical problems using the established engineering methods, tools and processes in the nominated field of specialisation.

Academic Program Rules

The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.

Master of Engineering (Mechanical)

Example Study Plan

Core Courses
Students must complete all of the following:
Foundation
Students must complete all of the following:
Electives
Students must choose at least two of the following (6 units):
Electives
Students may choose up to two courses (6 units) from the following:
Research Project
Students must complete all of the following:

Assessment

Assessment includes course and project work. All students are required to complete a minimum of 12 weeks of practical experience outside normal class time. Practical experience can be undertaken in Australia or overseas.

Students who have already completed equivalent practical experience that is deemed acceptable by the Faculty of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences may be given a partial or total exemption from this requirement.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Last updated: Friday, 10 Nov 2023