Study Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical and Mechatronic) at the University of South Australia (UniSA). Information for Australian students.

Entry Scores
2024 Guaranteed Entry
Year 12 (ATAR-based): 72.00
Year 12 (Grades-based): B,B,B
TAFE/RTO: DIP
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2023 Cut-Offs
Year 12 (ATAR-based):
- Internal: 72.00
TAFE/RTO: Cert IV
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Entry requirements

Admission criteria

The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.

Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.

Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:

Recent secondary education
Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent
AND
- Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
- Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
- Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points
Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.

Recent secondary education ATAR profile

OR
Higher education study
- Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
- Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above, or
- Complete the Associate Degree in Engineering at the University of South Australia
OR
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
- Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Certificate IV or above
OR
Work and life experience
- Qualify for Special Entry, or
- Complete a 12-month UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
- Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past
Essential requirements for admission
Prerequisites

SACE Stage 2 Math Methods

Assumed Knowledge

SACE Stage 2 Physics
View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements

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This program allows progression to fast-track Masters. Visit Fast-track to Masters in STEM for more information.

Degree overview

Study at SA's number one university for graduate careers 16 years running¹.
Professionally accredited by Engineers Australia (EA), graduates are eligible for membership with EA and comparable international institutions.
Endorsed by the Naval Shipbuilding College (NSC) as part of the College Endorsement Process.
Integrate mechanical engineering with computing, control and automation.
Learn specialist skills in robotics and machine vision systems.
Gain real work experience through the UniSA STEM Professional Practice Program.
Learn in specialist, purpose-built facilities including the Mechatronics Lab, Experience One Studio and Experiential Learning Suite.
Go on an overseas study exchange and choose from over 25 countries and more than 60 universities worldwide.
Start now, decide later. Flexible entry pathways and common first-year across all Engineering Honours programs so you can change your specialisation based on your interests.
Access a new pathway option for students to complete the required mathematical prerequisite.

¹Graduate Destinations Survey 2007-2015 and Graduate Outcomes Survey 2016-2022 (Domestic Undergraduate Full-time Employment Indicator for SA public universities).

Snapshot

Mechanical and mechatronic engineering is a diverse field that can be applied right across industry – from robotics and automation to manufacturing, automotive and energy. This degree captures that diversity, integrating mechanical engineering with computing, control, automation and actuation.

Professionally accredited by Engineers Australia, this degree is strongly hands-on, with significant opportunities to apply engineering theory to real-world challenges. In your final year, you’ll complete a major honours research project as well as an industry-focused design project.

Through the UniSA STEM Professional Practice Program you’ll gain at least 450 hours of skills and competencies to ensure you are graduate career ready. You will have access to a range of engagement activities such as placements, internships, guest lectures, industry panels, site visits, events and networking opportunities. Hear more about the benefits of the UniSA Industry experience from graduates William, Franke and Teresa here.

Enjoy a common first-year across most Engineering degrees enabling you to switch between specialisations and receive credit for completed courses. This means if you change your mind about your Engineering specialisation after first-year, you can change programs and still complete your degree in 4 years full-time. Start now, decide later.

On-campus teaching for this program is based at the Mawson Lakes campus. Only 20 minutes from the city centre with easy parking. The Mawson Lakes campus is also accessible by bus and train with the Mawson Lakes train station only a short walk.

New Pathway options for Engineering

If you haven’t completed SACE Stage 2 Mathematical Methods and want to study engineering, consider our Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Flexible Entry). You’ll study first year courses, and catch up on the required prerequisite, before transferring into your preferred engineering specialisation with up to one year of credit.

What you'll learn

In your first year you will develop a strong general foundation in engineering including computer programming, applied mathematics and physics. As your studies progress you will discover innovative mechanical and mechatronic areas such as robotics, industrial actuation and automation and machine vision.

Our UniSA STEM Professional Practice Program allows you to apply the skills and knowledge you've acquired throughout your degree in real-world settings.

At least half of the honours year involves a major project. You will take the lead as an engineer in a project environment, working with industry, a government organisation, or an academic research area.

You can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages.

Degree structure

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units	Reference
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Programming Concepts	COMP 1045	4.5
Engineering Materials	RENG 1005	4.5
Mathematical Methods for Engineers 1	MATH 1063	4.5
Sustainable Engineering Practice	ENGG 1003	4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Electrical and Electronic Systems	EEET 1027	4.5
Engineering Design and Innovation	ENGG 1004	4.5
Mathematical Methods for Engineers 2	MATH 1064	4.5
Engineering Mechanics	MENG 1012	4.5
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Mechanics of Materials	CIVE 2005	4.5
Mathematical Methods for Engineers 3	MATH 2028	4.5
Electrical Circuit Analysis	EEET 1003	4.5
Mechanical Engineering Practice	MENG 2009	4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Engineering Dynamics	MENG 2014	4.5
Mechanical Design Practice	MENG 2004	4.5
Fluid and Energy Engineering	MENG 2002	4.5
Project Management for Engineers	ENGG 2004	4.5
THIRD YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Computer Aided Engineering Practice	MENG 3003	4.5
Control Systems	EEET 3046	4.5
Energy Conversion and Management	MENG 3005	4.5
Electromechanics	EEET 2044	4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Digital Logic Fundamentals	EEET 1026	4.5
Mechanics of Machines	MENG 2008	4.5
Robotics and Automation	MFET 5023	4.5	Note(s): 2,3
Design Management for Engineers	ENGG 3006	4.5
FOURTH YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Engineering Industry Experience	ENGG 4017	0		Rule(s): 1,2
Advanced Control and Signal Processing	EEET 4071	4.5	Note(s): 3
Machine Learning and Vision Systems	MFET 4015	4.5	Note(s): 3
Engineering Capstone Experience A	ENGG 4007	4.5	Note(s): 1,3
Engineering Honours Project A	ENGG 4009	4.5	Note(s): 1,3
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Mobile Autonomous Robotic Systems	EEET 4070	4.5	Note(s): 3
Integrated Industrial Actuation and Automation	MENG 4019	4.5	Note(s): 3
Engineering Capstone Experience B	ENGG 4008	4.5	Note(s): 1,3
Engineering Honours Project B	ENGG 4010	4.5	Note(s): 1,3

Rules & notes

Rules

1. Engineers Australia (EA) requires students to achieve at least 450 hours/60 days full-time equivalent (FTE) of discipline and/or industry related skills and competencies prior to graduation. At UniSA, students must complete the UniSA STEM Professional Practice Program (PPP) to gain these hours through a range of professional engagement activities such as placements, internships, guest lectures, industry panels, site visits, networking, and industry events. Please contact STEM.placements@unisa.edu.au for more information.

2. Upon completion of the UniSA STEM Professional Practice Program (PPP) students will be invited to enrol in this course and complete the required assessment for the course. Students will not be eligible to graduate until they have obtained a Non-Graded Pass (NGP) for this course.

Notes

1. Students must undertake a final year project. This can be completed as an on-campus research project or with Program Director's approval as an industry project at a workplace. Contact the Program Director for more information.

2. To enrol in a course with a catalogue number starting with 5 (e.g. CIVE 5xxx), students need to apply for a career permission override via myEnrolment and gain approval first.

3. Students must complete at least 36 units with honours level outcomes. This course may contribute towards the final honours grade for the program.

Study hours

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.

Assessment

Your studies at UniSA will incorporate both practical, professionally-focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

reports, project documentation, case studies and presentations
essays and assignments
examinations
industry-relevant, research-based projects
practical, team-based projects

Global opportunities

Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.

You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.

Take a look at the global opportunities available.

Honours

This is a four-year, professional degree with honours. The honours component includes a minimum of one year of advanced studies in research and professional practice. You will receive First Class, Second Class or Third Class Honours, depending on your performance.

You will graduate with industry experience and connections, and a higher-level qualification than a bachelor degree. Your honours year is designed to prepare you for future leadership roles in mechanical design, advanced manufacturing and applied mechatronics.

Why Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical and Mechatronic)

With the focus of this degree on solutions engineering problems, you will develop advanced theoretical understanding and practical skills in:

dynamics and mechanics of machines
thermodynamics and energy engineering
mechanical system design and digital prototyping
control systems and industrial actuation
machine vision and learning
robotics and autonomous systems

You will graduate prepared for Industry 4.0 developing skills in industry software platforms and collaborative digital environments.

Our students also work on the UniSA entry in the Warman Design and Build Competition, applying hands-on skills and knowledge to a complex design project. This is an Asia Pacific-wide competition, open to students in mechanical engineering who are in their first or second year of study.

An internship in your final year will see you tackle engineering challenges for industry clients, where you will complete a research and development project.

All of our Engineering Honours programs share a common first-year, so choosing this degree offers ultimate flexibility. Should you wish to pursue a different specialty after completing your first-year, you can switch to an alternative Engineering program and receive credit for the courses completed. Start now, decide later.

4+1 Pathway to Masters
Are you interested in gaining a postgraduate degree with just one extra year of study? You can package the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical) with the Master of Engineering (Engineering Management) with our Fast-track to Masters programs. This unique offering allows you to develop advanced expertise and broaden your career opportunities. You will graduate in just five years, instead of the typical six.

Real-world connections

UniSA collaborates with over 2,500 companies worldwide to ensure our degrees remain relevant and connected to industry. As part of all engineering degrees UniSA students participate in our UniSA STEM Professional Practice Program.

The UniSA STEM Professional Practice Program gives you the opportunity to gain hands on experience and create industry connections. In-industry work placements and internships enhance the employability skills of our graduates.

UniSA is number one in South Australia for graduate careers and student satisfaction¹ and we’re one of Australia's leading universities for Engineering research². Our leading researchers will be your teachers and everything you learn will be supported by our research excellence. We also host regular University-wide careers expos and employment forums through our Career Service, as well as alumni events in Australia and overseas.

¹ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020-22 – Full-time Employment Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate). SA public universities.
2UniSA’s Engineering research rated well above world-class – 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).

Engineers Australia Accreditation

Graduate career ready by completing the Professional Practice Program as part of your degree. You will gain at least 450 hours of skills and competencies through a range of engagement activities such as placements, internships, guest lectures, industry panels, site visits, networking and events.

This program is accredited by Engineers Australia and students are eligible to join as a member during their studies. Engineers Australia is part of the Washington Accord, making members eligible for membership with comparable institutions worldwide.

Hear from Niyo Samwel, Mechanical Engineering student

Niyo Samwel talks about his experience studying UniSA's Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical) where he was able to apply the skills he learned in the classroom during real-world placements.

Career outcomes

Your career

Overall, engineering vacancies have increased by 22 per cent in 2022 and shows engineering as one the strongest professions in demand in Australia¹.

Careers to consider:

Mechanical Engineer: develop products from small parts to large plant, machinery or vehicles; can work on all stages of a product such as research, development, design, manufacture and installation
Systems engineer: install, configure, test and maintain operating systems, application software and system management tools; manage and monitor all installed systems and organisational infrastructure; and, ensure high levels of system and infrastructure availability
Mechanical Engineering Supervisor: oversee the design of mechanical equipment, industrial processes and robotics; supervise the production, operation, repair and maintenance of equipment; manage staff, resources and work processes
Mechatronic Device Designer And Development Engineer: design machinery with electronic and computer control systems such as power generators, mining and chemical plant machinery, aircraft, robots, motor vehicles or cameras; develop high-technology engineering systems that automate industrial tasks
Automation Engineer: develop automated machinery and processes to complete exact tasks; develop technologies for production and delivery such as robots for packaging, food processing or car manufacturing

Explore a range of engineering and construction careers here.

¹Engineers Australia: Australian Engineering Employment Vacancies, February 2023

Professional accreditation and recognition

This program is professionally accredited by Engineers Australia and is designed to meet the requirements for graduate membership of Engineers Australia and comparable international institutions.

Industry facts

There is strong future demand for Design, Engineering, Science and Transport Professionals in Australia

(National Skills Commission 2021)

Employment for Industrial, Mechanical and Production Engineers in Australia is projected to increase by 5.5 per cent (or 1,500 jobs) by 2026

(National Skills Commission 2021)

There is currently a skills shortage of experienced engineers in Australia

(Engineers Australia 2022)

How to apply

Applying to study with us:

go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply
you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application

Alternative Pathways

Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

UniSA College Diploma in STEM (Engineering)
SAIBT Diploma of Engineering
Eynesbury Diploma of Engineering

International
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

SAIBT Diploma of Engineering
Eynesbury Diploma of Engineering

Deferment

This degree is available for deferment. This option is made available by responding to your offer during the application process via the SATAC website. Applicants who receive an offer into a midyear degree are eligible to defer for six months.

Credit Transfer

Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you're eligible for credit from previous studies.

Go to credit assessor

Entry pathway

We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.

Find a Pathway

Scholarships

Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.

More scholarships

UniSA Excellence Scholarships

$5,000 scholarship for South Australian students with an ATAR of 99 who enrol to study a UniSA undergraduate degree.

Learn more

UniSA Outstanding Achievement Scholarship

Up to $10,000 per annum (full time) for South Australian students who obtain an ATAR of 99.95 or IB equivalent and enrol to study at UniSA.

Learn more

Your study experience and support

Our campuses are home to fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. But you’ll also discover that your journey at UniSA is about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. You’ll find student sports and fitness facilities, community clinics, tech zones and chill-out spaces. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and loads more.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Student services

Our student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:

academic counselling
personal counselling
social support services, including family support and nearby childcare
common rooms
prayer rooms
security officers
career services and mentoring
Wirringka Student Services, offering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students a supportive place to study
as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.

When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.

24/7 digital environment

Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.

Your campus

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.

Your study spaces

You will have access to the latest industry technology and tools in our engineering spaces:

Engineering Design Studio: a practical learning space with the state-of-art industry-standard digital modelling and design software platforms and tools.
Experience One Studio: a unique first year engineering space with open studio, small group and learning spaces. There are also chill out areas.
Engineering Experience Studio: the studio for second and third year students.
Experiential Learning Space: a collaborative, innovation space. Final year students, postgraduate and research students, leading researchers and industry partners work side-by-side, in a flexible, open and creative environment.
Industry-standard facilities: the largest strong floor in the southern hemisphere and a 1,200 metre long hydraulic testing facility.
Mechatronics Laboratory: explore active suspension systems, mobile robotics, industrial control stations comprising programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) software.
Industry 4.0 Test Lab: a world-class Industry 4.0 practical laboratory space and facilities for CAD, additive manufacturing, pilot scale manufacturing demonstration, and smart coating, targeted for various sectors including defence, space, mining, electronics, agri-tech/food, medical/healthcare and automotive.

Your program director

I work on a number of consultancy and research projects in resource-efficient product and service innovation, sustainable industry and community transformation, and low-carbon urban precincts. I am particularly dedicated to incorporating social, economic, and environmental perspectives into tertiary engineering education to achieve sustainability in engineering practice.

AsPr Ke Xing

Program Director

Enquire

AsPr Ke Xing

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

How do I apply?

There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.

Applications for admission into the University of South Australia’s undergraduate and most postgraduate degrees are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Visit satac.edu.au and follow the links.

For the MBA degrees please apply through the UniSA MBA Application Portal. Applications for a small number of degrees are submitted direct to UniSA through our Apply Online portal. It will be noted on the degree page if you need to apply via Apply Online.

Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Master of Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit unisa.edu.au/resdegrees.
Is there a closing date for applications?

Undergraduate
Yes. The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be given equal consideration is in early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers (mid January). Some degrees will not make any offers after the main offer round. Please click here find all of the key dates for applications here.

Postgraduate
Most postgraduate degrees do not have a closing date for applications. However, there are exceptions, so it is best to check – either on the SATAC website, Apply Online or the degree homepage. Postgraduate offers are normally ‘rolling’, meaning they may be sent out at any time up until the program starts. This also means that applications may close at any time without warning, if the quota is filled earlier. For this reason, postgraduate applications should be submitted without delay. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquiries team on (08) 8302 2376 or via the online enquiry form.
What credit can I receive for previous studies?

Credit transfer or advanced standing

You may be eligible to receive a credit transfer or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving a credit transfer will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.

Recognised prior learning

If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning for this experience. Receiving recognised prior learning will normally reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and can reduce the duration of the degree.

How do I get credit?

Credit transfer and recognition of prior learning is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director who will discuss your prior learning and experience with you to ascertain what credit you may be eligible for.

Many of our credit transfer arrangements are listed on our online Credit Assessor.
Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?

UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.

Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.

If you are interested in studying an MBA please contact admissions@unisa.edu.au and our Future Student Enquiries team will contact you regarding your enquiry.

Alternatively, you can complete a MyCareerMatch career profile. MyCareerMatch is an online career profiling tool that you can use free-of-charge through UniSA. MyCareerMatch specialises in career profiles and provides you with a personalised career report outlining information about your personality style and a list of career options, which are complementary to your natural strengths and talents.

We have many events throughout the year where you can speak with a lecturer or tutor about your degrees of interest. You can find out what is happening at UniSA by visiting our events page or by signing up to our mailing list, so you're the first to know about careers events, information sessions, degree requirements, scholarships and more!

There are also many career counsellors external to the University that you can discuss your career options with. If you are unsure where to start your search, you can contact the Government's Work Ready team (formally Skills for All). Visit skills.sa.gov.au or call 1800 506 266.

You may also find Job Outlook a helpful resource in your decision-making.
Where can I get further information?

It can be difficult to decide what degree you would like to do and where. You might find information from government organisations will help to weigh up your degree and provider options.

Find a course or a provider

TEQSA is a regulatory body for higher education providers. Use the TEQSA national register of higher education providers to search for a course or a provider. Compare courses and providers for undergraduates and postgraduates using the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) online comparison tool.

More information on university admission

Visit the SATAC website to find out important news, events and information on applying to university in South Australia. Visit Study with Us to find out everything you need to know about studying at UniSA, admissions and the application process.

Questions about your application

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your application you should contact the Future Students Enquiries team in the first instance.

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