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

Entry Scores
2022 Guaranteed Entry
Year 12 (ATAR-based): 72.00
Year 12 (Grades-based): B,B,B
TAFE/RTO: DIP
View Guaranteed Entry Info
2021 Cut-Offs
Year 12 (ATAR-based):
- Internal: 77.05
TAFE/RTO: Cert IV
View full entry requirements

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 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 student experience and teaching quality in engineering¹.
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.
Undertake specialised courses in your final year including robotics and machine vision systems.
Access the Engineering Mechatronics Laboratory and join an engineering student club.
Develop competencies and gain real work experience through the UniSA STEM Professional Practice Program.
Go on an overseas study exchange and choose from over 25 countries and more than 60 universities worldwide.
A new pathway option for students to complete the required mathematical prerequisite.

¹2021 Good Universities Guide –Undergraduate and Postgraduate

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.

In this degree you will apply engineering theory to real-world challenges. You will work on a major industry project in your final year, and study advanced courses in mechatronics. Graduate career-ready by completing the UniSA STEM Professional Practice Program and 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.

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. Further information is available here.

What you'll learn

In your first year you will develop a strong general foundation in engineering. As you advance in your studies 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
Industrial Automation Systems	EEET 3044	4.5
Design Management for Engineers	ENGG 3006	4.5
FOURTH YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Industrial Experience	MENG 3007	0	Note(s): 2	Rule(s): 1,2
Advanced Control and Signal Processing	EEET 4071	4.5
Machine Learning and Vision Systems	MFET 4015	4.5
Engineering Capstone Experience A	ENGG 4007	4.5
Engineering Honours Project A	ENGG 4009	4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Mobile Autonomous Robotic Systems	EEET 4070	4.5
Integrated Industrial Actuation	MENG 4019	4.5
Engineering Capstone Experience B	ENGG 4008	4.5	Note(s): 1
Engineering Honours Project B	ENGG 4010	4.5	Note(s): 1

Rules & notes

Rules

1. It is a requirement of Engineers Australia that students achieve at least 450 hours (60 days FTE) of discipline and/or industry related skills and competencies by completing the UniSA STEM Professional Practice Program (PPP) prior to graduation. These hours can be gained through a range of professional engagement activities such as placements, internships, guest lectures, industry panels, site visits, networking and industry events. For more information please contact the UniSA STEM Industry Experience team at STEM.PPP@unisa.edu.au.

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. The student will not be eligible to graduate until they have obtained a Non-Graded Pass (NGP) for this course.

Notes

1. With Program Director approval, students may enrol in Engineering Honours Project B Extended and complete an extended 9 unit project. Students will complete this course in lieu of Engineering Honours Project B and Engineering Capstone Experience B.

2. Students can gain UniSA STEM Professional Practice Program hours by completing a 13.5 unit or 18 unit Internship placement. Contact the Program Director for more information.

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)

UniSA is number one in South Australia for quality education¹ and we’re one of Australia's leading universities for Engineering research.² With the focus of this degree on finding solutions for real-world engineering problems, you will study:

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

In our industry-standard facilities, you will apply engineering theory to real-world challenges. You will be prepared for Industry 4.0 using cutting-edge industry software platforms and collaborative digital environments. You will also have internship opportunities in your final year to complete R&D projects for industry clients.

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.

¹ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2019-20(Undergraduate and Postgraduate). Public SA-founded universities only.
² Australian Government Department of Jobs and Small Business, Occupational Employment Projections 2018

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 during your studies to gain hands on experience and create industry connections. In-industry work placements and internships enhance the employability skills of our graduates. Many of our graduates have been employed through work placements or internships.

Professionally accredited by Engineers Australia, our engineering degrees offer a huge amount of study flexibility. On graduation you’ll be eligible for membership of Engineers Australia and comparable international institutions.

We also host regular University-wide employee master classes and employment expos, and alumni events in Australia and overseas.

Engineers Australia accreditation

Graduate career ready by completing the Professional Practice Program as part of your degree. 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

Graduates of this degree have found full-time work with respected organisations like the Orlando Wyndham Group, Holden, Origin Energy, Caroma, WMC (Olympic Dam), Aurecon, Bridgestone, Transport SA, and SA Water. Careers to consider:

Mechanical engineer: developing 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: installing, configuring, testing and maintaining operating systems, application software and system management tools; managing and monitoring all installed systems and organisational infrastructure; ensuring high levels of system and infrastructure availability
Mechanical engineering supervisor: overseeing the design of mechanical equipment, industrial processes and robotics; supervising the production, operation, repair and maintenance of equipment; managing staff, resources and work processes
Mechatronic device designer and development engineer: designing machinery with electronic and computer control systems, such as power generators, mining and chemical plant machinery, aircraft, robots, motor vehicles or cameras; developing high-technology engineering systems that automate industrial tasks
Automation engineer: developing automated machinery and processes to complete exact tasks; developing technologies for production and delivery such as robots for packaging, food processing or car manufacturing

Explore a range of engineering and construction careers here.

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.

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

There are a wide variety of pathways into studying Engineering at UniSA.
Find an Alternative Pathway

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 should you need, from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages or explore our student accommodation by urbanest on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal perfect 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 advanced facilities including modern 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:

Experience One Studio: the first-year engineering space is unique, with open studio, small group and learning spaces. There are also chill out areas
ENE 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: such as the largest strong floor in the southern hemisphere and a 1,200m long hydraulic testing facility
Engineering Mechatronics Lab: explore robotics, machine tool control, and automated guided vehicles

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.

Dr Ke Xing

Program Director

Enquire

Dr 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 Masters by 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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