Australian residents
International students
Intakes: 

2023: February, May, July

Duration: 
4 years
Location: 
Footscray Park
Fees: 

2023: A$18,800*
* fee per semester

Application due dates:
We are currently accepting applications for this course.
Apply

Overview

Get set for an exciting career inventing devices and generating clever solutions to engineering challenges, with a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical Engineering) from VU.

Mechanical engineers use their in-depth knowledge of the physical sciences and maths to improve the quality of life on Earth. Recent engineering breakthroughs include 3D printing machines, unmanned vehicles and high-performance prostheses.

Our Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical Engineering) degree focuses on modelling and simulation of components, machines, processes and systems.

You’ll work on real problems and projects in the workplace and community. This ensures that you are career-ready when you graduate.

Our degree prepares you for work a wide range areas, including:

  • computer-aided engineering design
  • modelling and simulation
  • transport systems
  • machine health monitoring
  • design of medical devices and prostheses
  • mining
  • defence
  • manufacturing.

VU follows a teaching method of problem-based learning. Many classes are run as workshops where you are encouraged to work in a team and generate your own learning agenda.

We have an ‘open door’ policy if you need extra assistance. Classes are small and lecturers get to know students very quickly.

You’ll have access to state-of-the art labs with modern equipment. The latest Modelling and Simulation software packages are used throughout the course.

Our work placements and industry projects give you the practical experience needed to confidently begin your career. Students are required to complete 12 weeks of industry placement.

Victoria University Motorsport (VUM) is a student group led by mechanical engineering undergraduate students. The group is open to all undergraduates studying at VU.

Students design and build a race car which they enter in the annual Formula SAE competition. This extra-curricular activity provides an excellent professional development opportunity and brings together students with a shared passion for engineering and motorsports.

Mechanical engineers design a huge range of devices, from vehicle engines and wind turbines to solar-power heaters and even washing machines.

Some of these are incredibly important to improving quality of life, and progressing society.

Recent breakthroughs in which mechanical engineers have played a critical role include:

  • artificial kidney (wearable dialysis machine)
  • 3D printing machines
  • high-performance prostheses
  • hypersonic flight
  • unmanned vehicles.

At VU you can spend part of your degree studying overseas all while gaining credits towards your course.

Immerse yourself in a new culture and learn from a new perspective, while building experiences that will help you to stand out in the competitive job market.

Female engineers excel in solving problems of social significance, making a positive impact on society and the environment.

Our Women in Science & Engineering program supports our current university students, and inspires women to choose engineering and science careers.

We run hands-on workshops in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines for secondary-school students. Our support continues throughout undergraduate and postgraduate study, with mentoring, seminars and workshops featuring female engineers.

VU offers a range of scholarships for undergraduate students who are in financial need.

The College of Engineering and Science provides additional scholarship opportunities, including 10 scholarships to undergraduates to conduct supervised research during the summer.

VU’s Learning Hubs are welcoming spaces where you can improve your study and employability skills.

Our students can attend Learning Hubs at one of five VU campuses.

We offer maths, writing, careers and English-language advice and can show you effective ways to study and manage your time.

Our programs include:

  • workshops
  • drop-in sessions
  • peer mentoring
  • maths and writing resources
  • resume and career guidance.

We also have accessibility support services and counselling services available to all students.

Our Footscray Park Campus has everything you need, all set a pleasant stroll from the Maribyrnong River and parklands.

Facilities include:

  • aquatic and fitness centre
  • childcare services
  • learning common spaces with WiFi, tables and chairs
  • restaurants and café
  • state-of-the-art lecture theatres.

Our library gives you constant access to online resources from wherever you are. It also has the following for your use:

  • 14 group study rooms
  • 15 laptops for loan
  • 296 PCs and six Apple Macs
  • printing, copying and scanning
  • excellent WiFi access.

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Careers in mechanical engineering

VU's mechanical engineering graduates are known in the industry as well-rounded, accredited engineers, with highly sought-after technical and problem-solving skills.

You could find work as one of the following:

  • mechanical engineer
  • design engineer
  • product engineer
  • product innovation engineer
  • development engineer
  • production engineer
  • sales engineer
  • systems engineer
  • production manager
  • engineering manager.

Industries that employ mechanical engineers include:

  • medical
  • automotive
  • aviation
  • transport
  • construction
  • food production
  • medical engineering
  • manufacturing
  • marine
  • defence
  • mining
  • petrochemical
  • resources
  • power generation
  • investment banking and finance.

Salaries

Find average salaries for various engineering-related professions in Australia on Labour Market Insights.

Employment rates

Find engineering employment rates in Australia.

Engineered to succeed

Engineered to succeed

Julien Lepine’s research into transport vehicle vibration at VU caught the eye of University of Cambridge.

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Accreditation

This program is accredited by Engineers Australia and graduates are eligible to apply for graduate membership.

Course structure

To attain the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical Engineering), students will be required to complete 384 credit points, consisting of:

  • 96 credit points of First Year Core studies;
  • 288 credit points of Core Mechanical Engineering studies.

Students are required to produce documented evidence of the completion of 12 weeks professional experience.

Accreditation:
This program is accredited by Engineers Australia and graduates are eligible to apply for graduate membership.

First Class Honours:
To be eligible for completion with First Class Honours, students must achieve:

  • A minimum weighted average of 60% over year levels 1 to 3;
  • A minimum weighted average of 80% in year level 4;
  • An average HD grade for the final year units, NEF4101 Research Project 1 and NEF4201 Research Project 2

First Year Core Units

Year 2, Semester 1

Year 2, Semester 2

Year 3, Semester 1

Year 3, Semester 2

Year 4, Semester 1

Year 4, Semester 2

Compulsory Minors

We are the first Australian university to use a 'block' model of learning, where you study one unit at a time rather than juggling several at once.

Introduced in 2018, the VU Block Model has improved our student results and achievements, and has won awards for innovation and excellence. Initially for first-year students, it now applies to all students studying at our Melbourne campuses.

You'll study in short bursts, called blocks, of three 2-3 hour face-to-face teaching sessions per week.

Each block focuses on one unit (subject) and is only four weeks long, with up to four days between. Our two semesters have four blocks each, and there are optional blocks over winter and summer where you can catch up on a missed unit.

Some courses have labs and pracs too, and these are generally scheduled on the same days as teaching sessions. There are also workshops where you'll develop your study skills and prepare for your future career.

Find out more about the VU Block Model.

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Integrate conceptual understanding of mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences with advanced specialist bodies of knowledge within the mechanical engineering discipline;  
  2. Exhibit expertise and professional judgement in engineering design practice which acknowledges contextual factors impacting the mechanical engineering discipline;  
  3. Adapt theoretical knowledge applicable to the discipline and propose creative, innovative and sustainable engineering practices;  
  4. Critically evaluate both sources and validity of information and use established processes for information management;  
  5. Plan and execute a research project, professional project or piece of scholarship which demonstrates intellectual independence and contributes to the evidence base within the mechanical engineering discipline;  
  6. Discriminate and defend the application of established engineering methods and processes to promote systems which resolve existing and emerging complex engineering problems (including those that require cross-disciplinary knowledge and skills);  
  7. Present clear and coherent expositions of knowledge and ideas to a variety of audiences;  
  8. Exemplify the requisite characteristics for team leadership and membership appropriate to specific purposes, projects and contexts;  
  9. Apply professional ethics and accountabilities in their engineering practice and a commitment to ongoing professional development.  

What's a unit?

A unit or 'subject' is the actual class you'll attend in the process of completing a course.

Most courses have a mixture of compulsory 'core' units that you need to take and optional elective units that you can choose to take based on your area of interest, expertise or experience.

Credits

Each unit is worth a set amount of study credits based on the amount of time you study. Generally, 1 credit is equal to 1 hour of study per week.

Admissions

Victoria University is committed to providing a transparent admissions process. Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.

Applicants for this course will need to have met the academic requirements and prerequisites for this course outlined below.

Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee entry into this course. Past academic performance may be considered.

Entry requirements

Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (VCE or equivalent) including Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English (or equivalent).
PLUS:
Units 3 and 4 with a study score of 20 in Mathematics (any) (or equivalent).
OR:
Completion of an Australian Advanced Diploma or Diploma (or equivalent).
PLUS:
IELTS (or equivalent): Overall score or 6.0 (with no band less than 6.0 in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking).
OR:
Completion of a Foundation course or equivalent.

Find out if you meet the entry requirements, including English language and academic requirements.

Pathways & credits

There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.

If you have completed any of the following course(s), you will be guaranteed a place in this course. In some cases you may receive credit for your previous study, reducing the time it takes to complete your course.

Foundations at VU JYAC

You will be guaranteed entry only.

International Foundations at VU (Extended) JQAH

You will be guaranteed entry only.

International Foundations at VU JQAG

You will be guaranteed entry only.

Find out more about pathways and credits.

If you have completed any of the following course(s), you will be guaranteed a place in this course. In some cases you may receive credit for your previous study, reducing the time it takes to complete your course.

BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Electrical/Electronic Engineering

International College of Business Technology, Sri Lanka

You will be credited for up to 12 credit points of study.

Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering with Honours

SEGI University, Malaysia, Malaysia

You will be credited for up to 192 credit points of study.

Use our credit calculator to find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.

If you have completed study with another university or institution and believe you are eligible to receive credit for skills and past study, you can apply for advanced standing.

Applications for advanced standing can be made after a discussion with your course chair or academic adviser.

Credit Calculator

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How to apply

We are currently accepting international applications, and we welcome you to apply for this course.

Click 'apply' to begin, and we will guide you through the application process.

Apply

If you have questions, please get in touch:

Information and fees listed above are for non-resident students. Fees are accurate at the time of viewing and will be subject to annual increases. Some courses require students to purchase equipment or clothing that they will need in the course. These equipment or clothing costs are not included in the course fees listed above – check your Letter of Offer for an estimate on non-tuition-fee-related expenses.

VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this course information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that course information is current with the Student Contact Centre.