From planes, trains and automobiles through to artificial hearts, elevators and the world’s largest power stations, mechanical engineering involves anything and everything with moving parts.
In this broad specialisation, you will learn how to design, manufacture and control machines and engines ranging from power generators through to manufacturing systems. You’ll also have access to innovative technologies and our specialist workshop areas (including our race car workshop) where you can practise your new skills.
You will study air, heat and energy flows, and learn how to control and automate machines. Using your strong analytical skills, you will identify and develop solutions for all kinds of mechanical challenges, and gain an excellent understanding of how machines are used in everyday conveniences from refrigerators to sound production, roller-coasters and computers.
You will develop expertise in creating precision machinery and apply the fundamentals of physics, chemistry, biology and technology to leverage the latest advances in cutting-edge nanotechnology.
Tailor your specialisation in mechanical engineering with majors or minors that meet your interests and career goals. Mechanical engineering offers these options:
Majors
Minors
Career possibilities
Our programs prepare you for your first job and beyond. Here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:
- Mechanical engineer
- Mechanical design engineer
- Industrial engineer
- Additive manufacturing engineer
- Aerospace engineer
- Project control engineer
- Environmental engineer
- Biomedical engineer
Early-career salary
Mechanical Engineer
payscale.com
Late-career salary
Mechanical Engineer
payscale.com
I loved the idea of combining innovation and creativity with science. Engineering has long been ranked as the most common undergraduate degree among Fortune 500 CEOs – so I knew that it would give me an amazing skill set for life.
Current student, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical)
I like understanding how things work and the practical skills and pragmatism that engineering gives you. I think mechanical engineering is the broadest of all the engineering disciplines – in one way or another it underpins most aspects of life.
Graduate, Bachelor Of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical)
I chose to study engineering because I have always enjoyed the problem-solving side of maths and physics. I also love cars and enjoy working with dynamic systems. At UQ I was able to join the UQ Racing team where we designed, built and raced a formula-style car against other universities.
Graduate, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical)
Mechanical engineers are highly sought after in the energy generation industry, I so decided to major in mechanical engineering. In my career, I hope to help Australia move towards more sustainable energy solutions.
Current student, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical)
I loved the idea of combining innovation and creativity with science. Engineering has long been ranked as the most common undergraduate degree among Fortune 500 CEOs – so I knew that it would give me an amazing skill set for life.
Current student, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical)
I like understanding how things work and the practical skills and pragmatism that engineering gives you. I think mechanical engineering is the broadest of all the engineering disciplines – in one way or another it underpins most aspects of life.
Graduate, Bachelor Of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical)
I chose to study engineering because I have always enjoyed the problem-solving side of maths and physics. I also love cars and enjoy working with dynamic systems. At UQ I was able to join the UQ Racing team where we designed, built and raced a formula-style car against other universities.
Graduate, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical)
Mechanical engineers are highly sought after in the energy generation industry, I so decided to major in mechanical engineering. In my career, I hope to help Australia move towards more sustainable energy solutions.
Current student, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical)
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How you'll learn
In 2023, we'll be teaching on campus, with online options (for most programs and plans) for students who can't attend in person. See the list of programs and plans you can't commence online.
Course delivery modes may change in future semesters.
Your learning experiences are designed to best suit the learning outcomes of the courses you choose.
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Work placements
- Laboratory work
- Fieldwork
- Workshops
What you'll study
At UQ, subjects are called 'courses'. Here's a sample of the courses you could study:
- Machine Element Design
- Structures and Materials
- Dynamics I
- Fundamentals of Fluid Mechanics
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