Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering is a broad and diverse specialisation. It involves the application of principles of physics for the analysis, design, manufacturing and maintenance of mechanical systems. Mechanical engineers have a solid understanding of key concepts including mechanics, kinematics, thermodynamics and energy, and apply these concepts to the processes of building, developing and maintaining structures which are vital to our economy. Equipment and machinery are the essential elements in all forms of industry, and are the domain of mechanical engineers.

Mechanical engineers now reach far beyond the industries traditionally associated with the field, such as transportation and power generation. They collaborate with a wide variety of scientists and engineers from other fields. For example, mechanical engineers are employed in industries as diverse as acoustical consulting and coal-seam gas extraction.

Mechanical engineers use their broad skills in mathematics, engineering science and project management and often move into high-level industry positions. 

What does the future hold?

The ‘information age’ has revolutionised the field of mechanical engineering. In this rapidly changing technological environment, the specialty has evolved from designing and working with machinery to a profession which spans all areas of energy production and transfer, as well as the vast area of system design and control.

Mechanical engineers will continue to contribute to society by designing, manufacturing and maintaining mechanical devices for a broad range of applications, from transportation and construction, through to the mining and minerals industry. In the future, mechanical engineers will be required to devise and implement solutions to the energy and water needs of society. 

The following areas are available to study with the Mechanical Engineering major.

Minerals Process Engineering

Mineral process engineering combines comminution, flotation, hydrometallurgy and pyrometallurgy to extract and refine valuable minerals from raw ores, as well as protect and restore the environment.

Using sophisticated, modern technologies, mineral process engineers also create new products from materials that were once considered waste, cleaning up the landscape while promoting economic growth.

UQ has one of the most comprehensive and powerful areas specifically devoted to the activities of the minerals and related industries in Australia. 

Mining Engineering

Mining engineers assess whether a new mineral discovery is of sufficient size and quality to warrant the costs of extraction, transportation and marketing.

The mining industry is highly mechanised, highly automated and capital-intensive and uses the most sophisticated technology available.

Graduates have a range of employment options in the mining industry, such as engineering, operations, sales and management. Mining engineers often work for international companies, leading to opportunities for overseas travel and employment.

Employment Opportuntites

Employment for mechanical engineers is as broad as the specialisation itself. Work varies by industry and function, and within the field itself, there are many options to specialise.

All areas of industry employ these professionals, including power generation companies, mining, food production and medical technology industries. Government authorities like rail, marine and transport departments are key employers.

Internationally, UQ mechanical engineering graduates are employed in mining, construction and manufacturing. Private building services and consulting engineerng firms are also areas of prospective employment. Many graduates are administrators or managers, and some even start their own firms companies to become employers themselves. 

Visit our Careers in Mechnical Engineering page for further information.

UQ Bonus Rank Scheme
 
The UQ Bonus Rank Scheme offers students who complete Year 12 in Australia a chance to improve their rank to gain entry to their preferred program.  For more information please click here.

Full program details and entry requirements

Credit for Previous Studies

Non-Award Enrolment
 
If you have the skills and background to enrol in individual courses, but you are not qualified to enter an award program, you may be eligible to enrol as a domestic non-award student on a fee-paying basis, for training purposes. This option is not available to international students.

The University's Enhanced Studies program allows students in selected high schools to enrol in first year level university courses, while completing their Year 12 studies.

Full list of BE courses 

Study information for Mechanical Engineering students 
 

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