Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering) (Honours)/Bachelor of Industrial Design (Honours)

RMIT offers a variety of learning and teaching approaches including lectures, seminars, studios, workshops, presentations, group discussions, and syndicate work. 

You'll have access to online resources through the myRMIT student portal.

Ongoing assessment throughout the semester includes examinations, essays, reports, oral classes, presentations, group projects, research projects, laboratory projects and practical assignments.

In the final year of your studies you'll undertake a major project that is either industry-based or simulates an industrial situation. Combining and further developing the key theoretical and practical knowledge necessary for your field - as defined by Engineers Australia - you’ll work with industry leaders to solve a project challenge.                    

Before graduating from this program, you are strongly encouraged to complete a minimum 12 weeks of engineering industry experience. This allows you to gain first-hand experience in an engineering practice environment under the supervision of a practising professional engineer. The nature and timing of this engineering experience can take a range of forms.

Opportunities exist for an overseas work placement of between six and 12 months (this satisfies the work experience requirement). These placements are normally taken during a one-year break in the middle or at the end of the third year of the degree.

RMIT encourages you to aspire to a global career, not just a local one, and as an engineering student you’ll have a range of global opportunities.

Through partner organisations in Europe, Asia and the United States, the RMIT International Industry Experience and Research Program (RIIERP) offers workplace training and academic research placements of between six and 12 months.

There are also opportunities to study abroad through Education Abroad.

Years 1 and 2

In the first two years, you'll study basic mechanical engineering and industrial design courses.

In these years, you will be exposed to the fundamentals of engineering sciences, mathematics, engineering design, and engineering professional practice. These are aimed at developing competence in essential analytical problem-solving skills and design capabilities.

You’ll also gain a basic understanding of the methods and nature of the designed form, and learn about the socio-cultural factors of design and designing.

All engineering students will also study an Introduction to Engineering course, incorporating a humanitarian-focused Engineers Without Borders Challenge. You’ll have the opportunity to extend this aspect of your studies by completing an Engineers Without Borders elective, enabling you to experience humanitarian engineering first-hand.

Years 3, 4 and 5

In the final years of the program, specialist mechanical engineering elective courses are offered in various streams of expertise.

You’ll be provided with the challenge of defining and demonstrating an area of professional engagement through a year-long, research-led and industry-engaged design project. Your final-year (capstone) project will develop and reinforce the skills and knowledge you need - as defined by Engineers Australia - to commence your professional engineering career. This experience acts as a scaffold for entry into the profession and opens up opportunities beyond graduation.

Throughout the program, professional practice courses will introduce you to report writing and other communication skills, work modules on organisations, ethics, design and build activities, project management, occupational health and safety, sustainability.

You’ll also complete a work-integrated learning (industry experience) elective in Year 2, 3 or 4.

This program is fully accredited by Engineers Australia. Graduates of the program are eligible for graduate membership of Engineers Australia. Full membership as a professional engineer may be obtained after an appropriate period of professional practice.

Australia is one of 15 countries that are signatories to the International Engineering Alliance, also known as the Washington Accord, for professional engineers. The qualification of graduates from this degree is recognised in all countries that are signatories to the Accord.