Master of Professional Engineering (Mechanical)

Postgraduate | 2026

Mode

On Campus

Start date

February, July

Campus

Adelaide City, Mawson Lakes

Duration

2 year(s) full-time

Program code

MAPME

Study as

Full-time

Indicative annual fees

$52,300

Non-tuition fees

Prerequisite

None

Assumed knowledge

None

English language requirements

IELTS Overall 6.5 IELTS Reading 6.0 IELTS Listening 6.0 IELTS Speaking 6.0 IELTS Writing 6.0 Equivalent English qualifications

CRICOS code

115947D

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved the following minimum entry requirement and demonstrate they fulfil any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.

A completed 4-year bachelor or bachelor honours degree or higher in a field relevant to the chosen engineering specialisation from a recognised higher education institution.

English language entry requirements

In addition, international students who speak English as an additional language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at Adelaide University. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.

IELTS Overall 6.5
IELTS Reading 6.0
IELTS Listening 6.0
IELTS Speaking 6.0
IELTS Writing 6.0

Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by Adelaide University and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements:

Equivalent English qualifications

Why Master of Professional Engineering (Mechanical)?

Mechanical engineers are experts in all things that move with the help of machines. They design, build, operate and maintain the systems that power our everyday lives – cars, aircraft, wind turbines, and much more.

Capable of working at all stages of the product lifecycle, these engineers have the expertise to thrive in either generalist or highly specialised roles. The career possibilities for mechanical engineers are truly endless.

If you’re a mechanical engineer looking to extend your skills, our Master of Professional Engineering (Mechanical) is perfect for you.

Combining advanced theory with countless opportunities to hone your skills in professional settings, you’ll graduate with everything you need to take your engineering career to the next level.

Overview

Our Master of Professional Engineering (Mechanical) is designed to challenge and extend, assisting you to take your mechanical engineering career to the next level.

You’ll study higher-level courses in advanced mechanics and structural analysis, applied aerodynamics, advanced materials, controls and thermodynamics.

Core courses in engineering management and data analytics enable you to deepen and formalise your project management expertise.

Our wide range of electives give you the freedom to tailor your studies to your specific interests and career goals. Whether that’s biomechanics, industrial automation, renewable energy systems, aeronautics – or something else entirely – you’ll find plenty of options.

But it’s not all theory.

A deeply practical degree, you’ll put your learning into practice through capstone design-and-build projects, a major research project and up to 450 hours of industry placement.

These experiences come together to ensure you’ll graduate with the advanced technical and professional skills needed to achieve your career goals.

Key features

Extend yourself with higher-level courses in advanced mechanics and structural analysis, applied aerodynamics, controls and thermodynamics.
Take specialised elective courses aligned to your specific interests and career goals.
Undertake up to 450 hours of professional experience, applying your skills in industry settings.
Formalise your project management skillset through courses in engineering management and data analytics.
Sharpen your research skills through capstone design and research projects.
Complete your studies at a pace and level of commitment that suits you with our stackable qualifications.

What you'll learn

This degree is structured with both a foundation and extension year. Depending on your specific combination of professional experience and educational qualifications, you may be eligible to receive credit for the first year and progress straight into year two of the degree.

The first year of this degree covers, at an advanced level, essential mechanical engineering knowledge and theory in advanced materials and mechanics, acoustics and vibrations, heat transfer and control systems. You’ll also complete courses in engineering data analytics and engineering management.

Professional industry placement also occurs in the first year of this degree. You’ll complete up to 450 hours of placement in a relevant industry setting.

In second year, you can choose from a wide range of elective courses. You may wish to keep your options quite broad – or you might prefer to choose courses that align to your interests and future career ambitions. A range of elective courses are available, including:

Advanced control
Aeronautical engineering
Autonomous robotic systems
Biomechanical engineering
Industrial automation and industry 4.0
Machine learning and vision systems
Renewable energy systems
Robotics and automation
Sustainable engineering design.

In your final year, you’ll also complete both a major research project and capstone engineering design project.

You’ll be able to complete majority of first year common courses at either our Adelaide City or Mawson Lakes Campus with some potential cross-campus study required. Throughout your degree, you’ll gain access to cutting-edge facilities across both campus locations to enhance your overall learning experience.

Specialisations

The Master of Professional Engineering is also available with specialisations in the following:

Chemical
Civil
Electrical
Energy Resources
Environmental and Water Resources Management
Mechatronic
Mining
Structural
Telecommunications.

What courses you'll study

Complete 96 units comprising:

60 units from Core courses, and
12 units for Work integrated learning, and
24 units for Electives

Complete exactly 60 units from the following:

	Course code	Units
Course name Masters Engineering Research Project A	Course code ENGI6023	Units 6
Course name Masters Engineering Research Project B	Course code ENGI6024	Units 12
Course name Engineering Data Analytics	Course code ENGI5006	Units 6
Course name Professional Engineering Management	Course code ENGI5003	Units 6
Course name Advanced Mechanics of Materials	Course code ENGM5000	Units 6
Course name Acoustics and Vibrations	Course code ENGI5001	Units 6
Course name Heat Transfer	Course code ENGI5002	Units 6
Course name Engineering Systems Design Project	Course code ENGI6001	Units 6
Course name Thermodynamics	Course code ENGM5003	Units 6
Course name Applied Control Systems	Course code ENGM5004	Units 6

Complete 12 units comprising:

12 units for all Work integrated learning

Course name		Course code	Units
	Course name Masters Professional Engineer Career Preparation	Course code ENGI5900	Units 6
	Course name Masters Professional Engineer Engagement with Professional Practice	Course code ENGI5901	Units 6

Complete 24 units comprising:

24 units from Electives

	Course code	Units
Course name Aeronautical Engineering	Course code ENGA5000	Units 6
Course name Advanced Control	Course code ENGE5005	Units 6
Course name Microcontroller Programming	Course code ENGE5016	Units 6
Course name Autonomous Robotic Systems	Course code ENGM5001	Units 6
Course name Biomechanical Engineering	Course code ENGI5021	Units 6
Course name Industry 4.0	Course code ENGI5023	Units 6
Course name Renewable Power Technologies	Course code ENGE5000	Units 6
Course name Principles of Systems Engineering	Course code ENGP5004	Units 6
Course name Machine Learning and Vision Systems	Course code ARTI6001	Units 6
Course name Robotics and Automation	Course code ENGM6002	Units 6
Course name Engineering Acoustics	Course code ENGM6005	Units 6
Course name Advanced Vibrations	Course code ENGM6006	Units 6
Course name Materials Selection for Engineering Design	Course code ENGM6007	Units 6
Course name Finite Element Analysis	Course code ENGM6008	Units 6
Course name Computational Fluid Dynamics	Course code ENGM6009	Units 6
Course name Advanced Fluid Mechanics	Course code ENGM6010	Units 6
Course name Model-Based Systems Engineering	Course code ENGM6011	Units 6
Course name Refrigeration and Air Conditioning	Course code ENGM6012	Units 6
Course name Sustainable Engineering Design and Net-Zero Transitions	Course code ENGM6013	Units 6
Course name Combustion and High Temperature Processes	Course code ENGP6008	Units 6
Course name Industrial Automation	Course code ENGP6018	Units 6
Course name Data Analytics for Resources Engineering	Course code ENGP6019	Units 6
Course name Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage	Course code ENGP6020	Units 6

Career outcomes

Mechanical engineering is an incredibly broad field with many different areas and specialist sub-fields. Experts in mechanically powered systems can work at any stage of the system lifecycle. From conception to design and development, production, operation, maintenance, right through to phase-out – mechanical engineers are there at every step.  

You could lead the development of water treatment and desalination plants, ensuring a steady supply of clean water to regions facing water scarcity. Maybe you’ll design affordable orthopaedic implants that can be individually customised. Perhaps you’ll project manage the complete end-to-end automation of a manufacturing process for a corporate client.    

Whatever your career goals, there’s a path for you. You could also work in a wide range of sectors including:  

  Aerospace and defence 
Automotive   
Biomedical technology  
Consulting and engineering services  
Consumer products and electronics 
Manufacturing  
Medical device manufacturing 
Power generation, transmission and distribution  
Renewable energy and smart grid technologies  
Robotics and automation 
Transportation and logistics.

Industry trends

 Rapid advancements in technology and increasing pressure to invest in automation from various industries are creating a strong demand for engineers with the skills to drive this transformation. Mechanical engineers will increasingly be called upon to design and maintain smart factories, automated systems and sustainable technologies.  

Accreditation

Adelaide University is working through relevant approvals for program accreditation ahead of students commencing in 2026.

How to apply

Find your program

Discover the programs and explore the opportunities.

Explore our programs

Check the requirements

Look out for any prerequisite or assumed knowledge courses. Some degrees may have additional entry requirements.

Consider your preferences

To prepare for your future and to maximise your success consider adding additional preferences.

How to apply

Applications for international students are open now, to begin your studies in 2026.

Apply through one of the University’s official Education Agents, or via our International Application System.

Find an Education Agent

Depending on your country of citizenship, you may be required to apply through one of our Education Agents.

Find an education agent in your country

FAQs

Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

Applications for Australian students to study at Adelaide University will open in August 2025. Applications will be via SATAC for most undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs.

Applications to study a 100% online degree will open in July 2025 via a direct application process.

In the meantime, you could start your studies at UniSA or the University of Adelaide in 2025 and continue on to Adelaide University in 2026.

Adelaide University is South Australia’s largest university with seven campuses across the state. Adelaide City Campus is in the heart of the central business district (including eastern and western precincts), while our Magill, Mawson Lakes and Waite campuses are located within the inner suburbs of Adelaide. Our Mount Gambier, Roseworthy and Whyalla campuses are set in the regions of South Australia. Building on our digital and online learning successes, we aim to also deliver online education to more students than any other Australian university.

Each of our campuses is equipped with cutting-edge, discipline specific facilities, contemporary study spaces and well-resourced libraries. Our city and suburban campuses also feature on-site gyms and eateries, and health services on, or nearby, campus.

You will be well supported academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually with access to on-campus facilities and services such as counselling, learning support, childcare, prayer rooms and more.

You will be well supported through a range of services at Adelaide University to ensure you get the most out of your student experience. Support services include:

Academic learning support, spanning assistance with writing, referencing, mathematics and more.
Advice and advocacy regarding access, adjustments and inclusivity if you have a disability, impairment, chronic health condition or significant caring responsibilities.
Libraries providing flexible study spaces, access to books, computer suites and online resources – as well as referencing support, search tips and more.
Career development hub, including extensive self-help resources, online learning programs, on-campus events, workshops and networking, one-on-one advice, and job search support.
Qualified counsellors who can provide confidential support to manage your mental health and wellbeing.
On-campus medical clinics on-site where you can make an appointment with a General Practitioner to discuss acute and preventative health care matters.
Information and advice for international students regarding accommodation, student life, and academic policies and procedures.
An active and visible LGBTIQA+ Ally Network that ensures the University provides a supportive environment where all staff and students can safely work and study free of harassment or discrimination.
Prayer rooms on campus, including gender specific spaces for worship purposes.
Campus security available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure all students feel safe on campus.
A range of scholarships offered to commencing and continuing students each year to make university life a little easier.
A number of social outlets including student lounges, gyms, student-led clubs, sports teams and free events throughout the year.

Your tuition fees will depend on your program of study and enrolment load. You can find the annual fees relevant to your program on the specific degree page under the ‘fees’ section. The annual fee payable for your chosen program will also be outlined in your Offer of Admission.

Adelaide University will open in January 2026. Your studies will start at different times depending on what study period you’ve applied for. Adelaide University is currently using a semester model, which means most degrees start in Semester 1. Some degrees are also available to start in mid-year, sometimes with a different degree structure. 

Studies at Adelaide University typically commence in:  

February for Semester 1  
July for Semester 2.

Some degrees, such as the Bachelor of Medical Studies and Master of Business Administration, will have different starting dates. View the relevant degree page for more detail. 

For other key dates, including census dates and exam periods, you can view the Academic calendar. 

View all FAQs

Your study experience and support

Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.

You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.

Student services

We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:

Career advice and mentoring services
Personal counselling
LGBTQIA+ support
Academic support
Fees and finance help
Security services
Accommodation services
Common rooms
Prayer rooms.

You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.

Your campus

You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.

This degree is offered at the following campus(es)

Study hours

Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.

Assessment

During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include: