From August 2025 you can apply as a domestic student for entry to Adelaide University in 2026.
Applications for 2026 will be via SATAC for most undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs. A direct application process will be available for 100% online degrees at a later date. In the meantime, you could start your degree at UniSA or the University of Adelaide and continue at Adelaide University.
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:
- Mechatronic
- Mining
- Structural
- Telecommunications
- Chemical
- Civil
- Electrical
- Energy Resources
- Environmental and Water Resources Management.
What courses you'll study
Complete 96 units comprising:
- 60 units for Core courses, and
- 12 units for Work integrated learning, and
- 24 units for Electives
Complete 60 units comprising:
- 54 units for all Core courses, and
- 6 units from Selective courses
| Course name | 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 | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
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 name | 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
FAQs
Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.
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.
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:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
