University of Adelaide

What you'll study

This professionally oriented master combines advanced mechanical engineering technical units with professional practice and project work. Core themes include solid mechanics and structural analysis, thermofluids and heat transfer, materials and manufacturing, dynamics and control, computer-aided design and computational methods (including finite element and CFD tools), plus engineering project management, systems engineering and professional engineering practice.

Typical components include:

• Advanced mechanics of solids and structures
• Thermofluids, energy systems and heat transfer
• Materials selection, manufacturing processes and industrial practice
• Dynamics, vibration and control systems
• Computational modelling and simulation (FEA/CFD)
• Design and prototyping, CAD/CAM and additive manufacturing
• Engineering project management, risk and asset management
• Professional practice, ethics, sustainability and engineering law
• Capstone industry project or major design project that integrates technical and professional skills

The programme is delivered through lectures, laboratory work, hands‑on workshops and supervised project work. Students typically undertake an integrated capstone or industry project to demonstrate applied engineering competency.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree in engineering or a closely related technical discipline, or an equivalent qualification with substantial engineering content. Applicants with degrees in related science or technology fields may be considered if they can demonstrate sufficient preparatory background or relevant professional experience.

The University requires demonstration of a sound academic record and English language proficiency in line with its postgraduate admission standards. Additional requirements may include submission of transcripts, a curriculum vitae, and references; some applicants may be asked to provide evidence of prior design or technical project work. Eligibility for accreditation pathways can depend on the content of prior studies, so applicants with non‑engineering qualifications should seek pre‑assessment.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a wide range of mechanical engineering roles across industry, including design and development engineering, manufacturing and production engineering, maintenance and asset management, energy and process industries, aerospace and defence, automotive, mining and resources, and consulting engineering. The course is structured to satisfy the competencies required by professional bodies and supports progression towards professional registration and chartered status.

Typical roles held by alumni include mechanical design engineer, project engineer, systems engineer, reliability engineer, R&D engineer, and engineering consultant. The University’s industry links and capstone project opportunities help graduates build employer connections in both local and international markets.

Why study at University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide is home to a well‑established engineering faculty with strong research and industry engagement in mechanical engineering disciplines. Students benefit from modern laboratories and workshops, access to computational resources for simulation and modelling, and hands‑on teaching that emphasises industry practice and employability.

The School maintains partnerships with local and national industry, offering opportunities for industry projects and collaborations. The programme aligns with national professional accreditation frameworks, and the University provides career services, industry networking events and support for moving into professional practice.