Tell me about Curtin University

What degrees are offered by the Department of Mechanical Engineering?

The Department of Mechanical Engineering offers the following courses and awards:

How do I gain entry to the Mechanical Engineering course?

Local Students:

Applicants should include Applicable Maths plus two out of three from Calculus, Physics, and Chemistry in their studies for entry to the Mechanical Engineering course.

Selection is based primarily on attainment in these subjects.

Good-quality candidates without some of these subjects may be admitted but will be required to complete appropriate bridging and special course units as prescribed.

In certain cases, the need to complete these special units may result in extension of studies beyond the regular four-year term.

Holders of TAFE associate diplomas will be granted some advanced standing.

All local applications for entry to the course should be forwarded to the Tertiary Institutions Service Centre (TISC) at 39 Fairway, Nedlands, WA, 6009.
Phone: (08) 9389 1466.

Overseas Students:

Please contact the local agent for Curtin University in your home country for details.

What is the duration of the course?

The degree of Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering) and Bachelor of Engineering (Mechatronic Engineering) are 4 year full time courses or equivalent part time. Each of the eight semesters contain lectures and laboratory classes involving approximately 20 hours per week during semester.

How is the study program structured?

The first two years of the course contain an emphasis on the fundamentals of applied science, particularly mathematics, mechanics (the branch of physics dealing with forces and motion), thermodynamics, materials science and graphical communication skills. From the second year onwards, the application of the specialised subjects to our discipline is studied via the pivotal unit mechanical design. The main subject areas studied in the course, in addition to the basic sciences are, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, mechanics, mechanics of solids, production practices and management topics. In the final year, students undertake a significant project where skills acquired during the course are applied.

Will I get a job after graduating?

Graduates in mechanical engineering find their first employment opportunities in the primary and secondary mining industries, manufacturing industry and commerce, in the Public Service, both State and Commonwealth, and in the armed forces. Indications are that Curtin mechanical engineering graduates have won for themselves a sound reputation, both in Western Australia and elsewhere, frequently occupying managerial positions in industry. Some return to academic life or engage predominantly in research. Any graduate from a basic course in mechanical engineering should be sufficiently well grounded to adapt to any of these various specialised activities.

The majority of our graduates are employed as professional engineers within a short period.

How much will I earn?

The range of commencing salaries is k$35 to k$45 depending on location and the industry concerned. Mining or petroleum operations remote from Perth will attract the higher salaries; small operations in Perth will offer salaries at the lower end.

Other important information?

The Mechanical Engineering course at Curtin is accredited by the Institution of Engineers, Australia and hence fulfils the academic requirements for Corporate membership leading to the Chartered Professional Engineer qualification which is recognised world wide.

Where can I find more information?