Mechanical engineering courses

A mechanical engineering course covers diverse areas of expertise, ranging from physics to data to design, which you will apply when working within the profession.  

The subject matter will vary depending on your exact mechanical engineering course, but you may cover topics such as:  

• Chemistry 
• Physics  
• Numerical modelling  
• Advanced materials  
• Robotics  
• Aerospace systems  
• Renewable energy  
• Systems design 

Mechanical engineering is a challenging but fascinating and satisfying field. If you enjoy finding new solutions to problems, collaborating with other talented professionals, and working on a range of interesting projects, you could make a great mechanical engineer. 

With a mechanical engineering degree under your belt, you’ll have a broad range of career paths to choose from. You could find yourself working on anything from automotive systems to aerospace projects to robotics.  

Yes, you can absolutely study mechanical engineering online—especially the more conceptual topics. There are online options for undergraduate, postgraduate, and short courses or subjects in mechanical engineering.  

To qualify for entry into undergraduate courses in mechanical engineering, you will likely need a minimum ATAR score and to have studied some specific subjects in high school. For postgraduate courses in mechanical engineering, you will generally need an undergraduate engineering degree.  

Make sure you read the ‘entry requirements’ section on the course pages you’re interested in, to check that you meet the criteria. 

Consider an Associate Degree in Engineering, if you don’t have a strong academic history. With its lower entry requirements, this 2-year qualification offers a pathway into a full engineering degree. 

With a background in mechanical engineering, you’ll find your skills are transferable to a range of engineering roles.  

You may find work as a: 

• Mechanical engineer 
• Mechanical technician  
• Automotive engineer  
• Civil engineer 
• Biomedical engineer 
• Aerospace engineer 

Mechanical engineering has its place in almost every field of work, but there are key industries where its impact is crucial: 

• General manufacturing 
• Medicine 
• Automotive  
• Rail 
• Aerospace 
• Building and construction 
• Minerals and energy 
• Defence 
• Heating, cooling and ventilation 
• Robotics 
• Acoustics 

Unlike when you study through a traditional university, you can enrol you in most of the undergraduate subjects available through our website instantly. Enrol in the subjects you’re interested in, and as soon as your study materials arrive, you can start learning online.

As you start completing your subjects, you’ll eventually need to apply to your uni to formally enter your degree. Enrolling in subjects is a great way of becoming eligible and applying successfully. Check out the Registering in this degree section on the degree page you're interested in for more information.

Postgraduate subjects are different. Most of them are restricted, meaning you’ll have to apply for entry and be accepted before you can start studying online. You’ll find information about the application process on the postgraduate degree page that you’re interested in.

Enrolling is easy. You can enrol online or over the phone with a student advisor.

There are other types of engineering that could interest you, as well as related study areas in STEM. Here are a few we recommend, based on what you might like to achieve:  

You can also book a call with an Open Universities Australia student advisor for personalised course advice.