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Master of Engineering Science (Mechanical and Advanced Manufacturing Engineering)

Australia's #1 Engineering & Technology Faculty
Combine innovative thinking and technical expertise as you explore a new area of engineering. This two-year Master of Engineering Science program involves complex, open-ended and enquiry-based projects. It’s an exciting, practical degree that offers the chance to join a globally renowned school with a reputation for pushing boundaries.
Commencing Terms
Term 1, 2 & 3
Duration
1 - 2 Year(s)
Delivery Mode
Face-to-face (includes blended)
Campus
Kensington
Codes
Program code 8338
CRICOS code 084282A
Entry Requirements
View all admission criteria
Fees
Commonwealth Supported Places are available for this program
2024 Indicative CSP first year fee
$9,000*
2024 Indicative CSP fee to complete degree
$18,500*
Makerspace, Ken Leanfore

International application pause for 2025 intakes

Applications for international students to study at UNSW in 2025 are currently paused. Please submit your expression of interest to join our application waitlist so we can contact you.

Overview

UNSW Master of Engineering Science (Mechanical and Advanced Manufacturing Engineering) is a two-year postgraduate degree offered at Australia’s top engineering faculty. This flexible postgraduate degree lets you specialise in mechanical engineering and gain in-depth knowledge and technical ability while continuing your professional development.

Continue to expand your knowledge through this degree to offer the best solutions to their sector. This degree allows a professional Mechanical Engineer to upgrade their skills and knowledge through rigorous and rewarding coursework that will prepare you for more specialised and senior roles and meet ongoing accreditation requirements.

A key element of the Master of Engineering Science (Mechanical and Advanced Manufacturing Engineering) at UNSW is core disciplinary knowledge, advanced disciplinary knowledge and an advanced research project. This postgraduate degree features complex, open-ended enquiry based projects to help you think laterally, tackle problems head on and develop the mindset to become a leader.

In this degree, you’ll gain the theory, tools and strategies to design engineering systems and manage a product’s full life-cycle. You’ll gain advanced disciplinary knowledge and practical experience in areas of:

  • Computer-aided design and manufacture
  • Machine condition monitoring
  • Acoustics and noise
  • Composite materials and mechanics
  • Solar thermal energy design
  • Automobile engine technology

Through an extensive research project, you’ll have the opportunity to extend your knowledge in a specific area of interest. The project enables students to gain valuable skills in project planning and management and learn methods to undertake the critical analysis, interpretation and communication of results. 

*Source: QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023

Why study this degree at UNSW?

Standout from other graduates in the job market with a degree from Australia’s top-ranking Engineering faculty. In the 2022 Shanghai  Ranking's  Global Ranking of Academic Subjects, UNSW  Mechanical Engineering ranked 1st in Australia and 36th in the world. As one of the largest mechanical engineering schools in Australia, we have more than 2,500 students and 90 staff members. 

With our global academic standing and size, benefits from studying with us include: 

  • Our teaching staff and researchers have expertise in a diverse set of Mechanical Engineering disciplines: aerospace, mechanical, advanced manufacturing, mechatronics and robotics 
  • Cutting-edge facilities including laboratories specialising in robotics, energy storage, solar thermal energy and nuclear energy
  • Our School is a research powerhouse for Mechanical Engineering with strengths in Energy Conversion and Storage, Engineered Medical Solutions and Robotics and Autonomous Systems 
  • Partnerships with industry leaders such as Australia Advanced Aerospace Technology, Delta V – Fusion Power Systems, Hyundai NGV, The Boeing Company and Xinjiang Goldwind Science & Technology 

 

Program Code
8338
CRICOS Code
084282A
Campus
Kensington
Total Units of Credit (UOC)
96

Want to see more from UNSW Engineering?

Entry requirements

There are two entry points into this Master of Engineering Science specialisation depending on your cognate background. This provides a structured and supportive option for students with a non-cognate background, while enabling students with cognate backgrounds earlier flexibility in their course selection. Both entry points equate to the same duration of 2 years (96 UOC), and differ only in the order and structure of core foundation courses.

Students with a cognate background:

Entry into the Master’s program requires completion of a 4-year Bachelor of Engineering degree (or equivalent) or 3-year Engineering Science degree in a cognate discipline. A minimum 65% average, or its equivalent, throughout the qualifying bachelor’s degree is mandatory.*

Students with a non-cognate background:

Students with a non-cognate background can enter the Master of Engineering Science via the Graduate Certificate in Engineering Science/Master of Engineering Science pathway.

Entry into the pathway requires completion of a 4-year Bachelor of Engineering degree (or equivalent) or 3-year Engineering Science degree in any engineering discipline.

A minimum 65% average, or its equivalent, throughout the qualifying bachelor’s degree is mandatory.*

Successful applicants will be offered entry to the Master of Engineering Science via the Graduate Certificate in Engineering Science/Master of Engineering Science pathway. Students can transition to the Master of Engineering Science after passing 18 UOC of foundational courses. The total study duration is the same as the entry point for students with a cognate background (2 years/ 96 UOC). There is no separate application required for this pathway. Applicants with non-cognate backgrounds must apply for the Master of Engineering Science to be considered for this entry.

*Qualifications from non-211 Chinese Universities will require a 70% average

 

Cognate Discipline
  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Aircraft Manufacturing
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Manufacturing Engineering
  • Mechanical Design
  • Manufacturing and Automation
 
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Mechatronic Engineering
  • Mining Engineering
  • Naval Engineering
  • Production Engineering

 

Recognition of Prior Learning (Credit Transfer)

UNSW recognises that many students have professional experience or relevant previous studies. If you have worked in a relevant industry or have relevant previous study experience, you may be eligible for credit points that would enable you to complete your Master of Engineering Science in as little as one year, or another accelerated option listed below dependent on your previous study and experience.

  •  A 4 year Bachelor Degree with honours (AQF Level 8 equivalent) from any institution in a cognate discipline.

  • A 3 year Bachelor Degree (AQF Level 7 equivalent) from any institution in a cognate discipline.

English language requirements

 

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.

If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

There are two entry points into this Master of Engineering Science specialisation depending on your cognate background. This provides a structured and supportive option for students with a non-cognate background, while enabling students with cognate backgrounds earlier flexibility in their course selection. Both entry points equate to the same duration of 2 years (96 UOC), and differ only in the order and structure of core foundation courses.

Students with a cognate background:

Entry into the Master’s program requires completion of a 4-year Bachelor of Engineering degree (or equivalent) or 3-year Engineering Science degree in a cognate discipline. A minimum 65% average, or its equivalent, throughout the qualifying bachelor’s degree is mandatory.*

Students with a non-cognate background:

Students with a non-cognate background can enter the Master of Engineering Science via the Graduate Certificate in Engineering Science/Master of Engineering Science pathway.

Entry into the pathway requires completion of a 4-year Bachelor of Engineering degree (or equivalent) or 3-year Engineering Science degree in any engineering discipline.

A minimum 65% average, or its equivalent, throughout the qualifying bachelor’s degree is mandatory.*

Successful applicants will be offered entry to the Master of Engineering Science via the Graduate Certificate in Engineering Science/Master of Engineering Science pathway. Students can transition to the Master of Engineering Science after passing 18 UOC of foundational courses. The total study duration is the same as the entry point for students with a cognate background (2 years/ 96 UOC). There is no separate application required for this pathway. Applicants with non-cognate backgrounds must apply for the Master of Engineering Science to be considered for this entry.

*Qualifications from non-211 Chinese Universities will require a 70% average

 

Cognate Discipline
  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Aircraft Manufacturing
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Manufacturing Engineering
  • Mechanical Design
  • Manufacturing and Automation
 
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Mechatronic Engineering
  • Mining Engineering
  • Naval Engineering
  • Production Engineering

 

Recognition of Prior Learning (Credit Transfer)

UNSW recognises that many students have professional experience or relevant previous studies. If you have worked in a relevant industry or have relevant previous study experience, you may be eligible for credit points that would enable you to complete your Master of Engineering Science in as little as one year, or another accelerated option listed below dependent on your previous study and experience.

  •  A 4 year Bachelor Degree with honours (AQF Level 8 equivalent) from any institution in a cognate discipline.

  • A 3 year Bachelor Degree (AQF Level 7 equivalent) from any institution in a cognate discipline.

Admission pathways


If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into your chosen degree, you may be eligible for a pathway program with UNSW College. UNSW College provides alternative entry options using university-approved content so that you can start your UNSW journey with confidence. 

English language requirements


You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

Check the specific English language requirements for this program

Program structure

When you choose to study a Master of Engineering Science, you’ll choose from one of 26 specialisations which will help you make your next career move.

Within these specialisations your study will include:

  • Enquiry-based courses
  • Disciplinary courses
  • Engineering and Technical Management Courses.

You’ll be able to tailor your degree to your interests by combining courses in your chosen specialisation with elective courses.

You’ll also have the chance to work on a complex, open-ended enquiry-based research project.

Full program structure

Degree structures can vary depending on your specialisation of choice, the number of courses you choose and timetabling, to give you an indication you can consider the below.

Depending on your specialisation and your previous studies/professional experience you may study:

  • At least 4 Disciplinary Courses
  • At least 4 Advanced Disciplinary Courses
  • At least 1 Engineering and Technical Management Course
  • At least 3 enquiry-based courses (which includes a research project)
  • At least 4 elective courses (across Disciplinary, Advanced Disciplinary and Engineering and Technical Management courses)

Through the Disciplinary and Advanced Disciplinary Knowledge courses you’ll learn the technical knowledge and skills you need for your chosen specialisation. You’ll also update your knowledge in cutting-edge developments in your area of interest.

Engineering and Technical Management courses help you build skills in communicating and justifying professional decisions, employing ethical approaches to practice, and developing the abilities required for roles more focused on project and or staff management, leadership and strategy.

You’ll complete a research project in this degree within the enquiry-based courses. In this you can choose to develop your Postgraduate Research skills to assist with the research project component of the degree or as your first step towards a Higher Degree Research (PhD) program. Or you can complete a “Launching a Startup” course where you will be equipped with the skills necessary to successfully commercialise your ideas.

Future careers

Mechanical engineering is a profession that continues to evolve as technology improves and the optimisation of design and construction of machines continues. The demand for skilled engineering professionals is high, from large scale manufacturing projects to acoustics consultancies.

Mechanical Engineers work with energy, motion, forces, solids, liquids and gases and numbers. Depending on your area of interest, you can apply these skills to a range of sub-disciplines in mechanical engineering. The skills learned can be used in power generation, transport, composite structures, building services, Infrastructure and medical devices. 

The skills you'll learn in Mechanical engineering will also make you a competitive graduate in technical and leadership positions across different industries, and you'll have the opportunity to diversify your engineering career to explore a range of job opportunities and career pathways.

UNSW graduates develop rewarding careers in roles such as:  

  • Aerospace Engineer 
  • Automotive  Engineer 
  • CAD Technician 
  • Control and Instrumentation Engineer 
  • Maintenance Engineer 
  • Mechanical Engineer 
  • Nuclear Engineer 

92% of Mechanical Engineers secure full-time work, compared to the national average of full-time employment of 66%.  Source.

UNSW Engineering graduates are some of the most sought-after professional engineers in Australia and abroad thanks to the reputation of our research and teaching.

Accreditation

Accredited by Engineers Australia and acknowledged by the Washington Accord, UNSW Master of Engineering degree is globally recognised. This degree includes a practical work experience component where you’ll apply your knowledge in practical settings through 60 days of approved industrial training in Australia or overseas.    

How to apply

Applications must be submitted through our Apply Online portal. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term. Some high-demand programs and Faculties with limited places may have an earlier application deadline or commencement date. Find out more.

Ready to start your application?

For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.

Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For more information visit our international applicant information page.

Ready to start your application?

Fees & Scholarships

Commonwealth Supported Places

2024 Indicative CSP First Year Fee

$9,000*

2024 Indicative CSP Fee to Complete Degree

$18,500*

All places within this degree are Commonwealth supported. This means that if you receive an offer from UNSW Sydney as a domestic student, you will have a substantial proportion of your fees  subsidised by the Australian government. Start your application today with our guide on how to apply

2024 Indicative First Year Full Fee
$41,000*
2024 Indicative Full Fee to Complete Degree
$84,000*

*The indicative Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) fees are an estimate based on the relevant student contribution band/s for a Commonwealth Supported Place undertaking a standard full-time load of 48 units of credit per year (1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load/1 EFTSL). To find out more about Commonwealth Supported Places visit Postgraduate Commonwealth Support.

Indicative fees are a guide only and have been calculated based on the typical enrolment patterns of students undertaking the degree/program. The indicative fee listed here is an estimate for tuition only and excludes non-tuition fees and charges. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year of enrolment, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (48 units of credit (UOC) per year).

You should not rely on indicative fees as fee increases are assessed when required and may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Actual fees are calculated on enrolment. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.

2024 Indicative First Year Fee
$54,000*
2024 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree
$112,500*

*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only, other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).

Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.

Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.

Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.

Scholarships


At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.

Featured scholarship

The UNSW Women in Engineering Research Scholarship was established to assist women of high academic achievement with an interest in a research and/or an academic career in engineering. UNSW Engineering offers two Women in Engineering Top-up Scholarships every semester.  

Apply here and search for ‘Engineering’ in the keywords.