Learn how to transform a design from concept to prototype and then into a commercially viable product. Manufacturing engineers develop products and the machines that create them. By applying scientific and engineering knowledge to real-world problems, you’ll learn to expand your thinking to create impactful solutions.
Manufacturing engineers develop products, as well as the machines that create them. Mechanical and manufacturing engineers apply scientific and engineering knowledge to the development, manufacture and distribution of all types of products. They research, design, build, test, maintain and improve almost everything, from power plants and renewable energy systems to robots and cars.
In this degree, you’ll learn how to transform a design from a conceptual stage into a prototype and finally into a commercially viable product. You’ll integrate the knowledge gained from this degree into a framework and process that allows you to implement your designs, solutions and ideas in a commercial environment.
The final year courses are based on global industry best practice in manufacturing and industrial engineering. You’ll study across the following subjects:
Strategy and management
Operations and supply chains
Analysis and decision-making
Design of product-process systems
Technology and automation
Why study this degree at UNSW?
UNSW is known for its graduate employability, with UNSW awarded the Most Employable Students Award in the AFR Top100 Future Leaders Awards for 5 consecutive years (2020-2024).*
UNSW's School of Mechanical Engineering is ranked #1 in Australia and is in the global top 50 for Mechanical, Aeronautical & Manufacturing Engineering according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2024.
You can stand out from other graduates in the job market with a degree from Australia’s top-ranking engineering faculty. In the Shanghai Ranking's Global Ranking of Academic Subjects, UNSW School of Mechanical Engineering ranked #1 in Australia and maintained our position of #49 in the world.
The redeveloped Ainsworth Building and Willis Annex are home to the UNSW School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering. These buildings underwent a $67 million refurbishment now offering state-of-the-art facilities for students to learn, test and discover.
Our facilities host our world-leading researchers, research projects and research centres. These facilities are integral to your learning to ensure you have the hands-on skills to match your theoretical knowledge and expertise.
Our leading-edge facilities include:
Mechatronics Teaching Laboratory
Autonomous vehicles
Energy storage laboratory
Fluid dynamics and microfluidics laboratory
Optical/laser engine diagnostics laboratory
Robotics laboratory
Solar thermal energy laboratory
Sustainable manufacturing and life cycle engineering laboratory
As one of the largest Mechanical Engineering School in Australia, we have more than 2,500 students and 90 staff members. With our global academic standing and size, comes many other benefits from studying with us.
Benefits include:
Expertise in a diverse set of mechanical engineering disciples: aerospace, mechanical, advanced manufacturing, mechatronics and robotics
Cutting-edge laboratory facilities, including a robotics laboratory, energy storage laboratory, solar thermal energy laboratory and nuclear energy laboratory
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
Take part in interactive learning through the ChallEng program. The ChallENG program connects students, academics and companies to exciting, real-world projects and learning-based initiatives. The program will prepare you for your future career by helping develop technical and design skills and expanding your professional expertise.
At UNSW Engineering you’ll benefit from a diverse and welcoming community with plenty to keep you busy. UNSW Engineering boasts 16 student societies including a society for each school. Get involved in Queer Students in Stem, Women in Renewable Energy Society or Robogals. UNSW’s Women in Engineering (WIE) society runs social and industry events as well as programs designed to mentor and develop female engineers.
The 2024 Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) is the adjusted rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2024.
The 2024 A levels score is based on four Advanced Level (A2) subjects. Entry scores are calculated from the best three or four A2 subjects (excluding repeated subjects) using the following values: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1. At most one Applied A Level subject may be included in the best four subjects used to calculate the aggregate.
The 2024 IB Diploma is an indication of the IB you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2024. It is to be used as a guide only.
The 2024 Lowest ATAR is the lowest ATAR (before adjustment factors were applied) to which an offer was made. Where <5 is listed, this indicates that less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made and so the score has not been published. N/A indicates no offers were made on the basis of ATAR.
At UNSW, we are committed to ensuring prospective students have all the information they need in order to make informed decisions about their study options.
To assist you in gaining a better understanding of how Admissions works at UNSW, we have provided you with a summary of ATAR offers and the student profile.
We hope this information will help you identify the degree that is right for you.
We offer a range of adjustment factor schemes that reward students for academic performance and extra-curricular achievements. These schemes also take into account a range of personal and educational disadvantages that may have affected your studies.
HSC Plus
This scheme rewards students who perform well in Year 12 subjects that are relevant to their preferred UNSW degree. You may be awarded up to five points.
Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders (EAPL)
This program recognises achievements in the areas of sport, academia, leadership and music at an elite level. You may be eligible for up to five points.
Educational Access Scheme (EAS)
Factors such as illness, financial hardship, language difficulties or attending a particular school can mean you don't always get the best possible marks in Years 11 and 12. If one of these situations applies to you, submit an application for the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) via UAC. Eligible students can receive between 1 and 10 points towards their chosen UNSW degree.
Admission pathways
This degree is eligible for admission through our Portfolio Entry Early Conditional Offer Scheme. Complete a submission to demonstrate your passion and performance in relevant subjects. Successful applicants will receive an early conditional offer with an adjusted ATAR entry requirement.
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:
English language tests and university English courses
Prior study in the medium of English
Other qualifications
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.
International direct entry
We do not accept secondary qualifications from this country. We may accept tertiary study results, please contact us for more information.
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
We provide you with a solid background in mathematics, natural sciences and computing that will prepare you for learning knowledge and skills in an engineering discipline specialisation.
You’ll get the chance to apply yourself to engineering design and enquiry projects, professional engineering practice, engineering and technical management and conduct research towards your thesis project.
Minor in Nuclear Engineering
In this degree, you can choose to study a minor in Nuclear Engineering. With a UNSW Minor in Nuclear Engineering, you will be able to apply your degree expertise to work on energy efficiency, material improvements, defence technology, and crucial nuclear medicine for Australia. Find out more.
Study areas
Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering
Full program structure
Degree structures can vary depending on the number of courses you choose and timetabling, to give you an indication you can consider the below.
In your first year you might study:
Two introductory courses in Mathematics
An introductory course in Physics,
and an introductory course in Computing
You may also study an introductory course related to your specialisation of choice. These courses equip you with the skills required for the rest of your Engineering degree.
All students study ENGG1000 “Introduction to Engineering Design and Innovation”. In this course you’ll learn to think the way that engineers think, developing solutions with limited budget, time and resources.
In your second year you’ll undertake:
Courses from your selected specialisations
Core courses to give you the fundamental knowledge in your area of interest
In your third and fourth year you’ll develop your knowledge further with a range of core and elective courses.
During your degree you’ll be required to complete two General Education electives. These courses help you broaden your education by completing several courses from outside the engineering faculty strengthening your cross-disciplinary thinking, developing a flexible approach and enhancing your critical analysis skills.
This degree also requires you to complete 60 days of industrial training, which gives you some on the job experience before graduating. This multidisciplinary educational approach connects students, academics and industry enabling you to develop the essential technical and professional skills, so you thrive in your future career.
When you become a mechanical and manufacturing engineer, you’ll adapt to the changing needs of society. You can design bionic limbs and prosthetic joints, develop high-performance composite materials, work on more flexible manufacturing processes and much more.
This career path offers a wide variety of professional opportunities in manufacturing industries, such as Automotive, Defence, Aerospace or any industry that turns a raw product into a product for commercial or consumer use. Some graduates choose to create their own start-up or work in traditional mechanical engineering roles.
UNSW graduates work in the following areas:
Product and process design
Computer-aided design and manufacturing
Quality improvement
Technical and commercial analysis and decision making
Strategic decision making
Consulting
Technical and organisational maintenance
Supply chain management
Accreditation
This degree is globally recognised and is accredited by Engineers Australia and acknowledged by the Washington Accord.
Part of this degree involves applying your skills through 60 days of approved industrial training in Australia or overseas. Your industrial training will give you a taste of a real-world professional engineering setting and the hands-on experience to become career-ready.
Double degrees
Combine your talents and passions to open future opportunities suited to your unique strengths. Despite the name, double degrees are not double the workload! You'll study core courses in two areas of expertise, graduating with two qualifications in less time than it takes to complete two consecutive degrees.
Double your knowledge, skills, and career options with the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and:
*Double Degree only available with some Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) specialisations
How to apply
Applications for undergraduate study from domestic students (Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders and New Zealand citizens) are processed by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).
Visit the Apply section of the UAC website and you can nominate up to five degrees in order of preference, with the first being your most desired degree and university.
On-time applications for admission usually close at the end of September each year for Term 1 admission. Late applications can be submitted, but a late fee will apply. For study starting in Term 1, the majority of offers are made in December and January. Visit the UAC website for key dates for admission outside of Term 1.
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.
*If you are an international student studying an Australian qualification, go to the Universities Admission Centre (UAC) for application and UAC key dates. Note: If you are under 18 years of age, you need to make special arrangements. Read more.
Commonwealth Supported Place: Student Contribution Band 2
*The student contribution for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 based on a standard full-time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The actual student contribution you will be liable for depends on your individual program of study and the calendar year in which you enrol. Actual fees are calculated upon enrolment. Student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the university and may increase each year during your studies (subject to caps determined by the Australian Government), effective at 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.
2025 Indicative First Year Fee
$58,500*
2025 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree
$253,500*
*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 scholarships
Women in Engineering Scholarships
UNSW provides a wide range of Women in Engineering scholarships to support high-achieving female students throughout their degree.
Apply here and search for ‘Engineering’ in the keywords.
Engineering Rural Scholarship
The Faculty of Engineering Rural Scholarships Program aims to assist high achieving high school students from rural or isolated areas to study in the Faculty of Engineering at UNSW.
Apply here and search for ‘Engineering’ in the keywords.
Fees
Specialised curriculum
