Mechanical Engineering Major - Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
Study the Mechanical Engineering major in the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours). Develop a broad base of engineering skills and prepare yourself for a wide range of engineering careers.
Mechanical engineers work with advanced technology across many fields – from transportation to energy systems, home appliances to robotics, manufacturing machinery and processes to medical technologies. In a world where global warming and environmental degradation are critical issues, mechanical engineers play a key role in developing new sustainable technologies.
This mechanical engineering degree focuses on analytical and design skills, and you have the opportunity to apply these skills in an industry project.
This is part of the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours).
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As a mechanical engineering student, you’ll develop a broad base of mechanical engineering skills and prepare yourself for a wide range of engineering careers.
You also need to complete 800 hours of planned, supervised work experience to graduate, in addition to completing all your courses. This experience exposes you to common engineering industry practices and helps you gain knowledge of engineering procedures, engineering responsibilities, and health and safety practices.
You’ll explore areas like mechanical design, mechatronics and control, manufacturing technologies, and thermodynamics and heat transfer.
Most of your first-year courses are shared between the majors in the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and the Bachelor of Engineering Technology, making it easy for you to switch between our engineering degrees and majors*.
If you’re already studying at AUT and have any questions about the courses you should enrol in, email engineer@aut.ac.nz
*Cross-credits between different engineering majors and degrees are assessed on a case-by-case basis, and you may not be able to gain cross-credits for all your first-year courses.
Year 1
Complete the following courses
These courses are offered in both semesters and we’ll automatically enrol you in your first-year courses before you start your studies.
- ENGE500 Introduction to Sustainable Engineering Design (15 points)
- ENGE501 Engineering Mathematics I (15 points)*
- ENGE503 Engineering Mechanics (15 points)
- ENGE504 Electrical Engineering Fundamentals (15 points)
- COMP500 Programming Concepts and Techniques (15 points)
- DIGD507 Mahitahi | Collaborative Practices (15 points)
- ENME502 Engineering Materials I (15 points)
- ENGE601 Engineering Mathematics II (15 points)*
*You’ll need to pass the course ENGE501 before you can study the course ENGE601.
Year 2
Semester 1 courses
- ENME607 Manufacturing Technology (15 points)
- ENME608 Mechanisms and Dynamics of Machinery (15 points)
- ENME609 Solid Mechanics I (15 points)
- ENGE702 Engineering Mathematics III (15 points)
Semester 2 courses
- ENME601 Thermodynamics (15 points)
- ENME602 Engineering Design Methodology (15 points)
- ENME603 Fluid Mechanics (15 points)
- ENGE600 Engineering Management I (15 points)
Year 3
Semester 1 courses
- ENME701 System Dynamics and Vibrations (15 points)
- ENME704 Solid Mechanics II (15 points)
- ENME708 Advanced Manufacturing Technology (15 points)
- ENGE800 Engineering Numerical Techniques and Statistical Analysis (15 points)
Semester 2 courses
- ENME700 Engineering Materials II (15 points)
- ENME702 Mechanical Design (15 points)
- ENME703 Mechatronics Design and Control (15 points)
- ENME707 Heat Transfer (15 points)
Year 4
Semester 1 courses
- ENGE891 Final Year Research Project (Part A) (15 points)
- ENGE803 Innovation and Research Management (15 points)
- Plus two level 8 optional courses
Semester 2 courses
- ENGE892 Final Year Research Project (Part B )(15 points)
- Plus choose:
- An elective course; and
- Two level 8 optional courses
Optional courses
In Year 4 you choose four level 8 optional courses from those listed below.
Semester 1 courses
- ENME802 Computer Aided Engineering and Analysis (15 points)
- ENME804 Advanced Mechanical Design (15 points)
- ENME806 Biomedical Thermofluids Modelling (15 points)
Semester 2 courses
- ENME800 Industrial Robotics: Mechanics & Planning (15 points)
- ENME803 Fracture Mechanics and Failure Analysis (15 points)
- ENGE808 Advanced Measuring Systems (15 points)
If you started your studies in the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) before 2024, the courses you need to complete are a little different. Find out what courses you need to take to complete your qualification if you started in 2023 or earlier.
Workplace experience
Your industry-based research project in Year 4 is your opportunity to gain real-life industrial experience in a mechanical engineering environment, under the guidance of an experienced supervisor.
Organisations you could work with include:
- Genesis Energy
- Contact Energy
- Fisher & Paykel Appliances
- Mighty River Power
- Spark
- Auckland Airport
Want more info about work integrated learning at AUT?
Read more about workplace experience in AUT programmes, how it works and why it’s so beneficial when you start your career.
Workplace experience in AUT programmes
Ready to enrol in your courses?
Find out how you can enrol in the courses and classes for your programme, whether you’ve just joined AUT as a new student or you’re already studying with us. If you’re looking for a course timetable or more info on a specific course use our course search.
- Engineer and general manager
- Manufacturing engineer
- Mechanical engineer
- Product designer
- Project manager
Find out more about industry trends, job descriptions and what employers may be looking for.
Other majors in the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
- Architectural Engineering
- Civil Construction Engineering
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Maritime Engineering
- Mechatronics Engineering
- Software Engineering
Postgraduate study
- Access to advanced engineering labs and equipment
- Local and international career opportunities
- Workplace experience with successful New Zealand companies
- Accurate, with an eye for detail
- A problem-solver
- An analytical thinker
- Good at mathematical modelling
The information on this page was correct at time of publication. For a comprehensive overview of AUT qualifications, please refer to the Academic Calendar.