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).

As a mechanical engineering student, 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.

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.

Year 1

Complete the following courses

Year 2

Complete the following courses

You also choose one elective course.

Year 3

Complete the following courses

Year 4

Complete the following courses

And choose four from

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

Students who started at AUT before 2024

If you started your studies in this programme before 2024, the courses you need to complete are a little different. Updated study plans for current students in this programme will be available on Canvas. If you have questions about your study plan and what courses you should take, email engineer@aut.ac.nz

  • Engineer and general manager
  • Manufacturing engineer
  • Mechanical engineer
  • Product designer
  • Project manager
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Find out more about industry trends, job descriptions and what employers may be looking for.

Mechanical Engineering Careers

The information on this page was correct at time of publication. For a comprehensive overview of AUT qualifications, please refer to the Academic Calendar.