Undergraduate | 2026

Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) (Honours) majoring in Aerospace Engineering

Start date

February, July

Campus

Adelaide City, Mawson Lakes

Duration

4 year(s) full-time

Mode

Hybrid

Program code

HENME

Study as

Full time or part time

Indicative annual fees

Commonwealth Supported

Prerequisite

SACE Stage 2 Mathematical Methods (or equivalent)

Assumed knowledge

None

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible for admission, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate that they fulfill any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.

Recent secondary education (Year 12)

Completion of a secondary education qualification equivalent to the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Completion of an award from a registered training organisation (RTO) at Certificate IV (AQF level 4) or higher.

Higher education study

Successful completion of at least 6 months full-time study (or equivalent part-time) in a higher education award program.

Work and life experience

Completion of an Adelaide University approved enabling, pathway or bridging program; OR
Achieved a pass result in the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT); OR
Qualify for special entry

Note:

Applications for Australian students to study at Adelaide University will open in August 2025, to commence study in 2026.

Please note that entry requirements for this degree are provisional and subject to change.

Why Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) (Honours)?

When it comes to air and space travel, aerospace engineers are experts in redefining what’s possible. It could be developing faster, more fuel-efficient airplanes – or launching advanced rovers to explore other planets. Perhaps it’s prototyping the world’s first urban flying taxi service. In a range of fields, aerospace engineers are seeking innovative new solutions.

Fascinated by flight and the vehicles that make it possible? Have a fundamental interest in understanding how things work? Enjoy wrestling with complex design problems? Then our Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) (Honours) majoring in Aerospace Engineering is for you.

This deeply practical degree will ensure you graduate with the expertise and experience to thrive in your engineering career.

Overview

Our Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) (Honours) majoring in Aerospace Engineering provides a strong foundation in the knowledge, principles, technical and professional skills essential to mechanical engineering.

You’ll study core courses covering the essentials of mechanical design: solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, dynamics, vibration, control, and thermodynamics.

The aerospace engineering major helps broaden your expertise with specialised courses covering aeronautical engineering, space vehicle design, aerospace structures and more. You’ll gain essential knowledge and skills in designing, testing, and maintaining a variety of aircraft, spacecraft, satellite, and associated technologies.

You’ll also have multiple opportunities throughout your studies to put your learning into practice. These include practical workshops, design-and-build projects and up to 450 hours of industry placement to develop and refine your technical and professional skillset.

All of these experiences combine to provide the knowledge, technical and professional skills you’ll need to become a qualified and proficient mechanical engineer.

Key features

Gain a solid grounding in core mechanical engineering knowledge and skills.
Take courses in aeronautical engineering, aerospace vehicle design, astrodynamics and more.
Get hands-on with countless design-and-build projects.
Complete a major honours research project and industry-focused design project in your final year.
Apply your skills on real industry projects, with up to 12 weeks of professional work experience.

What you'll learn

Your first year provides a comprehensive introduction to general engineering principles and skills. This ensures that, whatever your prior educational experiences, you’ll have the foundation knowledge to succeed in your engineering studies at Adelaide University.

From second year onwards, you’ll begin taking aerospace engineering-focused courses, in areas such as:

Control systems
Advanced fluid mechanics
Advanced materials and mechanics
Aeronautical engineering
Aerospace propulsion
Aerospace vehicle design
Astrodynamics
Instrumentation and digital systems.

Our programs are strongly hands-on to ensure you graduate career ready. You’ll complete:

Professional practice topics including design-and-build group projects, where you’ll work with your peers to solve complicated problems.
Up to 450 hours of industry work experience under the supervision of a qualified engineer.
A major industry research project.

You’ll be able to complete majority of first year common courses and second year courses at either our Adelaide City or Mawson Lakes Campus with some potential cross-campus study required. Throughout your degree, you’ll gain access to cutting-edge facilities across both campus locations to enhance your overall learning experience.

Majors

The Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) (Honours) is also available with majors in the following:

Mechatronics and Robotics
Mining Engineering
Energy Resources Engineering.

What courses you'll study

Complete 192 units comprising:

132 units for all Core courses, and
12 units for all Work integrated learning, and
0 to 24 units from Electives, and
Either:
24 units for all Discipline courses, or
48 units for one Major from Major

Complete 132 units for ALL of the following:

	Course code	Units
Course name UG Common Core 1	Course code AUXX1000	Units 6
Course name UG Common Core 2	Course code AUXX2000	Units 6
Course name UG Common Core 3	Course code AUXX3000	Units 6
Course name UG Common Core 4	Course code AUXX4000	Units 6
Course name Engineering Mathematics	Course code MATH1016	Units 6
Course name Engineering Programming	Course code COMP1006	Units 6
Course name Engineering Design and Prototyping	Course code ENGI1001	Units 6
Course name Engineering Materials	Course code ENGI1002	Units 6
Course name Engineering Science	Course code ENGI1003	Units 6
Course name Engineering Modelling 1	Course code ENGI1004	Units 6
Course name Engineering Modelling 2	Course code ENGI2001	Units 6
Course name Final year research project B	Course code BLDG4006	Units 6
Course name Introduction to Engineering Mechanics	Course code ENGM1000	Units 6
Course name Mechanical Engineering Practice and Design Project	Course code ENGM2002	Units 6
Course name Solid Mechanics	Course code ENGM2003	Units 6
Course name Dynamics	Course code ENGM2004	Units 6
Course name Fluid Mechanics	Course code ENGM2005	Units 6
Course name Mechanical Systems and Design Project	Course code ENGM3002	Units 6
Course name Thermodynamics	Course code ENGM3003	Units 6
Course name Control Systems	Course code ENGI3000	Units 6
Course name Acoustics and Vibrations	Course code ENGI3001	Units 6
Course name Computer-Aided Engineering and Design Project	Course code ENGM4015	Units 6

Complete 48 units for ALL of the following:

	Course code	Units
Course name Instrumentation and Digital Systems	Course code ENGM2006	Units 6
Course name Aeronautical Engineering	Course code ENGA2000	Units 6
Course name Advanced Fluid Mechanics	Course code ENGM4010	Units 6
Course name Aerospace Vehicle Design	Course code ENGA4002	Units 6
Course name Advanced Control	Course code ENGE4005	Units 6
Course name Aerospace Propulsion	Course code ENGA4001	Units 6
Course name Advanced Mechanics and Materials	Course code ENGM4004	Units 6
Course name Astrodynamics	Course code ENGA4000	Units 6

Complete 12 units for ALL of the following:

Course name		Course code	Units
	Course name Professional Engineer Career Preparation	Course code ENGI3900	Units 6
	Course name Engineering Work Experience Part 2	Course code ENGI3901	Units 6

Complete 0 to 24 units from the following:

	Course code	Units
Course name Engineering Acoustics	Course code ENGM4005	Units 6
Course name Advanced Vibrations	Course code ENGM4006	Units 6
Course name Advanced Composite Materials	Course code ENGM4007	Units 6
Course name Finite Element Analysis	Course code ENGM4008	Units 6
Course name Computational Fluid Dynamics	Course code ENGM4009	Units 6
Course name Advanced Control	Course code ENGE4005	Units 6
Course name Advanced Fluid Mechanics	Course code ENGM4010	Units 6
Course name Model-Based Systems Engineering	Course code ENGM4011	Units 6
Course name Refrigeration and Air Conditioning	Course code ENGM4012	Units 6
Course name Combustion and High Temperature Processes	Course code ENGP4004	Units 6
Course name Brewery Engineering	Course code ENGP4003	Units 6
Course name Biomechanical Engineering	Course code ENGI4005	Units 6
Course name Renewable Energy Systems	Course code ENGE4007	Units 6
Course name Sustainable Engineering Design and Net-Zero Transitions	Course code ENGM4013	Units 6
Course name Essentials of Humanitarian Engineering	Course code ENGM4014	Units 6

Career outcomes

Mechanical engineers with specialised skills in aerospace engineering are in high demand by a range of industries. These engineers play an essential role in scaling up commercial aviation operations, strengthening defence capability, and facilitating long-term space exploration efforts.

You could design reuseable spacecraft, making space travel accessible and affordable for commercial passengers. Maybe you’ll create hypersonic vehicles capable of travelling at speeds greater than Mach 5, enhancing air defence capabilities. Perhaps you’ll play a critical role in launching satellite mega-constellations, providing global internet coverage.

Aerospace engineers have a specialised skillset that allows them to tackle complex challenges. They work in a range of areas including:

Aerospace components and materials
Commercial aviation
Defence and military
Government and regulatory bodies
Maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO)
Private space industry
Research and development
Satellite technology
Space exploration
Supersonic and hypersonic travel
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)
Urban air motility (UAM).

Industry trends

A global shortage of engineers, combined with record levels of government spend in infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, and critical technologies, means that qualified mechanical engineers have never been more in demand (Engineers Australia, 2023).

Calls for more industries to start taking steps towards reducing their carbon footprint have only continued to gain momentum in recent years. Aerospace engineers will be critical in driving this transformation, through critical work in areas like development of sustainable biofuels, electric flight technology, and more energy-efficient integrations and designs for aircraft.

Major advancements in rocket design and propulsion, astronautics and astrophysics, robotics and medicine are helping to make long-term space habitation and exploration a not-so-distant reality. Aerospace engineers are leading work in this emerging area, developing off-world engineering capabilities and infrastructure to sustain a long-term human presence in deep space.

Accreditation

Adelaide University is working through relevant approvals for program accreditation ahead of students commencing in 2026.

How to apply

Find your program

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Explore our programs

Check the requirements

Look out for any prerequisite or assumed knowledge courses. Some degrees may have additional entry requirements.

Consider your preferences

To prepare for your future and to maximise your success consider adding additional preferences.

How to apply

Applications for Australian students to study at Adelaide University will open in August 2025, to commence study in 2026.

Please note that entry requirements for this degree are provisional and subject to change.

If you want to start your studies earlier, consider applying to the University of Adelaide or UniSA now, and continue onto Adelaide University in 2026. Register your interest to stay informed.

FAQs

Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

From August 2025 you can apply as a domestic student for entry to Adelaide University in 2026.
Applications for 2026 will be via SATAC for most undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs. A direct application process will be available for 100% online degrees at a later date. In the meantime, you could start your degree at UniSA or the University of Adelaide and continue at Adelaide University.

Adelaide University is South Australia’s largest university with seven campuses across the state. Adelaide City Campus is in the heart of the central business district (including eastern and western precincts), while our Magill, Mawson Lakes and Waite campuses are located within the inner suburbs of Adelaide. Our Mount Gambier, Roseworthy and Whyalla campuses are set in the regions of South Australia. Building on our digital and online learning successes, we aim to also deliver online education to more students than any other Australian university.

Each of our campuses is equipped with cutting-edge, discipline specific facilities, contemporary study spaces and well-resourced libraries. Our city and suburban campuses also feature on-site gyms and eateries, and health services on, or nearby, campus.

You will be well supported academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually with access to on-campus facilities and services such as counselling, learning support, childcare, prayer rooms and more.

You will be well supported through a range of services at Adelaide University to ensure you get the most out of your student experience. Support services include:

Academic learning support, including after-hours support provided via Studiosity through live online chat assistance with writing, referencing, mathematics and more.
Advice and advocacy regarding access, adjustments and inclusivity if you have a disability, impairment, chronic health condition or significant caring responsibilities.
Libraries providing flexible study spaces, access to books, computer suites and online resources – as well as referencing support, search tips and more.
Career development hub, including extensive self-help resources, online learning programs, on-campus events, workshops and networking, one-on-one advice, and job search support.
Qualified counsellors who can provide confidential support to manage your mental health and wellbeing.
On-campus medical clinics on-site where you can make an appointment with a General Practitioner (GP) to discuss acute and preventative health care matters.
Information and advice for international students regarding accommodation, student life, visa and work rights and academic policies and procedures.
An active and visible LGBTIQA+ Ally Network that ensures the University provides a supportive environment where all staff and students can safely work and study free of harassment or discrimination.
Prayer rooms on campus, including gender specific spaces for worship purposes.
Campus security available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure all students feel safe on campus.
A range of scholarships offered to commencing and continuing students each year to make university life a little easier.
A number of social outlets including student lounges, gyms, student-led clubs, sports teams and free events throughout the year.

Your tuition fees will depend on your program of study and enrolment load. You can find the annual fees relevant to your program on the specific degree page under the ‘fees’ section. The annual fee payable for your chosen program will also be outlined in your Offer of Admission.

Adelaide University will open in January 2026. Your studies will start at different times depending on what study period you’ve applied for. Adelaide University is currently using a semester model, which means most degrees start in Semester 1. Some degrees are also available to start in mid-year, sometimes with a different degree structure. 

Studies at Adelaide University typically commence in:  

February for Semester 1  
July for Semester 2.

Some degrees, such as the Bachelor of Medical Studies and Master of Business Administration, will have different starting dates. View the relevant degree page for more detail. 

For other key dates, including census dates and exam periods, you can view our Academic calendar. 

View all FAQs

Your study experience and support

Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.

You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.

Student services

We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:

Career advice and mentoring services
Personal counselling
LGBTQIA support
Academic support
Fees and finance help
Security services
Accommodation services
Common rooms
Prayer rooms.

You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.

Your campus

You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.

This degree is offered at the following campus(es)

Study hours

Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.

Assessment

During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include: