Overview

Gain a combination of technical skills and in-depth knowledge with our Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology (Mechanical Engineering Design). Learn the core concepts of mechanics, advanced technology applications, computer-aided machine design, plus more. This course provides a strong foundation for a successful career in the mechanical design industry.

This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.

Course currently in transition

The course code, title, units, and content may change. Further information will become available on our website, upon enrolment or during your studies.

Change of Preference Expo

Looking for your #1 VTAC preference? Explore your options and get personalised advice from course experts, based on your Year 12 results. Friday 13 December, Hawthorn campus.

Skills you’ll learn

  • Computer-aided drafting (CAD)2D and 3D
  • Fluid power operated engineering circuits
  • Computer Integrated manufacturing system
  • Programming and Robotics
  • Data acquisition and control
  • Project management
  • BIM and REVIT specialist

Your career opportunities

  • Technical Support Officer
  • Mechanical drafting
  • Technical officer
  • Mechanical Engineering associate
  • Mechanical foreman
  • Building services engineer

Key codes

Location options

International student visa

International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.

Professional accreditations

Admissions

Satisfactory completion of an appropriate Victorian Year 12 or its equivalent or work experience.

Successful completion of Australian Year 12, or equivalent overseas qualification.

Course prerequisites

Satisfactory completion of any following VCE Year 11 or 12 (or equivalent) mathematics subject:

  • General Maths
  • Further Maths
  • Maths Method
  • Specialist Maths

International equivalent maths topics should include: Arithmetic and number, Geometry, Measurement, Trigonometry, Algebraic manipulation and equations, Graphs and relations, Collecting and analysing numerical data.

Admission requirements

Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. See admission requirements for general information about the admission process.

Other requirements

Literacy and Numeracy requirements

Learners are best equipped to achieve the outcomes of the courses if they have minimum language, literacy and numeracy skills that are equivalent to level 3 of the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF).

Digital Literacy requirements

Use the internet to read, send emails and search for information.

Basic file management

Use various software packages e.g. Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point), File compression, Microsoft Accessories (Paint, Calculator), Adobe.

Admission requirements

Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. See admission requirements for general information about the admission process.

English language requirements

Satisfactory completion of one of the following:

  • IELTS overall band of 5.5 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 5.0
  • Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 4 Upper Intermediate level) with overall 65%, all skills 60%
  • TOEFL iBT (internet-based) minimum score of 65 with no band less than 15
  • Pearson (PTE) minimum score of 42 (no communicative skills less than 36)
  • or equivalent measures available at English language requirements.
Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?

A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.

Credit transfer

Credit transfer is the recognition of academic credits gained through formal study (i.e. units of competency) completed either at another institute or in another qualification. The total amount of credit will vary from individual to individual, based on the unit/s that have been successfully completed. 

Recognition of prior learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the process of transferring the skills and knowledge that you have acquired over your lifetime (irrespective of how they were obtained) against the requirements of the unit.  

RPL is an assessment process that requires you to provide evidence that demonstrates how you meet the requirements of the unit/s. The amount and types of evidence you will need to provide will depend on the unit requirements.

Finding your fit

At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.

Course structure

To fulfil the requirements for the qualification students must complete a minimum of 1,750 hours of formal training consisting of:

All 11 core units listed below making up 500 hours

Elective units to a minimum of 1,250 hours.

11
Core units
+
23
Stream units
=
Advanced Diploma
Course hours are estimated and may change based on study mode, unit choice, credits, or enrolment adjustments, total indicative nominal hours: 1750

Your units

Units of study Unit code
Core units
Organise and communicate information
Core unit
MEM16006A
Interact with computing technology
Core unit
MEM16008A
Perform engineering activities
Core unit
MEM22001A
Manage self in the engineering environment
Core unit
MEM22002A
Apply technical mathematics
Core unit
MEM23004A
Select common engineering materials
Core unit
MEM30007A
Operate computer-aided design (CAD) system to produce basic drawing elements
Core unit
MEM30031A
Investigate advanced technology applications in the manufacturing industry and related industries
Core unit
VU22451
Use communication network concepts and practices in manufacturing and engineering applications
Core unit
VU22452
Coordinate engineering projects
Core unit
MEM22013A
Use computer-aided design (CAD) to create and display 3-D models
Core unit
MEM30033A
Units of study Unit code
Core units
Plan a complete activity
Core unit
MEM14005A
Apply fluid and thermodynamics principles in engineering
Core unit
MEM23006A
Apply engineering mechanics principles
Core unit
MEM23109A
Apply mathematical techniques in a manufacturing engineering or related environment
Core unit
MEM30012A
Use workshop equipment and processes to complete an engineering project
Core unit
MEM30029A
Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices
Core unit
MSMENV272
Program, operate and select a robotics system
Core unit
VU21232
Select and interpret drawings and prepare three dimensional (3D) sketches and drawings
Core unit
VU22330
Apply electrotechnology principles in an engineering work environment
Core unit
VU22472
Apply principles of strength of materials to engineering problems
Core unit
VU22474
Apply scientific principles to engineering problems
Core unit
VU22475
Plan for the implementation of mechanical drive systems
Core unit
VU22476
Select rotating electrical machines
Core unit
VU22477
Design and prototype components and/or small structures using engineering design principles
Core unit
VU22478
Apply fluid mechanic principles in mechanical engineering
Core unit
VU22479
Use advanced mathematics for engineering
Core unit
VU22482
Set up manufacturing processes for engineering applications
Core unit
VU22501
Apply finite element analysis
Core unit
VU22537
Design mechanical engineering systems
Core unit
VU22538
Design mechanical machines
Core unit
VU22539
Generate design solutions
Core unit
VU22540
Use advanced 2D & 3D computer aided drafting (CAD) techniques
Core unit
VU22542
Implement advanced materials science principles to engineering applications
Core unit
VU22541

2025 fees

Full fee* ($AUD)

$23,180

Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)

$16,290

Yearly fee* ($AUD)

$22,000

2025 fees

Yearly fee* ($AUD)

$22,000

Fees are estimates only

Fees published on this page are estimates only and are subject to change depending on individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. The above fees apply for units studied in 2025 only and may change for units studied in future years. There may be additional costs related to learning material and equipment.

Fees are estimates only

The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.

Skills first government-subsidised place

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. To qualify for a government-subsidised place, you must meet various eligibility criteria. The course you’ve applied for must also be offering government-subsidised places. Swinburne will determine your eligibility by conducting a full assessment of your eligibility during the course application process.

How do I pay my fees?

You can pay your Swinburne fees in person, via credit card, BPAY, or at Australia Post. Check to see if loans and employer sponsored training are also available.

International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.

To pay your fees:

  • log in to My Financials
  • check your Australian bank account details are correct 
  • check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe 
  • pay using your preferred payment method.

Eligibility for VET student loans (VSL)

If you apply for a VET Student Loan, Swinburne must first verify your identity. If you are eligible, we will provide your enrolment information to the government so you can complete the application within their eCAF system.

The VET Student Loan amount for this course is capped. You must start repaying this loan once you earn above the compulsory repayment threshold.

Concessions rates for vocational students

Concession rates for Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs are also available if you self-identify as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent and qualify for a government-subsidised training place under the Indigenous Completions Initiative.

The eligibility criteria are set by the Victorian Government and assessed by Swinburne in accordance with government directives, which are subject to change at any time.

Student services and amenities fee

This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.

From 1 January 2024, all Diploma level and above courses will contribute to the Student Services and Amenities fee. Below is the capped amount for 2025 as a guide ahead of fees for 2024 being announced.

Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.

This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.

This amenities fee is included within your annual tuition fee listed above. The fee shown is the capped amount for 2025.

Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.

SSAF fee* ($AUD)

$365.00

SSAF fee* ($AUD)

$365.00

Scholarships

Scholarship applications for 2025 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals. 

Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.

When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 30 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.

Apply through an agent

Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.

Representatives and agents
22479VIC
Search for agents

Apply directly

Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online! Remember, you cannot apply direct if you have an active VTAC application.

Course code
22479VIC
Apply directly
Course code
22479VIC
CRICOS code
0100906
Apply directly

Apply through VTAC

International students currently studying Year 12 in Australia must apply through VTAC. VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria. 

VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.

Start dates
Location
Last date to apply
Start dates
March intake
Location
Hawthorn
Last date to apply
14-March-2025
Start dates
03-March-2025
Start dates
Location
Start dates
March intake
Location
Hawthorn
Start dates
03-March-2025
Upcoming events
Change of Preference Expo 2024
13-December-2024