So, you pretty much know all the ins and outs of studying a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) at Macquarie University — take a quick look here if you need a refresher!
But do you want to know how people really feel about this degree?
Well, we’ve got you covered! Meet Vincent, a final year Macquarie Uni Engineering student (Electronics). We ask him all those questions you really want to know the answers to!
Let’s get to it!
Why should you study an Engineering degree at Macquarie University?
Top 3 Pros of an Engineering Degree
Top 3 Cons of an Engineering Degree
Mistakes You Shouldn’t Make
Things to Know Before Starting Macquarie University Engineering
What Makes this Degree Different
Motivations for Studying Macquarie University Engineering
Potential Career Paths
Why should you study an Engineering degree at Macquarie University?
A Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) at Macquarie University is a hands-on degree with project-based learning that prepares you for the engineering world! Of course, they teach you all the theory and help you to develop your skills by putting into practice what you’re learning.
There’s five different specialisations to choose from and in the final year, you’ll complete a capstone unit! You also get industry experience as you have to complete a 420 hour placement.
Make sure you join the Engineering society and check out some of the different Engineering clubs (robotics, automotive, etc.) to make the most of your uni experience!
Top 3 Pros of an Engineering degree
#1: Project-based learning
Vincent told us that his favourite aspects of the degree are the big project classes. In these classes, you get to design all kinds of things and create solutions for real-world problems with your classmates!
“We had to design with the whole class like a miniature elevator, which would be working inside a modal kind of building and I think that was definitely the most fun class,” he said.
For subjects like, Engineering Project Practice, you have the whole term to work on the project with the class.
The other advantage of this is that you definitely make some great friends because you’re working closely together towards a common goal.
#2: Encouraged to push yourself
“You’re definitely pushed to challenge yourself, especially with the class projects and assignments,” Vincent said.
As Engineers, you have to think outside the box to find and create solutions for real-world problems so it’s great that you’re pushed throughout the degree! You definitely learn how to be a creative problem-solver!
#3: Focus on soft skills
“They mainly focus on developing soft skills like communication between groups, individuals and teams,” Vincent told us.
You’ll definitely learn how to work effectively in a team environment, taking on different roles and communicating coherently.
Communication and teamwork are important skills that you’ll refine during the degree which you’ll definitely need when you enter the engineering world!
Top 3 Cons of an Engineering degree
#1: Sometimes hard to engage
“There were definitely some aspects of classes I didn’t really like too much — some of the classes were kind of boring, like I couldn’t really get engaged,” Vincent said.
Of course, there’s most likely going to be a few classes which you enjoy less than others — whether that’s the content or perhaps the lecturer/tutor just isn’t as engaging compared to your other classes.
#2: Lectures are long
“With the longer classes it can feel quite dragged out,” Vincent said. Depending on the class, lectures can be between 1-2 hour!
“Some lecturers allow for a short break half way,” he added. The lecturers also try to involve the students which always makes the time go a little faster!
#3: Well, that’s all!
So, we don’t actually have another con for you — that’s a good sign! Engineering is a great degree because it’s so versatile and opens up a lot of job opportunities.
Any regrets?
When we asked Vincent if he had any regrets about the degree, he told us, “I definitely should have pushed myself more.”
He took a lower class of maths in high school which meant he had to take an extra maths class at uni which of course, meant extra work and time.
He also explained how that can sometimes mean that classes are shifted around because of prerequisites.
What do you wish you had known before starting Macquarie University Engineering?
“This is a very kind of maths heavy degree,” Vincent said.
You’re expected to achieve at least a Band 4 in Mathematics Advanced and of course, to make life easier, taking Extension 1 or 2 Mathematics!
However, don’t worry if you don’t get a Band 4 in Mathematics Advanced because there is a bridging/introductory course that will catch you up to speed. It’s just means you’ll have a little bit more to learn and do at the start.
This was the case for Vincent who took General Maths in high school and as a result, he had to take an extra maths class at uni to catch him up to speed.
What makes this degree different from the ones offered at other universities?
#1: PACE
“Basically they push you to find work experience and you’ve definitely got a team of people available who can help you do amazing stuff,” Vincent said.
You’re probably thinking what does PACE stand for? Well, it stands for Professional and Community Engagement and it’s all about practical learning experiences that prepare you for the work environment! It’s unique to Macquarie Uni and is part of every degree.
So, that means that you get the chance to collaborate with industry partners and organisations. In terms of Engineering more specifically, that could be a professional placement, a research or lab internship or some kind of project collaboration with an industry partner.
#2: The staff
“There’s definitely a lot of staff, lecturers and professors who can help you with whatever you need,” Vincent said.
The lecturers and tutors aren’t only there for class to teach you the content, they’re also there to encourage you and push you!
Vincent also told us that the lecturers “try to engage with the students during the lectures” which makes learning the content more exciting and fun!
What inspired you to choose Macquarie University Engineering?
Vincent told us that he always wanted to be “someone who could solve practical problems” and what better degree, than an Engineering degree to learn and do that!
“It definitely looked fun and the design aspect of engineering was the thing that interested me and I like working with technology and stuff so the interest was just there,” he explained.
What are the possible career paths?
Studying Engineering opens up a lot of doors for career possibilities! Depending on what you specialise/major in and where you interests lie, you could end up in any of the following jobs:
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- Civil engineer
- Mechanical engineer
- Chemical engineer
- Mechatronic engineer
- Health and safety engineer
- Software engineer
- Electrical engineer
- Electronics engineer
- Urban and regional planner
- Management consultant
- Mobile technologist
- Technical writer
…and there’s more — these are just a few of the many!
Tanna Nankivell is a Senior Content Writer at Art of Smart Education and is currently in Germany completing a year of study for her double degree in Communications (Journalism) and Bachelor of Arts (International Studies). She has had articles published on Central News – the UTS Journalism Lab and wrote a feature piece for Time Out Sydney during her internship. Tanna has a love for travel and the great outdoors, you’ll either find her on the snowfields or in the ocean, teaching aqua aerobics or creating short films.
