Pros and Cons of a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) at UTS

Now that you’ve got the lowdown on what it’s like studying a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) at UTS, knowing the pros and cons of the degree can give you a deeper perspective on whether it is the right degree for you! 

We’ve asked Sabrina, a fifth-year Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical and Mechatronic) from UTS, to give her personal insight to her study experience at the UQ. 

Want to know more? Just keep reading on! 

Why should you study a Mechanical Engineering degree at UTS?

Top 3 Pros of a Mechanical Engineering Degree

Top 3 Cons of a Mechanical Engineering Degree

Mistakes You Shouldn’t Make

Things to Know Before Starting UTS Mechanical Engineering

What Makes this Degree Different

Motivations for Studying UTS Mechanical Engineering

Potential Career Paths

Why should you study a Mechanical Engineering degree at UTS?

The course structure in a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) at UTS provides great work opportunities for its students. With the Diploma in Professional Engineering Practice that is integrated into the course, there are two 6-month internships they get to complete.

Students get a boost in their practical skills and often land engineering-based roles during their degree! 

These internships can also be streamlined and studied alongside your other units, allowing you to graduate earlier. Studying on campus is also a great experience since UTS has updated many of its engineering facilities to include state-of-the-art laboratories.

Top 3 Pros of a Mechanical Engineering degree

#1: A year’s worth of industry experience

“You graduate with one year of industry experience!” Sabrina first tells us.

Graduating with proven work experience gives you a competitive edge against those who have not. This may mean working at your dream company or getting the role you want!

It also gives you a chance to know whether the role you are interning as is something you want to further pursue, or whether you’d like to change. This is a valuable span of time, which many graduates are not often afforded! 

“The Diploma in Professional Engineering Practice helps you to reflect on your internships and set you up to be a quality graduate engineer,” she says. 

#2: Extracurricular mechanical engineering projects 

To further boost your experience, there are many mechanical engineering projects offered as extracurricular activities.

“There is so much you can learn from being involved in a student team however they do require a large time commitment,” she adds. 

UTSME is not the only student project at UTS; other student projects include the UTS Rocketry team and the ATN Solar Car team! 

#3: Convenience of the campus 

“It is in the middle of the city!” Sabrina says to note the convenience of the campus location. 

Though often overlooked, the great location of the UTS campus is especially important for Mechanical Engineering students who study their course units and undertake the internship at the same time. Since UTS is based in Ultimo and near Central Station, students can efficiently commute between their two commitments!

Top 3 Cons of a Mechanical Engineering degree

#1: Requires a lot of endurance

While other UTS degrees set 3 units per semester, the course program for a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) is structured to have four units per semester. This can feel significantly draining, especially since it is also a five-year degree. 

Mechanical Engineering students are typically confronted with a double-bind of whether to reduce to three units per semester and prolong their graduation, or complete their degree as soon as possible. However, since most Engineering units are available in both semesters, it is up to you how you want to structure your timetable! 

#2: No campus life

“There is no “campus life” since the university is composed of buildings around the city,” Sabrina says. “However, you are surrounded by lots of great bars and restaurants!”

This is one con that is commonly noted about UTS. You won’t get the typical university life at UTS such as attending society events (you can, but societies are not as popular) or everyday events on campus — especially, with the online classes, it is rather quiet! 

However, faculty societies offer annual balls which are popular events.

#3: Occasional gender discrimination

“Whilst the university is active about handling discrimination, I still have received negative comments about being a woman in Mechanical Engineering,” Sabrina tells us.

“The Women in Engineering and IT team have been very supportive toward me in these situations.”

Any regrets? 

Sabrina’s one regret is prolonging her graduation time. 

“I started doing three subjects a semester after my first year which has delayed my graduation,” she says. “I felt as though the study load was too much, however, I think I could have pushed myself to complete four subjects a semester so I could graduate on time.”

Before starting your study, try to figure whether your time management can allow you to successfully complete all four units per semester. Everyone’s commitments are different and, if you feel that you’d learn better with three units per semester, it is totally fine!

What do you wish you had known before starting UTS Mechanical Engineering? 

Sabrina wishes that she knew that you could study your units whilst completing the internships.

“Whilst I do not regret completing the Diploma in Professional Engineering Practice, I wish I had known that I could have completed a regular 4-year degree and worked part time as an intern. This would have allowed me to graduate earlier,” Sabrina explains. 

What makes this degree different from the ones offered at other universities? 

For Sabrina, what makes this degree different is its work-integrated experiences and the campus location! 

“The Diploma in Professional Engineering Practice was the standout difference for me. I also loved the location of the university,” she iterates.

What inspired you to choose UTS Mechanical Engineering?

“I chose this degree [at UTS] because of the Diploma in Professional Engineering Practice where you complete two six-month internships as part of the degree. Many students are offered graduate roles at companies they have completed their internships at which is a huge benefit.

“It can be hard to secure an internship during your degree, however once you have landed one, there is so much to learn!‘ Sabrina tells us. 

She also adds that studying Engineering at UTS is great for anyone who is a kinaesthetic learner, as the course is very hands-on.

What are the possible career paths?

While the Mechanical Engineering industry is currently at a sort of impasse relating to what’s next in innovation, there are still many career options as mechanical engineers in these various fields: 

• • Mining 
  • Security
  • Automotion
  • Biomedicine and Health 
  • Aerospace

Lynn Chen is a Content Writer at Art of Smart Education and is a Communication student at UTS with a major in Creative Writing. Lynn’s articles have been published in Vertigo, The Comma, and Shut Up and Go. In her spare time, she also writes poetry.