Mechanical Engineering courses encompass the conceptualisation, design, manufacture, control and maintenance of machines ranging from a conveyer, space shuttle to nanotechnology based objects. In broad terms, mechanical engineering channels the energy and forces in nature to the service of people. The fields in which mechanical engineering professionals operate are wide-ranging from oil and gas, power generation, water utilities, process plants, mining, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and defence.

A course in mechanical engineering is ideal for anyone wanting to get involved in the general engineering (whether design or maintenance) of large plants, especially as a plant engineer. Recently, mechanical engineering has begun to include many new systems in the electronics and control arena such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and SCADA as these are critical to the control of mechanical devices.

Students in the Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT) School of Mechanical Engineering can learn about mechanics, structural engineering, drive systems, rotating equipment, hydraulics, pneumatics, vibration, lubrication engineering, HVAC, pumps, compressors, machinery safety, energy efficiency and renewable energy sources.

The focus in EIT's School of Mechanical Engineering is in providing students with both deep and broad skills in mechanical engineering technology, focusing on real systems. Whilst there is probably not a shortage of theoretically orientated practitioners in mechanical engineering, there is a need for highly skilled, practically oriented engineers, technologists and technicians, due to the rapidly increasing use of new technologies which are becoming a key component of all modern plants and equipment.