Look around you at any mechanical equipment – from watches and elevators to cars and trucks and turbines and generators: mechanical engineers have had a hand in designing and creating mechanical equipment. Mechanical engineers are responsible for the design, development, manufacture, operation and maintenance of machines, mechanical systems and industrial processes. It is one of the oldest and broadest engineering disciplines, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less relevant today than it ever was. Mechanical engineers have helped to create much of the world around us and will continue to innovate in today’s rapidly changing technological world.
Mechanical engineering influences many aspects of modern life. From vehicles, aircraft and elevators to turbines, robotics and energy systems, mechanical engineers contribute to the technologies and infrastructure that support industries and communities around the world.
If you are interested in understanding how things work, enjoy mathematics and physical science, and have strong problem-solving and creative thinking abilities, Mechanical Engineering may be an ideal career path for you.
If you have always been interested in how things work and how mechanical equipment functions, you might be right for a career in mechanical engineering. Engineers need good mathematical skills, as well as problem solving abilities and creativity. Mechanical engineers develop strong foundations in mathematics, physics and engineering sciences before progressing into specialised engineering subjects. like design, mechanics, thermodynamics and material sciences.
The degree combines theoretical knowledge with practical application and engineering problem-solving skills relevant to modern industry in sectors such as energy, manufacturing, transportation, mining, infrastructure, aerospace and advanced technology industries.
The shortage of skilled mechanical engineers has a widespread impact on South Africa and the African continent at large, affecting South Africa’s functioning in the global business environment and economy. Studying mechanical engineering will give you the opportunity to gain skills and knowledge that are in high demand, making you sought after by many potential employers. There is also significant demand for mechanical engineers globally. The qualification will open opportunities for you to work all over the world.
The programme at Emeris is designed to expose students to real-world engineering applications from the early stages of the degree. Our mechanical engineering degree ensures that you are equipped with firsthand experience of the value engineering adds to improving the quality of lives in communities.
The qualification equips graduates with the knowledge, practical competencies and professional skills required to contribute effectively within the engineering profession.
To study mechanical engineering, you can enrol for the IIE Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering available at Emeris. If direct access to this degree is not possible, you can explore entry through the five-year Extended IIE Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering.
The programme is accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE) and accredited by the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA). The outcomes of the mechanical engineering degree are aligned to the Washington Accord, which allows for global recognition.
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Choose the programme that matches your goals. All include practical experience and industry exposure.
Duration: 4 years full-time
Bachelor Degree
NQF Level: 8
Credits: 600
Faculty: Faculty of Science and Technology
School: School of Engineering, Science and Health
Duration: 5 years full-time
Bachelor Degree
NQF Level: 8
Credits: 600
Faculty: Faculty of Science and Technology
School: School of Engineering, Science and Health
The IIE Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering, available at Emeris, is accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE) / Higher Education Quality Committee (HEQC) and by the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA), the only Statutory Regulator for Engineering in Africa that is a signatory to the Washington Accord. The outcomes of the degree are aligned to the Washington Accord, a 1989 international, multilateral agreement between bodies responsible for accrediting engineering degree programmes, which allows for global recognition.
If direct entry into the standard four-year degree is not possible, students may also consider the extended five-year version of the curriculum offered at Emeris.
Completing the IIE Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering will prepare you for Engineering positions in private consultation firms, in development laboratories and in large and small private enterprises. You may be involved in the design, development, production, maintenance and marketing of mechanical systems, subsystems and components.
Opportunities may also be available in government and non-profit organisations. Private consulting positions or creating opportunities in an entrepreneurial role are further options. You may also choose to pursue a career in academia, which would include research and teaching in various areas of specialisation.
There are many sub disciplines in mechanical engineering that you could specialise in. Some include:
An educational brand of The Independent Institute of Education
Formed by the strategic evolution of The IIE's Varsity College, IIE MSA, Vega and
the School of Hospitality and Service Management, uniting under the Emeris name.
Emeris is an educational brand of The Independent Institute of Education (Pty) Ltd which is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training as a private higher education institution under the Higher Education Act, 1997 (reg. no. 2007/HE07/002). Company registration number: 1987/004754/07. View certificate here.
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