Canadian Immigration Updates
Review details about the recently announced changes to study and work permits that apply to master’s and doctoral degree students. Read more
Overview
TRANSFORM THE FUTURE IN A THRIVING INDUSTRY
Unlock your potential with the Master of Engineering Leadership (MEL) in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. This advanced degree is tailor-made for ambitious naval architects and marine engineers eager to spearhead innovation and excel in their careers. Our unique interdisciplinary program blends top-tier engineering coursework with cutting-edge business education from UBC Sauder’s Robert H. Lee Graduate School. Equip yourself with the expertise to navigate new career paths confidently.
NAVIGATING GLOBAL DEMAND IN SHIPBUILDING
The world’s shipbuilding sector is experiencing a surge, opening doors for engineers skilled in designing innovative, sustainable vessels and components. There’s a growing need for experts who not only understand the technical nuances of ship design, operation, and maintenance but also possess the business acumen and leadership abilities to steer multidisciplinary teams and oversee complex projects. Step into a world where your broad technical knowledge meets keen business insight.
A UNIQUE BLEND OF ENGINEERING AND BUSINESS
The MEL in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering is a distinctive program that offers a harmonious blend of technical and business education. Delve into comprehensive technical modules that cover the entire spectrum of the naval industry. Complement this with businesses courses from the renowned UBC Sauder’s Robert H. Lee Graduate School, focusing on strategy, innovation, operations, project management, and leadership.
GAIN A COMPETITIVE EDGE IN JUST 12 MONTHS
In this intensive 12-month program, you will:
- Master the art of managing intricate shipbuilding and procurement projects, qualifying you for top-tier project management roles.
- Hone your technical and analytical prowess through a project-centric curriculum that spans the full spectrum of the industry’s value chain.
- Learn from esteemed faculty and collaborate with industry leaders at a globally recognized university.
- Build a robust professional network by connecting with fellow MEL students.
- Develop essential business, project management, and interpersonal skills to escalate your career and confidently step into higher leadership positions.
What makes the program unique?
Elevate your technical career with the Master of Engineering Leadership (MEL) in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from UBC.
STEP INTO A LEADERSHIP ROLE OR PIVOT INTO A NEW INDUSTRY
Embark on a transformative journey with the MEL degree, designed to propel you into leadership roles and navigate seamlessly across the naval industry. This degree serves as a launchpad to a future brimming with elevated responsibilities and exciting new career possibilities. Our statistics speak volumes about the impact of this program: a remarkable 61% of our alumni have ascended to higher positions, while 88% have ventured into new career paths. The MEL degree is not just an educational experience; it’s a catalyst for professional reinvention and advancement.
ENHANCE YOUR TECHNICAL EXPERTISE
Delve into the intricacies of sustainable shipbuilding through comprehensive courses ship production, dynamics and controls, design and hydrodynamics. Our curriculum is designed to provide you with a well-rounded understanding of the complexities and prospects in the evolving naval industry.
MASTER THE FUNDAMENTALS OF BUSINESS
In today’s fast-paced world, technical know-how alone isn’t enough. UBC Sauder’s Robert H. Lee Graduate School offers essential business courses, equipping you with a solid grasp of broad management concepts, and enabling you to speak the language of business fluently.
DEVELOP LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE
Leadership skills are woven into every aspect of the MEL degree. As a student, you will find yourself immersed in a variety of leadership-building experiences. This includes leading diverse teams and managing complex projects. You will have the opportunity to attend a series of professional development workshops, each carefully crafted to refine and enhance your leadership abilities and interpersonal skills. These experiences are not just educational, but transformative, equipping you with the confidence and competence to emerge as an influential and effective leader in your field.
OBTAIN A PRESTIGIOUS DEGREE FROM A TOP-RANKED UNIVERSITY
Experience world-class education at the University of British Columbia (UBC), consistently ranked among the top 40 universities globally. Our renowned programs and esteemed faculty have cemented UBC’s position as a beacon of academic excellence on the world stage. The Faculty of Applied Science is home to Canada’s best engineering school. It’s also the sole centre dedicated to naval architecture and marine engineering studies along the Pacific Coast of North America.
At the forefront of business and management studies, the UBC Sauder School of Business is acclaimed as the premier institution in Canada and holds a prestigious 38th rank worldwide. The UBC Sauder School of Business stands out for its rigorous, relevant, and experiential approach to teaching. This commitment to practical and impactful learning makes UBC Sauder a trailblazer in shaping future business leaders and innovators.
BUILD A ROBUST PROFESSIONAL NETWORK
Join the MEL in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering and benefit from:
- Expert instruction: Learn from world-renowned faculty with deep ties to BC’s shipbuilding industry.
- A diverse cohort of classmates: Study alongside motivated peers from various backgrounds, adding rich perspectives to your educational experience.
- Interdisciplinary study: Take business classes with students from other MEL graduate students, broadening your interdisciplinary knowledge.
- Industry insights: Attend workshops and presentations by industry leaders, offering regular insights into current trends and issues in your field.
GO FURTHER
Engineers who blend technical expertise with business fundamentals stand out in the job market. Highly sought after by government and industry alike, our graduates are advancing into coveted roles within the marine sector, showcasing the real-world value of their dual-focused education.
“Industry is engaged in all aspects of this program, and our advisory committee includes representatives from organizations involved in ship building, design and operations.” – Jon Mikkelsen, Professor and NAME Director
Learn more about this innovative professional master’s degree from our professors.
Quick Facts
Program Enquiries
Research Information
Program Components
Potential 12 week supervised, technical work experience in an approved company or organization
Tuition & Financial Support
Tuition
| Fees | Canadian Citizen / Permanent Resident / Refugee / Diplomat | International |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | $116.25 | $168.25 |
| Tuition * | ||
| Installments per year | 3 | 3 |
| Tuition per installment | $10,970.91 | $22,690.75 |
| Program Fee | $32,912.73 | $68,072.25 |
| Int. Tuition Award (ITA) per year (if eligible) | Not applicable | |
| Other Fees and Costs | ||
| Student Fees (yearly) | $1,144.10 (approx.) | |
| Costs of living | Estimate your costs of living with our interactive tool in order to start developing a financial plan for your graduate studies. | |
| Deposit to accept offer (if admitted) | ||
| Deposit requirement | $5000.00 | $5000.00 |
All fees for the year are subject to adjustment and UBC reserves the right to change any fees without notice at any time, including tuition and student fees. Tuition fees are reviewed annually by the UBC Board of Governors. In recent years, tuition increases have been 2% for continuing domestic students and between 2% and 5% for continuing international students. New students may see higher increases in tuition. Admitted students who defer their admission are subject to the potentially higher tuition fees for incoming students effective at the later program start date. In case of a discrepancy between this webpage and the UBC Calendar, the UBC Calendar entry will be held to be correct.
Financial Support
Applicants to UBC have access to a variety of funding options.
Employer support
Organizations may provide their employees with tuition benefits as part of an employment package to support lifelong learning of their workforce.
Scholarships & awards (merit-based funding)
Professional / course-based programs usually do not provide merit-based funding. Some programs may offer bursaries.
Financial aid (need-based funding)
Canadian and US applicants may qualify for governmental loans to finance their studies. Please review eligibility and types of loans.
All students may be able to access private sector or bank loans.
Foreign government scholarships
Many foreign governments provide support to their citizens in pursuing education abroad. International applicants should check the various governmental resources in their home country, such as the Department of Education, for available scholarships.
Working while studying
The possibility to pursue work to supplement income may depend on the demands the program has on students. It should be carefully weighed if work leads to prolonged program durations or whether work placements can be meaningfully embedded into a program.
International students enrolled as full-time students with a valid study permit can work on campus for unlimited hours and work off-campus for no more than 24 hours a week during academic sessions.
A good starting point to explore student jobs is the UBC Work Learn program or a Co-Op placement.
Tax credits and RRSP withdrawals
Students with taxable income in Canada may be able to claim federal or provincial tax credits.
Canadian residents with RRSP accounts may be able to use the Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP) which allows students to withdraw amounts from their registered retirement savings plan (RRSPs) to finance full-time training or education for themselves or their partner.
Please review Filing taxes in Canada on the student services website for more information.
Cost Estimator
Applicants have access to the cost estimator to develop a financial plan that takes into account various income sources and expenses.
Enrolment, Duration & Other Stats
These statistics show data for the Master of Engineering Leadership in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (MEL). Data are separated for each degree program combination. You may view data for other degree options in the respective program profile.
ENROLMENT DATA
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applications | 12 | 19 | 29 | 17 | 29 |
| Offers | 8 | 10 | 17 | 11 | 18 |
| New Enrolment | 4 | 8 | 11 | 7 | 15 |
| Total Enrolment | 8 | 11 | 6 | 15 | 8 |
Completion Rates & Times
Disclaimer
Further Information
Specialization
This hybrid program combining engineering and business focuses on shipbuilding design, procurement programs,ship project management, stages of the industry value chain, fundamental business, and interpersonal skills.Students will learn technical knowledge of all facets of ship design, operation and maintenance and gain business insight and interpersonal skills to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage complex projects.
Faculty Overview
Academic Unit
Program Identifier
Classification
January 2026 Intake
Program Enquiries
Departments/Programs may update graduate degree program details through the Faculty & Staff portal. To update contact details for application inquiries, please use this form.
Considering UBC for your graduate studies?
Here, you can choose from more than 300 graduate degree program options and 2000+ research supervisors. You can even design your own program.