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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.
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MEL MHLP Virtual Open Day 2025
OnlineDate: Saturday, 03 May 2025
Time: 08:00 to 12:15
Find out how to elevate your career at our 2025 Virtual Open Day! The Master of Engineering Leadership (MEL) and Master of Health Leadership and Policy (MHLP) Virtual Open Day is taking place on Saturday, May 3 from 8:00 am to 12:15 pm Pacific Time. This interactive event features a virtual Expo Hall where you can engage with current students, alumni, faculty, and MEL & MHLP staff to get immediate answers to your questions about the student experience, career advancement, curriculum, application process, and more. This is your only opportunity in 2025 to connect with such a diverse group of program representatives.
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