Graduate Programs
See the program comparison chart for the quick details of each program, and find the full descriptions of each degree below for more details.
Master of Engineering Master of Engineering Leadership Master of Applied Science Doctor of Philosophy
Degree Program Comparison
Master of Engineering (MEng) | Master of Engineering Leadership (MEL) | Master of Applied Science (MASc) | Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) | |
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Type of Program | Professional | Professional | Research | Research |
Duration | 12 months | 12 months | 24 months | 48 months |
Areas of study available |
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Eligibility for Financial Assistance | May apply for Teaching Assistantships | Scholarships are available based upon submitted program application | Normally from their thesis supervisors and may apply for Teaching Assistantships, graduate awards and scholarships | Normally from their thesis supervisors and may apply for Teaching Assistantships, graduate awards and scholarships |
Cooperative Education | MEng students may take part in the Co-op program; details vary by program of study. See below for requirements. | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Program Details
Master of Engineering (MEng)
Type: Professional | Course-based | 12 months
The Master of Engineering is a course-based program designed for engineers wishing to upgrade their training. During this 12 month program students take a prescribed set of courses designed to advance their skills. MEng in Mechanical Engineering students are allowed to enroll in the engineering co-op program with the permission of program director and supervisor (if applicable).
Students interested in the MEng can apply to one of the following areas:
Mechatronics Design combines the fields of mechanical and electrical engineering in the study of integrated modelling, analysis, design and manufacture of electromechanical and mechatronic systems. These principles can be applied in the following industries: transportation; manufacturing and production engineering; biomedical and healthcare technologies; energy; aviation and aerospace; automated office and household technologies; and computer systems.
- Eligibility: Students must have a Bachelor of Applied Science or equivalent, as well as some prior education in mechatronics design, to be eligible for the Mechatronics Design MEng program.
- Co-op: MEng in Mechatronics Design can participate in Co-op after completing their program requirements (all 30 credits). Applications to Co-op must be done in August/September of the student’s start year.
The Masters of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering is aimed at students interested in pursuing an accelerated technical degree in an area not covered by our other MEng programs. The normal time for completion is 12 months, including a capstone project. Many of the MEng projects will be more translational in nature and may be combined with opportunities for internship or co-op with a partnering company or startup. This program is intended for academically strong students with well-articulated educational objectives.
- Co-op: Students in the MEng in Mechanical Engineering program may participate in the Co-op program if they choose. They may complete a 4-8 month work term within their degree, and must return to complete their program. Applications to Co-op must be done in August/September of the student’s start year.
Master of Engineering Leadership (MEL)
Type: Professional | Course-based | 12 months
The Master of Engineering Leadership is a one-year professional degree program for practicing professionals who want to excel in their careers, broaden their technical perspectives and gain new business and leadership skills. Students undergo cross-disciplinary technical instruction and personal leadership development.
The Mechanical Engineering department offers MEL degrees in the following areas:
The Master of Engineering Leadership in Clean Energy Engineering (MEL CEEN) is designed for engineers and environmental science graduates who want to make their sustainable vision a reality and advance their careers in the field of clean energy. The program offers leadership courses on project management, business and communication, while deepening students’ knowledge of sustainable energy systems, energy distribution networks, energy efficiency and energy policy.
- Eligibility: Students must have a Bachelor of Applied Science or equivalent, as well as 3 or more years of professional experience, to be eligible for the MEL CEEN program.
Master of Applied Science (MASc)
Type: Research | Thesis-based | 24 months
The Master of Applied Science program is suitable for students wishing to pursue a traditional thesis-based Masters. All MASc courses are administered by Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.
A MASc degree is expected to take around 24 months to complete. Your thesis is prepared with the guidance of your Research Supervisor, and typically falls under one of the Department’s Research Areas.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Type: Research | Dissertation-based | 48 months
The Doctor of Philosophy Program is for students who wish to pursue independent research. As with the MASc, the PhD Program is administered by Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. The expected duration of the PhD program is 4 years, though it varies depending on a student’s circumstances. Learn about our research.
MASc & PhD Research Areas
MASc and PhD students will work closely with their supervisor on a research project, and can specialize in one of our areas:
- Applied Solid Mechanics
- Biomechanics and Medical Devices†
- Computational Engineering
- Energy & Environment
- Fluid Mechanics
- Manufacturing Automation & Robotics
- Mechatronics & Instrumentation
- Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering
Our faculty supervisors research a wide range of interdisciplinary topics.
The School of Biomedical Engineering Program (SBME) vs our Biomechanics and Medical Devices Research Area
What is the difference between graduate studies with School of Biomedical Engineering Program compared to joining the Biomechanics and Medical Devices Engineering Research Area within the Mechanical Engineering Department?
UBC offers various programs in the area of biomedical engineering and related topics, and which degree program to choose depends on your personal career and research goals, and the sub-topics or approach that interest you most, or faculty member you wish to work with. Beyond these considerations, some main differences between programs are the presence of core courses and the degree you graduate with:
- Our graduate programs provide an MASc or PhD in Mechanical Engineering with a specialization in Biomechanics and Medical Devices, where students focuses their studies and research project in this area. The School of Biomedical Engineering has a variety of graduate programs, and these provide a degrees in Biomedical Engineering.
- The School of Biomedical Engineering’s program requires students complete a number of core courses, while Mechanical Engineering does not have that built-in structure, and is more self-directed.
Summary of the differences between the SBME Program and the Biomedical Engineering Research Group
SBME Program | MECH Biomechanics & Medical Devices Area | |
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Mandatory Core Courses: | Yes | No |
Degree: | MASc/PhD in Biomedical Engineering | MASc/PhD in Mechanical Engineering |
Admissions: | SBME Office | MECH Student Services |
Program to select on online applications: | Biomedical – Mechanical | Mechanical Engineering |
Applications: | SBME Office | MECH Student Services |
Home Department: | School of Biomedical Engineering | Department of Mechanical Engineering |