Flex Option
The ultimate in flexibility – keep your options open and follow multiple interests.
Why Choose the Flex Option in Mechanical Engineering?
Our Flex Option is our broadest, most flexible pathway. This is our most popular Option, allowing you to explore diverse interests as you complete your degree. With a core set of courses that prepare you with the essential knowledge needed by every mechanical engineer, you are free to take up to 22 credits in technical electives on a range of subjects.
This path lets you prepare for work in a range of industries, and allows you to try out different areas of interest without committing to the more focused curriculums of our other Options.
What are some unique opportunities students at UBC have?
Flexible Technical Electives
With 22 Technical Electives over 3rd and 4th year, students in the Flex pathway can sample a variety of courses from our other Options.
By creating a unique pathway tailored to your interests, you can explore multiple interests.
Unique Expertise
Our instructors and faculty researchers work on a wide range of issues, developing solutions in automation and robotics, hydrogen fuel-cells, cancer cell detection, concussions, the creation of new alloys, reducing carbon emissions, offshore wind power, and many more.
Experiential Learning
Mechanical engineering is an inherently hands-on discipline. Our facilities include a wind tunnel, machine shop, and a 24/7 access MakerSpace open to all students. Our degree timelines are centered around the co-op program, and we have opportunities for undergraduate students to engage in research.
Where can I work?
With a solid foundation in core mechanical engineering skills, you can work in a range of areas. Mechanical engineers are employed in almost every industry, and our graduates work in product design, energy, construction, acoustics, consulting, testing, biomedical devices, vehicles, aerospace, and beyond!
Graduate Programs
UBC Mechanical Engineering is home to excellent professional and research-based graduate programs in a range of fields. An undergraduate degree from UBC opens the door to graduate studies across Canada and around the world.
Research Programs
Our MASc and PhD programs have eight research specializations, with faculty researchers investigating everything from industrial automation to intelligent and green marine ships. Our research specializations are:
- Applied Solid Mechanics
- Biomechanics and Medical Devices
- Computational Engineering
- Energy & Environment
- Fluid Mechanics
- Manufacturing Automation & Robotics
- Mechatronics & Instrumentation
- Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering
Professional Programs
Master of Engineering (MEng): we offer MEng programs in Mechatronics Design, Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering, with compatible specializations like:
- Applied Solid Mechanics
- Biomechanics and Medical Devices
- Computational Engineering
- Energy & Environment
- Fluid Mechanics
- Manufacturing Technology
- Advanced Controls
Master of Engineering Leadership (MEL): After working in industry, if you decide to level-up your leadership skills, our MEL programs in NAME and Clean Energy Engineering join technical and business studies.