The program covers all stages of the industry value chain, from the initial design requirements to building and operating a vessel and its eventual retirement. You’ll learn how ships interact with the water through hydrostatics, hydrodynamics and ship dynamics, and you’ll examine the structural demands and response of ships through applied mechanics and structural design principles.
The MEL in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering is one of the best ways to gain the technical knowledge and leadership skills you need to advance in your profession.
This master’s program integrates concepts in naval architecture and marine engineering. Over the course of the 12-month master’s degree, you will learn how to:
- Manage complex shipbuilding and procurement projects
- Translate client requirements into practical technical specifications
- Convert technical specifications into realizable products
- Guide the process with technical tools, such as sequencing, blocks and integration
- Optimize operations, in terms of route, speed, course, safety, machinery and maintenance
- Define engineering requirements and design solutions and guide execution of mid-life events
- Define the retirement process and guide execution
You’ll also develop your business skills, learning how to:
- Incorporate principles of sustainability in processes and decisions
- Apply visual analytics for effective analysis and communication
- Successfully manage projects and teams
- Address organizational leadership challenges
- Understand key business functions, including accounting, market analysis, negotiations and contract management, and business case development
- Learn how to support and lead strategic innovations
- Be an effective and persuasive communicator
This interdisciplinary program is taught by leading experts from the Faculty of Applied Science and renowned faculty from UBC Sauder’s Robert H. Lee Graduate School.
Courses are grounded in project-based learning, enabling you to apply your knowledge to real-world examples and case studies. During the summer, you may have the opportunity to work on a capstone project in collaboration with an industry partner.
You’ll also benefit from professional development and career support from our dedicated career strategists. This includes ongoing workshops and professional development opportunities, one-on-one coaching, industry networking events and career fairs exclusive to MEL students.
This comprehensive experience culminates in equipping you with both the credentials and the expertise essential for steering your career toward new horizons.
Prepare for leadership roles where you’ll make bold, impactful decisions with confidence. 71% of our graduates receive promotions, and 78% transition to new career paths. The MEL is not just about gaining knowledge—it’s about transforming into a leader who drives the future of your industry.
Start of program | As of 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Manager | → | Business Development Manager at Albion Marine Solutions |
| Engineer | → | Project Manager at Irving Shipbuilding |
| Engineering Project Manager | → | Assistant Project Manager at Irving Shipbuilding |
| Environmental Engineer | → | Service Engineer at Wartsila |
| Fleet in Service Surveyor | → | Lead Project Marine Engineer at Seaspan |
| Marine Engineer | → | Offset Business Specialist at Vard Electro Canada Project Manager, Fleet Project Management Office at BC Ferries Vessel Manager at Seaspan |
| Marine Engineer Officer | → | Technical Superintendent at SAAM Towage |
| Marine Surveyor | → | Marine Engineer Lead at Alion Science & Technology |
| Naval Architect | → | Lead Naval Architect at Incat Crowther |
| Operations Engineer | → | Area Manager at Seaspan |
| Project Engineer | → | Outfitting Discipline Integration Lead, Polar Icebreaker Program at Seaspan |
| Second Assistant Engineer | → | Design Build Engineering Supervisor at Seaspan Fleet Performance Specialist at Seaspan Production Engineer at Seaspan Senior Specialist, System Safety at Seaspan |
| Third Engineer | → | Offsets Business Specialist at Vard Electro Canada |
Student Impact
Discover the transformative effects of the Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering program on our students. Explore their personal stories, growth, and the skills they've gained through hands-on experiences. See how this program has shaped their educational journey and prepared them for successful careers in their field.
