Master of Engineering Leadership in Dependable Software Systems (MEL)

Overview

The Master of Engineering Leadership (MEL) in Dependable Software Systems is entering an exciting phase of transformation. Beginning January 2024, we will temporarily pause the program to embark on a comprehensive curriculum review and assessment. This strategic pause is the first step towards relaunching the program in a new and innovative format that will meet the evolving demands of the software systems industries. Stay tuned for updates on this dynamic evolution, as we aim to unveil a revitalized program that promises to further empower engineers and technical leaders with cutting-edge skills and knowledge.

The MEL in Dependable Software Systems, from its inception in 2016 through 2023, has been a pioneering professional degree. It was meticulously designed for engineers and technical leaders striving to lead and innovate within the software systems sectors. This program stood out by integrating rigorous engineering coursework with strategic business education from the prestigious UBC Sauder’s Robert H. Lee Graduate School, thereby equipping students with a robust combination of technical expertise and business acumen.

The curriculum covered essential areas such as software testing and verification, error-resilient computing, security, and privacy, alongside foundational business strategies, innovation, operations, project management, and leadership skills. This holistic approach ensured that graduates:

• Advanced their technical and analytical competencies, essential for developing and maintaining reliable software systems.
• Undertook a significant capstone project, deepening their domain expertise.
• Benefited from the wisdom and experience of distinguished faculty and industry luminaries.
• Built extensive professional networks through collaboration with peers from diverse MEL disciplines.

Acquired key business, project management, and interpersonal skills, enabling them to ascend to leadership roles and navigate complex challenges with confidence.

As we prepare for the next chapter of the Dependable Software Systems program, we celebrate the achievements of our alumni, whose success stories underscore the enduring impact of their education. We invite you to explore the accomplishments of our alumni, a testament to the program’s foundational strength and the bright future that lies ahead in its refreshed incarnation.

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Specialization

Our world is increasingly reliant on dependable software. Leading companies across a range of industries – from health care and finance to transportation, power generation and telecommunications – need software engineers with the technical knowledge to design and maintain safety-critical software systems. Engineering courses within dependable software systems explore software testing and verification, error-resilient computing, and security and privacy. Business courses provide a solid foundation in business strategy and innovation, operations and logistics, project management, and organizational leadership.

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The University of British Columbia is a global centre for teaching, learning and research, consistently ranked among the top public universities in the world.

UBC embraces innovation and transforms ideas into action. Since 1915, UBC has been opening doors of opportunity for people with the curiosity, drive and vision to shape a better world.

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Tuition

* Regular, full-time tuition. For on-leave, extension, continuing or part time (if applicable) fees see UBC Calendar.
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 20 hours a week.

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.

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