Program Overview
The Master of Engineering Leadership in Dependable Software Systems (MEL in DSS) is a program within the Faculty of Applied Science.
Dependability of software systems is gaining much attention and importance with the pervasiveness of software systems. The ubiquity of these systems requires that these systems perform correctly with high confidence, and building such systems requires a multifaceted approach. This program addresses key concepts, namely:
- System correctness within specifications
- System robustness outside of specifications
- System security in case of hostile use outside of specification
- Software project lifecycle management for robust systems
The program is supported by a set of leadership, management, and analysis courses aimed at providing professional education for dependable software systems technical leaders.
The MEL in DSS is a degree for professionals who have relevant industry experience. It is delivered either as a 12-month, full-time program or a 24-month, part-time program. Students should consult the MEL admissions website for more information on both the full time and part time options.
Admission Requirements
The MEL Program is a professional leadership degree. Admission takes into consideration a variety of criteria: previous academic performance, English language proficiency, professional experience, maturity, and fit.
- Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree in Computer Engineering or Computer Science;
- Have prior experience developing software systems;
- Have a minimum three years relevant experience.
The minimum admission requirement for students with degrees from North American institutions is an average of 76% (UBC-equivalency), calculated from senior-level coursework. An applicant with an average slightly less than 76% may be admitted if they have achieved 80% or higher in at least 12 credits (UBC-equivalency) of senior-level coursework in the prospective area of study.
The minimum admission requirement for applicants with degrees from outside North America is an overall degree average of 76% (UBC-equivalency).
Applicants from a university outside Canada in which English is not the primary language of instruction must present evidence of English language proficiency prior to being extended an offer of admission. Tests must have been taken within the last 24 months at the time of submission of your application. Acceptable English language proficiency tests for the MEL in DSS are:
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
Either:- A minimum score of 90 (internet-based exam), with minimum component scores of 22 [in reading, listening] and minimum component score of 21 [in writing, speaking];
OR - Minimum score 55 each for reading, listening, and writing (in the paper-based test), with a minimum score of 4.0 on the Test of Written English (TWE).
- A minimum score of 90 (internet-based exam), with minimum component scores of 22 [in reading, listening] and minimum component score of 21 [in writing, speaking];
- IELTS (International English Language Testing Service): minimum overall band score of 6.5 with no other component score less than 6.0 of the academic (NOT general) IELTS test.
- MELAB (Michigan English Language Assessment Battery): minimum overall score of 85, with a minimum score of 3 in the speaking test.
- PTE (Pearson Test of English - Academic): minimum overall score of 65, with a minimum score of 60 reading, 60 writing, 60 listening, and 60 speaking.
- CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program): minimum scores; 4L/4L/4L of the academic (NOT general) test is required.
- CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language Assessment): minimum overall score of 70, with a minimum score of 60 on the speaking sub-test.
Applicants who do not meet the academic requirements stated above, but who have had other significant formal training, relevant professional experience, and/or otherwise possess demonstrable knowledge or expertise that would prepare them adequately for successful study in the graduate program, may be granted admission on the recommendation of the Program Director and the approval of the Dean of Applied Science.
Lists of the required application documents are available on the program website. The Professional Masters office is responsible for collection and assessment of application documents.
Transfer Credit
1. Graduate students who have earned credits for equivalent courses outside of the DSS program (e.g., from a different university, in a different UBC master's program, or as an unclassified student) may apply to transfer credits toward their MEL in DSS degree. Typically only 3 credits will be allowed to be transferred, provided that:
- The courses were not used as a basis for admission to the DSS program;
- The courses were not used to satisfy the requirements of another credential;
- The courses considered for transfer credit have been taken within five years of commencement of the DSS program;
- At least a B standing (UBC 74%) was obtained in courses considered for transfer.
2. Transfer credit may only be at the graduate level (500-/600-level).
3. Transferring credits is not permitted for APSC Professional Programs management and leadership courses, course code: APPP_V or Sauder business course codes.
4. Requests for transfer credit must be accompanied by a letter or memo of support from the Director of DSS, addressed to the Associate Dean of Applied Science. The letter must provide an academic justification for allowing the transfer credit on a course by course basis and be accompanied by a set of original transcripts from the completed course institution.
5. Transferring credits will not reduce tuition fees.
Program Requirements
Degree completion requires completion of 30 credits. This includes 18 credits of Pillar courses, including 3 credits of constrained electives and 12 credits of Platform courses, including 1.5 credits of approved electives from the Faculty of Commerce and Business Administration. Platform refers to foundational coursework focused on the professional skills required for an experienced graduate to be an effective professional leader. These courses are common across many of the Applied Science Professional Master’s programs. The Pillar contains the relevant technical material. Each student's coursework must be approved by the MEL in DSS graduate program office. Students in the MEL in DSS will complete a Capstone Project. A complete list of the courses required for successful completion are available on the program website.
This program also requires the student to attend Welcome Day and successfully participate in a 1-day workshop on professionalism and integrity offered by the department, in order to graduate.
Financial Assistance
Financial assistance based on academic merit and financial need may be available.
Students should consult the MEL admissions Website for more information.
Contact Information
MEL – MHLP Office
The University of British Columbia
Gerald McGavin Building
211 - 2386 East Mall
Vancouver BC
Canada V6T 1Z3
Tel: 604.827.4136
Email: apscpp@apsc.ubc.ca
Web: www.apscpp.ubc.ca/