M.Eng. Degree

Graduate-level nuclear engineering education for working professionals

The UNENE Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) is a joint university, course-based degree designed for professionals in the nuclear sector who want to deepen their technical expertise while continuing to work.

Delivered in partnership with McMaster University, Ontario Tech University, Queen’s University, University of Waterloo, and Western University, the program blends academic rigour with industry relevance. Students complete 10 graduate-level courses (or eight courses plus a project), including four required core courses that cover the foundational science and engineering behind nuclear power.

Classes are scheduled with professionals in mind — held on four alternate weekends per course, combining 40 hours of in-class instruction with about 100 hours of independent study. Courses are offered live in person and via distance learning, with recordings available for review.

Part-time and flexible, the program must be completed within five years with a minimum grade of B- in each course. Many participants receive full or partial employer sponsorship, though self-funded students are also welcome.

Key Features:

Graduate-level content accredited by the Ontario Universities Council on Quality Assurance

Delivered by leading faculty from multiple Canadian universities
Flexible scheduling to accommodate full-time work
Live and recorded delivery for remote participation
Industry-connected projects often co-sponsored by employers

Program Structure:

Core Courses (4 required):

UN502 – Nuclear Power Plant Systems & Operations

An in-depth look at plant systems, operations, and safety protocols.

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UN802 - Nuclear Reactor Physics

Learn the fundamentals of nuclear reactor physics and CANDU design.

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UN803 – Nuclear Reactor Safety Design

Study nuclear reactor safety design, analysis, and risk assessment.

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UN804 - Nuclear Reactor Heat Transport System Design

Discover thermal-hydraulic design of nuclear reactors.

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Elective Courses (choose 6):

UN501 Nuclear Fuel Management

Build core knowledge in nuclear reactor physics and CANDU design with applied problem-solving skills.

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UN503 Nuclear Energy in Society

Overview of nuclear licensing, regulation, and oversight in Canada, including key roles.

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UN504 Small Modular Reactor

This course covers SMR design and safety, focusing on the BWRX-300 in Canada.

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UN601 Control, Instrumentation and Electrical Systems

Understand control, instrumentation, & electrical systems in CANDU plants.

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UN602 Nuclear Fuel Waste Management

Explore nuclear waste management strategies, from spent fuel storage to global approaches for disposal.

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UN603 Project Management for Nuclear Engineers

Gain practical project management skills for engineering success.

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UN701 Engineering Risk and Reliability

Explore risk and reliability analysis methods for nuclear safety systems through practical case studies.

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UN805 Introduction to Operational Health Physics

Explore the fundamentals of radiation safety in nuclear, medical, and research settings.

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UN806 Nuclear Fuel Engineering

Explore reactor fuel design, performance, and safety, with a focus on CANDU technology.

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UN807 Power Plant Thermodynamics

Explore thermodynamics, heat removal, and turbine operation with a focus on CANDU plant performance.

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UN808 Reactor Chemistry and Corrosion

Explore corrosion types, costs, testing, and prevention across industrial and nuclear environments.

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UN901 Nuclear Materials

Understanding how extreme temperatures, stresses, and radiation shape the performance and design of reactor components.

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Admissions & Tuition

To apply, students must contact one of the five participating universities directly:

          – McMaster University
          – University of Waterloo
          – Western University
          – Queen’s University
          – Ontario Tech University

Regardless of where you register, all courses are delivered jointly — you’ll attend the same classes, have the same professors, and complete the same evaluations as students from other partner schools.

Course fees are set by the participating universities. Some institutions charge a one-time incidental fee per academic year, while others apply incidental fees per term or course. Fees are payable directly to the university where you are registered.

Delivery

Our programs are designed for working professionals in the nuclear industry. Live courses are typically offered over four alternate weekends at a facility near the majority of students (usually east of Toronto). To support remote learners, all courses are delivered via live distance-learning tools and are recorded for review — so you can catch up or revisit sessions as needed.

Other helpful information...

Admissions

Find out how to apply to the UNENE M.Eng. program through one of our partner universities.

Student FAQs

Get answers to common questions about enrollment, schedules, and program requirements.

Courses

Explore our full list of graduate-level nuclear engineering courses and descriptions.

Course Calendar

Explore the UNENE Course Calendar to plan your learning schedule.