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
Program Structure:
Core Courses (4 required):
UN502 – Nuclear Power Plant Systems & Operations
An in-depth look at plant systems, operations, and safety protocols.
UN802 - Nuclear Reactor Physics
Learn the fundamentals of nuclear reactor physics and CANDU design.
UN803 – Nuclear Reactor Safety Design
Study nuclear reactor safety design, analysis, and risk assessment.
UN804 - Nuclear Reactor Heat Transport System Design
Discover thermal-hydraulic design of nuclear reactors.
Elective Courses (choose 6):
UN501 Nuclear Fuel Management
Build core knowledge in nuclear reactor physics and CANDU design with applied problem-solving skills.
UN503 Nuclear Energy in Society
Overview of nuclear licensing, regulation, and oversight in Canada, including key roles.
UN504 Small Modular Reactor
This course covers SMR design and safety, focusing on the BWRX-300 in Canada.
UN601 Control, Instrumentation and Electrical Systems
Understand control, instrumentation, & electrical systems in CANDU plants.
UN602 Nuclear Fuel Waste Management
Explore nuclear waste management strategies, from spent fuel storage to global approaches for disposal.
UN603 Project Management for Nuclear Engineers
Gain practical project management skills for engineering success.
UN701 Engineering Risk and Reliability
Explore risk and reliability analysis methods for nuclear safety systems through practical case studies.
UN805 Introduction to Operational Health Physics
Explore the fundamentals of radiation safety in nuclear, medical, and research settings.
UN806 Nuclear Fuel Engineering
Explore reactor fuel design, performance, and safety, with a focus on CANDU technology.
UN807 Power Plant Thermodynamics
Explore thermodynamics, heat removal, and turbine operation with a focus on CANDU plant performance.
UN808 Reactor Chemistry and Corrosion
Explore corrosion types, costs, testing, and prevention across industrial and nuclear environments.
UN901 Nuclear Materials
Understanding how extreme temperatures, stresses, and radiation shape the performance and design of reactor components.
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
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.