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Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science

LEAP program features

Format

The Leadership in Engineering Applications and Practice (LEAP) program is a professional doctorate built for impact, flexibility and global reach.

  • designed for working professionals with busy lives and demanding careers
  • delivered through 3 immersive in-person conferences each year, held in Canada and internationally
  • conferences include leadership workshops, applied technical training and one-on-one mentorship with faculty and peers
  • between conferences, students engage in guided online learning and applied project development
  • complete the program while continuing to work full-time

Curriculum

LEAP’s curriculum combines formal coursework with applied project work, mentorship and professional development. Students complete 5 graduate-level courses in core areas that support applied leadership, sustainability, innovation and responsible engineering practice.

Core courses

ECS 601 – Translational Engineering Research Methods (1.5 units)
An introduction to qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods in applied engineering research. Students explore models of knowledge translation and mobility, approaches to empirical data collection and key concepts in research ethics and integrity.

ECS 602 – Sustainability and Sustainable Practice (1.5 units)
Examines the fundamental concepts, models, and policies that shape sustainable engineering practice. Topics include policy analysis, ethical considerations, operationalization of sustainability objectives throughout the lifecycle of engineered systems and services, and the evaluation of sustainability in complex systems.

ECS 603 – Community-Engaged Leadership and Risk Management (1.5 units)
Focuses on leadership models, change management and perspectives on globalization and approaches to decolonization. Students examine the management of large-scale, innovation-focused engineering projects as well as risk identification, analysis and mitigation. Safety-performance, security and resiliency are key areas of focus.

ECS 604 – Responsible Artificial Intelligence (1.5 units)
Explores the foundations and limitations of artificial intelligence in engineering. Topics include the risks and benefits of AI technologies in engineering practice and products, ethical and regulatory frameworks, and intellectual property considerations for AI-driven innovations.

ECS 605 – Research and Innovation Impact Seminar (1.5 units)
A seminar-based course connecting students with industry leaders through real-world case studies. Students present their research projects and receive structured mentorship from faculty, peers and industry leaders.

Elective courses

LEAP students take at least 1.5 units of technical course electives from a range of topics and themes. Electives are arranged individually to support a student’s research and study interests.

Praxis project

In parallel with coursework, students complete an individually supervised applied engineering project, called a Praxis, over the duration of the program. The Praxis replaces a traditional dissertation and is intended to deliver measurable impact within the student’s workplace, sector or area of practice.

Supported by academic and industry mentors, the project is structured to align with each student’s goals and context, and to demonstrate their readiness to lead innovation in the field.

Academic supervisor

All LEAP students are supervised by a UVic faculty member who serves as their academic supervisor. The Faculty will work with each applicant to identify the most suitable supervisor, based on research interests and project alignment. Faculty backgrounds and areas of expertise are available on departmental websites.

As the program is interdisciplinary, some Praxis projects may benefit from adding expertise from other faculties and universities. In such cases, the program director may arrange for qualified experts from another institution or faculty to serve as co-supervisors.

Schedule

LEAP is structured for balance and flexibility.

  • program length: 36 months
  • in-person residencies: 3 per year (approximately 4–5 days each)
  • online work: guided, flexible modules and project mentorship in between
  • locations: rotating venues in Canada and international partner sites

Global focus

 LEAP prepares you to lead at the intersection of engineering, sustainability and global systems.

  • participate in international conferences and residencies
  • learn alongside peers from across Canada and around the world
  • explore case studies and projects with global relevance
  • build networks across sectors, borders and disciplines

Professional impact

This isn’t about research for research’s sake; LEAP is about real-world results.

  • tackle an R&D challenge in your workplace, sector or community and retain the IP
  • drive innovation in clean tech, infrastructure, systems, policy or product development
  • graduate with a Doctor of Engineering credential and a portfolio of measurable impact
  • prepare for or grow your senior leadership role and network in industry, government or consulting

Tuition

The nominal tuition fee includes the full cost of the program, including all 9 conferences, learning experiences and assessments. Industry/government matching programs exist to aid students in funding their studies.

The intellectual property generated in the Praxis is assigned to the student, respectively to their employer, depending on the funding arrangement. For more information, please contact leap_deng@uvic.ca to book an information session.

Learn more or register your interest

We would be happy to answer any questions you may have about the program, and are also available for virtual or in-person meetings to discuss. Please contact leap_deng@uvic.ca for more information.

Ready to apply?

Applications to the LEAP DEng program are accepted year round, and cohorts are created when a critical mass has reached for the program to be of the greatest value to students. Please contact leap_deng@uvic.ca to start the application process.