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Program overview

The Doctor of Engineering (DEng) in Leadership in Engineering Applications and Practice (LEAP) is Canada's first professional doctorate in engineering, reflecting UVic's strengths in creating forward-thinking, industry-connected research programs at the highest level. The DEng is a three-year program designed for experienced professionals who want to drive meaningful, real-world research impact while continuing to work full time. Built for flexibility, global reach, and applied innovation, the program brings together research proposal development, doctorial candidacy, immersive coursework at conferences, and sustained supervisory engagement.

Candidates entering this program (referred to as Research Professionals or RPs) require:

• a committed partner organization (or an entrepreneurial pathway)

• a preliminary project idea

• a viable funding plan

This foundation allows Research Professionals (RPs) to begin their applied research project development immediately.

The DEng is designed for working professionals with busy lives and demanding careers. Learning takes place through a blend of three immersive in-person conferences each year (held in ӣ��Ӱ�� and other select locations) and continuously guided research project work that supports steady progress between residencies. Conferences feature engaging workshop-style learning opportunities, including industry visits and one-on-one mentorship with faculty, supervisors, and peers.

This integrated structure ensures that candidates can advance their research praxis project, enhance leadership capacity, and advance professionally—all while continuing to work full time.

Curriculum

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

Year 1: Candidacy and Praxis Proposal Development

In Year 1, during the Candidacy and Praxis Proposal Development Stage (ECS 696), RPs focus on developing an impactful research proposal, supported by two foundational courses and ongoing guidance from academic supervisors and industry experts. Once the proposal is approved, RPs become doctoral candidates and advance to the Praxis Implementation Stage (ECS 697). The praxis component is the applied portion of the DEng program, where candidates translate their approved proposal into a practical, real-world solution. This may take the form of a written dissertation, or a portfolio of other forms of research contributions such as a prototype, a simulation, or an innovative design.

Years 2 and 3: Praxis Implementation

Over the next two years, candidates refine, implement, and test their ideas in an organizational or entrepreneurial context, generating outcomes that create value and drive meaningful change.

Four courses support the Praxis Implementation Stage by introducing advanced tools and perspectives in sustainability and sustainable practice, community-engaged leadership, risk management, intellectual property, and other areas that inform applied technical innovation. These courses bring current research and industry insights directly to enhance the Praxis Implementation process.

 Note: The order of courses in Years 2 and 3 reflects a tentative schedule.

Conferences

The DEng conferences are an integral part of the program’s applied learning model. Over three years, Research Professionals participate in nine immersive conferences designed to:

• complement research project work

• deepen understanding of complex, applied engineering challenges

• engage directly with faculty, industry experts, and global peers

• explore case studies, panel discussions, and sector-specific insights

• strengthen supervisory relationships and project alignment

• build meaningful professional networks that span industries, regions, and disciplines

Conferences may be hosted in ӣ��Ӱ�� or in other select locations where local strengths and sector expertise offer unique opportunities for collaboration. Conferences may also include industry visits and case studies, giving candidates firsthand exposure to diverse organizational environments and real-world applications of engineering innovation.

Tuition & Funding

Tuition:

The DEng is a professional doctorate designed for professionals who want to tackle real-world challenges while tapping into cutting edge research. Research Professionals work closely with leading researchers and have access to labs, tools, and mentorship to ensure their projects are on the path to success. The program benefits both the individual and their organization by generating intellectual property with direct value to the organization, while ensuring that the organization has the leadership capacity to capitalize on the research project results.

• Program length: 3 years
• Domestic tuition: CAD $60,000 per year
• International tuition: CAD $100,000 per year

Tuition includes participation in all tri-annual conferences. Travel and accommodation are not covered, though travel scholarships may be available depending on need and available funding.

Tuition is paid in three installments per year.
For official tuition details, please refer to the UVic Graduate Academic Calendar.

Funding Arrangements:

Funding arrangements vary depending on the candidate’s background, organization, and proposed project. The DEng program team works closely with applicants to identify suitable options.

Employer-Supported Funding

Many DEng candidates are supported by their employer, who provides financial sponsorship and a workplace-relevant project. Benefits include:

• direct organizational impact through applied research
• opportunities for intrapreneurship
• alignment with strategic priorities
• leadership and technical skill development for employees

Self-Funded and Mixed Funding Models

Candidates without full employer sponsorship may combine:

• program scholarships or fellowships
• external grants (e.g., Mitacs, CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC)
• funding tied to research area or personal circumstances
• personal or professional investment
• entrepreneurial supports through the UVic Innovation & Partnerships Office or UVic Innovation Centre

Intellectual Property (IP):

Intellectual property arising from DEng projects is handled in a way that reflects each candidate’s specific funding model and project context. In all cases, IP is retained either by the sponsoring organization or by the individual candidate, as appropriate. The program team will discuss IP considerations with each applicant during the pre-application process to ensure clear expectations and alignment before the program begins.

Our team will work with the applicant to identify the funding options that best support their research and innovation goals. Applicants are encouraged to reach out with details about their background and specific circumstances.

Program Impact

 The Value of the Doctor of Engineering Investment

For Employers:

Tap into Research Minds and Labs
Access UVic’s faculty experts, research networks, and specialized labs to address applied organizational challenges.

Empower Intrapreneurs
Support employees in driving research-driven innovation, optimizing processes, and generating meaningful outcomes.

Strengthen Talent and Leadership
Help high-performing technical staff develop leadership capacity, reducing turnover and preparing them for senior roles.

Address Skill Gaps Through Tailored Learning
Employees receive customized learning aligned with your organization’s priorities—building advanced technical, leadership, and innovation capabilities that directly strengthen your workforce.

Achieve Impact and Protect Intellectual Property
Organizations retain IP generated through Praxis projects and may realize direct benefits such as improved efficiency, reduced risk, or new product opportunities.

Build Strategic Partnerships
Engage with UVic through deeper research collaboration and innovation networks.

For Candidates:

Accelerate Your Career
Advance to senior technical roles, innovation leadership, consulting, applied R&D, or entrepreneurship.

Lead Innovation and Applied Research
Tackle complex problems and drive measurable impact through action-oriented research.

Collaborate with Experts
Work closely with faculty mentors, industry leaders, and research teams.

Become an Intrapreneur or Entrepreneur
Translate ideas into action—whether within your organization or through a new venture.

Build a Portfolio of Impact
Graduate with an applied research portfolio demonstrating real-world change and strategic capability.

Learn more

Please visit our Applications Information and FAQ page for more details.

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. 

Ready to apply?

We invite all prospective applicants to connect with our program team well in advance of applying. These one-on-one discussions provide personalized guidance on admission requirements, supervisor alignment, and funding plans, helping ensure that the DEng program is the right fit for your goals and aspirations. Please complete the  or contact the program team at leap_deng@uvic.ca to start the conversation.