Biomedical engineering is a growing, interdisciplinary subject that applies the theories, principles and problem-solving methods of engineering to the fields of medicine and life sciences. Students of biomedical engineering may go on to be researchers in the field, whether academically or industrially, or developers and managers of biomedical technology applications.
Students may focus their studies, and subsequent career, in areas such as imaging technology, tissue and cell engineering, implant technology and more. Career paths are available in public and private healthcare, as well as medical research.
There are over 50 postgraduate courses in biomedical engineering to explore at more than 30 universities in the UK, including taught master’s and research degrees.
What to expect
In general, universities usually ask applicants for at least a 2:1 in a relevant undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification such as biomedical engineering, physics, computer science or mechanical or electrical engineering.
Biomedical engineering encompasses a wide variety of topics, but some common modules covered at this level include biomechanics, biomaterials, biomedical systems and control, clinical engineering, medical device design and medical robotics.
A postgraduate qualification might enable you to secure a wide variety of roles including design engineer, bioengineer, research scientist, medical engineer or a clinical scientist to name a few.