Postgraduate Biomedical Engineering: Q&A

CONTENTS

• What is biomedical engineering?
• Why choose this discipline?
• How do I become a biomedical engineer?
• Pathways into biomedical engineering
• What postgraduate courses are available?
• What are the entry requirements for postgraduate biomedical engineering?
• Tell me about teaching, learning and assessment
• Career progression: what can this qualification lead to?
• Professional accreditation
• Funding

What is biomedical engineering?

Biomedical engineering is a sub-discipline of engineering which combines the principles of engineering design with biology and medicine, bridging the gap between engineering and life sciences, driving innovative solutions for healthcare and medicine. This field seeks to improve healthcare provision and progress in all aspects of human health, from diagnosis and treatment to rehabilitation through the creation of medical devices, equipment and technologies which improve patient care and treatment outcomes. As a biomedical engineer you can expect to be working on projects such as the creation of prosthetics, artificial organs, surgical robots, ECGs, catheters, renal dialysis machines through to biological therapeutics such as stem cell engineering.  

Why choose this discipline?

Studying biomedical engineering at postgraduate level, will not only improve your employability prospects but also your earning potential. It is an exciting and fast-growing industry with high demand for professionals with expertise in this field. Choosing to study this subject at postgraduate level means you will be part of the solution to some of society’s most pressing challenges—treating prevalent or chronic conditions, helping to support an increasingly ageing population or addressing some of the biggest killers like cardiovascular disease. 

Studying biomedical engineering at postgraduate level offers opportunities to specialise within a specific area of interest, such as biomolecular engineering, biomaterials, orthopaedic biomechanics, regenerative medicine, hearing and speech processing, computational neuroscience and bioinstrumentation, among other areas.

How do I become a biomedical engineer?

To become a biomedical engineer, you will need to follow an academic route. These routes may vary but ultimately, you will need to demonstrate academic acuity and have achieved recognised qualifications in this field. Typically, most biomedical engineers will study at least until postgraduate level — usually a master’s or doctorate, as most biomedical engineering positions require advanced studies in this filed. However, some roles are accessible to graduates of biomedical engineering. The specific role will determine what qualifications are needed. Studying this subject at undergraduate level will provide you with the foundational knowledge to enter the field, but you may need to undertake further training. In contrast, studying this discipline at master’s level will allow you to specialise in a particular field and widen employment options post studies.

Pathways into biomedical engineering

Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering: It is possible to enter the industry as a graduate with a minimum 2:1 degree in biomedical engineering, preferably from an institution which is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) or the Institution of Engineering Technology (IET).

Master’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering: This is the most common pathway into a career as biomedical engineer, having completed your undergraduate in biomedical engineering, you can transfer seamlessly onto an MSc programme, providing you meet the entry requirements. Some universities also offer an integrated master’s option, where you will complete your undergraduate course within three years, with the option of extending one year or two, depending on whether you undertake a work placement. You can then progress from a BEng onto MEng master’s level qualification. Check out the University of Hull’s BEng Biomedical Engineering programme which offers this pathway. 

Conversion Courses: For students coming from a background in a different field at undergraduate level, some universities offer conversion courses. These programmes enable you to gain the foundational knowledge needed to pursue a postgraduate master’s in biomedical engineering, before having to choose your specialist area. Check out Queen Mary University of London’s Biomedical Engineering (conversion) MSc. 

Research Experience: Prior research experience in biomedical engineering or a related field could strengthen your postgraduate application. Prospective students who have conducted research or undertaken work experience or internships may have a competitive edge when applying for a postgraduate programme.

Professional Experience: Some postgraduate programmes may consider prospective students coming from a professional background in healthcare. Working in healthcare settings or a professional experience in biomedical engineering can demonstrate practical knowledge and transferable skills, all of which are valuable when undertaking advanced studies in this field.

What postgraduate courses are available?

Currently, there are 64 degree programmes at 36 universities across the UK. The most common postgraduate qualification in biomedical engineering is an MSc (Master of Science), usually one year in duration full time or two years part time, possibly longer should there be an option of work placement. A taught master’s degree is one of the most popular postgraduate routes. Courses offer a comprehensive education in the theory, practices and technologies involved in biomedical engineering, giving students the chance to focus in on specific treatment types and their application. Each master’s course features unique practical placement opportunities in local or regional clinical and research settings, so it’s worth looking into these while considering which course to take. 

Should you be looking for a change in your career, wanting to acquire the basic foundations or biomedical engineering or just wishing to upskill in your chosen field, there are shorter PGDip programmes. These programmes provide students with the fundamentals needed to progress either into further studies or consolidate their professional experience within their field.

For those students wishing to delve deeper into biomedical engineering and conduct their own personal research and explore areas of interest, then doctorate programmes such as PHd’s or more independent study programmes like MPhil programmes. Another type of master’s is the MRes, which reduces the amount of classroom teaching in favour of a course that focusses on developing key research skills and completing a major research project. It’s a great way to prepare for an MPhil or full doctorate degree, which trains students to be professional researchers and conduct impactful work in their field independently

What are the entry requirements for postgraduate biomedical engineering?

Students applying for a biomedical engineering master’s will typically be asked for a minimum 2:2 in a bachelor’s degree in an engineering subject, such as general engineering, chemical engineering, bioengineering or pure sciences such as physics or maths.

For doctoral study, a minimum grade of 2:1 is required at undergraduate level, in a relevant area, in addition to evidence of the student’s ability to conduct quality research independently. 

Tell me about teaching, learning and assessment

Teaching and learning is delivered through a combination of theoretical learning and practical training as well as laboratory research. You will learn through seminars, lectures and coursework and be expected to conduct your own private research and studies. You will explore the latest innovations in medical devices and design, developing knowledge of biomaterials, biomedical engineering and the advancement of health technologies. Through optional modules, you can tailor your studies according to your area of interest such bioinstrumentation, biomaterials and biomechanics, among more.

Teaching during a biomedical engineering master’s degree will come in several forms. Most of your contact hours will be split between lectures and practical laboratory working. Labs are an essential part of biomedical engineering curriculum, with many universities offer access to state-of-the-art facilities in areas like microbiology and biomechanics. 

Research master’s and doctorates will involve much more independent research activity and will be assessed through a thesis or extended project report. 

What Modules will I study?