UK Biomedical Engineering Degrees
Learn how to harness the power of engineering to tackle medical issues with a biomedical engineering degree
A biomedical engineering degree in the UK is an interdisciplinary course combining engineering, biology, and medicine principles to develop solutions for healthcare challenges.
The core modules of a biomedical engineering degree typically cover topics such as anatomy and physiology, biochemistry, biomechanics, medical imaging, signal processing, and biomaterials. You can conduct laboratory experiments to help you understand and apply the theory in your lectures. You will also learn to design and conduct experiments, analyse data, and report findings.
Many biomedical engineering degrees offer clinical exposure, where you can observe and learn from healthcare professionals in a clinical setting. This can provide valuable insight into the real-world challenges faced in healthcare and how engineering solutions can help to address them. Industrial placement years, where you can gain practical experience by working for a company in the biomedical engineering industry, are also available on most bio-engineering degrees
A biomedical engineering degree in the UK will equip you with a strong foundation in the principles of engineering, biology, and medicine, enabling you to develop innovative solutions to healthcare challenges.
- Biomedical Engineering Tuition Fees
Tuition fees for a biomedical engineering degree in the UK depend on several factors, such as the university, course duration, and the level of study. For international students, the fees range from £18,000 to £30,000 per year.
- Biomedical Engineering Course Duration
In the UK, an undergraduate chemical engineering degree typically lasts 3 years. Some universities offer a 4-year program that includes a year of industrial placement or a year of study abroad. A master's in chemical engineering typically lasts 1-2 years, depending on whether it is a full-time or part-time course.
Types of Biomedical Engineering Course
BEng Biomedical Engineering
A biomedical engineering bachelor's degree in the UK usually takes 3 to 4 years to complete for full-time students. Some universities also offer a sandwich course, which includes a year of industrial placement, extending the course to 4 to 5 years. Modules covered in a BEng biomedical engineering degree will include:
- Mathematics and Statistics
- Mechanic
- Materials Science
- Thermodynamics
- Electronics
- Engineering Design
Master’s in Biomedical Engineering
A biomedical engineering master's in the UK typically takes 1 year to complete for full-time students. Some programs may offer part-time options, which can extend the duration to 2 years.
Biomedical Engineering Careers
Biomedical engineering graduates have many career paths open to them in the engineering sector upon graduation.
- Biomedical Engineer - You will design and develop medical equipment and devices, such as artificial organs, prosthetic limbs, and diagnostic tools.
- Clinical Engineer - Work in hospitals and healthcare facilities to maintain and repair medical equipment and technology, such as X-ray machines, MRI scanners, and dialysis machines.
- Medical Device Sales Representative - Promote and sell medical equipment and technology to hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare providers. You will need to have a good understanding of the technology and its applications, as well as strong communication and sales skills.
- Regulatory Affairs Specialist - Regulatory affairs specialists work in the healthcare industry to ensure that medical devices and drugs meet regulatory requirements and safety standards.
- Biomechanical Engineer - Work on designing and developing medical devices and technology that interface with the human body.
According to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), 94% of UK-based biomedical engineering graduates were in employment or further study six months after graduation.
Biomedical Engineering Salary
According to the latest available data from Prospects, the starting salary for a graduate biomedical engineer in the UK is typically between £22,000 and £28,000 per year.
The salary range for experienced professionals in the field can be quite wide depending on their level of expertise, years of experience, and job responsibilities. According to the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) data, the median salary for biomedical engineers in the UK was £47,500 per year.
Biomedical Engineering UK Entry Requirements
Students must have A-levels or equivalent qualifications, such as International Baccalaureate. The exact grades required can vary depending on the university, but typically, students are expected to have good grades in relevant subjects such as mathematics, chemistry, physics, or biology.
- Typical International Baccalaureate requirements: 34-36 points
- Typical A-level requirements: ABB and must include Mathematics and/or Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Further Mathematics or Physics
- Typical IELTS requirements: 6.0 overall with 5.5 in each element
Where can I study Biomedical Engineering in the UK?
To learn more about the best biomedical engineering universities in the UK, find details on the top ranking Medical Technology & Bioengineering universities in the CUG 2024 below:
- Imperial College London
- University College London
- University of Strathclyde
- Glasgow Caledonian University
- Loughborough University
- Keele University
- Cardiff University
- University of Liverpool
- Bangor University
- University of Sheffield
Study Biomedical Engineering in the UK
If you want to study for a biomedical engineering degree in the UK, arrange your free consultation today.
FAQ
Biomedical engineering is an enriching career path. There is immense job growth and stability, and by improving healthcare, participating in innovative and creative projects, and benefitting from competitive salaries, very few leave the sector once they are fully trained.
Bioengineering addresses a wide range of problems related to healthcare. It develops new medical devices, improves existing medical devices, creates new drugs or therapies, and solves problems in healthcare systems.
To become a biomedical engineer, you must earn a bachelor's degree and consider a master's degree. Gaining work experience via placements or internships is also recommended.
Companies that hire biomedical engineers include medical device manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, biotech startups, research institutions, hospitals, healthcare providers and government agencies.
Biomedical engineering is considered a specialised field of engineering that integrates principles from various traditional engineering disciplines, such as electrical, mechanical, and chemical engineering, as well as computer science, biology, and medicine. Therefore, biomedical engineering is a legitimate engineering discipline that applies engineering principles to solve medical and healthcare problems.
Biomedical engineering is a diverse field that encompasses many specialities, and the "best" field for a particular individual depends on their interests and career goals. Common fields within biomedical engineering include medical device design, biomaterials, biomechanics, neural engineering and bioinformatics.
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