About this course
Combine biology and medicine with engineering on our MSc Biomedical Engineering degree. Study human biology in your chosen specialist area and learn the skills to develop new engineering solutions. Prepare to take on a leading role in helping healthcare practitioners and providers to improve and maintain people's health.
This UK master’s degree is ideal if you're an engineering, mathematics or physical science graduate who wants to specialise in Biomedical Engineering or support your continued professional development.
Biomedical engineers work in the fields of engineering, biology and medicine to solve medical and healthcare challenges facing society. This work helps to create medical procedures, imaging systems, and devices for observing and controlling body functions.
A range of optional modules are available, from materials engineering to biological-inspired robotics. We also offer 5 pathways for those who wish to specialise:
- musculoskeletal
- cardiovascular
- imaging
- diagnostic systems
- audiology
You'll study with teams of physicians, scientists, engineers, business people and other professionals. In this environment you’ll learn to monitor, restore and enhance normal body function, abilities and outcomes. You’ll also develop and evaluate products such as artificial organs, prostheses and instruments.
Throughout your studies you’ll improve your understanding of the ethical, safety and societal implications of developing medical technologies.
This course draws on expertise from leading departments within the University of Southampton, brought together through the:
- Institute for Life Sciences
- Engineering and the Environment
- Medicine
- Health Sciences
- Natural and Environmental Sciences
- Electronics and Computer Science
This master's programme is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) as meeting the academic requirement for Further Learning, for Chartered Engineer registration. Candidates must hold a BEng/BSc undergraduate first degree that is accredited for Chartered Engineer (CEng) registration to comply with full CEng registration requirements.
Course lead
Markus O. Heller is Professor of Biomechanics within Engineering and Physical Sciences at the University of Southampton. His current research looks at the biomechanical problems of musculoskeletal disorders to help footballers with hip and groin pain. Find out more on Professor Heller’s staff profile page.
Accreditations
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
You’ll need a 2:1 degree in:
- biomedical engineering
- mechanical engineering
- physics
- maths
- audiology
- bioengineering
- aerospace engineering
- automotive engineering
- engineering materials
- mechatronics
- electrical engineering
- electronics engineering
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need an overall score of 6.5 and the following scores for reading, writing, listening and speaking:
IELTS score requirements
- reading
- 5.5
- writing
- 5.5
- speaking
- 5.5
- listening
- 5.5
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
Recognition of professional experience
If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning.
Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
On this biomedical engineering master’s you’ll study compulsory modules across two 12-week semesters. At the end of each semester you'll take exams.
You’ll also choose from optional modules in both semesters, allowing you to focus on your preferred specialism.
The final 4 months of the course are spent full time on your research project where you’ll combine engineering skills with an understanding of the complexity of biological systems. Example research projects include:
- the design and performance evaluation of new devices to replace joints
- the development of new imaging methods to study bone or lung diseases
Your research project must contain your own ideas and proposals. It should represent a problem with a new element that requires the application of new information and concepts.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules:
You must also choose from the following modules:
Learning and assessment
Learning
To help you succeed as biomedical engineer, the course features:
- ‘problem-driven’ seminars
- site and hospital visits
- workshops and training sessions by experts from industry and national laboratories
You'll need to contribute your own professional experiences and thoughts to the learning of the whole class through a free exchange of ideas. You’ll gain an understanding of the limitations of current knowledge and the changing nature of technologies and society.
Your research project is intended to bring together the full range of skills in the course. while demonstrating in-depth knowledge and understanding of Biomedical Engineering. To prepare for it, we’ll teach you how to:
- gather and handle information
- critically analyse and evaluate evidence
- present your findings
Assessment
We’ll assess you through:
- your research project
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- a dissertation
- essays
- group essays
- individual and group projects
- written exams
Academic Support
You’ll get a personal tutor to help you with organisational and personal matters. A project supervisor will take over this role when your research project starts.
Careers
The course will enable you to thrive in an environment where teams from a range of disciplines work together efficiently.
This combination of advanced engineering, industrial experience and research enables our graduates to make a significant contribution to the development and translation of biomedical technology in both industry and academic roles.
Careers services at Southampton
We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV/resume and interview skills workshops
- networking events
- careers fairs attended by top employers
- a wealth of volunteering opportunities
- study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:
- our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
- a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
- our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £24,400.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
10% alumni discount
If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.
Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)
This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.
Funding your postgraduate studies
A variety of additional scholarships, grants and bursaries may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
- Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
- Search for the course you want to apply for.
- Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
- Submit your application.
Application deadlines
UK students
Applications must be received no later than 4 weeks before the start of the course. You must supply all supporting documentation at least 2 weeks before starting your course.
International students
We recommend you apply at least 6 weeks before the start of the course to ensure you're able to meet our requirements and apply for a visa in time.
We cannot guarantee students who do not meet these deadlines will be able to begin their course.
Application assessment fee
We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for any postgraduate taught course that starts in or after September 2021.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.
If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you're applying for a Master of Research (MRes) degree, you will not need to pay the fee. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.
Supporting information
When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.
You’ll need to include information about:
- your knowledge of the subject area
- why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
- how you intend to use your qualification
You'll also need to send 2 academic references.
Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.
Learn more about how to apply with our postgraduate application guide.
What happens after you apply
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We'll assess your application on the strength of your:
- academic achievements
- relevant professional experience
- personal statement
- academic references
We'll get back to you within 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000