About this course
Biomedical engineers design, develop and deliver technologies that improve health and wellbeing. This 4-year MEng degree lets you study biomedical engineering to master鈥檚 level. You can tailor your degree to your interests by choosing a specialist pathway.
As health spending increases across the world, engineers and computer scientists play a vital role in creating new healthcare solutions and treatments. Biomedical engineers help bridge the gap between technology and patient care.
During your first 2 years you鈥檒l learn the core principles of electronics, computer science and life sciences. You鈥檒l apply this knowledge to design and develop responsible healthcare technologies that improve diagnosis, treatment and patient care.
On this 4-year biomedical engineering master's course you鈥檒l:
- design hardware and software systems that help monitor and control biological and physiological functions
- use simulation, design, and verification tools to design systems and to report on results
- work in our modern laboratories and facilities, equipped with industry-standard technology
- understand the clinical, safety and ethical issues in biomedical engineering, and how ideas can be taken to market
- complete both an individual project and a group design project that meet the needs of an industrial customer
As you progress, you鈥檒l learn how to apply quality systems and management practices in engineering. You'll explore the requirements and responsibilities of leadership, business, ethics and management practices that are relevant to biomedical engineering organisations.
From your second year you will tailor your degree to your career ambitions by choosing one of the following pathways:
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Southampton is a global centre for AI research, and this pathway allows you to learn from leading expertise in the field. You will learn to design and build intelligent algorithms that can analyse medical data, automate diagnostics, and work effectively with biomedical hardware. If you want to work in the growing MedTech software and data science sectors, this pathway is ideal.
Digital Health
We have one of the UK鈥檚 dedicated Digital Health research groups to teach you how to build the next generation of e-health and mobile health solutions. You will develop data science skills to turn the exponential growth of patient data into useful insights that can improve the quality of life. If you want to work on the digital transformation of healthcare records and the opportunities this creates across global health-tech industries, this pathway is ideal.
Electronic Systems
This pathway focuses on the physical electronic systems that make modern medicine possible. You will learn how to design and test circuits that directly interact with the human body, such as implantable and wearable sensors as well as high-resolution imaging systems. If you want hands-on design and innovation, and you鈥檙e interested in biosensors, diagnosis systems and rehabilitation technology, this pathway is ideal.
Mechatronics for Health
This pathway brings together mechanical, electrical, and control systems to create intelligent machines. You will learn the core science behind medical robotics and assistive technologies that help restore patient mobility and independence. If you鈥檙e interested in robotic surgery and advanced prosthetic engineering, this pathway is suited to you. Career opportunities include roles in robotics research, surgical systems engineering, remote surgery and rehabilitation technology development.
The MEng Biomedical Engineering degree is also available with an industrial placement year, giving you the opportunity to gain valuable professional experience as part of your studies.
We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. 福利着片 out why, when, and how we might make changes.
Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).
Introducing Biomedical Engineering
Learn more about these subject areas
-
Biomedical and medical engineering
Gain the knowledge and skills needed to design and develop healthcare technologies and devices that will lead to longer, healthier and happier lives. -
Electrical and electronic engineering
福利着片 the components and systems that bring electronic devices to life, and learn how electricity is generated, distributed and used at scale. Southampton is the best place in the UK to develop your knowledge in electrical and electronic engineering.
I鈥檓 still weighing up whether to go into industry or stay in academia after my PhD. Either way, the opportunities I鈥檝e been able to take part in at Southampton have widened the options for my future career.
I think this course is really important because it actively builds upon medicine and applies it to see how it can build hardware and design software that can be used to improve and save lives around the world.
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202627
A-levels
A*AA including mathematics (minimum grade A) and either biology, chemistry or physics (minimum grade A)
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
Applicants who have not studied the required subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: AAA including mathematics and either biology, chemistry or physics, plus grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner鈥檚 potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants鈥痺ho are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme as follows:
AAB including mathematics (minimum grade A) and either biology, chemistry or physics (minimum grade A)
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 38 points overall with 19 points required at Higher Level including 6 at Higher Level in Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches) or 7 at Higher Level in Mathematics (Applications and Interpretation), and 6 at Higher Level in Physics, Chemistry or Biology
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
Applicants who have not studied the required subjects at Higher Level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year
International Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner鈥檚 potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants鈥痺ho are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
RQF BTEC
D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus grades A*A from two A-levels including mathematics and either biology, chemistry or physics.
or
D* in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus grades AA from two A-levels including mathematics and either biology, chemistry or physics.
We will consider the BTEC National Diploma if studied alongside A-levels in mathematics and either biology, chemistry or physics.
We will consider the BTEC National Extended Diploma in Engineering if studied alongside A-level mathematics.
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner鈥檚 potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants鈥痺ho are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
Applicants who have not studied the required subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year
QCF BTEC
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades A*A from two A-levels including mathematics and either biology, chemistry or physics.
or
D* in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades AA from two A-levels including mathematics and either biology, chemistry or physics.
We will consider the BTEC Diploma if studied alongside A-levels in mathematics and either biology, chemistry or physics.
We will consider the BTEC Extended Diploma in Engineering if studied alongside A-level mathematics.
BTEC contextual
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner鈥檚 potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants鈥痺ho are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Access to HE Diploma
Not accepted for this course. Applicants with an Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject should apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year
Access Offer Contextual
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner鈥檚 potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants鈥痺ho are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H1 H1 H2 H2 H2 including mathematics, applied mathematics and either physics, physics and chemistry, chemistry or biology
Irish certificate additional information
Applicants who have not studied the required subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year
Irish Offer Contextual
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner鈥檚 potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants鈥痺ho are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Scottish Qualification
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual鈥檚 academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.
Please see the for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Welsh Baccalaureate
A*AA including mathematics (minimum grade A) and either biology, chemistry or physics (minimum grade A).
or
A*A from two A-levels including mathematics and either biology, chemistry or physics, and A from the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales.
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
Applicants who have not studied the required subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year
Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
T-Level
A Distinction* overall, with A* in Core and Distinction in the Occupational Specialism, and grade A in A-level Mathematics.
The following T levels are accepted:
- Healthcare Science
- Science
- Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing
- Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing
The following Occupational Specialisms are required:
- For the T level in Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing: either "Electrical and electronic engineering鈥 or "Control and instrumentation engineering".
- For the T level in Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing: either "Maintenance engineering technologies: Electrical and Electronic" or "Maintenance engineering technologies: Mechatronic" or "Maintenance engineering technologies: Control and Instrumentation" or "Light and Electric Vehicles".
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
福利着片 the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, you must show that you can use English to the level we require. Visit our English language pages to find out which qualifications we accept and how you can meet our requirements.
If you are taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), you must get at least the following scores:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre-sessional English programmes before your course starts.
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. 福利着片 out more about:
- skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
福利着片 out more about our Admissions Policy.
Foundation year for engineering, physics, maths and geophysics
A foundation year will give you the skills and knowledge to progress to this course if you don't have the right qualifications for direct entry.
It could be the right option if you:
- have A levels, or equivalent international qualifications, in subjects other than the ones needed for direct entry
- have international qualifications in relevant subjects but not at A level equivalent
- have a BTEC Extended Diploma in a relevant subject
- are studying an Access course in a relevant subject
- are a mature student with relevant experience or study
You'll also need to show that you have strong maths skills.
福利着片 full details on our Engineering, Maths, Physics, Geophysics Foundation Year page.
Foundation programmes for international students
A foundation programme will give you the language skills and subject knowledge you need if you're not qualified for direct entry to your chosen undergraduate course.
You'll progress to your chosen course after successfully completing the foundation programme.
福利着片 out more about undergraduate foundation programmes for international students.
Mature applicants
We welcome applications from learners of all ages. Students who are aged 21 and over at the start of their undergraduate course are defined as mature by the University of Southampton. We take a holistic assessment of the application looking for academic ability and commitment to study. Typical entry requirements, which may vary from discipline to discipline, includes for example, evidence of recent formal academic qualifications or professional qualifications, relevant work experience or volunteering. You may also be invited to attend an interview with an Admissions Tutor. For some degree programmes, there may also be a Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) requirement. We accept many different academic qualifications. For more information, please contact the Admissions Team.
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that 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
This is a four-year, full-time integrated master's course. The topics you study will vary depending on which pathway you choose.
In your first 2 years, you鈥檒l study core and compulsory modules that cover key biomedical engineering topics, including electronics, programming and mathematics. Alongside this, you will study modules that introduce the fundamentals of life science and show how these principles apply to engineering.
These modules introduce new concepts and strengthen your core knowledge. They ensure all students have a shared foundation by the end of the first year. In the second year, this knowledge is developed further through modules that focus on design and real world applications.
As the programme progresses, you鈥檒l undertake an individual project and finally a group design project to meet the needs of an industrial customer.
Year 1 overview
The first year is shared across all pathways and introduces you to the fundamentals of biomedical engineering.
You鈥檒l cover topics such as:
- key elements of life science
- digital systems and microprocessors
- analogue systems and sensors
- programming for hardware and software
- engineering maths
Year 2 overview
In year 2, you will begin to specialise in your chosen pathway and continue to build your knowledge of key topics.
You will study further modules in electronics, biomechanics, artificial intelligence, digital health, and the fundamentals of human biology and biomaterials.
You will also apply your learning through a series of healthcare focused group and individual design exercises throughout the year.
Year 3 overview
In your third year, you'll complete an individual project, where you will develop a solution to a biomedical engineering problem. You'll work with one of our academic staff and use our modern research facilities.
You'll also have the opportunity to specialise further in your pathway by choosing from a range of optional modules. These cover a broad selection of topics across different biomedical engineering specialisations.
Year 4 overview
In your final year, you will work on an interdisciplinary group design project with students from different pathways and, in some cases, from other engineering disciplines. The project is designed to meet the needs of an industrial customer.
You'll also develop your understanding of key responsibilities in leadership, business, ethics and management practices. When you graduate, you will have the skills and knowledge needed for roles in biomedical engineering organisations.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. 福利着片 out why, when and how we might make changes.
For entry in academic year 2026 to 2027
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
BIOM Part One Laboratory Programme
Biomedical Engineering Design
Biomedical Engineering Mathematics
Digital Systems
Introduction to Biomedical Engineering
Programming I (BIOM)
Sensor Interfaces
You must also choose from the following modules in year 1:
Applied Biomechanical Mathematics
From Biological Molecules to Biomedical Data
From Biological Molecules to Electromagnetism
Programming II (BIOM)
Year 2 modules
You must study the following modules in year 2:
Control and Systems Engineering
Signal Processing
You must also choose from the following modules in year 2:
Algorithms and data
Artificial Intelligence
Biomechatronics
Digital Health Principles
Fundamentals of Cell Biology and Biomaterials
Fundamentals of Physiology and Anatomy
Hardware Design for Biomedical Engineering
Semiconductor Devices and Sensors
Software Design for Biomedical Engineering
Statistical Modelling I
Year 3 modules
You must study the following modules in year 3:
Advanced Databases
Biosensors and Diagnostics
Machine Learning Technologies
Part III Individual Project Phase 1
Part III Individual Project Phase 2
You must also choose from the following modules in year 3:
Advanced Computer Architecture
Advanced Databases
Advanced Partial Differential Equations
Analogue and Mixed Signal Electronics
Bioinformatics and Systems Biology
Biomaterials
Biosensors and Diagnostics
Cloud Application Development
Computational Biology
Computer Vision
Control System Design
Digital IC and Systems Design
Embedded Networked Systems
Engineering Replacement Body Parts
Fluids and Mechanical Materials
From Data to Dynamical Model: System Identification
福利着片 Health
Machine Learning Technologies
Manufacturing and Materials
Mechanical Power Transmission and Vibration
Natural Language Processing
Operational Research
Orthopaedic Biomechanics
Principles of Neuroscience
Real-Time Computing and Embedded Systems
Security of Cyber Physical Systems
Signal and Image Processing
Year 4 modules
You must study the following modules in year 4:
Data Mining
Deep Learning Technologies
Group Design Project
Industrial Studies
Interdisciplinary Thinking
You must also choose from the following modules in year 4:
Advanced Micro and Nanosystems
Analogue and Mixed Signal CMOS Design
Applied Control Systems
Biometrics
Data Economy
Data Visualisation
Deep Learning Technologies
Foundations of Data Science
Intelligent Mobile Robotics
Introduction to Quantum Computing
Knowledge Graphs for AI Systems
Microfabrication
Microfluidics and Lab-on-a-Chip
Microsensor Technologies
Mobile Applications Development
Numerical Methods
Optimisation for Machine Learning
Secure Hardware and Embedded Devices
Simulation Modelling for Computer Science
Web and Cloud Applications Development
Wireless Networks
Learning and assessment
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- individual and group projects
- independent learning (studying on your own)
Academic support
You鈥檒l be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
Careers and employability
This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business. The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include: The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress. Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:
Information and Communication, Education, Public Administration and Defence, Scientific and Technical, Manufacturing. *Example graduate job titles and job prospect statistics taken from The Graduate Outcomes Survey, which gathers information about the activities and perspectives of graduates 15 months after finishing their course. Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton. We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes: We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, , is open to every student. Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University. Fees for a year's study: Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and standard exams. 福利着片 out how to: Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams. Explore: If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under 拢36,200 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. 福利着片 out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton. If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary. Get in touch for advice about student money matters. You may be able to get a scholarship or grant to help fund your studies. We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented backgrounds. The Student Hub offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course. 福利着片 out about funding you could get as an international student. We will assess your application on the strength of your: We'll aim to process your application within 2 to 6 weeks, but this will depend on when it is submitted. Applications submitted in January, particularly near to the UCAS equal consideration deadline, might take substantially longer to be processed due to the high volume received at that time. We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement. Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course. Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Biomedical Engineering (MEng) is a course in the
Biomedical and medical engineering
and Electrical and electronic engineering
subject areas.
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these subject areas:
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Job prospects for MEng Biomedical Engineering graduates
Work experience opportunities
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Fees, costs and funding
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What your fees pay for
Bursaries, scholarships and other funding
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Support during your course
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How to apply
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Equality and diversity
Got a question?
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000Related courses
