Biomedical Engineering Degree Guide

From artificial organs to robotic surgery tools, it’s a cutting-edge field ideal for students interested in science, technology and healthcare. If you want to apply engineering skills to solve medical challenges, this degree is a powerful and rewarding choice.

What You Study

Biomedical Engineering is multidisciplinary — drawing on mechanical, electrical, software and materials engineering, alongside anatomy and physiology. Key areas typically include:

Core Topics:

• Human biology and physiology for engineers

• Biomechanics – how forces act on the body

• Medical imaging – MRI, ultrasound, CT scans

• Biomaterials and tissue engineering

• Rehabilitation and assistive technology

• Biomedical instrumentation – sensors and diagnostic tools

• Signal processing and data analysis

• Artificial organs and prosthetics

• Mathematics and systems modelling

Many courses also include:

• Programming (e.g. Python, MATLAB)

• Engineering design projects

• Laboratory work with medical devices or biological materials

• Optional modules in genetics, robotics or data science

Useful A-Levels (or equivalent qualifications)

Biomedical Engineering is academically demanding. Most UK universities require:

• Maths (essential)

• Physics (usually required or strongly preferred)

• Biology (often helpful, especially for top courses)

• Further Maths or Chemistry (can strengthen your application)

Some courses accept BTECs in Engineering or Applied Science, especially with high grades and a strong maths background.

What Makes a Strong Application

To stand out:

• Show interest in how technology and medicine work together

• Mention:

  • Engineering, biology or robotics projects

  • Reading, documentaries or lectures on medical technologies

  • Volunteering in healthcare or STEM outreach

• If you’ve done an EPQ or coursework related to health, tech or biology, include it

• Explain why engineering appeals to you as a way to solve real-world medical problems

Career Prospects

Biomedical Engineering is a growing field with strong global demand. Graduates work in industries such as healthcare, medical technology, research, pharmaceuticals and consultancy.

Career paths include:

• Biomedical engineer (in hospitals or medtech companies)

• Medical device designer or technician

• Clinical engineer (working with NHS equipment and technology)

• Rehabilitation engineer (wheelchairs, prosthetics, wearable tech)

• R&D specialist in medical robotics, imaging or AI

• Health technology consultant

• PhD researcher or academic

Transferable skills include:

• Engineering design and analysis

• Biological systems understanding

• Programming and data processing

• Problem-solving and innovation

• Communication across technical and medical teams

Studying in the UK vs Other Countries

UK

• Typically a 3-year BEng or 4-year MEng (integrated master’s)

• Courses accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) or IMechE, and often linked to the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (IPEM)

• Top universities include Imperial, UCL, King’s College London, Sheffield, Glasgow, and Southampton

• Many offer industry placements or NHS-linked projects

USA

• Studied as Biomedical Engineering (BME) or Bioengineering

• 4-year bachelor’s degrees, often followed by graduate study

• Heavy emphasis on research and lab-based learning

• Strong links to biotech companies and health innovation hubs

Canada

• High-quality BME programmes at universities like Toronto, UBC and McGill

• Co-op (paid placements) widely available

• Strong biotech and medtech sectors

Australia and New Zealand

• Offered as part of Engineering or Medical Science degrees

• Focus on biomedical device design, rehab engineering and imaging

• Leading universities include UNSW, University of Melbourne, and Auckland

Europe

• Taught in English in countries like the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden and Switzerland

• Often strong in research and low-cost compared to UK/US

• Technical and research-heavy, with strong links to healthcare systems

Final Thoughts

Biomedical Engineering is ideal for students who:

• Love both science and engineering

• Want to develop real-world technologies that improve health and quality of life

• Are ready for a challenging degree combining maths, physics and biology

• Are interested in careers that combine technical innovation with medical impact