Introduction
The MSc in Biomedical Engineering applies the core principles and design techniques of engineering to medicine and healthcare - including the design and development of devices used for medical diagnosis, treatment or rehabilitation.
Eligible self-funded international Masters students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Visit our Funding Database to find out more and see our full range of scholarships.
Study Information
At a Glance
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- MSc
- Duration
- 12 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time
- Start Month
- September
- Location of Study
- Aberdeen
Rapid technological advances in areas such as 3D printing, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, nanotechnology and virtual reality (VR) combined with ageing populations are driving rapid growth in the global medical technology industry. These exciting innovations are also opening up a wide range of career opportunities for engineers in the fields of clinical engineering, medical device development and biomedical engineering research.
On this programme, you will gain a solid foundation in medical engineering and develop your skills in the design and development of cutting-edge technologies used in medical devices and healthcare delivery.
Delivered by experts from the School of Engineering and the School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, this programme provides a truly interdisciplinary education in biomedical engineering within the clinical context of medical technologies. As well as studying the core topics in biomedical engineering such as biomaterials, robotics, and biomechanics, you will learn about the nature and origin of physiological signals, the methods by which those signals are acquired and understood, and how they are used in medical devices.
The programme culminates with your research project, which provides an opportunity to undertake independent research and apply the knowledge and skills you have acquired to a practical ‘real-world’ biomedical engineering challenge.
If you are interested in helping contribute to improving human health and well-being through the intersection of engineering and medicine, then the MSc Biomedical Engineering is the perfect choice for you.
What You'll Study
- Semester 1
-
Compulsory Courses
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD5006)
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This course, which is prescribed for all taught postgraduate students, is studied entirely online, takes approximately 5-6 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across a number of weeks.
Topics include orientation overview, equality and diversity, health, safety and cyber security and how to make the most of your time at university in relation to careers and employability.
Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Enhanced Transcript as ‘Achieved’.
- Fundamentals of Engineering in Medicine (EG505J)
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15 Credit Points
This course will introduce students to core topics in engineering in medicine, such as the nature and origin of physiological signals, the methods by which those signals are acquired and understood, and how they are used in medical devices. Students will also gain an understanding of the role of biomedical engineers in the design, safe use and management of medical devices.
Optional Courses
Select ONE from the following:
- BP5003 Biomedical and Professional Topics in Healthcare Science (15 credit points)
- EG504Q Introduction to Engineering for Life Scientists (15 credit points)
Plus, select TWO from the following:
- Introduction to Mobile Robotics and Bioinspiration (EG504M)
- Advanced Composite Materials (EM501Q)
- Introduction to Bio-Business and the Commercialisation of Bioscience Research (BT5016)
Read further details about all our optional courses below:
- Biomedical and Professional Topics in Healthcare Science (BP5003)
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15 Credit Points
This course introduces students to fundamental aspects of anatomy, physiology and biochemistry, in order to develop a basic understanding of cells, tissues and organs and how they may be altered by disease. The course also includes a range of topics around Professional Issues, Management of Medical Physics, Statistics and Safety.
- Introduction to Engineering for Life Scientists (EG504Q)
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15 Credit Points
This course will introduce the key principles in engineering science. Topics cover fluid mechanics, mass and heat transfer, chemical reaction, mechanics in materials and electricity.
- Introduction to Mobile Robotics and Bioinspiration (EG504M)
-
15 Credit Points
Mobile robots can be used in a range of applications, including warehouses, agriculture, and other real-world environments. One of the main challenges for robots operating in the real world is that this is an unstructured environment. Nature has found clever solutions for the design of intelligent and effective systems operating in the unstructured environment hence biology is an obvious source of inspiration for robotics. In this course we take inspiration from nature to engineer intelligent systems for real-world applications as, for example, locomotion.
- Advanced Composite Materials (EM501Q)
-
15 Credit Points
Advanced materials underpin many industry sectors and are viewed as one of the key enabling technologies that can help address environmental, economic and social challenges the society is facing. Lightweight materials such as composites applied to vehicles, structures and devices can help reduce energy consumption and emissions, and increase energy efficiency. The aim of this course is introduce students to the mechanical behaviour of composite materials and the design of structures made of composites.
- Introduction to Commercialisation and Bio - Business (BT5016)
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15 Credit Points
This course will describe the basic language of business and give examples of large versus small businesses in the bioscience area. Intellectual property rights will be explained as will how present your business and how to set up a small biotech company. A comparison will be made of the big Pharma business model and that of small biotech businesses.
- Semester 2
-
Compulsory Courses
- Research Methods for Bioengineers (EG555J)
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15 Credit Points
This course will introduce you to the key principles of ethical research in bioengineering, and cover core topics such as experiment design, basic statistical analysis, and how to review the scientific literature.
- Modelling of Biological Systems (EG555L)
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15 Credit Points
Physiological and physicochemical phenomena in biological systems involve complex interactions between tissue, blood and nutrients such as glucose. This course will introduce the principles of biofluid and soft tissue mechanics, and mass transfer phenomena relevant to biological systems. Students will develop the ability to use mathematical modelling to analyse those phenomena, and gain insight into a range of therapies from the perspective of engineering.
- Rehabilitation Engineering and Biomechanics (EG555K)
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15 Credit Points
Our bodies are shaped by the forces that act on them, and to understand movement, we need to understand the nature of that interaction. In this course, students will learn the basis of human movement in terms of the biomechanics of the musculoskeletal system. They will also appreciate the impacts that disease or injury can have on our ability to move, and gain insight into some of the technologies that can help improve function in people with movement disorders.
Optional Courses
Select ONE from the following:
- Finite Element Methods (EG55M1)
-
15 Credit Points
The background to the finite element method and its use in various industrial applications is explained in this course. As well as the modelling of linear static and dynamic problems, the modelling of material and geometric non-linearity is an important aspect of the course. Coursework assignments will be based on the student edition of ABAQUS which is supplied with the Course Textbook which students are required to purchase.
- Comparative Imaging (MP5501)
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15 Credit Points
A study of the similarities and differences between the various modalities that are used for medical imaging
- Advanced Bio - Business and the Commercialisation of Bioscience Research (BT5508)
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15 Credit Points
This advanced course builds on the basics provided in Introduction to Bio-business and the Commercialisation of Bioscience Research (BT5012). It provides more detail on financing and setting up a Bio-business.
The course deals in depth with finance, corporate governance and business models. The major assessment involves the students working together in teams to set up a virtual bio-business and to pitch this business to a group of experts in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sector. The team will adopt the roles of senior management team and present to the experts their part of the business.
- Semester 3
-
Compulsory Courses
- MSc Individual Project (EG59F1)
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60 Credit Points
The MSc Individual Project is an independent piece of research based on a topic related to a student’s degree programme. Students are encouraged to focus on a problem confronting industry or a related area. The individual project provides students with an opportunity to demonstrate how the in-depth skills and knowledge they have gained during the taught courses can be used to provide solutions to practical problems. The individual project should contain a degree of original research.
We will endeavour to make all course options available; however, these may be subject to timetabling and other constraints. Please see our InfoHub pages for further information.
Fee Information
| Fee category | Cost |
|---|---|
| EU / International students | £27,000 |
| Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year | |
| UK | £11,100 |
| Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year |
Additional Fee Information
- In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
- For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our InfoHub Tuition Fees page.
International Applicants
Further Information about tuition fees and the cost of living in Aberdeen
Scholarships
Self-funded international students enrolling on postgraduate taught (PGT) programmes will receive one of our Aberdeen Global Scholarships, ranging from £3000 to £8,500, depending on your domicile country. Learn more about the Aberdeen Global Scholarships here.
To see our full range of scholarships, visit our Funding Database.
How You'll Study
Learning Methods
- Individual Projects
- Lab Work
- Lectures
- Peer Learning
- Research
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Workshops
Why Study Biomedical Engineering?
- This programme will prepare you for a wide range of rewarding careers spanning clinical engineering, design and development of medical devices, and the fundamental research shaping the future of this exciting field.
- The programme will give you a solid grounding in the core areas of engineering in medicine and biology, including human anatomy and biomechanics, physiological signals and their use in medical devices, and computer modelling for biomedical applications.
- Optional courses and an in-depth summer research project will allow you to pursue your own interests and career ambitions.
- You will be taught by leading experts from both Engineering and Medicine, and across campuses in both Old Aberdeen and at the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
- The programme has been shaped by a multidisciplinary Programme Advisory Board and designed in line with the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine Masters-level educational framework.
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
A 2:2 degree or higher in engineering, life sciences, medicine or physical sciences is preferred, but applicants with related degrees and significant experience in a relevant area are also encouraged to apply.
Please enter your country to view country-specific entry requirements.
English Language Requirements
To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency:
OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
Document Requirements
You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.
- Degree Transcript
- a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
- Personal Statement
- a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme
International Applicants
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
Eligible self-funded post graduate taught (PGT) students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Explore our Global Scholarships, including eligibility details, on our dedicated page.
Aberdeen Global ScholarshipsCareers
The UK is home to one of the largest medical technology sectors globally. According to the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, employment in life sciences in the UK has seen a continuous upward trend between 2012 and 2020.
Of the 4 sectors operating within the life sciences industry - the medical technology core sector is the sector with the highest proportion of sites and employment, accounting for 44% of sites and 40% of employment in 2021.
This sector has continuously accounted for the highest number of sites and employment between 2009 and 2021. Biomedical engineers are in high demand across the world in designing and developing new technologies and devices to diagnose and treat diseases and other health conditions.
Typical roles include:
- Biomedical Engineer
- Bioengineer
- Biomaterials Developer
- Clinical Engineer/Scientist
- Medical Engineer
Our Experts
- Deputy Programme Coordinator
- Dr Wenbo Zhan
- Other Experts
- Professor Iain Gibson
- Maria Elena Giannaccini
- Professor Maria Kashtalyan
- Professor Heather Wallace
- Professor Andy Welch
- Dr Ian Fleming
- Dr Marina Menshykova
- Programme Leader
- Dr Edward Chadwick
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. Staff changes will occur from time to time; please see our InfoHub pages for further information.
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX