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Faculty of Science and Engineering

MSc in Biomedical Engineering

Postgraduate - Taught MSc

Open for admission in 2023/24

Start in September

Qualification Full time
MSc 1 year

About the course

Make important discoveries in the world of biomedical engineering.

This MSc will help you develop the skills to break down complex problems and develop the solutions needed by patients and industry.

We cover every step in designing a medical device from concept design and material selection, through analysis and optimisation, to regulatory approval.

We have first-hand practical experience of medical device development and we will mentor you as you develop your own ideas. Gain valuable experience of working with either the NHS or other relevant employers as we have built strong partnerships to drive innovation and excellence.

Access up-to-the-minute biomaterials, biomechanics and physiological measurement testing equipment as well as scanning technology including CT, ultrasound and laser.

The University has taken the unusual step of becoming ISO accredited, which means our work reaches industry standards. We commit to making important breakthroughs. Our development of a speech valve, called a tracheoesophageal fistula, illustrates this. This is used to restore speech in patients who have had a laryngectomy, normally as a result of throat cancer.

Accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (IPEM); this programme meets, in part, the academic requirements for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Accredited MSc and BEng (Hons) graduates satisfy the educational base for CEng registration.

 

What you'll study

Core module

All modules are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.


  • Individual Project

    This module gives you the opportunity to carry out an individual design or research and development project. It is an opportunity to gain a wider perspective of society and sustainability, while exploring project management techniques and presentation of progress, milestones and results through a variety of media.​

Compulsory module

All modules are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.


  • Research Skills and Project Planning

    This module provides you with the skills to plan and conduct an academic or industry-based research project, and start the preparatory work on your own project that you will undertake over the summer.

Optional modules

All modules are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.


  • Research Skills and Project Planning

    This module provides you with the skills to plan and conduct an academic or industry-based research project, and start the preparatory work on your own project that you will undertake over the summer.

  • Individual Project

    This module gives you the opportunity to carry out an individual design or research and development project. It is an opportunity to gain a wider perspective of society and sustainability, while exploring project management techniques and presentation of progress, milestones and results through a variety of media.​

  • Prosthetics, Orthotics and Assistive Technologies

    Study the principles and biomechanics behind the design of prosthetics, orthotics and assistive devices.

  • Finite Element Analysis for Modelling Medical and Biological Problems

    This module introduces you to finite element analysis, a computer modelling technique that allows you to accurately design and analyse medical devices, focusing in particular on the challenges of modelling complex medical and biological problems.

  • Medical Device Development and Cardiovascular Devices

    Explore the regulatory requirements and processes that must be followed to meet current medical device directives and obtain device certification, such as the CE mark. 

  • Musculoskeletal Modelling

    You'll gain the necessary experience and practical skills to undertake complex biomechanical analyses using AnyBody musculoskeletal modelling software.

  • Biomaterials and Orthopaedic Devices

    Examine the key structural biological materials in the human body. And learn about the biomedical materials available to medical engineers for implantation in the body.

  • Advanced Biomaterials and Orthopaedic Devices

    Explore key structural biological materials in the human body and the biomedical materials currently available to the medical engineer for implantation in the body. Consideration of the design and development processes of orthopaedic devices to replace or augment damaged or diseased body parts is also explored.

  • Artificial Organs and Micro/Nanotechnology for Biomedical Applications

    Explore devices for the replacement or augmentation of bodily functions and their application; the principles behind their design and the processes and technology used to manufacture these devices.

  • Medical Imaging, Processing and Analysis

    You'll become familiar with the use of professional image processing systems and the full workflow from image acquisition to interpretation in a range of imaging modalities.

  • Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine

    ​This module combines cell biology and engineering to explore the basic principles of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. 

  • Human Locomotion in Health and Clinical Practice

    This module will enhance your critical appreciation of biomechanical analyses in a clinical setting. You will cover topics such as lower-limb amputation; osteoarthritis and osteoporosis; normal development and ageing; and barefoot running.

We take a broad approach to teaching. You will attend lectures by speakers from industry, hospitals and leading medical researchers. Seminars will also be led by professionals from a variety of medical and engineering backgrounds, as well as academics. The course is flexible and we make sure that teaching is delivered in a way that is appropriate to your development. We offer a variety of modules, listed below. 

We will teach you how to take a systematic approach to developing logical and practical strategies so that you can make your complex ideas become reality. This MSc has been designed to help you seek sustainable solutions, to be risk and value conscious as well as being aware of the wider professional, social, cultural, environmental and health and safety responsibilities.

Core and optional modules depend on which pathway you choose to study.

Where you'll study

The location below may not be the exact location of all modules on your timetable. The buildings you'll be taught in can vary each year and depend on the modules you study.

Click to view on Google Maps
Hull Campus

Click to view directions on Google Maps

“I have grown more confident in my ability to undertake quality research because of the training I received at Hull. I feel a sense of accomplishment having finished my MSc, and I look forward to my PhD.”

Samson Shittu, MSc in Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Samson Shittu MSc Electrical and Electronic Engineering UNI-1895

Fees and funding

  • Home £11,550
  • International £12,000

Please see the terms and conditions for International fees 2022/23

UK students can take out a Masters Loan to help with tuition fees and living costs. For 2023 entry, they provide up to £12,167 for full-time and part-time taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas. Find out more about Postgraduate Loans.

Graduate PGT Scholarship

The University of Hull is pleased to offer graduates progressing from undergraduate to postgraduate taught study a £1,000 scholarship towards the cost of their tuition fees.

Find out if you’re eligible by visiting the University of Hull Graduate PGT Scholarship page.

International Scholarships and Bursaries

For a list of all scholarships and bursaries for international students, please visit the International Scholarships and Bursaries page.

Scholarships and Bursaries

The University offers a range of scholarships to help you with your studies.

For more information, please visit the Scholarships and Bursaries page.

Ranked among the top 10 universities in the country for medical technology degrees by the 2017 Complete University Guide.

Experienced engineers and NHS clinicians from local hospitals teach on our programmes.

Our accredited courses give you the skills to succeed in a £150-billion global industry.

We are committed to making important breakthroughs, and our research addresses some of the most challenging and complex issues of modern times.

Entry requirements

Applicants should have an Honours degree (typically 2.2 or above, or international equivalent) in an engineering or related discipline.


In order to ensure our students have a rich learning and student experience, most of our programmes have a mix of domestic and international students. We reserve the right to close applications early to either group, if application volumes suggest that this blend cannot be achieved. In addition, existing undergraduate students at the University of Hull have a guaranteed ‘Fast Track’ route to any postgraduate programme, subject to meeting the entry criteria (excluding Social Work).

International students

Language requirements

If you require a student visa to study or if your first language is not English you must provide acceptable evidence of your English language proficiency level.

This course requires academic IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 5.5 in each skill. See other accepted English language proficiency qualifications.

If your English currently does not reach the required standard, you may be interested in our pre-sessional English Language programmes.

Visit your country page to find out more about entry requirements.

Future prospects

This MSc course has been designed with employability in mind. Students who successfully complete it go on to work for medical device companies, in industry or academia. There are also employment opportunities to work for regulatory bodies and consultancy companies.

During your studies, you will regularly come into contact with professionals working in the sphere of biomedical engineering and there will be opportunities to enhance your CV by undertaking placements.

You will learn generally applicable professional skills such as effective communication. You will also gain experience in leading, chairing and participating in meetings, presentations and discussions, as well as negotiation and conflict resolution.

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