Undergraduate

Biomedical Engineering

A biomedical engineering student in a lab coat and gloves, standing next to an anatomical model of a human skeleton.
A human hand shaking a robotic hand in greeting.
A medical engineering student using a 3D printer as part of her studies.
Students in scrubs learning in a simulated hospital ward at the Allam Medical Building, University of Hull.

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Practice taking physiological measurements, learn dissection skills in the lab, and spend time in local hospitals gaining CV-boosting experience.
You’ll get hands-on with biomaterials, medical tech and devices, including prosthetics, orthotics, endoscopy, ultrasound, EMG and ECG.
Our degree is accredited by three leading industry bodies: IMechE, IET and IPEM. And it can put you on the pathway to Chartered Engineer status.
Our graduates go on to work in hospitals, research facilities, and major medical device companies such as Smith & Nephew and Johnson & Johnson.
Grab your lab coat and get to grips with industry-standard facilities in our Medical Engineering Lab, FabLab, and Health and Human Performance Lab.
A biomedical engineering student in a lab coat and gloves, standing next to an anatomical model of a human skeleton.
A human hand shaking a robotic hand in greeting.
A medical engineering student using a 3D printer as part of her studies.
Students in scrubs learning in a simulated hospital ward at the Allam Medical Building, University of Hull.
Hardy Biomedical Testing Lab

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Code

Duration

Mode

  • Standard course
  • With a foundation year
  • With a placement year
  • Integrated masters
  • Integrated masters with a placement year

Looking for a more hands-on course? You’ve found it. Put your lab skills to good use on local hospital visits. And choose to spend a whole year on placement gaining real-world experience.

This is one of the fastest growing sectors of the economy. And thanks to our close links to the NHS and medical device companies, you’ll be right on the pulse of future trends in medical technology.

Our accredited course is a recognised qualification towards Chartered Engineer status. Plus, we offer an integrated Masters (MEng) option. So a degree from Hull will open doors to even more opportunities.

  • Boost your CV

    with a year in industry

  • Access to our FabLab

    with the latest 3D printers, laser scanners and cutters

  • Links with the NHS

    and medical device companies

  • Accredited

    by three leading industry bodies 1

  • Direct route

    to Chartered Engineer status

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Course overview
Module options

About this course

Biomedical engineering deals with the development of medical devices. Particularly those related to tissue engineering and regenerative medicine used to replace or regenerate cells, tissues and organs. Through a blend of virtual learning systems and traditional teaching, you'll develop the techniques to solve these complex problems.

You’ll get hands-on with medical tech, including endoscopy and ultrasound. You’ll test biomaterials and medical devices, such as prosthetics and orthotics. You’ll practise taking physiological measurements through EMG and ECG. You'll learn practical dissection skills in the lab to gain a complete understanding of human anatomy and the medical engineering issues which may arise for surgeons. And you’ll also spend time in local hospitals getting first-hand experience of biomedical engineering in practice.

As well as our three-year course, we offer four- and five-year options. Choose from a built-in placement year or an integrated Masters (MEng) – or combine them both. And like all our engineering courses, Biomedical Engineering shares a common first year. That means you can switch degrees in second year if you want to choose a different pathway.

Scheduled study hours and how you’re assessed

Throughout your degree, you’re expected to study for 1,200 hours per year. That’s based on 200 hours per 20 credit module. And it includes scheduled hours, time spent on placement and independent study. How this time is divided across the year varies and depends on the module you are studying.

How you'll be assessed depends on the course you study, and the modules you choose. You may be assessed through a mix of examinations, coursework, presentations and group projects.

Choose your modules

Each year, you’ll study modules worth a certain number of credits, and you need 120 credits per year. Most modules are 20 credits – so you’ll study six modules each year. Some longer modules, such as a dissertation, are worth more. In these cases, you’ll study fewer modules - but the number of credits will always add up to 120. Some modules are compulsory, some are optional, so you can build a course that’s right for you.

Preparing for Learning in Higher Education

This module is designed to give you the best possible start to your university studies, making sure you have all the essential skills you need to succeed. Through lectures and workshops we will teach you how to write in an academic style, how to find quality sources, how to reference work, culminating in writing up a mini-research project.

Core•20 credits

Introduction to Physics 1

This is the first of two foundation year modules that prepare you for studying physics or mathematics at degree level. You will study the basics of mechanics, properties of matter, electricity and magnetism.

Core•20 credits

Introduction to Physics 2

This is the second of two foundation year modules that prepare you for studying physics or mathematics at degree level. You will study the basics of oscillations, waves, and quantum and nuclear physics.

Core•20 credits

Foundation Mathematics A

You will study pure mathematics topics, including proof, algebra, trigonometry, differentiation, integration, exponentials, logarithms, sequences and series. The applied topic is probability and statistics.

Core•20 credits

Foundation Mathematics B

This module extends the knowledge gained in the Foundation Mathematics A - pure mathematics topics. You will also study functions and vectors. The applied topic is mechanics.

Core•20 credits

Group Challenge (Engineering and Technology)

Address one of the 21 key global challenges in engineering set out by the United Nations. Work in teams to identify key stakeholders, end users and potential funding sources, as well as producing an engineering solution for topics such as clean water, reusable energy, access to medical treatment and cleaner cities.

Compulsory•20 credits
6 Modules

Engineering Design Challenge

Develop and enhance a range of professional skills as a basis for professional registration as an Incorporated or Chartered Engineer. 

Compulsory• credits

Fundamentals of Engineering

Introducing the key principles and concepts of mechanical and electrical and electronic engineering; ranging from digital electronics to basic stress analysis concepts.

Compulsory•20 credits

Mathematics for Engineers

Gain knowledge of the characteristics of a range of functions and techniques appropriate to engineering, developing expertise in analysis, interpretation and problem solving.

Compulsory•20 credits

Practical Skills for Engineers

An introduction to key experiments and construction skills required for electrical and electronic engineers, as well as hands-on experience in the mechanical engineering manufacturing workshop.

Compulsory•20 credits

Programming and Control

Communication of mathematical problems and solutions, as well as logic simulation and C programming results for academic, specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Compulsory•20 credits

Thermofluids

Gain knowledge, comprehension and hands-on experience of using a range of mathematical functions and techniques appropriate to the application of Engineering Thermofluids to engineering processes.

Compulsory•20 credits
6 Modules

Physiological Measurement and Maths

This module introduces you to physiological measurements in the context of medical engineering, including the devices used in clinical practice. 

Compulsory•20 credits

Mechanical Engineering Design

An opportunity to apply engineering design tools and techniques to solve real-world engineering problems. This module will take you through the product design process right from initial design specification, though to manufacturing planning and prescription.

Compulsory•20 credits

NHS Medical Engineering in Practice and Stress Analysis

Gain first-hand experience of medical engineering in the healthcare setting by spending time in a number of different departments in local NHS hospitals. 

Compulsory•20 credits

Introduction to Cell Mechanobiology and Maths

Learn how cells detect, modify, and respond to physical and chemical stimuli within the extra cellular matrix. This module also develops core engineering skills in engineering maths.

Compulsory•20 credits

Materials and Manufacture

Explore the reasons engineering structures can fail, sometimes unexpectedly, through fatigue and fast fracture, corrosion and creep, as well as processes to reduce such problems. 

Compulsory•20 credits

Business Management and Societal Engagement for Engineers

Develop and enhance a range of professional skills as a basis for professional registration as an Incorporated or Chartered Engineer. 

Compulsory• credits
6 Modules

Individual Project (Medical Engineering)

Apply and extend your engineering knowledge and professional skills by working on a substantial individual project throughout the academic year.

Core•40 credits

Stress Analysis and Advanced Finite Element Analysis

Examine advanced theories and techniques for stress-analysis problems. The advanced theory and application of finite element analysis is also covered with industry-standard commercial software to tackle complex engineering problems.

Compulsory• credits

Prosthetics, Orthotics and Assistive Technologies

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

Compulsory•20 credits

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.

Compulsory•20 credits

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.

Compulsory•20 credits
5 Modules

Your placement is your opportunity to get some real-world work experience under your belt.

Just like in the real world, you’ll be responsible for finding and applying for opportunities, with the added benefit of help and support from university services such as the Careers and Employability service based in Student Central.

The work you do will be logged and assessed and will count towards your final degree result.

Engineering Group Project

Apply and extend engineering knowledge and professional skills by working in a team on a substantial project throughout the academic year, supported by a supervisor.

Core•40 credits

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.

Compulsory•20 credits

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.

Compulsory•20 credits

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. 

Compulsory•20 credits

Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine

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

Compulsory•20 credits

For transfer from BEng to MEng:

At end of Level 5 (Diploma), students must have achieved an average of at least 55% at Level 5.

At the end of Trimester 1 at Level 6 (Honours), students must have achieved an average of at least 50% at Level 5 and at least 55% for Trimester 1 at Level 6.

Progression on MEng:

In order to progress on the MEng students must achieve an average of at least 55% at Level 5 (Diploma) and at least 55% for Trimester 1 at Level 6 (Honours) otherwise students will be transferred to the parent BEng programme.
5 Modules

This course is accredited by

Playlist

Dr Harriet Talbott

Course Overview 2 mins

Engineering facilities

Course highlight 1 min

Accommodation at Hull

University Life 2 mins

Life on campus

University Life 2 mins

Entry requirements

What do I need?

We consider experience and qualifications from the UK and worldwide which may not exactly match the combinations above.

But it's not just about the grades - we'll look at your whole application. We want to know what makes you tick, and about your previous experience, so make sure that you complete your personal statement.

Have questions? Our admissions team will be happy to help.

What do I need?

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

See other English language proficiency qualifications accepted by the University of Hull.

If your English currently does not reach the University’s required standard for this programme, you may be interested in one of our English language courses.

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

Fees & funding

How much is it?

Additional costs you may have to pay

Your tuition fees will cover most costs associated with your programme. There are some extra costs that you might have to pay, or choose to pay, depending on your programme of study and the decisions you make:

  • Books (you can borrow books on your reading lists from the library, but you may buy your own)
  • Optional field trips
  • Study abroad (incl. travel costs, accommodation, visas, immunisation)
  • Placement costs (incl. travel costs and accommodation)
  • Student visas (international students)
  • Laptop (you’ll have access to laptops and computers on campus, but you may want your own)
  • Printing and photocopying
  • Professional-body membership
  • Graduation (gown hire and photography)

Remember, you’ll still need to take into account your living costs. This could include accommodation, travel, food and more.

How do I pay for it?

How much is it?

Additional costs you may have to pay

Your tuition fees will cover most costs associated with your programme. There are some extra costs that you might have to pay, or choose to pay, depending on your programme of study and the decisions you make:

  • Books (you can borrow books on your reading lists from the library, but you may buy your own)
  • Optional field trips
  • Study abroad (incl. travel costs, accommodation, visas, immunisation)
  • Placement costs (incl. travel costs and accommodation)
  • Student visas (international students)
  • Laptop (you’ll have access to laptops and computers on campus, but you may want your own)
  • Printing and photocopying
  • Professional-body membership
  • Graduation (gown hire and photography)

Remember, you’ll still need to take into account your living costs. This could include accommodation, travel, food and more.

How do I pay for it?

Our academics

You'll be taught by experienced engineering professionals, and by NHS clinicians and clinical engineers from local hospitals.

Biomedical Engineering at Hull is highly rated by our students, and our students go on to join a variety of career sectors.

See more academics for this subject
Dr Louise France
Featured academic

Dr Louise France

Louise’s expertise lies in bioreactor development, biomaterials for wound care devices, and tissue-material interactions for medical devices. Her research forms part of the University Advanced Wound Care Cluster, working closely with Smith & Nephew.
Dr Harriet Talbott
Featured academic

Dr Harriet Talbott

Harriet’s research focuses on the use of computational methods in investigating pathologies of the foot and ankle, with a focus on finite element analysis. During her PhD, she investigated the consequences of haemophilia on joint health in the ankle.

Take a look at our facilities

Medical Engineering Lab

There’s significant ongoing investment in engineering, resulting in new specialist medical engineering teaching and research labs.

FabLab

You’ll also get access to our FabLab – with the latest 3D printers, laser scanners and cutters, and CNC machines – where you can digitally fabricate models and prototypes.

Health and Human Performance Lab

The £1.5 million Health and Human Performance Laboratory is part of our sports science department. It’s a state-of-the-art facility for teaching and research in the field of biomechanics.

Brynmor Jones Library

Our 7-storey library is home to 1 million+ books, extensive digital resources drawn from libraries and archives across the world, and stunning panoramic views of the city from the 7th floor.

See more in our virtual tour

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Robert Blackburn Medical Engineering Workshop
FabLab
Sports, Health and Exercise Science Biomechanics Lab
Brynmor Jones Library Observation Deck
Hull lecturer and student measuring an anatomical model of a human skeleton in the Medical Engineering Lab.

Future prospects

Our courses give you the skills to succeed in an industry worth more than £300 billion (Kalorama, 'The Global Market for Medical Devices', 2017).

Medical engineers often work in hospitals, research facilities and regulatory agencies. Major medical device companies, such as Smith & Nephew (who have their Advanced Wound Management base right here in Hull) and Johnson & Johnson, employ graduates to design and deliver projects. Many of our students receive offers of employment even before they graduate.

Our BEng degree is a recognised qualification towards Chartered Engineer status. And our MEng qualification fully meets the academic requirement for Chartered Engineer status.

University of Hull Open Day

Your next steps

Not ready to apply?

Visit our next Open Day, and see all that Hull has to offer for yourself. Talk to our lecturers about your subject, find out what university is really like from our current students, and take a tour of our beautiful campus and amazing facilities.

Book your place now

You may also be interested in…

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BSc (Hons) Biochemistry
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BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science

1. The Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), and the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (IPEM).

All modules presented on this course page are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.

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