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Biomedical Engineering
Biomedical engineering is about finding engineering solutions to medical problems. It includes biomechanics, biomaterials, biofluid mechanics and medical electronics and has applications throughout medicine.
Our engineers are working with hospital doctors to develop machines that help paralysed people exercise.
Programme structure
You will study the same courses in the first three years whether you are on the BEng or MEng degree programme. Your selection for BEng or MEng depends on your progress record in your first three years.
Year 1
You will take courses in mathematics and study engineering fundamentals including biomedical engineering, dynamics, electronics, materials, statics, thermodynamics and engineering skills. These courses will form a solid foundation for development later in the degree programme and are supported by individual and group project and laboratory work.
Year 2
In your second year you will study further engineering and biomedical subjects including applied mathematics, applied mechanics, biomaterials, biomedical engineering skills, electronic engineering, human form and function, physiology and neuroscience.
Year 3
In your third year you will study more advanced engineering and biomedical subjects including biomedical engineering, design and manufacture, electronic design, biological fluid mechanics, medical electronics, medical imaging, and immunology and drug delivery.
Years 4 and 5
The main route to becoming a fully chartered engineer is through the MEng degree, which usually takes five years. The BEng degree remains popular and can normally be completed in four years. To become a fully chartered engineer with a BEng degree requires further study after graduation, which can be done part-time from work.
In the BEng programme, in addition to your final-year project, which takes up one third of the year, you will continue to take courses in engineering, biomedical and life sciences and medicine, such as rehabilitation engineering, biosensors, bioethics, and cell and tissue engineering.
If you are an MEng student, in your fifth year you will spend six months working on a detailed research-based project undertaken within the University or elsewhere, in industry or another university in the UK or overseas.
Special features
In first year, you will have the opportunity to take part in a variety of activities, including visiting local hospitals.
Partner and industry links
This degree programme has very close links with industry, with industrialists contributing to projects, lectures and case studies, as well as vacation and year-out employment opportunities for students. In addition, there are links with the local hospitals and clinical research institutes.
Our international links
You will be able to apply to spend one year of your academic studies abroad at an accredited partner university. MEng students will also have the opportunity to undertake their six-month project in industry or academia abroad.
Career prospects
Biomedical engineering is a rapidly expanding industry, with the development of technologies to meet the demands of healthcare today. Our graduates are well represented in manufacturing companies and a wide range of industries in this country and abroad. Some of our graduates see this as an excellent preliminary degree for graduate entry into Medicine. The degree also provides graduates with strong transferable skills, enabling them to pursue other careers in finance, law and medicine, as well as other engineering disciplines, should they wish.
Glasgow International College
For international students entry to this programme is supported by courses from GIC.
Academic entry requirements
for entry in 2014
MEng
Highers: AAAAA by end of S5 including Mathematics and Physics.
A-levels: A*AA including Mathematics and Physics.
IB: 36 points including Mathematics HL6 and Physics HL6.
BEng
Highers: Entry from S5 – AAAA or AAABB including Mathematics and Physics at grades A/B or B/A.
Entry from S6 – applicants who achieved a minimum of ABBB including Mathematics and Physics at grades A/B or B/A in S5, may receive an offer based on them attaining AAAAAB by the end of S6. Applicants receiving these offers will be required to study Advanced Highers in relevant subjects.
A-levels: AAB including Mathematics and Physics.
IB: 34 points including Mathematics HL5 and Physics HL5.
BEng students who perform well may transfer to the MEng programme upon completion of years 1, 2 or 3.
Advanced entry
If you have exceptional A-level or Advanced Higher grades it's possible to gain exemption from Year 1 study and enter directly into Year 2 or follow a faster route advanced entry programme, both of which allow you to complete your degree in one year less than usual. See: Advanced entry
English language requirements
For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training):
- overall score 6.5
- no sub-test less than 6.0
- or equivalent scores in another recognised qualification (see below)
Common equivalent English language qualifications:
- ibTOEFL: 92; no sub-test less than 20
- CAE (Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English): B minimum
- CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English): C minimum
- PTE Academic (Person Test of English, Academic test): 60; no sub-test less than 59
Pre-sessional courses
The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the Language Centre Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:
FAQs
What do I do if...
my language qualifications are below the requirements?
The University's Language Centre offers a range of Pre-Sessional Courses to bring you up to entry level. The course is accredited by BALEAP, the UK professional association for academic English teaching; see Links.
my language qualifications are not listed here?
Please contact the Recruitment and International Office: Elaine.Shortt@glasgow.ac.uk
If you require a Tier 4 student visa, your qualification must be one of the secure English language tests accepted by UK Border Agency:
- UK Border Agency Tier 4 English Language requirements
- UKBA list of approved English language tests [pdf]
my academic qualifications are below the requirements?
Glasgow International College offers Foundation courses to upgrade your academic qualifications.
Visa requirements and proof of English language level
It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old. A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website. If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.
For further information about English language, please contact the Language Centre.
Tuition fees
How and when you pay tuition fees depends on where you’re from: see Tuition fees for details. If you’re from outside the EU, please see International students for more information.
Scholarships
We offer a wide range of scholarships to our undergraduates, including both home/EU and international students. The University is committed to supporting students and rewarding academic excellence. That’s why we’ve invested more than £1m in additional scholarship funding over the last year.
For a full list of scholarships including eligibility criteria and how to apply, please see: