Programme structure

This program will consist of the following core courses:

• Identification & Evidence Generation of MedTech Solution (20 credits):

This course explores the clinical landscape of the NHS and international healthboards to equip students with the skills to identify pressing healthcare issues that can be addressed through MedTech innovations. It teaches methodologies for pinpointing clinical problems suitable for intervention via devices, software, AI, and data-driven solutions while evaluating whether to develop novel solutions or adapt existing ones. The curriculum covers essential regulatory and governance frameworks, ensuring that students understand the compliance and risk management aspects of introducing new MedTech products. Emphasis is placed on establishing robust evidence generation frameworks to support decision making. Through interactive sessions and practical workshops from the NHS and industry, students gain real-world insights into generating and evaluating the necessary evidence to justify and implement successful MedTech solutions.

• Design and Concept Development for MedTech & AI (10 credits)

This course equips students with the engineering and design principles necessary for developing cutting-edge MedTech and AI solutions. It emphasizes a rigorous, iterative approach to concept development, guiding learners from ideation to the creation of a robust proof of concept. Students will delve into user-centred design, prototyping, and requirements analysis to ensure their solutions are both innovative and practical. Hands-on workshops, simulations, and real-world case studies provide them with the skills to validate their design ideas and refine product functionality. Ultimately, the course prepares graduates to translate complex healthcare challenges into viable, evidence-based MedTech solutions through effective concept development and engineering excellence.

• Implementation of a MedTech Solution (10 credits)

This course equips students to implement the MedTech solutions they have identified and designed by focusing on key areas such as risk management, health economics, and IT integration within the NHS and other healthboards. Students will learn to conduct comprehensive service evaluations to redesign patient pathways and ensure that technological systems are seamlessly integrated into existing NHS infrastructure. The course emphasizes practical risk assessments and methodologies to mitigate potential challenges during implementation. In addition, students will undertake health economic assessments to evaluate the cost-effectiveness and long-term benefits of their systems. Through case studies, workshops, and real-world examples, learners will develop robust implementation plans and pathways for successfully deploying innovative healthcare solutions.

• Medical Ethics, Regulations, and Governance (20 credits)

This course explores the ethical frameworks, regulatory requirements, and governance processes that underpin the MedTech and Clinical trial industry. It provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and standards—such as the Medical Device Regulations, Research Ethics Committees, Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trials) Regulations, and GDPR—that govern the development, approval, and monitoring of medical technologies. Students will learn to critically evaluate and apply these regulations to ensure that MedTech innovations are both safe and ethically responsible from conception through to clinical implementation. Through case studies and practical exercises, the course examines challenges such as ethical approvals, compliance assessment, risk management, and the promotion of equity in healthcare technology. Ultimately, the course prepares graduates to navigate complex regulatory landscapes, balance innovation with accountability, and drive governance practices that protect patient safety while fostering advancement in MedTech solutions.

• Bridging the Multi-Modal Data Gap for MedTech & AI (20 credits)

This course provides an in-depth exploration of multi-modal data within healthcare, examining what it is, the different types available, and how digital solutions can be securely housed—whether on NHS Azure, AWS, or other platforms. It covers critical compliance issues including digital and cyber security, as well as adherence to GDPR/ICO standards. The curriculum also addresses the integration of social care with primary and secondary healthcare data, ensuring that digital solutions facilitate equitable access for both urban and rural communities. Students will learn to evaluate the technical and regulatory challenges of linking diverse data types, and to leverage this integration in AI and MedTech solution design. By combining theoretical insight with practical exercises, the course prepares graduates to navigate the complex landscape of healthcare data governance and innovation.

• Innovation and Entrepreneurship for MedTech Solutions (10 credits)

This course trains students in the innovative processes and entrepreneurial skills essential for developing scalable MedTech and AI solutions. It emphasizes automating and refining engineering designs, including robotics integration, to continuously evolve and update technology in response to healthcare challenges. Through hands-on workshops and case studies, students will explore effective strategies to scale solutions while optimizing operational efficiency. The curriculum also covers business model innovation, venture creation, and market entry strategies, equipping students with the tools needed to transform technical breakthroughs into commercially viable products. Overall, this course prepares graduates to drive innovation and entrepreneurship within the MedTech industry while addressing real-world healthcare needs. 

• AI and Software as Medical Device (20 credits)

This course provides an in-depth, non-programmatic exploration of AI and Software as a Medical Device (AIaMD & SaMD). It enables students to understand the fundamental concepts and principles underlying AI, without requiring them to write code, to better grasp how these technologies work in a healthcare context. Emphasis is placed on clinical AI—what it is, how to use it, interpret it, and understand its implications in practice—with a focus on real-world case studies and applications. The curriculum covers regulatory definitions in both NHS and international contexts, ethical implementation including bias mitigation, and the integration of digital workflows according to NHS Digital standards. Additionally, students learn about deployment and monitoring processes, including frameworks such as PROBAST-AI and GDPR compliance, ensuring they are equipped to critically assess and effectively use clinical AI solutions. 

• MedTech: Route to Market (10 credits)

This course equips students with the skills to effectively commercialize MedTech innovations and make their products marketable in today's healthcare environment. It covers strategies for identifying market opportunities, developing a compelling value proposition, and tailoring marketing approaches to the highly regulated MedTech sector. Students will explore market analysis, customer segmentation, pricing strategies, and branding techniques, all within a framework that accounts for regulatory, clinical, and ethical considerations. Through case studies, expert guest lectures, and practical exercises, students will develop comprehensive go-to-market plans that bridge the gap between innovative product design and successful market entry. Ultimately, this course transforms technical innovations into commercially robust solutions that meet the evolving needs of the healthcare industry. 

• Project (60 credits)

This final project is an intensive, 12-week capstone experience that brings together all aspects of MedTech and AI learning. Students choose to develop either their own innovative idea or work on existing projects from academic and industry partners such as SMEs, university spin-offs, government bodies , Scottish innovation hubs, NHS, and multiple other relevant partners. At the end of their project, students will participate in our ‘Innovation Day’ where they will present their projects to key stakeholders in the MedTech Industry and will get the opportunity to gain connections and exposure within this fast-moving sector.

This program will be delivered using the following modes of teaching:

• A blend of lectures, seminars, site visits, and placements
• Design sprints & hackathons
• Hands-on innovation workshops within engineering groups, and industry partners
• Role-llaying & simulations to mimic real-world workplace scenarios like regulatory audits, crisis management in healthcare setting, design thinking
• Live case studies, incorporating projects in partnership with MedTech companies or NHS, enabling students to work on current problems
• Entrepreneurial bootcamps & pitch competitions to simulate startup accelerator
• Innovation day to showcase their ideas to various stakeholders in the MedTech Industry

To enhance accessibility, we will also deliver the courses in a fusion format, combining in-person and online recordings. This approach is particularly beneficial for professionals.

Graduates have the option to complete 60 credits for a Postgraduate Certificate, 120 credits for a Postgraduate Diploma, or the full 180 credits for a Master of Science degree on an intermittent basis, subject to University approval.

Programme alteration or discontinuation
The University of Glasgow endeavours to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional circumstances, however, the University may withdraw or alter a programme. For more information, please see: Student contract.