Biomedical Engineering BEng/MEng
Biomedical engineering is about finding engineering solutions to medical problems. As a rapidly expanding industry, biomedical engineering meets the demands of healthcare through the development of technology.
You will take part in practical activities including visits to local hospitals. You will benefit from our strong industry and NHS links and from overseas placement opportunities. You will also benefit from a final year course in Entrepreneurship in Biomedical Engineering, which will equip you with the skills and knowledge to launch your own venture, and from the programme’s emphasis on Medical Device Regulation.
- September start
- Session dates
- Biomedical Engineering BEng: J750 4 year degree
- Biomedical Engineering MEng: J751 5 year degree
- Glasgow: Gilmorehill campus
- Study abroad available
Programme structure
You will study the same courses in the first three years whether on the BEng or MEng degree programme. Both embed creativity to develop world changing engineers.
Year 1
In your first year, you will take courses in biomedical engineering, mathematics, dynamics, electronics, materials, statics, thermodynamics and engineering skills. These courses are supported by individual and group project work and laboratory work. This interdisciplinary approach, favoured by industry, also makes it easy to switch to most other engineering disciplines at the end of year 1 should you wish to do so.
Years 2 and 3
In year 2 you will study further engineering and biomedical subjects including engineering mathematics, mechanics, biomaterials, biomedical engineering skills, electronic engineering, engineering design and engineering in biological systems from the cell to the whole body.
Year 3 consists of more advanced engineering and biomedical subjects including biological fluid mechanics, biomechanics, modelling, instrumentation & control, statistics, medical imaging and human biological sciences.
Years 4 and 5
In year 4 of the BEng programme you will complete an individual project which takes up one- third of the year and a course which introduces you to business planning as an engineer. Year 4 MEng students undertake a multidisciplinary design project and a biomedical engineering team design project. All year 4 students continue to take courses in engineering, biomedical & life sciences and medicine, as well as a range of options including cell and tissue engineering, ultrasound technology, control, materials and mechanics.
In year 5 of the MEng programme, you will work on a detailed research-based individual project in industry, at a hospital or at another university. Thereafter, you will choose courses in subjects such as energy in biological systems, advanced imaging & therapy, scaffolds & tissues, computational modelling, dynamics and materials.
In their respective final year, BEng and MEng students will undertake a group project developing solutions to real world problems, set by clinicians and industrialists, while learning medical device regulations and business aspects of working in biomedical engineering.
Course details
Year 1
In your first year, you will take courses in biomedical engineering, mathematics, dynamics, electronics, materials, statics, thermodynamics and engineering skills. These courses are supported by individual and group project work and laboratory work. This interdisciplinary approach, favoured by industry, also makes it easy to switch to most other engineering disciplines at the end of year 1 should you wish to do so.
Core courses:
- Analogue Electronics 1
- Engineering Skills 1
- Introduction To Biomedical Engineering 1
- Materials 1
- Dynamics 1
- Engineering Mathematics 1
- Statics 1
- Thermodynamics 1
- Biomolecular Processes in Bioengineering 1
Year 2
In year 2 you will study further engineering and biomedical subjects including engineering mathematics, mechanics, biomaterials, biomedical engineering skills, electronic engineering, engineering design and engineering in biological systems from the cell to the whole body.
- Analogue Electronics 2
- Biomaterials 2
- Biomedical Engineering Skills 2
- Design and Manufacture 2
- Mechanical Design 2
- Mechanics of Structures 2A
- Dynamics 2
- Fluid Mechanics 2
- Engineering Mathematics 2
- Engineering in Biology 2
Year 3
Year 3 consists of more advanced engineering and biomedical subjects including biological fluid mechanics, biomechanics, modelling, instrumentation & control, statistics, medical imaging and human biological sciences.
- Investigating Human Biological Sciences 2
- Biological Fluid Mechanics 3
- Control 3
- Instrumentation and Data Systems 3
- Simulation of Engineering Systems 3
- Microscopy and Optics 3
- Biomechanics 3
- Biomedical Engineering Skills 3
- Medical Imaging
- Statistics For Biomedical Engineering 3
Year 4
In year 4 of the BEng programme you will complete an individual project which takes up one third of the year and a course which introduces you to business planning as an engineer. BEng students will also undertake a group project developing solutions to real world problems, set by clinicians and industrialists, while learning Medical Device regulations and business aspects of working in biomedical engineering. Year 4 MEng students undertake a multidisciplinary design project and a biomedical engineering team design project. All year 4 students continue to take courses in engineering, biomedical & life sciences and medicine, as well as a range of options including cell and tissue engineering, ultrasound technology, control, materials and mechanics.
BEng core courses:
- Individual Project 4
- Biosensors and Diagnostics 4
- Rehabilitation Engineering 4
- Bioethics for Biomedical Engineering 4
- Signal Processing of Biosignatures 4
- Business Planning and Management for Engineers
- Entrepreneurship in Biomedical Engineering
BEng optional course (choose 20 credits)
- Tissue and Cell Engineering 4Y option
- Materials Engineering 4
- Finite Element Analysis 4
- Control 4
- Digital Signal Processing 4
- Microelectronics in Consumer Products 4
- Robotics 4
- Structural Analysis 4
- Ultrasound Technology and Applications 4
- Control Systems Analysis and Design 4
- Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning 4
- Public Engagement and Teaching in Engineering 4
- Engineering Optimisation
MEng core courses:
- Biosensors and Diagnostics 4
- Business Planning and Management for Engineers
- Rehabilitation Engineering 4
- Bioethics for Biomedical Engineering 4
- Signal Processing of Biosignatures 4
- Biomedical Team Project
MEng optional courses (choose 50 credits)
- Tissue and Cell Engineering 4Y option
- Materials Engineering 4
- Finite Element Analysis 4
- Control 4
- Digital Signal Processing 4
- Microelectronics in Consumer Products 4
- Robotics 4
- Structural Analysis 4
- Ultrasound Technology and Applications 4
- Control Systems Analysis and Design 4
- Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning 4
- Public Engagement and Teaching in Engineering 4
- Engineering Optimisation
Year 5
In year 5 of the MEng programme, you will work on a detailed research-based individual project in industry, at a hospital or at another university. Thereafter, you will choose courses in subjects such as energy in biological systems, advanced imaging and therapy, scaffolds and tissues, computational modelling, dynamics and materials. You will also undertake a group project developing solutions to real world problems, set by clinicians and industrialists, while learning Medical Device regulations and business aspects of working in biomedical engineering.
Core courses:
Optional courses (choose 40 credits):
- Energy in Biological Systems M
- Scaffolds and Tissues M
- Advanced Imaging and Therapy M
- Advanced Ultrasonics
Up to 20 credits may be taken from:
- Advanced Control 5
- Real Time Embedded Programming
- Structures under Extreme Loads M
- Materials Engineering 5
- Advanced Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning 5
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.
Partnership and industry links
We have strong links with industry and the NHS, with engineers and clinicians contributing to lectures, projects and case studies, as well as offering work placements. Examples include medical device experts from the NHS Medical Device Unit, medical imaging clinicians from the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, and clinicians from the Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injuries Unit.
Our international links
You will be able to apply to spend the third year of your studies abroad at an accredited partner university. We also have extensive links to international academic, industrial and clinical partners, which allow our MEng students to undertake their six-month project overseas.
Entry requirements
for entry in 2027
Admissions guidance
Glasgow International College
International students with academic qualifications below those required should contact our partner institution, Glasgow International College, who offer a range of foundation certificates.
English language
For applicants from non-English speaking countries, as defined by the UK Government, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.
English language requirements
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic and Academic Online (not General Training)
- 6.5 with no subtests under 6.0
- IELTS One Skill Retake Accepted
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
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Common equivalent English language qualifications for entry to this programme
TOEFL (ibt, mybest or athome)
Tests taken up to 20 January 2026
- 90 Overall, no subtest lower than Reading 20; Listening 19; Speaking 19; Writing 21
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test, this includes TOEFL mybest.
Tests taken from 21 January 2026
- 92 Overall, no subtest lower than Reading 22; Listening 20; Speaking 23; Writing 21
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test, this includes TOEFL mybest.
Pearsons PTE Academic
- 59 with minimum 59 in all subtests
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)
- 176 overall, no subtest less than 169
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Oxford ELLT
- 7 overall with no subtest less than 6
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
LanguageCert Academic SELT
- 70 overall with no subtest less than 60
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Password Skills Plus
- 6.5 overall with no subtest less than 6.0
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Trinity College Tests
- Integrated Skills in English II & III & IV: ISEII Distinction with Distinction in all sub-tests
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses
- Tests are accepted for 2 years following date of successful completion.
School Qualifications
- IGCSE English First Language, grade C
- IGCSE English Second Language, grade A
- A Level English, grade C
- International Baccalaureate English A SL5 or HL5
- International Baccalaureate English B SL6 or HL5
- SQA National 5 English or ESOL, grade B
- SQA Higher English or ESOL, grade C
International School Qualifications
- Brunei: O-Level English Language 1120 grade B and above
- Denmark: Studentereksamen English at 7
- European Baccalaureate: English as Language 1 pass, if taken as Language 2 grade 7, if taken as Language 3 grade 7.5
- Finland: Ylioppilastutkinto / studentexamen English grade C or 4
- France: International Option Baccalaureate (OIB) / Baccalauréat Français International (BFI) grade 12
- Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone: West African Examination Council (WAEC) / Senior Secondary School Certificate English grade C6
- Germany: German Abitur English Grade 11
- Hong Kong: Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education, English Language grade 4
- India: Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) / All India School Certificate (ISC) English at 80%
- Kenya: Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) English grade B
- Netherlands: Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO) grade 7
- Norway: Vitnemal English grade 4 or above
- Singapore: Cambridge International O Level English Language (1128 Singapore only) at Grace C; Singapore Integrated Programme Secondary 4 English Language at grade B
- South Africa: National Senior Certificate (NSC) / Independent Exam Board (IEB) Grade 4 (English as Home Language) OR Grade 4 (English as First Additional Language)
- Sweden: Avgangsbetyg / Fullständigt Slutbetyg fran Gymnasieskolan English grade VG
- Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe General Certificate of Education at English at Ordinary Level grade C
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Alternatives to English Language qualification
- Degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
- students must have studied for a minimum of 2 years at Undergraduate level, or 9 months at Master's level, and must have completed their degree in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.
- Undergraduate 2+2 degrees from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
- students must have completed their final two years study in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.
For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept UKVI approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT) but we do not require a specific UKVI SELT for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.
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Pre-sessional courses
We would strongly encourage you to consider the pre-sessional courses at the University of Glasgow's English for Academic Study (EAS) Unit. Our Pre-sessional courses are the best way to bring your English up to entry level for University study. Our courses give you:
- direct entry to your University programme for successful students (no need to take IELTS)
- essential academic skills to help you study effectively at University
- flexible entry dates so you can join the right course for your level.
For more detail on our pre-sessional courses please see:
- English for Academic Study: Pre-sessional courses
We can also consider the pre-sessional courses accredited by the below BALEAP approved institutions to meet the language requirements for admission to our postgraduate taught degrees:
- Heriot Watt
- Kingston Upon Thames
- Middlesex University
- Manchester University
- Reading University
- Edinburgh University
- St Andrews University
- UCL
- Durham
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FAQs
What do I do if...
my language qualifications are below the requirements?
The University's School of Modern Languages and Cultures 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.
my language qualifications are not listed here?
Please contact External Relations
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]
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.
Further information about English language: English for Academic Study
Careers and future opportunities
Graduate destinations
The following are examples of roles that graduates are in 15 months after completing their programme:
- Product Development Engineer
- Applications Engineer
- Software Developer
- Clinical Engineer
- Clinical Perfusion Scientist
- Development Engineer
- Data Analyst
- Medical Editor
- Researcher
- R&D Scientist.
Example job titles are taken from responses received through the HESA Graduate Outcomes survey. Graduates surveyed 15 months after graduation. Includes single and joint honours programmes.
Job prospects
Graduate Outcomes data shows that:
- 93.3% of students are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating
- 75.4% of those in work are in graduate-level employment
- The average professional salary after 15 months is £29,161.
This university-level data is from HESA Graduate Outcomes survey. It relates to graduates who completed their programme in 2023–24 and were surveyed 15 months after graduation. Includes single and joint honours programmes.
Skills development
As well as building subject specific knowledge and skills throughout your degree, you’ll also develop transferable skills by:
- Analysing complex biomedical engineering problems independently, applying mathematical, physical and biological principles to reach robust conclusions.
- Designing biomedical solutions that integrate mechanical, electrical, materials and physiological considerations to meet safety, regulatory and clinical needs.
- Communicating technical ideas clearly through reports, drawings and presentations for both technical and non‑technical audiences.
- Evaluating ethical, societal and environmental implications of biomedical technologies and making responsible, evidence‑based decisions.
- Conducting experiments and simulations confidently, interpreting data and using engineering judgement to validate biomedical systems.
Careers & employability support
Our Careers, Employability & Opportunity team are here to support you at every stage of your career journey. They’ll provide you with opportunities to explore your options, connect with employers in the UK and abroad, build your confidence and develop in demand skills.
You’ll have access to a wide range of support and resources that are designed to help you plan and prepare for your future including: masterclasses, 1:1 career coaching, a dedicated jobs board, employer events and much more.
Accreditation
BEng Biomedical Engineering
The BEng Biomedical Engineering is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (IPEM) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).
See www.imeche.org and www.ipem.ac.uk for further information.
MEng Biomedical Engineering
The MEng Biomedical Engineering is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (IPEM) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).
See www.imeche.org and www.ipem.ac.uk for further information.
Degrees and UCAS codes
When applying you will need to know the UCAS code for the subject or subject-combination that you wish to apply to:
BEng
MEng
BEng students who perform well may transfer to the MEng programme on completion of years 1, 2 and 3.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
How and when you pay tuition fees depends on where you’re from: see Tuition fees for details.
Scholarships
The University is committed to supporting students and rewarding academic excellence. That's why we've invested more than £1m in additional scholarship funding in recent years.
The scholarships shown are relevant to this programme. For more funding opportunities search the scholarships database
How to apply
Full-time students must apply through the Universities & Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
SQA applicants who are eligible for our Widening Participation programmes are encouraged to participate in one or more of these programmes, including Summer School, to support your application and the transition to higher education.
International students to Arts, Engineering, Law, Nursing, Science, and Social Sciences can also apply using The Common Application: however, if applying to more than one UK university, we recommend using UCAS. Applications to Dentistry, Education, Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine must be made through UCAS.
Application deadlines
- 15 October: if including Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine or also applying to Oxford or Cambridge
- 13 January: all other UK applicants (unless otherwise stated on the UCAS website)
- 30 June: international students.
We do not usually accept any applications after these deadlines.
It's your responsibility to ensure the accuracy of your application before submission. Requests to correct application content, change degree programme or change college of entry, will not be accepted after these deadlines. This policy is in place to ensure fairness and consistency to all applicants, and no exceptions will be made.
- Apply at www.ucas.com or through your school or college
- Contact UCAS on 0871 468 0468
- Apply at commonapp.org (international students to certain areas only)
How to apply for Advanced Entry
Apply for year 2 (Y2) on your UCAS application. If the specific subject is unavailable for Advanced Entry or your application for year 2 entry is unsuccessful, you will be automatically considered for year 1 entry. You do not have to submit a separate UCAS application.
Subject league tables
Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide [Mechanical Engineering]
