BEng (Hons) Biomedical Engineering
Course Overview
If you have a passion for making a difference in the quality of people's lives and contributing to the healthcare industry, our BEng (Hons) in Biomedical Engineering will help you fulfil your goals and reach your full potential. Incorporating elements of engineering, health, biology and rehabilitation, biomedical engineering is concerned with the design, development and technical support of medical equipment used by the healthcare industry. By studying for your with the University of Bolton, you can prepare for a career in this life-changing industry while experiencing life at our supportive, student-focused, multicultural campus.This course provides a good grounding in biomedical engineering principles and related subjects like biomechanics, application of engineering materials and product design. Our collaboration with the University's specialists in human movement science allows us to offer opportunities for you to learn more about how biomedical engineering supports rehabilitation for a diverse population, from general public patients to professional athletes. Our expert team also aims to help you develop lifelong learning skills so that you can take ownership of your professional development for the future, maximising your potential for success.
We offer the chance to work with internationally recognised research teams, along with access to the latest technology and high-specification laboratory equipment and facilities, such as tissue engineering laboratories, control engineering, specialised computer-aided software, materials and additive manufacturing. You'll also benefit from varied teaching and interactive learning opportunities designed to help you develop and apply problem-solving, modelling and analytical skills based on theory and practice.
Highlights
- This course has been developed with input from key industry employers. We have strong industry links, reinforced by live briefs and case studies developed in conjunction with industry, as well as opportunities to work with local healthcare providers.
- You'll benefit from hands-on access to a wide variety of specialist facilities, including our high-spec instrumentation laboratory, microscopy facility, tissue engineering suite, biomechanics facility, biomedical sensors lab, and additive manufacturing and material testing facilities.
- You can participate in the annual IMechE challenge, where you'll have the opportunity to design, create and operate a device to solve real-world problems.
- This course is recognised by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and follows the guidelines developed by the Engineering Council (UK-SPEC).
- In addition to engineering knowledge and expertise, you'll have opportunities to gain experience in teamwork, communication and presentation, problem-solving and time management.
Key Features
- The University of Bolton has a distinguished history in engineering, but we're always looking to the future. We continually monitor and update the course to reflect current and ever-changing engineering issues and keep your learning in line with technological advances and innovations.
- You'll have the opportunity to access advanced technology, such as our 3D motion capture system (with ground reaction force platforms), isokinetic dynamometer, mass spectrometer, additive manufacturing, teaching control instrumentation, advanced materials manufacturing and testing centre, engineering simulation software and confocal microscope.
- With intentionally small class sizes at the honours level, we can offer you more meaningful and personalised interaction with our dedicated and enthusiastic lecturers. We'll focus on your individual needs and provide personalised support to find the learning strategies that best support your learning and ultimate success.
- Working with internationally recognised research teams, you’ll explore subject areas like materials, medical devices and biological systems in depth, witnessing real-life applications of biomedical devices in rehabilitation contexts.
- You'll be introduced to topics that explore the principles and influencing factors of biomedical engineering and the broader multidisciplinary engineering context, such as issues of ethics and economics.
- By choosing to study with us, you'll have the chance to enjoy Bolton's many shops, bars, restaurants and leisure facilities. Nearby Manchester is one of the UK's most multicultural and lively cities with an excellent transport network, and the Northwest of England is renowned for its beautiful countryside, coastline, and heritage.
Entry Requirements
- Your Level 3 subjects must include mathematics or a science subject; for instance, A-level Biology/Physics or BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science/Engineering. Please note that Health and Social Care is not acceptable as a science subject.
- You should also have five GCSEs at grade C or above or grade 4 to 9 (or equivalent), including English, Mathematics and Science.
- We'll be happy to consider your application if you have non-traditional entry qualifications and relevant experience or a suitable portfolio of work that we consider a reasonable substitute for the qualifications we typically accept for this course, If you have an HND/C in an appropriate engineering discipline, we'll consider you for entry to level HE5 of this programme, depending on the subject area of qualification and the level of maths and science that you have achieved. You may be asked to undertake additional assessment(s) to determine your suitability for the course.
- You may be required to attend an interview and/or provide a portfolio of work.
- If English isn’t your first language, you’ll also need IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band (or equivalent). We also accept a range of other English language qualifications – please visit our English Language Requirements web page for more details.
Where changes are made to material information contained in this course description or a decision is taken to suspend a course between the offer of admissions and enrolment, we will inform applicants at the earliest possible opportunity and will outline the various options available to the applicant.
Career Opportunities
Biomedical engineering is a rapidly evolving field in which engineering principles and technology are applied to medical and biological problems in healthcare, rehabilitation and advanced materials. As a BEng (Hons) Biomedical Engineering graduate, you'll possess a broad skill set, including excellent communication abilities, spatial and three-dimensional conceptual awareness, commercial awareness, attention to detail, the ability to work under pressure and problem-solving capabilities.
What can I do with this qualification?
Biomedical engineers have varied careers in many environments, such as hospitals, private and public research facilities, medical institutions, universities, and government agencies. After graduating from this course, you may find employment in the NHS or with a private company in engineering or related disciplines. Alternatively, you could develop a career in medical technology or the pharmaceutical industry, enter academic or private biomedical research, or work in a range of healthcare organisations. In particular, you might consider a career as a regulatory quality officer for medical device manufacturers.
You could continue your studies at the University of Bolton by applying to our MSc in Biomedical Engineering. This postgraduate course can enhance your future career prospects and further your learning towards Chartered Engineer status. It's also an excellent preparation for PhD-level studies if you're interested in a career in research and exploring at the forefront of the engineering field.
Additionally, you may pursue a master's or doctoral degree specialising in medical engineering or medical physics, or progress to a medical degree.
If you're attracted to a career in medicine, you may be interested in becoming a physician associate (PA). Physician associates work under the direct supervision of a doctor and carry out many similar tasks, including patient examination, diagnosis, and treatment. The University of Bolton's 24-month MSc Physician Associate Studies course is open to BEng (Hons) Biomedical Engineering graduates who achieve at least an upper second class (2.1) honours degree.
Alternative career options
Graduates can also use the qualification as a stepping-stone into a range of other careers. Some of these roles may require relevant experience and/or postgraduate study. Possible fields include:
- Medical device services
- Healthcare maintenance and support
- Medical and healthcare technical sales
- Teaching and education
- Mechanical engineering
- Electrical and electronic engineering
- Materials engineering
- Medical physics
- Medical administration
- Research and development
- Clinical science
- Medicine
- Consultancy
- Technical writing
- Military and civil support services
Professional Recognition
The University of Bolton's BEng (Hons) Biomedical Engineering degree has been accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (IPEM) under licence from the UK regulator, the Engineering Council. Accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by the Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC).
An accredited degree will provide you with some or all of the underpinning knowledge, understanding, and skills for eventual registration as an Incorporated (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng). Some employers recruit preferentially from accredited degrees, and an accredited degree is likely to be recognised by other countries that are signatories to international accords.
Fees & Funding
Home/EU Fees
No fee information is currently available, please contact the University of Bolton’s Academic Fees team by emailing AcademicFees@bolton.ac.uk for more information.
International Fees
No fee information is currently available, please contact the University of Bolton’s Academic Fees team by emailing AcademicFees@bolton.ac.uk for more information.
Bursaries
Important note regarding tuition fees for the 2024-25 academic year: EU nationals who meet residency requirements (have settled or pre-settled status) may be eligible for 'Home' fee status. If you do not meet these residency requirements, overseas fees will apply. Irish citizens living in the UK or Ireland will be eligible for 'Home' fee status under the Common Travel Area arrangement. Please read the student finance for EU students web page on www.gov.uk for information.
The fees for a student's course of study will be set for the normal duration of that course subject only to inflationary increases – measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) recorded in March each year to take effect for subsequent start dates.
How to apply
Home Applicants
Course application details are unavailable at present
International Applicants
Course application details are unavailable at present
Partner Organisation Applicants
Option currently unavailable.
Teaching & Assessment
We deliver a varied course programme of theoretical and practical lessons, lectures and workshops that provide a comprehensive overview of the biomedical engineering profession. Our expert team will guide you through the principles of your subject in structured lectures and build on this knowledge with tutorials, which will test your problem-solving skills. In many cases, lessons are interactive, incorporating elements of discussion and feedback.
Working with case studies based on real-life events and problems, we'll encourage you to develop and apply skills in practical workshops and laboratory sessions. During these sessions, you'll perform experiments and deepen your understanding of the biomedical engineering discipline.
Assessments include coursework, mini-projects, individual and group assignments, design reports, presentations and examinations. To comply with the guidelines specified by the Engineering Council, you'll also need to develop and maintain an electronic personal development plan. This will form the basis of your professional development plan, which you'll need when you apply for professional body membership.
We use a blended learning and teaching style, including online delivery and engagement where appropriate.
Modules
The modules listed below may be a mixture of compulsory and optional. You may not have the opportunity to study all the modules shown as part of the course.
- Molecular Principles of Biomedical Engineering
- Introduction to Biomechanics
- Medical Sensory Devices and Measurement
- Clinical Anatomy and Physiology
- Biomedical Engineering Projects and Systems
- Biomedical Engineering Modelling & Analysis
- Medical Instrumentation and Control
- Intermediate Biomechanics
- Technology in Advanced Musculoskeletal Diagnosis and Treatment
- Group Project and Investigation
- Biomechatronics and Medical Devices
- Medical Equipment Technology
- Simulation of Medical Engineering Systems
- Advanced Biomechatronic Systems
- Advanced Biomechanics
- BEng Individual Project
- Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine
- Molecular and Synthetic Bioengineering
- Management and Enterprise in Engineering
Assessment methods
| Level | Assessment method |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | Coursework 52% Practical exams 15% Written exams 33% |
| Level 2 | Coursework 52% Practical exams 13% Written exams 35% |
| Level 3 | Coursework 63% Practical exams 20% Written exams 17% |
Learning Activities
| Level | Activity |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | Guided independent study 66% Scheduled learning and teaching activities 34% |
| Level 2 | Guided independent study 68% Scheduled learning and teaching activities 32% |
| Level 3 | Guided independent study 72% Scheduled learning and teaching activities 28% |
The university will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver your course as described in its published material and the programme specification for the academic year in which you begin your course. The university considers changes to courses very carefully and the university will minimise any changes. Please be aware that our courses are subject to review on an ongoing basis and changes may be necessary due to legitimate staffing, financial, regulatory and academic reasons. The content of course modules and mode of associated assessments may be updated on an annual basis. This is to ensure that all modules are up-to-date and responsive to employment and sector needs. The published course material and the programme specification contain indicative ‘optional modules’ that may be subject to change due to circumstances outside of our control. For this reason, we cannot guarantee to run any specific optional module.
