From analysis to diagnosis and treatment to recovery, biomedical engineering, the principles of engineering to medicine and biology, has entered the public consciousness by expanding implantable medical devices such as artificial hips and pacemakers.
A biomedical engineering course focuses on advancements that could improve health care and human health at all levels by developing medical-electronic systems. Bioengineering has made a visible difference throughout the healthcare system and has also changed how we communicate with the environment by building a bridge between medicine, biological research, and engineering.
Top 10 UK Universities for Biomedical Engineering Courses
Find the best biomedical engineering courses in the UK (Guardian University Guide 2024) below.
1. University of Oxford
The MEng (hons) Biomedical Engineering course at the University of Oxford lasts four years and is considered the best biomedical engineering degree in the UK. The initial two years cover essential topics that all Engineering students should be familiar with. In years three and four, students can delve deeper into one of six engineering disciplines, such as biomedical engineering. Students can decide their preferred discipline by the start of their third year. Every four years, major engineering bodies accredit the course, confirming its alignment with the requirements for the 'chartered engineer' title.
- Suggested course: MEng (hons) Biomedical Engineering (4 years)
- Entry requirements: IB 40 (including core points) with 776 at HL
- International fees: £48,620
2. Imperial College London
The BSc in Biomedical Technology Ventures at Imperial addresses the rising need for medical devices within the expanding healthcare sector. This course focuses on nurturing an entrepreneurial mindset and fostering the capability to recognize prospects for enhancing healthcare through technology.
- Suggested course: BSc (hons) biomedical technology ventures
- Entry requirements: IB 39 - 40 points with mathematics at a higher level
- International fees: £40,940
3. Nottingham Trent University
The Biomedical Engineering course at Nottingham Trent emphasises practicality, drawing from actual scenarios and projects in the medical field. Throughout the course, you'll address contemporary health challenges and work towards designing materials, processes, and devices that contribute to disease prevention, treatment, or patient rehabilitation.
Nottingham Trent University’s biomedical engineering course has received accreditation from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), acting on the Engineering Council's behalf. This endorses the course as fulfilling the educational requirements for the titles of Incorporated Engineer and, to some extent, that of a Chartered Engineer.
- Suggested course: BEng (hons) biomedical engineering (optional foundation year)
- Entry requirements: UCAS 112 - 120 UCAS Tariff points
- International fees: £16,500
4. University College London
UCL’s biomedical course is tailored for individuals who have completed an undergraduate study in physics or engineering and are keen on adopting an interdisciplinary method to address challenges in healthcare. It's especially suited for those aiming for roles as medical physicists, biomedical engineers, or clinical scientists in hospitals, commercial sectors, or academic settings. The curriculum encompasses physics and engineering techniques relevant to the human body's diagnosis and physiological assessment. Additionally, it imparts the necessary electronic and computational capabilities to implement these theoretical frameworks in real-world scenarios.
- Suggested course: Physics and Engineering in Medicine MSc
- Entry requirements: A Bachelor's degree with a minimum overall CGPA of 6.75/10
- International fees: £32,100
5. King's College London
KCL’s BEng in Biomedical Engineering is strategically crafted to equip the next wave of biomedical engineers for healthcare research and development roles. Upon completion, students can specialise in medical engineering or physics or pursue further studies in Medicine. Situated within the esteemed St Thomas' Hospital, the School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences is at the heart of the UK's medical imaging excellence.
- Suggested course: BEng (hons) biomedical engineering
- Entry requirements: IB 35 points, including 665 at Higher Level
- International fees: £33,450
6. Aston University
Studying biomedical engineering at Aston University merges health, medicine, and engineering, priming students for future healthcare innovations. Biomedical engineers from Aston can develop new medical tools and provide specialised patient services. Thanks to its industry ties and top-tier facilities, Aston paves the way for a rewarding career in improving health outcomes. An optional integrated MEng year lets students undertake real-world work while pursuing distance-learning master's modules. Transition to this MEng course requires a third-year BEng average score of 50% or above.
- Suggested course: BEng (hons) biomedical engineering
- Entry requirements: IB 29 Overall; Higher Level grades 5, 5, 4 must include Physics or Maths or Design Technology)
- International fees: £20,650
7. Ulster University
The biomedical engineering course is designed to offer students an in-depth understanding of the fundamental technical, professional, and ethical concepts inherent to the field. This multidisciplinary course presents challenges and adequately prepares its graduates for roles in the growing sector. Furthermore, it lays a strong foundation for those considering advanced MSc or PhD studies.
- Suggested course: BEng (hons) biomedical engineering
- Entry requirements: IB 26 points to include 13 at Higher Level
- International fees: £17,730
8. Swansea University
Swansea University’s biomedical engineering course equips you with a fulfilling career spanning various sectors. It imparts essential engineering skills alongside knowledge of anatomy, physiology and effective communication with medical professionals. This Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) degree focuses on training and fostering innovation in future medical technologies rooted in engineering principles. It also offers a pathway towards becoming a certified and chartered professional engineer.
- Suggested course: BEng (hons) biomedical engineering
- Entry requirements: N/A
- International fees: N/A
9. Queen Mary University
Queen Mary University of London's biomedical engineering course offers a cutting-edge curriculum that blends engineering and biology principles to tackle the world's most pressing health issues. The degree is designed to cultivate critical thinking skills by leveraging engineering fundamentals and modern analytical tools.
- Suggested course: BEng (hons) biomedical engineering (sandwich year)
- Entry requirements: IB 34 points overall, including 6,6,5 from three Higher Level subjects
- International fees: £28,350
10. University Warwick
The initial year at Warwick’s biomedical system engineering course offers a foundational understanding of traditional engineering principles. Following this general engineering curriculum, students can delve into Biomedical Systems Engineering. This specialisation emphasises the application of systems methodology and concepts from varied engineering domains to model, analyse, and address biomedical challenges.
- Suggested course: Biomedical Systems Engineering BEng
- Entry requirements: IB 36 to include 6, 6 in Mathematics and Physics
- International fees: £24,800
Top Ten Biomedical Engineering Companies in the World
- Abbot
- Agfa
- Dräger
- Fresenius Medical Care
- GE Healthcare
- Johnson & Johnson
- KLS Martin
- Maquet
- Medtronic
- Olympus Medica
Study Biomedical Engineering in the UK
Learn more about studying biomedical engineering courses in the UK across the top universities mentioned above by arranging your free consultation today.
Biomedical Engineering FAQ
Where is the best place to study biomedical engineering?
The best place to study biomedical engineering often depends on individual preferences regarding course content, faculty, facilities, and other factors. However, several esteemed institutions in the UK, such as the University of Liverpool, the University of Dundee, King's College London, and the University of Surrey, offer renowned courses in this discipline.
What degree is best for biomedical engineering?
An undergraduate degree (BEng or BSc) provides a strong foundation in biomedical engineering principles, while a postgraduate degree (MSc or PhD) offers specialised knowledge and research opportunities. The ideal degree depends on career goals; for instance, those seeking research or academic positions may pursue a PhD, while those targeting industry roles might find a BEng or MSc more suitable.
What is the highest salary for a biomedical engineer?
In the UK, experienced biomedical engineers can earn upwards of £50,000 per annum, with those in management or specialised roles potentially earning even more. It's important to note that these figures are indicative and can fluctuate based on the abovementioned factors.
What are the five key areas of biomedical engineering?
Biomedical engineering is a vast field with several specialisations. Five primary areas include:
- Bioinformatics: Applying computational techniques to biological problems.
- Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering: Designing materials for implants and developing tissues for medical applications.
- Biomechanics: Studying the mechanical aspects of living organisms.
- Biomedical Electronics: Designing and developing electronic medical devices.
- Medical Imaging: Creating and improving imaging techniques like MRI and ultrasound.
Is biomedical engineering a good career in India?
Biomedical engineering has been witnessing a growing interest in India, largely due to the nation's booming healthcare sector and increasing medical technological advancements. The demand for skilled biomedical engineers is rising, especially with the growth of medical equipment manufacturers and healthcare infrastructure projects. As with any career, the opportunities and growth prospects in biomedical engineering in India will largely depend on the individual's skills, qualifications, and adaptability to the changing landscape of the field.
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