Program Overview

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Biomedical Engineering (BEng)

Award

Bachelor of Engineering

Typical Offer

AAA

Duration

3 years

Course Type

Full-time

Campus

Highfield

UCAS Course code

BB95

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About this course

Combine biomedicine, electronics and digital health as you join the next generation of health technology engineers. You’ll learn the underlying principles of medical technologies and gain the ability to design, develop and deliver new products.

With all economies facing an increase in health spending, engineers and computer scientists have an ever-increasing role to play in inventing solutions for healthcare and treatment. Biomedical engineers work to bridge this gap.

On this 3-year programme you’ll have the opportunity to:

• solve healthcare challenges and help to create imaging systems and devices for observing and controlling body functions
• design, and create electronic circuits, systems, and computer software
• use simulation, design, and verification tools to aid in the design of systems, and to report and comment on results
• make use of our diverse range of modern laboratories and facilities, each filled with industry-standard equipment
• understand the specific clinical, safety and ethical implications of biomedical engineering work, and routes to commercialization

You can also tailor your degree to your liking by picking a pathway. These include:

• Electronic Systems
• Mechatronics for Health
• Digital Health
• Artificial Intelligence

Course location

This course is based at Highfield.

Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.

Download the Course Description Document

The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.

Entry requirements

A-levels

AAA including mathematics and either biology, chemistry or physics

A-levels additional information

A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed.

Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.

Applicants who have not studied the required subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: AAB including mathematics (minimum grade A) and and either biology, chemistry or physics (minimum grade A), plus grade A in the EPQ

A-levels contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass, with 36 points overall with 18 points required at Higher Level including 6 at Higher Level in Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches) or 7 at Higher Level in Mathematics (Applications and Interpretation), and 6 at Higher Level in Physics, Biology or Chemistry

International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information

Applicants who have not studied the required subjects at Higher Level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

BTEC

RQF BTEC

D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus grades AA from two A-levels including mathematics and either biology, chemistry or physics.

We will consider the BTEC National Diploma if studied alongside A-levels in mathematics and either biology, chemistry or physics.

We will consider the BTEC National Extended Diploma in Engineering if studied alongside A-level mathematics.

Additional information

A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed.

Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.

Applicants who have not studied the required subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

QCF BTEC

D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades AA from two A-levels including mathematics and either biology, chemistry or physics

We will consider the BTEC Diploma if studied alongside A-levels in mathematics and either biology, chemistry or physics.

We will consider the BTEC Extended Diploma in Engineering if studied alongside A-level mathematics.

Other requirements

• UK students
• International students
• Other ways to qualify

GCSE requirements

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you must show that you can use English to the level we require. Visit our English language pages to find out which qualifications we accept and how you can meet our requirements.

If you are taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), you must get at least the following scores:

• overall score: 6.5
• reading: 6.0
• writing: 6.0
• speaking: 6.0
• listening: 6.0

If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre-sessional English programmes before your course starts.

Course structure

This is a three-year, full-time course. The topics you explore will vary depending on which pathway you choose.

Year 1 overview

The first year will introduce you to the fundamentals of biomedical engineering and your chosen pathway. You’ll cover topics like:

• programming
• digital systems and microprocessors
• maths
• electronic systems and sensors
• biomedical engineering design
• key elements of life science.

Year 2 overview

In year two you'll continue to build upon your knowledge of key topics, with further modules in electronics, programming and fundamentals of cell biology and physiology.

You’ll also apply your knowledge to design a health and wellness monitoring platform within a healthcare technology design project.

Year 3 overview

In your final year you’ll undertake an individual project. You’ll also have the opportunity to specialise further with a range of optional modules.

Modules

The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.

For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026

• Year 1
• Year 2
• Year 3

Year 1 modules

You must study the following modules in year 1:

• BIOM Part One Laboratory Programme
• Biomedical Engineering Design
• Biomedical Engineering Mathematics
• Digital Systems
• Introduction to Biomedical Engineering
• Programming I (BIOM)
• Sensor Interfaces

You must also choose from the following modules in year 1:

• Applied Biomechanical Mathematics
• From Biological Molecules to Biomedical Data
• From Biological Molecules to Electromagnetism
• Programming II (BIOM)

Year 2 modules

You must study the following modules in year 2:

• Algorithms and data
• Artificial Intelligence
• Biomechatronics
• Control and Systems Engineering
• Digital Health Principles
• Fundamentals of Cell Biology and Biomaterials
• Fundamentals of Physiology and Anatomy
• Hardware Design for Biomedical Engineering
• Semiconductor Devices and Sensors
• Signal Processing
• Software Design for Biomedical Engineering
• Statistical Modelling I

Year 3 modules

You must study the following modules in year 3:

• Advanced Databases
• Biosensors and Diagnostics
• Machine Learning Technologies
• Part III Individual Project Phase 1
• Part III Individual Project Phase 2
• Robotic Systems

You must also choose from the following modules in year 3:

• Advanced Databases
• Advanced Partial Differential Equations
• Bioinformatics and Systems Biology
• Biomaterials
• Biosensors and Diagnostics
• Cloud Application Development
• Control System Design
• Engineering Replacement Body Parts
• Fluids and Mechanical Materials
• Global Health
• Machine Learning Technologies
• Manufacturing and Materials
• Mechanical Power Transmission and Vibration
• Natural Language Processing
• Operational Research
• Orthopaedic Biomechanics
• Principles of Neuroscience
• Robotic Systems
• Security of Cyber Physical Systems
• Signal and Image Processing

Learning and assessment

The learning activities for this course include the following:

• lectures
• classes and tutorials
• coursework
• individual and group projects
• independent learning (studying on your own)

Academic support

You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.

Course leader

Russel Torah is the course leader.

Careers and employability

Employability skills

This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.

The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:

• Research
• Critical thinking
• Commercial awareness
• Self-management
• Confidence
• Leadership
• Communication
• Teamwork
• Creativity
• EDI leadership
• Adaptability
• Problem solving
• Resilience

The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.

Career pathways

Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:

• Information and Communication,
• Education,
• Public Administration and Defence,
• Scientific and Technical,
• Manufacturing.

Careers directly related to this course:

• Prosthetic device engineer
• Biomedical engineer
• Rehabilitation engineer
• Biomechanical engineer
• Biomaterials engineer
• Physiological modeller
• Research scientist
• Medical technology developer
• Biotechnologist
• Nanotechnologist

Wider career opportunities:

• University lecturer
• Management consultant
• Data analyst
• Financial analyst
• Science teacher
• Project manager
• Manufacturing engineer

Job prospects for BEng Biomedical Engineering graduates

• Average professional salary: £37k
• 95% in a skilled profession or further study
• 100% graduate employment rate

Work experience opportunities

Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton.

Careers services and support

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:

• work experience schemes
• CV and interview skills and workshops
• networking events
• careers fairs attended by top employers
• a wealth of volunteering opportunities
• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,535.
• EU and international students pay £29,400.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and standard exams.

Find out how to:

• pay your tuition fees
• calculate your student finances

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice
• fees, charges, and expenses regulations

Bursaries, scholarships and other funding

If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £36,200 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.

If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.

Get in touch for advice about student money matters.

Scholarships and grants

You may be able to get a scholarship or grant to help fund your studies.

We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented backgrounds.

Support during your course

The Student Hub offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

How to apply

When you apply use:

• UCAS course code: BB95
• UCAS institution code: S27

Apply for this course

What happens after you apply?

We will assess your application on the strength of your:

• predicted grades
• academic achievements
• personal statement
• academic reference

We'll aim to process your application within 2 to 6 weeks, but this will depend on when it is submitted. Applications submitted in January, particularly near to the UCAS equal consideration deadline, might take substantially longer to be processed due to the high volume received at that time.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email:
Tel:+44(0)