Program Overview

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Biomedical Engineering - PgDip

Overview

The course is designed for students wanting to specialise in biomedical engineering, which is concerned with developing new medical technologies.

Revalidation

The University regularly ‘refreshes’ courses to make sure they are as up-to-date as possible. In addition, it undertakes formal periodic review of courses in a process called 'revalidation’ to ensure that they continue to meet standards and are current and relevant. This course will be revalidated in the near future and it is possible that there will be some changes to the course as described in this prospectus.

Summary

This course is a suitable preparation for employment in the medical device, pharma and biotechnology sectors and as preparation for PhD studies or research positions. The course draws upon the internationally recognised research with the school in areas such as Tissue Engineering, Bioceramics, Medical Electrodes and Drug Delivery. The course team also has a wealth of industrial experience and several medical device spin out companies have been established by the school.

About this course

About

The course is a suitable preparation for employment in the medical device sector and as preparation for PhD studies or research positions. The course draws upon the internationally recognised research with the school in areas such as Tissue Engineering, Medical Device Technology, Defibrillators, Bioceramics, Medical Electrodes and Drug Delivery. The course team also has a wealth of industrial experience and several medical device spin out companies have been established by the school.

Attendance

Full-time students take four modules per semester for semesters 1 and 2 with the course running from September to May. Part-time students generally take two modules per semester but this can be altered as required. Part-time students attend one day per week during term time and some of the modules run in the evening.

Start dates

• September 2025

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

The course is delivered through lectures, tutorials and laboratory classes and is supported with extensive online content. The small class sizes provide an excellent learning environment and the material is assessed thorough formal examinations, coursework, class tests and presentations.

Modules

Biomaterials 1

This module provides the student with the core skills required to critically appraise the composition, properties and function of synthetic biomaterials in the context of the relevant materials science considerations. Issues relating to the regulation of biomaterials, as used in relevant medical devices and the implications of the relevant FDA (USA) and Medical Device Directives (EU) legislation are also covered. Students will also develop skills to enable them to provide a considered opinion regarding the choice of biomaterials for specific clinical applications by considering several case studies.

Bioinstrumentation

This module provides students with the necessary skills to understand and develop medical engineering devices and provides in-depth knowledge of the regulatory procedures governing their implementation.

Tissue Engineering

This module provides the student with the skills required to critically appraise the composition, properties and function of tissue engineered products within the context of the relevant biological and materials science considerations. Issues relating to the ethics and regulation of tissue engineering and the implications of the relevant FDA (USA) and Medical Device Directives (EU) legislation are also covered. Students will also develop skills to enable them to provide a considered opinion regarding the choice of scaffolds, cells, stimulatory factors and bioreactor environment for specific applications by considering several case studies.

Research Methods & Facilities

The module proves the underpinnings in research methods required to design and conduct original postgraduate level research programmes. In addition, the module aims to develop in-depth knowledge and advanced expertise in the use of specific advanced research facilities.

Micro- & Nano-Scale Devices

The course provides an in-depth knowledge of micro and nanofabrication techniques using elements from surface science, nanoscience and nanotechnology, plasmas and thin films, biosensors, tissue engineering and biomaterials.

Research Project (Part 1)

The Research Based Learning module is defined as a period of project work within a research environment, normally of not less than 150 hours, supervised by a member of academic staff of the University. It is designed to inculcate a spirit of critical enquiry coupled with a rigorous academic approach to problem solving in research and enhance the personal, managerial, commercial and technical capabilities of the student.

Research Project (Part 2)

A Work Based Learning module is defined as a period of work-based learning, normally of not less than 150 hours, supervised by a member of academic staff of the University. Part-time students working as professionals in industry are often involved in work which is entrepreneurial in nature. As a result, they frequently gain knowledge, techniques and skills, and acquire expertise, which is equivalent to work at post-graduate level. This module is designed to provide a framework within which such personal development and achievement can be recognised by the award of academic credit.

Work based learning 2

A Work Based Learning module is defined as a period of work-based learning, normally of not less than 150 hours, supervised by a member of academic staff of the University. Part-time students working as professionals in industry are often required to do work which is academically challenging. As a result, they frequently gain knowledge, techniques and skills, and acquire expertise, which is equivalent to work at post-graduate level. This module is designed to provide a framework within which such personal development and achievement can be recognised by the award of academic credit.

Embedded Systems RTOS Design

This module is optional

This module enables the student to design and implement cost-effective reliable real-time embedded systems that can be shown to meet the current industry performance, reliability and safety standards.

Nanoscale Analysis & Metrology

This module is optional

This module focuses on Nano and micro-scale analysis and metrology. The principle of operation and limitation of each technique are explained, the applications to the nanotechnology arena are described.

Manufacturing systems

This module is optional

This module provides a concise review of modern manufacturing, time compression methodologies and current manufacturing systems - their specification, implementation and development. The flow of data within a product lifecycle is analysed from design through to manufacture and the effective utilisation of advanced manufacturing technology addressed.

Finite Element Analysis and Computational Fluid Dynamics

This module is optional

An introduction to continuum modelling approaches will enable students to understand the concepts and applications of finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models. Specific skills will be developed using commercially available software in both FEA and CFD.

Entrepreneurship (Engineering)

This module is optional

In this module students are engaged in applying their knowledge of entrepreneurship and the entrepreneurial process in resolving some of the practical problems inherent in enterprise development and new venture creation.

Computer Aided Engineering for Managers

This module is optional

This module provides a concise and application-based overview of current computer aided engineering systems by providing a detailed summary of current rapid-prototyping and manufacturing processes, multi-axis advanced manufacturing technologies, digital inspection and simulation. The application of CAE to enhance the product lifecycle will be the fundamental objective of this module. The integration of these systems from new product introduction (NPI) through to digital inspection will be addressed.

Polymer Technology

This module is optional

At the end of the module the student should be able to critically appraise alternative thermoplastic conversion and fabrication processing routes. Through analysis of processing behaviour, they should be capable of developing appropriate strategy for selection of conversion routes for a range of representative material systems and applications in terms of total economics and quality enhancement.

Composite Engineering

This module is optional

At the end of the module the student should have acquired a high level of competence the many facets of composite materials and their processing methods leading to an active role as a member of a Production Management or Research team. The student should have the ability to select between competing 'composite' technologies for specific applications and hence be able to devise conversion systems and associated quality assurance procedures, having regard to maximising cost effectiveness and product reliability.

Mechanics of Sheet Metal Forming

This module is optional

An introduction to the theory of engineering plasticity applied to common sheet metal forming processes. The relevant theories are presented and their application to real industrial processes are emphasised.

Quality Improvement

This module is optional

This module considers modern approaches to Quality Improvement. The context of product or service is set for the interpretation of Quality from different perspectives. The Quality topics are considered under the themes of definition, measurement, actions, improvement and control. Modern and traditional management approaches are evaluated and techniques appropriate to product or service characteristics and organisation performance are considered.

Process Product Optimisation

This module is optional

At the end of the module the student should be capable of critically assessing the complete polymer or composite system. Using modelling and analysis techniques, they should be capable of designing the complete system to meet a specific performance requirement, thus removing much of the trial and error from the practice.

Standard entry conditions

Entry Requirements

PgDip - Normally, an Honours or non-Honours degree or postgraduate diploma/certificate in a relevant engineering, technology or science discipline. In exceptional circumstances, where an individual has substantial and significant working/industrial experience, a portfolio of written evidence may be considered as an alternative entrance route. It is possible to transfer onto the MSc version of the course after successfully completing the PGDip.

MSc - Specific details on the admission criteria can be found at the course webpage provided below. Normally, a second class honours degree or better in a relevant engineering, science, physics or technology discipline. Or a postgraduate diploma/certificate in a relevant engineering or technology discipline. In exceptional circumstances, where an individual has substantial and significant working/industrial experience, a portfolio of written evidence may be considered as an alternative entrance route.

English Language Requirements

The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.

Careers & opportunities

Career options

Upon successful completion of the programme students will be more employable, particularly within the medical device, pharma and biotechnology sectors. Another important opportunity for MSc students is the academic career and/or research career through a PhD programme such as those offered within the school.

Work placement / study abroad

Part-time students can undertake work based learning modules. The course also contains an option module in Product Process Optimisation which includes input from a range of guest lecturers from industry.

Fees and funding

Tuition Fee Loans Available

Students domiciled in Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and UK students can apply to Student Finance NI for a Tuition Fee loan of up to £6,500 (subject to eligibility).

International Fees

£11,872.80

Annual Increase Disclaimer

Fees illustrated are based on academic year 25/26 entry and are subject to an annual increase.

Scholarships, awards and prizes

A postgraduate Tuition Fee loan is available to N.Ireland, UK and EU students. More details are available at:

Additional mandatory costs

It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.