About this course

Biomedical engineers design, develop and deliver the health and wellbeing devices of the future. On this 4-year programme you’ll study key aspects of biomedicine, electronics and computer science. You’ll have the opportunity to tailor your degree to your liking by choosing a specialist pathway.

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.

You’ll explore topics like:

the creation of diagnostic systems and devices for observing and controlling body functions
the design and creation of electronic circuits, systems, and computer software
the use of simulation, design, and verification tools to aid in the creation of systems, and how to report and comment on results
the specific clinical, safety and ethical implications of biomedical engineering work and routes to commercialization of devices.

You’ll make use of our diverse range of modern laboratories and facilities, each filled with industry-standard equipment.

As you progress, you’ll learn to exercise awareness of quality systems and management in engineering. This includes the requirements and responsibilities of leadership, business and management practices relevant to biomedical electronic engineering enterprises.

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

Electronic Systems

You’ll learn to develop engineering solutions to health and healthcare problems, ranging from rehabilitation technologies and implantable sensors to smart signal analysis for wearable healthcare, and rapid testing and diagnostic devices.

You will gain key insight into how to design and develop a wide range of systems, from underlying sensor technology to signal analysis and data interpretation.

Mechatronics for Health

You’ll learn the fundamental science, methods, analysis, and engineering applications to start a career in mechatronic engineering with a focus on medical technology and robotics.

You’ll have the opportunity to design and build intelligent machines and robots as part of your study, which integrate electrical, mechanical and control systems to perform complex tasks.

Digital Health

You'll learn to develop m-health and e-health solutions based on healthcare needs and available technology. You will gain key data science skills that allow you to analyse data, build solutions and communicate results.

As one of the few universities in the UK (United Kingdom) to have a Digital Health research group, you will be taught by academics actively involved in technologies in this area.

Artificial Intelligence

You’ll additionally learn to design and build AI (Artificial Intelligence) programs and systems to solve global healthcare challenges and integrate with Biomedical engineering solutions.

As a highly respected hub for AI research, you'll benefit from a range of specialist modules that few UK universities can match. You’ll also be taught by academics actively involved in the latest advances in AI.

The MEng programme is also available with an industrial placement year.

We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.

Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).

Biomedical Engineering 5 in Five

This short video covers an explanation of what Biomedical Engineering is, why it's an important subject to study, exploring current research and development, careers in Biomedical Engineering and how to become a Biomedical Engineer.

“For me, the speciality of the course was a massive winning point. In my second year, I had a design project looking at remote monitoring of physical therapy exercises for stroke rehabilitation. It was a really fun project, with incorporation from different sides of my course, including physical sensors, software design and machine learning. ”
Isabel Howard - MEng Biomedical Electronics, third year student

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.

ODT

Download 2023-24 Course Description Document

Entry requirements

A-levels

A*AA including mathematics (minimum grade A) and either biology, chemistry or physics (minimum grade A)

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: AAA including mathematics and either biology, chemistry or physics, plus grade A in the EPQ

A-levels contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all students 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 student’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Students who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows: AAA including mathematics and either biology, chemistry or physics.

or

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass, with 38 points overall with 19 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, Chemistry or Biology

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.

or

BTEC

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

RQF BTEC

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.

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 A*A from two A-levels including mathematics and either biology, chemistry or physics.
or
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.

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.

or

Entry requirements filter options

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

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

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: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

Course structure

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

In the early stages you'll take core and compulsory modules in electronics and programming together with a thorough grounding in mathematics. You will also take modules covering the fundamentals of life science.

As the programme progresses, you’ll undertake an individual project and finally a group design project.

Year 1 overview

You'll be introduced 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 and key elements of life science.

Year 2 overview

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

You’ll undertake an individual project. You’ll also choose from a range of optional modules.

Year 4 overview

You'll work on a group design project. This is compulsory, taken over the full academic year and may include students from other engineering disciplines.

You’ll also have the freedom to tailor the degree to your liking by choosing from a wide variety of optional modules.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

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 2024 to 2025

You must study the following modules in year 1:

Biomedical Engineering Design

This module teaches the applications of biomedical signal analysis and control systems for biomedicine. The module emphasises developing an understanding through lab-based system design exercises by applying theoretical knowledge taught in the module. The...

Biomedical Engineering Mathematics

This course is designed to develop fundamental mathematical skills which Biomedical engineers need in order to tackle a wide variety of engineering and design problems. There is a particular focus on developing an understanding of mathematics as a toolbox...

Digital Systems

To introduce digital system design, the principles of programmable logic devices, the implementation of combinational and sequential circuits, and the principles of hardware design using industry standard hardware design tools.

ELEC Part One Laboratory Programme

This module is the lab programme for all first-year students enrolled on an ELEC degree programme. It aims to give students the opportunity to apply the theory that they learn in their other modules, and to provide them with transferrable, subject-based a...

Introduction to Biomedical Engineering

This module will introduce students to the disciplines of biomedical engineering (BME). This module is organized into 4 blocks. The first block provides an overview of the key challenges in health and wellness. Students will also study 3 furthe...

Programming

To introduce the student to the concepts of programming using the C programming language, with an emphasis on programming for embedded systems.

Sensor Interfaces

This module will introduce you to the mathematical techniques needed to describe and analyse linear and simple non-linear electronic circuits. The module explains the properties of ideal circuit elements and the tools & techniques required to analyse a wi...

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

Applied Biomechanical Mathematics

This course explores the use of mathematics as a toolbox for engineers to calculate, model, visualise and design physical systems. The focus is on solving physical problems via equations, both analytically and numerically using computation, along with dev...

From Biological Molecules to Biomedical Data

This module is designed for Biomedical Engineering students on the Artificial Intelligence and Digital Health pathways. In this module, you will learn about the different types of macromolecules found in cells, with a particular emphasis on DNA and pro...

From Biological Molecules to Electromagnetism

This module is designed for Biomedical Engineering students on the Electronics and Mechatronics for Health pathways. In this module, you will learn about the different types of macromolecules found in cells, with a particular emphasis on DNA and protei...

Programming II

You must study the following modules in year 2:

Control and Systems Engineering

This module guides students through the development of knowledge and understanding of linear continuous-time systems. It then introduces the basic analysis and design tools for electronic system control and provides opportunities to develop practical desi...

Signal Processing

To develop knowledge of the fundamentals of Signals and Systems. To introduce the concepts of signal transforms, system convolution and linear operations. To introduce the concepts of randomness in signals and systems. To provide a comprehensive found...

You must also choose from the following modules in year 2:

Algorithms and data

Artificial Intelligence

Biomechatronics

The module aims to provide an integrated understanding of the representation and analysis of dynamical systems (electrical and mechanical), their solution and practical implementation in diagnosis and health monitoring for biomedical engineering problems ...

Design

Conventional laboratory experiments are useful mainly to assist understanding or analysis. Because they are of necessity stereotyped, they are of limited usefulness when a circuit or system must be designed to meet a given specification. The majority of e...

Digital Health Principles

Fundamentals of Cell Biology and Biomaterials

This module develops an understanding of the foundational principles of cell biology, delving into the cell structure, functions, and molecular processes, and diversity. Additionally, the course will introduce biomaterials, focusing on their types, proper...

Fundamentals of Physiology and Anatomy

The module will provide students with an understanding of the basic human anatomy (study of the structure) and physiology (study of the function). The students will learn the coupling of structure with function through a series of lectures and labs. The ...

Programming and Modelling Mechatronic Systems

This module introduces some advanced programming, simulation and design modelling frameworks and tools. Teaching activities are a combination of taught sessions, expanded self-study supported by the Professional Skills Hub and practical hands-on sessions ...

Semiconductor Devices and Sensors

This module will introduce the concepts of semiconductor materials, devices, and sensors. You will develop a detailed understanding of the design, operating mechanisms and fabrication technology of semiconductor electronic/power electronic devices, optoel...

Software Design and Development Project

Statistical Modelling I

Simple linear regression is developed for one explanatory variable using the principle of least squares. The extension to two explanatory variables raises the issue of whether both variables are needed for a well-fitting model, or whether one is sufficien...

Learning and assessment

The learning activities for this course include the following:

lectures

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

You'll graduate with the skills required to work across the health technology sector, from small and large medtech companies, to NHS Digital analyst roles.

Engineers with core skills in mathematics and a good knowledge and understanding of biomedicine are in high demand, with the medical technology sector in the UK employing over 100,000 people and growing every year.

You’ll have access to our specialist careers support from our Careers Hub, which coordinates opportunities to connect with employers. This includes through things like careers fairs, support with job applications, summer internships and more.

Careers services at Southampton

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

UK students pay £9,250.
EU and international students pay £27,400.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.

Find out how to:

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:

Bursaries, scholarships and other funding

If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 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 Services Centre 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: BB97
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: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

Related courses

Biomedical Engineering (MEng) is a course in the Biomedical and medical engineering subject area. Here are some other courses within this subject area:

b

BEng