Biomedical Engineering

The core content in this programme is delivered in lecture modules which typically involve 20 hours of lectures plus one or two hours of revision lectures. In addition, at the start of the programme students may be presented with a package of self-study reading material for each module.

Core modules are typically delivered in lecture form (typically one hour per week). Some modules may include guest lectures and seminars from external speakers from both academia and industry within the fields relevant to the degree programme.

Modules typically cover a wide range of topics relating to the functioning and mechanics of human body and design and operation of artificial organs pertaining to human body.

The module Artificial Intelligence and Deep Learning is designed to provide students with a broad spectrum of knowledge on the novel applications of artificial intelligence and deep learning methods applied to biomedical applications as well as wider engineering applications.

The Research and Development project provides students with an opportunity to undertake a substantial research project on an area of interest relevant to the degree programme. This provides an open-ended challenge to each student, in collaboration with a supervisor which could be either from Engineering or the Biosciences departments. This will develop skills in independent research and project management, the analysis and presentation of data, and the ability to argue a coherent case. The project module also contains an initial group phase which will give students the opportunity to engage in group research activities. The module also contains seminars which are designed to give students the skills needed to successfully carry out their individual research projects.

A significant portion of this programme involves working in groups to design specific biotechnology products which could include systems and products that can aid with human bodily functions. Students will also learn about the latest challenges in the biotechnology and biomedical sciences field from industry experts working in the health sector and the biosciences/biotechnology firms. The team-based design projects are overseen by a tutor team, with whom students meet regularly to discuss progress. Tutors also provide advice and guidance when teams are unsure of direction, as well as some technical support when needed.

There is a wealth of support provided by academic and professional support staff throughout the course.

All students are allocated an academic adviser and participate in an ongoing programme of academic adviser meetings and activities.

Assessment

The learning outcomes in this programme are typically assessed by written exams plus written coursework content (if applicable). The Research and Development project is assessed through a combination of an oral examination session and a written research report.

The MSc in Biomedical Engineering is designed for graduates from an engineering, sciences (physics) or relevant background with significant engineering/sciences content.

You will need a UK first or upper second-class honours degree or equivalent in engineering, sciences (physics)  or a relevant related subject.

This programme may admit prospective candidates with joint honours degrees in Biology and Physics and Biology and Chemistry provided that the candidates have at minimum one-year post UK A-levels mathematics training (especially topics such as advanced statistics and probability theory and differential equations).

English language requirements

Full Time Fees

The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).

Please also check costs for colleges and accommodation.

We take great pride in our reputation for producing engineers who make a successful and significant contribution in a wide range of professional career roles around the world.

We have strong links with industrial partners and our postgraduates have achieved rewarding and stimulating positions in civil, mechanical, electronic, electrical, manufacturing, design, aeronautics and systems engineering. They work as consultants, technology analysts, and software developers and as entrepreneurs, and also gain prestigious positions in banking and finance.

The Department has a dedicated careers contact who is available to offer advice and carry out mock interviews.

Our Industrial Partnership Committee of around 20 local, national and international companies will ensure you have access to the best employment opportunities.

For further information on career options and employability, student and employer testimonials and details of work experience and study abroad opportunities, please visit our employability web pages. 

The Department of Engineering is a general engineering department that works on the principle that engineering is an integrated subject rather than a series of unconnected topics. The world-leading teaching and the research opportunities that we offer underline this academic positioning.

We guide postgraduate researchers so that they are able to make a significant contribution in the Department’s key areas of engineering focus. These topics range from the development of energy systems of the future, through next generation materials and microsystems to creating sustainable infrastructures. All reflect the challenges now facing the modern world.

Taught courses include MSc qualifications in Advanced Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering and Renewable and Sustainable Energy. We also offer the Doctor of Philosophy and the Master of Science by Research, which involve individualised training and require an extensive research project or thesis to be completed.

Teaching and supervision are provided by the Department’s subject specialists, who have an outstanding reputation for their expertise. An extensive range of facilities is available to support research work and we have strong and productive links with industry partners, ensuring that the research is relevant and applicable at this challenging yet exciting time to be in engineering.

For more information see our department pages.

Rankings

• 5th in The Guardian University Guide 2024
• 7th in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024

Staff

For a current list of staff, please see the Engineering Department pages.

Facilities

The Department of Engineering features a number of modern dedicated teaching laboratories including the newly refurbished electrical laboratory. Other facilities include a wind tunnel, state-of-the-art clean rooms for experiments in very controlled environments and a geotechnical engineering laboratory.

An investment of more than £4 million has boosted the computing resources available, providing large memory and high-end processor machines for projects requiring major computer capacity.

Our students benefit from the Engineering Open Access area, which was built to facilitate both group work and individual projects.

The Department is located on the main campus at Lower Mountjoy, close to the centre of Durham and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

More information on our facilities and equipment.

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