• Postgraduate

Biomedical Engineering MSc

Overview

Overview

If you want to contribute towards transforming medicine and social care then our MSc Biomedical Engineering degree is for you.

As well as playing a key role in our efforts to live healthier, longer and happier lives, technology improves diagnostics, treatments and management of many health problems.

This course will give you an opportunity to develop advanced specialist knowledge in these areas combined with essential research skills.

Why study Biomedical Engineering?

  • one of the fastest growing engineering disciplines
  • graduate with a comprehensive and focused body of knowledge
  • benefit from expert tuition and top-of-the-range facilities
  • tailor-make your studies with an array of optional modules
  • develop contacts with major technology companies and healthcare start-ups.

Employment-focused degree

With an ageing population, ongoing care needs, management of chronic diseases and an ever-increasing desire to constantly monitor health and activity, nutritional and other behavioural adjustments, there is a vast range of employment areas open to Biomedical Engineering graduates.

Two male engineers working with machinery in a lab at UWL

Select your desired study option, then pick a start date to see relevant course information:

Study options:
We support flexible study by offering some of our courses part-time or via distance learning. To give you real world experience before you graduate, we also offer some courses with a placement or internship. All available options are listed here. Your choices may affect some details of your course, such as the duration and cost per year. Please re-check the details on this page if you change your selection.

Start date:

If your desired start date is not available, try selecting a different study option.

Why study Biomedical Engineering with us?

Why study Biomedical Engineering with us?

What our students say…

The best thing about this course is that we are very close as students and to the teachers.It's a very friendly relationship we have and it's easy to get along with everyone. The University lectures are very good because the classes are small and the workshops are very efficient as well, you get one-to-one time with the teachers to make sure you understand everything.

Florencia Barrios
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New School of Biomedical Sciences
Tile: Mac and PC Labs
Industry focused teaching
Tailormake your studies with an array of optional modules
Course detail & modules

Course detail & modules

Biomedical engineering is one of the fastest-growing engineering disciplines, and this Masters course will be a fundamental stepping stone into this amazing industry.

There are numerous aspects of this branch of engineering because it overlaps significantly with other disciplines, such as Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Software Engineering and, in particular, Information Technology.

Through a range of specialist modules, our MSc course delivers intensive training in the fundamentals of Biomedical Engineering and will supply you with the technical skills required to excel in this rapidly growing industry.

What will I learn?

By using standard and innovative technology, alongside enhanced teaching and assessment methods, you will build a comprehensive body of knowledge covering areas including:

  • basic understanding of biosignals and their processing, typical and range of values
  • a range of Healthcare technologies for diagnostics, treatments, lifestyle management and digital health
  • understanding of the statistical concepts and limits of various technologies used in medicine
  • regulatory, ethical and governance issues around Healthcare Technology.

More reasons to study our MSc Biomedical Engineering

Optional modules: As well as a carefully curated selection of core modules, a range of optional modules enable you to tailor-make part of your studies to suit your own interests.

Expert tuition: Throughout the course, you will be supported in your learning and personal development through participation in industry and research seminars, group discussions, presentations, and coursework.

Contacts: Finally, the School of Computing and Engineering has contacts with major technology companies, as well as health technology-based start-ups, helping you expand your network while you learn.

Compulsory modules

Students are expected to take all core modules and choose two out of four optional modules.
  • Biosignals and Biosignal Processing

    This module introduces the fundamental concepts from anatomy and physiology, as well as biochemistry, biophysics and electrical and software engineering, to provide general background knowledge on the subject of Biomedical Engineering, and an understanding of the technical requirements for various biomedical devices and instrumentation.

  • Machine Learning

    Machine learning is an application of artificial intelligence that provides systems with the ability to automatically learn and improve from experience without being explicitly programmed.

    This module familiarises you with some basic machine learning algorithms and techniques and their applications, as well as general questions related to analysing and handling large data sets. Several software libraries and data sets publicly available will be used to illustrate the application of these algorithms. The emphasis will be thus on machine learning algorithms and applications, with some broad explanation of the underlying principles.

  • Healthcare Technologies

    This module aims to familiarise you with the area of Healthcare Technology at the level of devices and systems. A number of biomedical systems will be discussed both architecturally and at the modular level, analysing fundamentals of biomedical signals in addition to the required building blocks for such systems.

    The topic of eHealth will be also introduced, with an emphasis on data analytics, software, and mobile phone applications. Finally, the regulatory, ethical and entrepreneurship aspects of Healthtech will be introduced.

  • Research Methods

    This module will ensure that you are fully prepared to undertake applied research at Masters level. You will be able to pursue your research ideas and back them up with appropriate data and statistics.

    The topics covered include:

    • Introduction to research 

    • Research process and developing a research proposal 

    • Developing research objectives, choosing research methods, presenting & analysing data, and making conclusions 

    • Building a literature review 

    • Research methodologies in computing 

    • Research ethics  

    • Writing dissertation proposal 

    • Writing dissertation, managing references and using document tools 

    • Identification and use of subject-related library resources; understanding plagiarism 

    • Developing a career plan. 

  • Project Dissertation

Optional modules

  • Mathematics of Signal Processing

    The Mathematics of Signal Processing module introduces you to advanced mathematical methods for analysing and processing signals and systems.

    The module will provide the basics of signal and systems theory, including the concepts of signal dimensionality, analogue and digital domains, main properties and applications. Matlab software will be introduced and taught as a tool for exploring the various theoretical, analytical and experimental aspects of the syllabus.

  • Introduction to Genetics and Genomics

    During this module you will develop an understanding of the key areas of genomics, human genetics and genetic variation. You will also examine the genomics basis of diseases and how it can be used to improve health outcomes.

  • Data Management in Healthcare

    Data is revolutionising healthcare. The benefits of data when correctly used extend to patients, providers and board members, and the technology can make centralised patient management a reality. The aim of this module is to give you the knowledge and hands-on experience of developments in the broad range of data-driven healthcare.

  • Big Data Analytics

    Big data is a fast-growing field and skills in the area are some of the most in-demand today. Big data technologies cover a range of architectures, frameworks and algorithms designed to handle very large and often highly complex datasets.

    The module will enable you to understand big data, its applications and associated issues for storing, managing, processing and analysing massive amounts of datasets, as well as become familiar with software tools and frameworks underpinning big data analytics.

    You will also acquire the knowledge of statistical, mathematical and machine-learning techniques, and develop the ability to design and implement big data analytics modelling and applications to real-world problems.

  • Statistics and Biomedical Data Science

    This module introduces core mathematical and statistical concepts relevant for biosciences and biomedical engineering, focusing particularly on a rigorous description of the mathematical and statistical framework behind popular data handling techniques.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

You should have an honours degree (at least 2:2) in electrical/electronic engineering, biomedical engineering, or in a computing subject. 

 

Applicants with other qualifications will be considered, provided they can demonstrate significant, relevant work experience and the ability to benefit fully from the course.

The key considerations for admissions in these cases will be focused on length of service in specified and relevant roles to the course, cogent motivations in line with a career plan and demonstration of transferable skills applicable to this course.

Find out more about our processes for recognising previous experience.

You need to meet our English language requirement - a minimum of IELTS 6.5, with at least 5.5 for each of the 4 individual components (Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening). Visit our English language requirements page for information on other English language tests we accept.

You also need Level 6 qualifications at the same level as UK applicants. In some countries where teaching is in English, we may accept local qualifications. Check for local equivalents.

We offer pre-sessional English language courses if you do not meet these requirements.

Find out more about our English Language courses.

Fees & funding

Fees & funding

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The fee above is the cost per year of your course.

If your course runs for two years or more, you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year. If your course runs for less than two years, the cost above is for your full course and you will need to pay the full fee upfront.

Government regulation does affect tuition fees and the fees listed for courses starting in the 2025/26 academic year are subject to change.

If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.

Funding your studies

If you are studying a Masters course you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan, this may help contribute towards your course fees and living costs.

Additional funding is available to some types of students, such as disabled students or those with dependants.

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries, including awards for specific subjects.

Awards for computing and engineering students are also on offer.

{{ formatCurrencyValue(currentVariantData.field_p_cv_int_main_fee.name) }} per year

The fee above is the cost per year of your course.

If your course runs for two years or more, you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year. If your course runs for less than two years, the cost above is for your full course and you will need to pay the full fee upfront.

Government regulation does affect tuition fees and the fees listed for courses starting in the 2025/26 academic year are subject to change.

If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.

International students - funding your studies

We offer scholarships for international students including International Ambassador Scholarships. 

Further information about funding and financial support for international students is available from the UK Council for International Student Affairs.

 

Teaching staff

Teaching staff

Konstantin Nikolic

Professor Konstantin Nikolic

Konstantin Nikolic is Professor in Computing Science: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Data Management at the School of Computing and Engineering, University of West London.

Previously he was Senior Research Fellow and Principal Investigator at the Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Imperial College London (Jun/2006-Feb/2020). Before that he was an Assistant Professor and then Associate Professor in the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Belgrade, Serbia.

He received the Dipl.Eng. and Masters degrees in Applied Physics from Belgrade University, Serbia, and the PhD degree in Physics from Imperial College London, London, UK. 

He is the course lead for MSc in Biomedical Engineering at School of Computing and Engineering, UWL. He leads Bio-Inspired Modelling and Technology research group, which develops methods and computational tools for understanding, modelling and simulating various biological and physiological processes and their applications in bio-inspired electronic systems and diagnostics.

He also leads the research programme which is developing a closed loop system for bimodal neural recording and neuro-stimulation. He has more than 100 scientific publications and is a co-author of several widely used university textbooks on general physics printed in around 10,000 copies. He is an Associate Editor for the IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Circuits and Systems (TBioCAS) and a Member of the IEEE CAS Technical Committee and the Royal Society Neural Interfaces Steering Group.

Konstantin Nikolic is Professor in Computing Science: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Data Management at the School of Computing and Engineering, University of West London.

Previously he was Senior Research Fellow and Principal Investigator at the Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Imperial College London (Jun/2006-Feb/2020). Before that he was an Assistant Professor and then Associate Professor in the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Belgrade, Serbia.

He received the Dipl.Eng. and Masters degrees in Applied Physics from Belgrade University, Serbia, and the PhD degree in Physics from Imperial College London, London, UK. 

He is the course lead for MSc in Biomedical Engineering at School of Computing and Engineering, UWL. He leads Bio-Inspired Modelling and Technology research group, which develops methods and computational tools for understanding, modelling and simulating various biological and physiological processes and their applications in bio-inspired electronic systems and diagnostics.

He also leads the research programme which is developing a closed loop system for bimodal neural recording and neuro-stimulation. He has more than 100 scientific publications and is a co-author of several widely used university textbooks on general physics printed in around 10,000 copies. He is an Associate Editor for the IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Circuits and Systems (TBioCAS) and a Member of the IEEE CAS Technical Committee and the Royal Society Neural Interfaces Steering Group.

Study & career progression

Study & career progression

A man in a lab coat with a stethoscope around his shoulder looking at the a DNA gene sequence on an electronic tablet
There are many potential areas of employment open to Biomedical Engineering graduates including:
 
  • digital health
  • medical device industry (designing, developing and manufacturing)
  • hospitals/Larger GP surgeries (technology and non-clinical services)
  • healthcare start-ups
  • consultancy (technical, etc)
  • finance (e.g. investments into healthcare services and products)
  • teaching
  • research
  • government regulators.

 

You could also apply to advance your studies with an MPhil and PhD, either at UWL or another institution. 

How to apply

How to apply

News

Important notes for applicants

Disclaimer

*Modern universities - defined as higher education institutions that were granted university status in, and subsequent to, 1992.

**The National Student Survey 2022 and 2023 - Based on an average of all 27 questions. Excludes specialist institutions.

Testimonials - our students or former students provided all of our testimonials - often a student from the course but sometimes another student. For example, the testimonial often comes from another UWL student when the course is new.

Optional modules - where optional modules are offered they will run subject to staff availability and viable student numbers opting to take the module.

Videos - all videos on our course pages were accurate at the time of filming. In some cases a new Course Leader has joined the University since the video was filmed.

Availability of placements - if you choose a course with placement/internship route we would like to advise you that if a placement/internship opportunity does not arise when you are expected to undertake the placement then the University will automatically transfer you to the non-internship route, this is to ensure you are still successful in being awarded a degree.