The Biomedical Engineering MSc provides you with technical knowledge, analytical expertise and transferable skills in exciting and rapidly developing fields within Biomedical Engineering.
Your course during COVID-19
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to COVID-19.
Further information
Our COVID-19 Study page gives more information about your Newcastle University study experience.
Terms and conditions and student complaints
The University has terms and conditions which create a positive environment for learning and academic achievement.
Given the changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the commitments outlined are subject to the guidelines that may be in place at the time.
About this course
Our Biomedical Engineering MSc programme is designed for both practising professionals and new graduates with an engineering or science-based degree.
This industrially focused degree will enable you to apply engineering principles and push forward technology to create novel diagnostic and therapeutic tools for various medical conditions. We believe that the future of healthcare will be transformed by research and development in science and engineering.
The MSc has three streams, to allow you to specialise in your area of interest:
Biomechanical
Bioelectrical
Regulatory Sciences
Some taught modules are common between the three streams, but you will study specialised modules according to your choice of stream. All three streams lead to the award of MSc in Biomedical Engineering.
Our varied MSc programme is designed to consider the needs of clinicians, bioengineers, manufacturers and regulators. By the end of this programme, you’ll have a wide range of transferable skills and technical knowledge to allow you to contribute to biomedical engineering industry and beyond.
Our degree is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer.
Our accreditation agreements are renewed regularly and the current agreement runs to 2020.
Dr Mohsen Naqvi Senior Lecturer (Associate Professor) in Signal and Information Processing
Areas of expertise:
multimodal (multi-sensor) signal and information processing for applications in homeland security, smart healthcare systems and future autonomous systems.
Dr Colin Millard Senior Lecturer in Medical Anthropology Population Health Sciences Institute
Areas of expertise:
global Health and Global Health Governance
anthropology of Pharmaceuticals
the regulation of Medical Technologies
Asian Medicine
complementary and Alternative Medicines
social Networks
the Anthropology of Tibet and South Asia
Professor Ted Schrecker Professor of Global Health Policy Population Health Sciences Institute
The 60-credit research project forms a major component of your degree. You will complete the project under close supervision. The research project will involve sourcing and gathering information, critical analysis, and evaluation and presentation skills. Your project might relate to an existing research project with an industrial partner.
Our excellent laboratory facilities will allow you to conduct cutting-edge research, enabling you to publish your results at scientific conferences and in peer-reviewed journals.
Recent Biomedical Engineering MSc research projects include:
analysis of failed finger implants
assessment of spinal rods for children with scoliosis
evaluation of intramedullary nails
design of a rig for measuring setting time of bone cements
fabrication of artificial bones
3D printing of bone implants
biosensors
natural based hydrogels for cartilage replacement
visual prosthesis to restore vision to the blind
exploring the thermal impact of optoelectronic brain probes
We have a multidisciplinary approach to teaching where our Biomedical Engineering MSc is delivered by expert staff in the School of Engineering, the Faculty of Medical Sciences, and the School of Law. This offers a rich and diverse learning experience.
The course uses a blend of teaching methods, including:
lectures and tutorials
visits to local hospitals and industry
seminars
computer workshops
laboratory work
You will benefit from clinical and industry guest lectures.
Each stream is 180 credits and runs for three semesters, from late September until August in the following year.
The structure of each stream consists of:
Three common modules, each of 20 credits
Three specialised modules, each of 20 credits
An individual research project (60 credits)
Our modules are taught by block and linear delivery, allowing you to immerse yourself and understand the subject in more depth.
Assessment
For your taught modules you will be assessed by a mixture of written and oral examinations, reports and coursework.
The research project will be assessed through a written dissertation, submitted at the end of August and an oral presentation, held by the middle of September.
You will have access to a range of dedicated specialist facilities used for teaching and research.
You will have access to some of these, depending on your specialist stream and project topic. There are dedicated biomaterials, tissue engineering, biotribology and biosensors labs in the School of Engineering where appropriate projects may be undertaken. These are used for training, course delivery and the manufacture of materials/components needed to support project work.
You will also have access to multiple networked computer clusters on campus with standard and specialist software. Some clusters have 24 hour access.
You will benefit from the Philip Robinson library. The library has over one million books and journals, and over half a million e-books. The Philip Robinson Library is also home to Maths Aid and Writing Development Centre study support services.
I enjoy the modules that have been offered by my school because they provide knowledge in various fields which widens my view while designing or analysing a device.
Our Mechanical Engineering MSc will develop your knowledge and skills in mechanical engineering with the opportunity to specialise in mechanical engineering, mechatronics or material streams.
Our MSc in Microelectronics will develop your knowledge and understanding of fundamental and advanced topics in Microelectronics, such as Advanced Electronic Devices, VLSI Circuits and Systems Design.
The information above is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Optional module availability
Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
Curious about what our graduates have gone on to do? Find out about opportunities they’ve pursued, and how we can help you develop your career.
Graduate destinations
You will complete this MSc as a very well-qualified graduate, with opportunities for employment both in many leading industries as well as in research. Our graduates have found employment opportunities in many fields including:
engineering
healthcare
research
medical device manufacturing
hospital consultancy
medicine
teaching
consultancy
teaching
Graduates destinations include:
Ace Medical
Amazon Robotiks
British Army
Etkin Medical Devices Ltd.
Olympus
OMS Engineering
QuantuMDx Group Limited
Stryker
This course also provides a route into PhD level study.
Careers Service
Our award-winning Careers Service will help you to explore your options and make informed choices to achieve your career goals.
Work experience
Work experience placements are a great way to develop relevant skills to excel in your chosen career.
Find out about paid and unpaid work experience options and other ways you can add to your degree.
A 2:2 honours degree, or international equivalent, in:
electrical and electronic engineering
mechanical engineering
Or related disciplines such as:
general engineering
automotive, aeronautical or design engineering
mathematics
physics: including medical physics
Relevant professional experience is desirable, although not essential.
We will consider your application on an individual basis if you have lower or non-standard qualifications and significant, relevant professional experience.
Find out the equivalent qualifications for your country.
You will initially apply for the Biomedical Engineering MSc but choose a specialist stream upon registration.
Start dates
The course starts in September. There is no application closing date for this course.
We suggest international students apply at least two months before the course starts. This is so that you have enough time to make the necessary arrangements.
Deposit
If you live outside the UK/EU you must:
pay a deposit of £1,500
or submit an official letter of sponsorship
The deposit is payable after you receive an offer to study at Newcastle University. The deposit is non-refundable, but is deducted from your tuition fees when you register.
