Your course during COVID-19

Whilst things will not be the same when you join us in September, this course page is intended to give you insight into what to expect from your course and your learning experience for the duration of your degree.

We have updated all course information where there are specific changes in the first semester.

Facilities

Most of our student services are now available online. As COVID-19 restrictions lift, we'll be opening up our on-campus facilities as soon as it is safe to do so, so that you can get the best out of your studies.

Your learning experience

Your teaching will be a mixture of online and in-person on-campus teaching. In semester one, as a result of physical distancing requirements, all lecture materials will be delivered online along with many tutorials, workshops and labs.

Our aim, if Government guidance allows us, is to deliver up to three hours of labs, seminars and tutorial teaching in-person on campus where this is possible and safe to do so. We'll review this regularly and plan to return to full in-person, on-campus teaching in semester two if restrictions allow.

If you’re studying for an MRes, MMus or MLitt programme, the number of hours may vary from this. For more information, please contact your supervisor or academic school.

Assessment

In semester one, we will not be running face-to-face, on-campus examinations. We will instead use different approaches to assessment. These will test and support your learning.

Field trips

We will be running some but not all of our planned field trips. Some of those that do run, will be run virtually. For those that do not run, we will be offering alternative learning activities. These learning activities will give you the opportunity to achieve the same learning.

Work placements

There may be some restrictions on work placement opportunities. 

Further information

Our COVID-19 Study page gives more information about your Newcastle University 2020 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.

We are currently enhancing our taught programmes to:

• provide more industrial context
• offer more flexibility and choice
• deliver an enhanced educational experience

You will be able to view full details of our 2020 modules on offer for this course in mid May.

If you have any queries in the meantime, please email SoE.LT@ncl.ac.uk

About this course

The Biomedical Engineering MSc has three specialist streams to suit your individual needs, background and career aspirations:

• Bioelectrical
• Biomechanical
• Regulatory Sciences

It is intended for students with an honours degree (or international equivalent) in:

• mechanical or mechanical-related engineering, eg biomedical, materials or design
• electrical or electronic-related engineering
• other engineering disciplines
• maths
• physics
• or a related scientific discipline.

What you'll learn

The taught part of the course covers major biomedical engineering themes, including:

• bioengineering
• bioelectronics
• medical device regulation
• biomaterials and tissue engineering
• orthopaedic engineering
• design for human-systems integration

Project work

Your project is chosen from an extensive range of subjects. Project work can range from fundamental studies in areas of basic biomedical engineering science to practical design, make and test investigations.

Recent projects include:

• investigations of bone cutting
• assessment of finger splints
• design of assistive technology
• testing of artificial shoulder joints
• design of a rig to flex spinal segments
• investigation of nanoparticles
• testing of spinal implants

Some research may be undertaken in collaboration with industry.

Module changes

Course content changes 

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.

To find out more please see our terms and conditions.

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.

Find out more about our tuition fees, including how to pay them and available discounts.

EU students starting at Newcastle in 2020 will pay the UK (Home) tuition fee for the full duration of their course.

Funding opportunities

English Language requirements - 12 Month MSc

To study this course you need to meet our Band 2 English Language requirements:

Direct Entry : IELTS 6.5 overall (with a minimum of 5.5 in all sub-skills)

If you have lower English Language scores, you may be accepted onto a Pre-sessional English course. 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we will be offering our Pre-sessional courses online only from June to September 2020.

Our typical English Language requirements are listed as IELTS scores but we also accept a wide range of English Language tests.

The equivalent academic qualifications that we accept are listed on our country pages.

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.