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Overview
Solve medical challenges with engineered solutions on this MSc in Biomedical Engineering.
You'll study the way engineering can use and build on knowledge from medicine and life sciences, and master tissue engineering, biocompatibility and health technology. You'll study with respected biomedical engineers, and have the opportunity to contribute to their active research projects in fields such as bio-inspired structures, healthcare monitoring or prosthetic limb design.
When you graduate, you'll stand out in a growing and competitive field. You'll be able to identify and solve issues in health technology, to demonstrate your practical abilities with biomedical hardware, and to call on a network of experts, including your lecturers and fellow graduates.
Eligibility
This course accepts UK, EU, and International students.
Course highlights
- Be part of a diverse cohort of biomedical engineering students, from academic backgrounds in engineering, physical or life sciences, or medicine
- Prepare to join the fastest-growing engineering discipline world-wide, with [a projected 72% increase in biomedical engineering jobs in the USA alone over the next 10 years]
- Work with industry-standard hardware in our Future Technology Centre and Biomechanics Laboratory
- Contribute to active research being undertaken by published experts in biomedical engineering research
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsModules
What you'll study
On this course, you'll study four core modules and your individual project.
You'll plan and design a biomedical engineering solution, considering existing literature and real-world constraints, with support from an academic supervisor. Through experimentation, modelling and simulation, you'll evaluate and report on the outcomes of your medical technology solution.
You’ll explore computer simulations of cardiovascular systems, musculoskeletal biomechanics and more in this advanced module, learning to apply computational tools to biomechanical problems. Through a group project, you’ll explore a given issue in the field, and reflect on the possibilities and limitations of current methods in computational biomechanics.
You'll gain an overview of medical devices and technologies, regulations, safety, and ethics in biomedical engineering. You'll analyse biomedical systems, and critically analyse the design and operation of medical devices as you explore the operating principles of a human physiology system.
In this module, you'll study the interaction of cells and tissues with man-made materials, and how this can combine with cell therapies, such as stem cell treatment, to regenerate tissue or to replace it with medical devices. Your lectures, given by scientists, engineers and clinicians, are accompanied by tutorials, practical classes and group project work.
You'll apply your knowledge of biology and engineering in this multidisciplinary module, working collaboratively on biomaterials case studies to apply your knowledge. You'll also work as a team to deliver a group project.
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
Careers and opportunities
Careers this Master’s prepares you for
The Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) found, in 2020, that "21st century medicine can only be delivered with significant amounts of technology". With this Master's under your belt, you'll be able to show your knowledge and aptitude for careers in this essential part of the healthcare sector.
You'll have skills in [practical bioengineering], alongside highly developed research and problem solving skills. As a University of Portsmouth graduate, you'll also be eligible to continue professional membership with engineering professional bodies, giving you access to their resources, expert networks and ongoing seminars.
Your skills and experience will make you desirable to employers in healthcare industries, such as [the NHS and private providers], and in wider technical or engineering organisations.
Graduates of this course might go on to roles such as:
- technology management in a hospital
- designing, developing and manufacturing medical devices
- working with healthcare services and products
- technical consultancy for marketing departments
Career planning
During your course you'll have expert careers advice from our Careers and Employability Centre, your tutors and our Student Placements and Employability Centre. You can access support from our Careers and Employability Centre for up to 5 years after you graduate.
You'll benefit from:
- Networking events
- Applied projects with companies such as IBM, Boeing and Hampshire County Council
- 1-to-1 appointments
- CV and cover letter advice
- Interview preparation and practice
- Workshops to enhance your employability skills
- Recruitment events including the Student and Graduate Opportunities Fair
- Support starting your own business
Facilities
Future Technology Centre meeting space
Room to model and build prototypes using additive manufacturing machines, and test them out in our advanced testing and imaging facility. Equipment includes a laser sintering machine, 3D printers, 3D scanning microscopy and a Micro CT scanner.
Biomechanics Laboratory
Use equipment including force plates, pressure plates and our electromyography system to explore the impact of exercise on the body in this lab, from the limits of human endurance to the effects of chronic health conditions.
Pharmacy and Biomedical Science Teaching Centre
Practise the skills needed to diagnose and help people manage diseases, including collaborative microscopy - examining 3D microscopic images on a big screen with academics and other students.
How you'll spend your time
We recognise that you'll probably be juggling more demands when you do your Master's degree, as you may be working or you may have family responsibilities.
We'll give you as much indication here as we can of how much time you'll need to be on campus and how many hours you can expect to spend in self-directed study, but please note that these indications are always subject to change. You should receive your full timetable several weeks before you start with us.
Course structure
This Master's degree will take:
- 3 years (part-time study)
- 12 months (full-time study, September start)
- 16 months (full time study, January start)
In the last 3 months of the course you'll be focusing on your research project.
Full-time study
You can expect:
- 6-8 hours of teaching time every week, made up of lectures and tutorials .
- 20 hours of independent study each week, depending on the modules being studied.
We do our best to keep all full-time teaching within 3 days, leaving you the rest of the week for work experience or self-guided study. You'll be able to access the hardware and labs you need whenever you're on campus.
Part-time study
You can expect:
- 3–4 hours of teaching time every week, made up of lectures and tutorials.
- 6–8 hours of independent study each week, depending on the modules being studied.
We do our best to keep all part-time teaching within 2 days, leaving you the rest of the week for work experience or self-guided study. You'll be able to access the hardware and labs you need whenever you're on campus.
Teaching
Master's study is deeper and more specialised than an undergraduate degree. This means you'll focus on something that really matters to you and your career as you work closely with academics committed to the subject.
You'll spend more time in independent study and research than you did for your undergraduate degree, but the majority of your teaching time will be in-person and face-to-face.
Teaching on this course is highly practical, including tutorial and laboratory sessions. You'll also attend lectures covering the theoretical material you're putting into practice.
Assessment
You'll be assessed through:
- examinations
- coursework assignments
- a laboratory report
You'll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.
You can get feedback on practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.
Teaching staff
These are some of the expert staff who'll teach you on this course:
Afshin Anssari-Benam
I'm a Senior Lecturer in biomechanics at Portsmouth, course leader of the MSc in Biomedical Engineering, and I lead the Cardiovascular Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL). My research focuses on continuum mechanics and multi-scale modelling of soft solids including biological tissues, cardiovascular biomechanics and constitutive modelling, as a member of the Biomedical Engineering research group.
Gordon Blunn
I'm Professor of Health and Wellbeing at Portsmouth, where my current research investigates the development of transcutaneous implants, which have transformed the lives of amputees. I've supervised more than 30 doctoral students, secured several patents and supported the generation of three spin-out companies, and have published over 200 peer reviewed scientific papers and a number of book chapters.
Term dates
September start
The Master's academic year runs from September to the following September. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter. Over the summer you'll be writing your project / dissertation.
January start
Courses that start in January have the same amount of teaching as September-start courses, but they normally run over a longer time period.
January-start courses normally run between 14–18 months, beginning in January and ending in the spring / summer of the following year. There are breaks at Christmas, Easter and in the summer. In the last few months you’ll be writing your project / dissertation.
Joining us as an international student
You'll feel at home in our international community and our diverse city. You'll be joining over 5,000 international students from more than 150 countries who are studying with us.
Learn more about international student life and how we can help you with visas, applications, arrival and settling in.
Supporting you
Master's study is more focused on independent learning than undergraduate study, but you'll get lots of support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.
As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.
You'll have help from a team of faculty learning support tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study in one-on-one and group sessions.
They can help you:
- master the mathematics skills you need to excel on your course
- understand engineering principles and how to apply them in any engineering discipline
- solve computing problems relevant to your course
- develop your knowledge of computer programming concepts and methods relevant to your course
- understand and use assignment feedback
All our labs and practical spaces are staffed by qualified laboratory support staff. They’ll support you in scheduled lab sessions and can give you one-to-one help when you do practical research projects.
As well as support from faculty staff and your personal tutor, you can use the University's Academic Skills Unit (ASK).
ASK provides one-to-one support in areas such as:
- academic writing
- note taking
- time management
- critical thinking
- presentation skills
- referencing
- working in groups
- revision, memory and exam techniques
Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
The Maths Cafe offers advice and assistance with mathematical skills in a friendly, informal environment. You can come to our daily drop-in sessions, develop your mathematics skills at a workshop or use our online resources.
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
Costs and funding
Tuition fees
UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man students
- Full time: £12,000
- Part time: £4,000
EU students
(including Transition Scholarship)
- Full time: £12,000
- Part time: £4,000
International students
- Full time: £19,200
- Part time: £6,400
University of Portsmouth graduates may receive a 20% alumni tuition fee discount.
Fees are subject to annual increase. Read our tuition fees terms and conditions.
You'll be able to pay your fees in instalments. Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Tuition fees terms and conditions
Funding your studies
Find out more how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
If you're a UK student, you may be eligible for a Government postgraduate loan, which you can use to help with course fees and living costs.
Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students and our international student scholarships.
Loans, scholarships and bursaries
Browse funding such as the Government Postgraduate Loan, our scholarships for new and returning students, and subject specific loans.
Funding for international students
Learn more about sponsorships, scholarships and loans for students applying from outside of the UK.
Fees and funding for Master's courses
Explore Master's funding options, including loans, scholarships, bursaries and more.
Additional costs
These course-related costs aren't included in the tuition fees, so you'll need to budget for them when you plan your spending. Additional costs could include:
- Accommodation: Accommodation options and costs can be found on our accommodation pages.
- Recommended reading: You can borrow key texts from the library and if you choose to purchase these texts they may cost up to £60 each.
- General costs: Such as photocopying, memory sticks, printing charges, binding and specialist printing. We suggest budgeting £75 per year.
- Final project transport or accommodation: where necessary, which related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
Read more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Entry requirements
Eligibility
This course accepts UK, EU, and International students.
September 2024 start
- A second-class honours degree in a relevant subject, including Engineering, Physical/Life Science or Medicine, or equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications.
Please get in touch if you're not sure if your undergraduate subject is relevant to this degree.
Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications will also be considered, such as previous study, employment, voluntary work and training courses, including courses and qualifications you didn't complete. Learn more about our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
If you're applying as an international student with a non-UK degree, you’ll need to show you meet the UK entry requirements listed above.
To find out if your non-UK degree or other qualification is accepted, please visit our page for your country and view the UK equivalent of your qualification.
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 (or equivalent) with no component score below 6.0.
You do not need an IELTS or equivalent certification if:
- you have a UK degree
- you have a degree from a majority English speaking country (not taught by Distance Learning)
- you are a national of a majority English speaking country
Degrees taught solely in English from non-majority English speaking countries will be considered on a case by case basis. Find out more about our English language requirements.
If you do not meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
How to apply
Unlike undergraduate applications, which go through UCAS, applications for this Master's course are made directly to us.
There's no deadline for applications to this course. We accept applications right up until the start dates in September and January, as long as there are places available. If you wait until your start month to apply, you may find that the course is full.
If you're applying as an international student, remember that you'll need to leave plenty of time to get your visa organised.
You can find more advice about applying in our Master's application checklist. International students and current students and recent graduates of the University of Portsmouth also have some different application options, which are detailed below.
Extra information for international students
If you're an international student, you can apply directly to us using the same application form as UK students.
You could also get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region. To find out what to include in your application, head to the how to apply page of our international students section.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Ready to apply?
When you're ready to begin your application, choose your start date.
I'm a current Portsmouth student, or a recent Portsmouth graduate
If you're currently in your final year of study at Portsmouth, or you graduated since July 2023, you're eligible to make a fast track application. You'll have:
- a shorter application form to complete
- access to the 20% Alumni fee discount
- a guaranteed conditional offer, for most Master's courses
After you apply
Once we receive your application, we may ask you for further information. We will then either make you an offer or suggest alternatives if your application is unsuccessful.
You'll usually get a decision within 10 working days, so you shouldn't have to wait too long. Some courses have an interview stage – we'll let you know if you need to prepare for one.
Learn more about how we assess your application.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.