Bachelor/ Masters of Engineering in Biomedical Engineering

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Limerick

Program Overview

The Bachelor/Masters of Engineering in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Limerick is a dynamic integrated degree that combines engineering fundamentals with cutting‑edge biomedical science and real‑world experience, perfect for students who are passionate about applying engineering to improve health and medical technologies. You’ll learn how to solve complex challenges in healthcare through subjects like Introductory Anatomy and Physiology, Physiological Fluid Mechanics and Medical Device Design, supported by hands‑on projects and industry placements. University of Limerick

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
You’ll begin building a solid foundation in engineering with core technical skills in Engineering Maths, Engineering Mechanics, Chemistry for Engineers and Engineering Computing, while also being introduced to materials and design principles that prepare you for biomedical applications. University of Limerick

Year 2:
In your second year, the programme deepens your understanding of engineering and biological systems through modules such as Physiological Fluids, Introductory Anatomy and Physiology and Cell and Tissue Behaviour for Engineers, helping you blend biological insight with engineering problem‑solving. University of Limerick

Year 3:
This year includes an exciting eight‑month Co‑operative Education placement with biomedical engineering employers, giving you real industry experience alongside further study in areas like Biocompatibility and Tissue Engineering that drive today’s med‑tech innovation. University of Limerick

Year 4:
In the final year of the Bachelor programme you’ll tackle advanced biomedical engineering topics such as Medical Device Evaluation and Orthopaedic Biomechanics, while completing team‑based design projects that bring together engineering and life‑science knowledge.

Year 5 (Masters):
If you choose the Masters year, you’ll continue with more specialist biomedical engineering modules including Bio‑Imaging, Enterprise Creation and extended research or design projects that equip you with leadership and R&D capabilities for the med‑tech sector.

Focus Areas

Biomedical systems, medical device design & evaluation, biomaterials, tissue mechanics, physiological fluid mechanics, computational modelling, and hands‑on R&D projects.

Learning Outcomes

Ability to integrate engineering and life‑science knowledge to solve healthcare problems; practical skills in design, analysis and evaluation of biomedical technologies; industry experience through co‑operative placement; strong teamwork, communication and project management skills.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This programme is accredited by Engineers Ireland, ensuring that its graduates meet high professional engineering standards.

Reputation (Employability)

Graduates are highly sought after in Ireland’s thriving medical device and biomedical sectors, with practical co‑op experience giving you a competitive edge in roles from design engineering to regulatory affairs — supported by UL’s strong links with industry.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Limerick, learning isn’t just about lectures — it’s about getting your hands on real biomedical engineering challenges from day one. You’ll work with advanced laboratory equipment and join multidisciplinary teams to design, build, test and refine solutions that matter. UL’s engineering community blends classroom theory with real‑world application, with access to specialist spaces and industry partnerships that prepare you to hit the ground running in your career. From state‑of‑the‑art research facilities to international work placements, you’ll gain practical skills and confidence that set you apart.

Here’s how this programme brings experiential learning to life:

8‑month Cooperative Education placement: After Year 2, you spend eight months working full‑time in industry with leading biomedical and MedTech employers — sometimes in Ireland, sometimes abroad — such as Boston Scientific, Abbott or Medtronic. This isn’t observation: you’re contributing to real projects and building your professional network.
Hands‑on biomedical engineering labs: Throughout the degree, you’ll take part in laboratory sessions where you analyse anatomy, fluids, materials and devices — learning through experimentation what makes biomedical systems work.
Group‑based design projects: In senior years, you’ll collaborate with your peers on challenging engineering design and evaluation projects, including medical device design and assessment work that simulates professional practice.
Capstone design experiences: For students in the integrated MEng, a two‑semester Medical Device Design project gives you the chance to invent, prototype and even create a commercialisation plan for novel devices.
Advanced research environment: You have access to UL’s world‑class research facilities — including the Bernal Institute with cutting‑edge materials and characterisation labs (electron microscopy, surface analysis instruments, etc.) that support biomedical materials research alongside broader engineering work.
Interdisciplinary collaboration: You’ll benefit from engagement with research centres and departments across science and engineering, supporting hands‑on work in areas like biomaterials, fluid mechanics and computational modelling.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the University of Limerick’s integrated Bachelor/Masters in Biomedical Engineering enjoy exceptional career prospects, with most alumni securing meaningful roles in industry or progressing to further study within six months of graduating — thanks to UL’s strong employability reputation and industry‑linked curriculum. Typical roles include Design Engineer, Technical Biomedical Engineer, R&D Engineer, and Validation Engineer:

Career Services & Support: UL’s dedicated Careers Division offers personalised support including career planning, employer presentations, on‑campus job fairs, CV clinics, mock interviews and job vacancy notifications — all designed to connect you with employers ready to hire fresh graduates.
Excellent Employment Statistics: UL consistently posts a graduate employment rate above the national average, with well over 95% of students in work or further study within six months of graduation — helping you transition smoothly into professional life.
Industry Experience & Partnerships: Through UL’s renowned Cooperative Education programme, you’ll gain up to 8–12 months of paid work experience with real employers before you graduate — enhancing your CV and often leading directly to job offers. UL partners with over 1,700 global employers, giving you access to placements with cutting‑edge engineering and MedTech companies. Accreditation & Long‑Term Value: This degree is fully accredited by Engineers Ireland, underpinning its international recognition and strengthening your credentials for professional registration and chartership in engineering a real advantage for long‑term career growth.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this integrated programme, you can continue your studies in several exciting directions:

Doctoral Research (PhD): Many Biomedical Engineering graduates choose to pursue a structured PhD at UL or abroad, building advanced research expertise in areas like biomedical device design, biomechanics, or tissue engineering.
Specialist Master’s or Professional Qualifications: If you finish with just the Bachelor stage, you can undertake a standalone taught Master’s or postgraduate diploma in specialised fields such as medical device innovation, regulatory affairs, or bioinformatics.
Professional Accreditation: Graduates can also work toward professional engineer chartership with Engineers Ireland, which enhances authority and career progression in engineering leadership roles.