Bachelor and Master of Engineering in Biomedical

In the Biomedical Engineering programme at University of Galway, your learning goes far beyond lectures. From early years onward you’ll be working with real engineering tools and solving practical problems that engineers tackle in hospitals, medtech firms and research labs every day. The course is built around hands‑on design modules, industry placements and research‑led projects that help you gain the skills employers really value: think designing medical devices, learning biomechanics and working with sensors and instrumentation not just theory. It’s Ireland’s only direct‑entry biomedical engineering path, giving you both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s (BE + ME) recognised internationally and setting you on track for Chartered Engineer status. 

The University of Galway’s engineering students learn in the award‑winning Alice Perry Engineering Building, a purpose‑built facility with cutting‑edge labs and spaces designed for collaboration, experimentation, and innovation. You’ll also benefit from access to top research initiatives in medical devices and biomechanics on campus and strong links with the city’s vibrant medtech industry  one of Europe’s biggest hubs of medical device companies. 

Here’s what your experiential learning journey looks like in this programme:

• Project‑based design labs: You’ll engage in real engineering design work through modules like Biomedical Engineering Design I & II, applying engineering principles to human‑centred problems throughout your degree. 

• State‑of‑the‑art equipment and labs: Learn and experiment in the Alice Perry Engineering Building’s specialised facilities  from biomechanics and electronics labs to structural and ergonomic test spaces  that mirror professional engineering environments. 

• Annual industry work placements: Integrated into your degree, these placements (4–8 months) with engineering and medtech companies give you real workplace experience, expanding your network and boosting employability. 

• Major research and development project: In your later years, you’ll undertake a substantial R&D project, that brings together theory, design, testing and innovation  a key part of developing your engineering identity. 

• Multidisciplinary collaboration: Work on projects alongside students from other engineering streams and disciplines, enhancing teamwork skills essential for professional engineering practice. 

• Global learning chance: Selected students may spend time studying abroad at a partner institution in the United States, broadening your perspective and international experience. 

• Access to research institutes: Benefit from proximity to research centres like the Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM), and be part of a community driving biomedical innovation. 

Graduates from the Bachelor and Master of Engineering (Biomedical) at University of Galway are highly sought after in Ireland’s world‑leading medical technology sector, going on to roles in design, development, and implementation of life‑changing devices: typical careers include Biomedical Engineer, Medical Device Designer, R&D Engineer, and Regulatory Affairs Specialist. This integrated programme equips you with both undergraduate and master’s level expertise giving you a competitive edge with employers at home and internationally. 

Future Progression & Opportunities:

• University Services to Support Your Career:

  • The Career Development Centre offers one‑to‑one guidance, work placement support and employer connections through Careers Connect, helping you refine your CV, prepare for interviews, and explore graduate roles in engineering and medtech. 

  • Dedicated work placement and field‑work teams help match students with industry placements  often paid  boosting real‑world experience and employability before graduation.

• Employment Prospects & Salary Figures:

  • Biomedical engineers from University of Galway typically find roles in medical device research and development, advanced manufacturing, quality assurance, product design and regulatory affairs  sectors with strong demand thanks to Galway’s medtech hub. 

  • While salaries vary by role and region, biomedical engineering graduates often enter well‑paid engineering careers in high‑tech companies. (Check the Career Development Centre for the most recent graduate salary reports.)

• University–Industry Partnerships:

  • The programme includes paid work placements built into the curriculum and students often work with employers like Medtronic, Boston Scientific and other global medtech firms located in the region. 

  • Galway itself is one of the world’s largest clusters of medical device companies, providing exceptional opportunities to network, intern and transition directly into industry. 

• Long‑Term Accreditation Value:

  • The BE + ME pathway is accredited by Engineers Ireland and globally recognised, meeting the educational standard toward Chartered Engineer status, a mark of professional excellence. 

  • This international recognition enhances your credibility with employers in the EU, UK, US and beyond.

• Graduation Outcomes:

  • Graduates are prepared to step straight into high‑impact careers within medtech companies, hospitals, regulatory bodies, research labs or engineering consultancies. 

  • A significant number also leverage their skills to launch start‑ups or innovate new medical technologies right out of university. 

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the integrated BE + ME programme, you’re well positioned for further specialised postgraduate study, such as a PhD in Biomedical Engineering or related areas including biomechanics, medical device innovation, or bioinformatics  opening doors to careers in research, academia or leadership roles in industry. You could also pursue additional professional qualifications or specialised master’s programmes to deepen expertise in areas like regenerative medicine or clinical engineering.