Degree in Biomedical Engineering

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Pompeu Fabra University

Program Overview

The Pompeu Fabra University BSc in Biomedical Engineering prepares students to design and develop technologies that solve real healthcare challenges, combining engineering, biology, and data science in a highly applied learning environment. It is ideal for students who are interested in medical innovation, device development, and digital health solutions. The program is based in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain (main UPF campus integrated within the Poblenou innovation and technology district, close to biomedical research and industry hubs).

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1: In the first year, students build a strong foundation through modules such as Calculus, Physics for Engineering, and Cell Biology. The focus is on understanding core scientific and engineering principles while developing problem-solving skills and introductory laboratory and computational techniques.

Year 2: The second year develops biomedical and engineering knowledge through subjects like Biomaterials, Signals and Systems, and Human Physiology. Students begin applying theory to biomedical contexts, learning how biological systems interact with engineering tools and diagnostic technologies.

Year 3: In the third year, students study advanced topics such as Medical Imaging, Biomechanics, and Biomedical Instrumentation. This year emphasizes practical applications, with project-based learning and laboratory work focused on medical device design and healthcare technologies.

Year 4: The final year includes specialised modules such as Biomedical Data Analysis, Clinical Engineering, and Health Technology Innovation, along with a final-year thesis or capstone project where students develop or research real biomedical engineering solutions.

Focus Areas: Biomedical Devices, Medical Imaging, Biomechanics, Health Data Science, Clinical Engineering, Medical Technology Innovation

Learning Outcomes: Graduates gain the ability to design biomedical systems, analyse physiological data, develop medical technologies, and apply engineering principles to solve healthcare challenges in clinical and industrial environments.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): The program is aligned with the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), ensuring strong international recognition and mobility for employment and postgraduate study across Europe.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): Pompeu Fabra University is highly ranked in QS World University Rankings for its excellence in research, innovation, and strong connections with the biomedical and technology sectors in Barcelona.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Pompeu Fabra University BSc in Biomedical Engineering is strongly practice-oriented, combining engineering principles with real biomedical applications from the very beginning of the degree. Students learn through project-based teaching, laboratory work, and collaboration with research groups linked to biomedical innovation in Barcelona, especially within the university’s engineering and life-science ecosystem. The program is designed to ensure students gain hands-on experience in both technical engineering tools and real healthcare-related problem solving, supported by access to advanced university research environments and partner institutes:

• Engineering and biomedical laboratories: Students work in university laboratories focused on electronics, signals, computing, and biomedical applications, developing practical engineering and experimental skills
• Project-based learning modules: Group projects are integrated into the curriculum, allowing students to design and develop solutions for real biomedical engineering challenges under academic supervision
• Research ecosystem access: Training is linked with research environments associated with Barcelona’s biomedical and health sciences network, including interdisciplinary collaboration with life science and engineering research groups
• Internship opportunities: Students can gain practical experience through internships in biomedical companies, hospitals, and technology centres connected to the university’s academic and industry network
• Digital and computational tools: The program incorporates modern engineering software environments used for modelling, simulation, and data analysis within biomedical systems
• Library and academic resources: Students have access to UPF’s digital learning platforms, scientific databases, and specialized academic resources supporting engineering and biomedical research

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Pompeu Fabra University BSc in Biomedical Engineering prepares graduates to design and develop innovative technologies for healthcare, combining engineering, biology, and data-driven medical solutions. Students are trained to work at the interface of medicine and technology, contributing to diagnostics, medical devices, and digital health innovation.

This program typically leads to roles such as: biomedical engineer, clinical technology specialist, medical device developer, and healthcare systems analyst. Future progression & opportunities:

• University services supporting employment: Pompeu Fabra University offers dedicated career support through its Career Service (UPF Careers), providing internship placements in biomedical companies and hospitals, CV and interview preparation workshops, mentoring programmes, and access to sector-specific job fairs in health and technology fields
• Employment stats and salary figures: Biomedical engineering graduates in Spain typically earn a median salary range of approximately €26,000 – €42,000 per year, with higher earning potential in private medical technology firms, international R&D centres, and digital health startups
• University–industry partnerships: Strong collaboration with Barcelona’s biomedical ecosystem, including hospitals, research institutes, and medical technology companies, supports internships, applied research projects, and innovation-driven training in healthcare engineering
• Long-term accreditation value: The degree is fully aligned with the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), ensuring strong international recognition and academic mobility across Europe for both employment and postgraduate study
• Graduation outcomes: Graduates commonly progress into medical device companies, hospital engineering departments, biomedical research institutes, or digital health innovation firms focused on healthcare technologies and systems development

Further Academic Progression: After completing this program, students can pursue Master’s degrees in Biomedical Engineering, Clinical Engineering, Bioinstrumentation, Health Data Science, or Medical Technology Innovation, and later advance into PhD research in biomedical systems, medical imaging, or computational health engineering.