BEng Biomedical Engineering

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

The BEng Biomedical Engineering at the University of Exeter combines engineering, biology, and healthcare to help students develop technologies that can improve diagnosis, treatment, and patient care. Designed for students interested in medical innovation and problem-solving, the programme covers areas such as medical devices, biomaterials, biomechanics, and healthcare technology, with the option to complete a Year in Industry to gain professional experience and apply engineering skills in a workplace environment.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
The first year introduces students to the core principles of engineering, mathematics, computing, and scientific analysis needed for biomedical applications. Students study modules such as Engineering Mathematics and Scientific Computing, Multi-Disciplinary Group Challenge Project, Fundamentals of Mechanics, Fundamentals of Materials, and Fundamentals of Electronics, building technical knowledge while developing teamwork and engineering design skills.

Year 2
In the second year, students begin exploring biomedical engineering concepts in greater depth by learning how engineering solutions can be applied to biological and healthcare challenges. Modules such as Biomedical Engineering Challenge Projects, Microcontroller Engineering, Modelling of Engineering Systems, The Physics of Living Systems, and Introduction to Fluid Dynamics help students understand medical technologies, biological processes, and engineering systems.

Year in Industry (Optional)
Students can choose the Year in Industry option, which provides an opportunity to gain professional experience through a paid industry placement. During this year, students apply their engineering knowledge in a real workplace setting, develop practical skills, build professional networks, and gain insight into careers within biomedical engineering and healthcare technology.

Final Year
The final year focuses on advanced biomedical engineering applications and independent project work, allowing students to tackle complex healthcare-related engineering challenges. Students study modules such as Digital Signal Processing, Individual Project, Mechatronics, Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, and The Biophysics of Cells and Tissues, developing expertise in medical technologies, biological materials, and engineering innovation.

Focus Areas (in a string):
Biomedical engineering design, Medical devices, Biomaterials, Tissue engineering, Biophysics, Mechatronics, Electronics, Digital signal processing, Engineering systems, Healthcare technology, Computational methods, Medical innovation.

Learning Outcomes (in a string):
Develop engineering knowledge for healthcare applications, design and evaluate biomedical technologies, apply mathematical and scientific principles to engineering problems, understand biological systems, create innovative healthcare solutions, use computational and digital tools, complete independent engineering projects, collaborate in multidisciplinary teams, solve practical medical challenges, and prepare for careers in biomedical engineering and related industries.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
The BEng Biomedical Engineering develops the technical knowledge and professional skills required for careers in biomedical technology, medical device development, healthcare engineering, and research. Through engineering projects, laboratory-based learning, and industry experience opportunities, students gain skills that align with the expectations of employers in engineering and healthcare sectors.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):
The University of Exeter’s engineering programmes are focused on practical learning, innovation, and industry engagement. Through project-based learning, specialist facilities, and opportunities such as the Year in Industry, students gain valuable experience that supports progression into careers in healthcare technology, engineering companies, research organisations, and medical innovation.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BEng Biomedical Engineering at the University of Exeter focuses on practical, hands-on learning that allows students to apply engineering concepts to real healthcare challenges. Through design projects, laboratory activities, research-based learning, and industry experience opportunities, students develop skills in biomedical design, medical technology, problem-solving, and innovation. The programme provides access to specialist engineering facilities, biomedical laboratories, digital modelling tools, and advanced equipment that help students gain the practical experience needed for careers in healthcare technology and engineering.

Students develop practical skills through:

Hands-on biomedical engineering projects: Students work on practical challenges that involve designing, developing, and evaluating solutions for healthcare applications. These projects help students apply engineering principles while improving their skills in innovation, teamwork, and technical problem-solving.
Multi-disciplinary group projects: Through modules such as Multi-Disciplinary Group Challenge Project and Biomedical Engineering Challenge Projects, students work collaboratively to develop engineering solutions. These projects strengthen communication skills, project management abilities, and the ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
Biomedical Engineering Research Laboratory: Students have access to specialist biomedical facilities where they can explore healthcare technologies and conduct practical investigations. The facilities include equipment such as biological safety cabinets, CO₂ incubators, autoclaves, dynamic testing machines, motion capture systems, and wearable sensor technologies used in biomedical research.
Medical imaging and computational modelling tools: Students use specialist digital tools and software, including ScanIP+FE and Abaqus, to support medical image analysis, engineering simulations, and computational modelling. These technologies help students understand how digital tools are used to design and improve biomedical solutions.
Engineering laboratories and workshops: Students benefit from access to engineering facilities including electronics laboratories, materials laboratories, fabrication spaces, imaging facilities, and biomedical engineering equipment. These resources allow students to gain experience with professional engineering techniques and technologies.
Year in Industry opportunity: Students can choose the Year in Industry pathway, which includes a paid professional placement during the third year. This allows students to apply their academic knowledge in a workplace environment, gain industry experience, develop professional networks, and understand the practical applications of biomedical engineering.
Research-led learning: Students learn from academics involved in biomedical engineering research and explore current developments in areas such as medical devices, biomaterials, biomechanics, and healthcare innovation. This research-focused approach helps students understand how engineering can contribute to future medical advancements.
Individual engineering project: In the final year, students complete an individual project where they apply their technical knowledge, research skills, and engineering design abilities to investigate and develop solutions for a biomedical engineering challenge.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the BEng Biomedical Engineering at the University of Exeter develop a strong combination of engineering expertise, healthcare knowledge, practical project experience, and problem-solving skills, preparing them for careers in medical technology, healthcare innovation, research, and engineering industries. The programme helps students develop the ability to design solutions for real healthcare challenges while gaining skills that are valued across technology-driven sectors. Graduates can pursue careers such as Biomedical Engineer, Medical Device Engineer, Healthcare Technology Specialist, Biomedical Researcher, Clinical Engineer, and Engineering Consultant.

Students are supported in building successful careers through industry experience, professional development opportunities, and connections with the engineering sector:

Career development and employability support: Students have access to the University of Exeter’s Career Zone, which provides career advice, employability resources, skills workshops, guidance on applications, and support to help students prepare for graduate opportunities.
Industry placement opportunities: Students can choose the Year in Industry option, which provides a paid professional placement during the third year. This experience allows students to apply their engineering knowledge in a workplace setting, gain practical industry skills, develop professional confidence, and build valuable connections with employers.
Industry-relevant skills development: The programme develops skills in biomedical design, engineering analysis, teamwork, project management, digital technologies, and problem-solving. These skills are highly valued by employers in areas such as medical device development, healthcare technology, engineering companies, and research organisations.
Research and innovation opportunities: Students benefit from studying in a research-led environment where they learn about current developments in biomedical engineering and healthcare technology. The programme’s focus on innovation, laboratory work, and engineering projects helps students understand how new technologies are created to improve healthcare.
Graduate outcomes and career destinations: Graduates are prepared for roles in biomedical engineering, medical technology, healthcare innovation, engineering research, and related industries. The transferable skills gained through the programme also support careers in sectors such as consultancy, professional services, management, and technology.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the BEng Biomedical Engineering, students can continue their studies through postgraduate programmes such as an MSc Biomedical Engineering or related master’s degrees in areas including medical devices, biomaterials, biomechanics, healthcare technology, and advanced engineering research. Further study allows graduates to specialise in emerging biomedical fields, strengthen their technical expertise, and progress towards research, innovation, or advanced engineering careers.