MEng Biomedical Engineering

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

MEng Biomedical Engineering at the University of Exeter is designed for students who want to combine engineering principles with biology and healthcare to create innovative technologies that improve people’s lives. The programme develops knowledge across mechanical engineering, electronics, materials, physics and biomedical applications, while providing opportunities for practical projects, design work and an optional Year in Industry to gain valuable professional experience.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
Your first year introduces the fundamental concepts of engineering and builds the technical foundation needed for biomedical applications. You will study modules such as Engineering Mathematics and Scientific Computing, Multi-Disciplinary Group Challenge Project, Fundamentals of Mechanics, Fundamentals of Materials, and Fundamentals of Electronics, developing essential skills in mathematics, engineering design, teamwork and problem-solving.

Year 2
In your second year, you will begin applying engineering knowledge to healthcare-related challenges through more specialised study. Modules such as Biomedical Engineering Challenge Projects, Microcontroller Engineering, Modelling of Engineering Systems, Introduction to Fluid Dynamics, Solid Mechanics, and The Physics of Living Systems help you develop practical skills in system design, modelling and understanding biological processes.

Year 3
Your third year focuses on advanced biomedical engineering concepts and independent project development. Through modules such as Individual Project, Digital Signal Processing, Mechatronics, Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, and The Biophysics of Cells and Tissues, you will explore areas including medical technologies, biological systems, advanced materials and engineering solutions for healthcare.

Final Year
The final year of the MEng programme allows you to develop advanced expertise through specialist study and research-led projects. You will complete the MEng Individual Investigative Project and study modules such as Advanced Finite Element Analysis, Orthopaedics, Degeneration and Ageing, Biosensors and Wearables, and Musculoskeletal Biomechanics, preparing you to design and evaluate advanced biomedical technologies.

Year in Industry (Optional)
You can extend your degree to five years by choosing the Year in Industry option, which includes a professional placement during your third year. This opportunity allows you to apply engineering knowledge in a real workplace, gain industry experience, develop professional skills and understand how biomedical engineering solutions are created and implemented.

Focus Areas (in a string)

Biomedical Engineering, Healthcare Technology, Medical Devices, Mechanical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Biomaterials, Tissue Engineering, Biomechanics, Biosensors, Wearable Technologies, Medical Innovation, Engineering Design, Computational Modelling, Research and Development

Learning Outcomes

Develop engineering solutions for healthcare challenges, apply mechanical and electronic engineering principles, design and prototype biomedical technologies, understand biological systems and medical applications, analyse biomedical data and signals, develop research and project management skills, apply computational and modelling techniques, solve complex engineering problems, collaborate on multidisciplinary projects, communicate technical ideas effectively

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The programme provides a strong foundation for careers in biomedical engineering, medical technology, healthcare innovation and engineering research. The integrated Master’s structure allows students to develop advanced technical knowledge and professional skills required for roles involving healthcare technologies, medical devices and engineering solutions.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The programme focuses on practical learning, allowing students to design, develop and evaluate solutions for real biomedical engineering challenges.
Students gain skills relevant to growing sectors such as medical device development, healthcare technology, research and innovation.
The combination of engineering expertise, healthcare applications and hands-on project experience prepares graduates for careers focused on improving patient care through technology.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

MEng Biomedical Engineering at the University of Exeter provides students with opportunities to develop practical engineering skills by applying scientific knowledge to healthcare challenges. Through hands-on projects, laboratory sessions, prototype development and research activities, students learn how to design, test and improve biomedical technologies. The programme combines engineering expertise with specialist facilities, digital tools and industry-focused experiences, helping students understand how innovative healthcare solutions are developed and applied in real-world settings.

Students gain practical experience through a combination of laboratory work, project-based learning, specialist equipment and industry engagement:

Multidisciplinary engineering projects: Students participate in practical projects such as the Multi-Disciplinary Group Challenge Project and Biomedical Engineering Challenge Projects, where they work in teams to develop solutions for biomedical challenges while strengthening design, problem-solving and collaboration skills.
Biomedical Engineering Research Laboratory: Students use specialist biomedical facilities for research and practical learning, including tissue preparation and storage facilities, biological safety cabinets, CO₂ incubators, autoclaves, pressure transducers, wearable sensors and motion capture systems.
Medical modelling and simulation tools: Students work with specialist software such as Scan IP+FE and Abaqus for medical image processing, simulation and computational modelling, helping them analyse and improve biomedical designs.
Electronics and embedded systems experience: Students gain practical experience using tools and software including MATLAB, Multisim, Ultiboard, MPLAB IDE and Arduino-based programming environments to develop skills in electronics design, modelling and embedded systems.
Prototype development and fabrication: Students use engineering workshops and fabrication facilities to design, create and test biomedical prototypes, gaining experience in developing practical healthcare solutions.
Biomechanics and wearable technology applications: Students explore technologies related to movement analysis, human body systems and wearable devices using specialist equipment such as motion capture systems and sensor technologies.
Research-led learning: Students learn from academics involved in biomedical engineering research and engage with current developments in areas such as medical devices, biomaterials, biomechanics and healthcare innovation.
Year in Industry option: Students can choose the Year in Industry pathway to gain professional experience through a placement, applying biomedical engineering knowledge in a workplace environment while developing industry skills and professional networks.
Engineering laboratories and facilities: Students have access to specialist spaces including biomedical engineering laboratories, electronics laboratories, materials laboratories, fabrication workshops and research facilities that support experimentation, testing and technical development.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MEng Biomedical Engineering programme at the University of Exeter develop a strong combination of engineering knowledge, healthcare technology skills and practical problem-solving abilities, preparing them for careers in areas such as medical device development, biomedical research, healthcare innovation and engineering consultancy. The programme equips students with technical expertise and transferable skills that are valued across healthcare, technology and engineering industries. Typical career paths include biomedical engineer, medical device design engineer, healthcare technology specialist and research and development engineer.

Students benefit from a range of career development opportunities, industry connections and professional experiences that support their transition into the workplace:

Career support through Exeter’s Career Zone: Students receive guidance on career planning, employability skills, CV development, interview preparation, placement opportunities and access to resources that help them prepare for graduate employment.
Industry-focused learning experience: The programme includes practical projects, design challenges and prototype development activities that reflect real engineering and healthcare challenges, helping students understand how biomedical solutions are created and applied in professional environments.
Year in Industry opportunity: Students can choose the five-year MEng Biomedical Engineering with Year in Industry pathway, completing a professional placement that allows them to gain workplace experience, develop industry skills and build valuable professional connections.
Graduate career opportunities: Graduates can pursue roles in medical device companies, healthcare technology organisations, biomedical research centres, engineering consultancies, NHS-related sectors and technology-driven industries.
Research and innovation opportunities: Students benefit from Exeter’s research-led engineering environment and gain exposure to emerging developments in biomedical engineering, medical technologies and healthcare innovation.
Professional development value: The integrated Master’s qualification provides advanced technical knowledge, research experience and project skills that support progression into specialist engineering roles and further professional development. The programme is designed to support future professional accreditation pathways, although accreditation cannot currently be guaranteed.
Engineering reputation and graduate preparation: Exeter’s Engineering department provides a strong research environment, with its research recognised internationally for excellence, helping students develop skills aligned with modern engineering challenges.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the MEng Biomedical Engineering degree, students can continue their studies through postgraduate programmes such as an MSc or PhD in Biomedical Engineering, Bioengineering, Medical Technology, Healthcare Innovation or related research areas. Further academic study can help graduates specialise in advanced research, medical device development, clinical engineering, academic careers or leadership roles within healthcare technology industries.