School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

MSc Medical Engineering

Programme code 7396
Duration

1 year

Course type

Full-time, Part-time route available

Study location Plymouth

Medical engineering is a multidisciplinary STEM field that integrates knowledge across engineering, materials science, human biology and medicine to develop new devices, algorithms, processes and systems that improve medical practice and health care delivery. Our MSc is designed to equip you with all the necessary knowledge, transferable skills and training in the exciting field of (bio)medical engineering and enable you to follow a successful career in the medical device and healthcare industry

Meet the lecturers

Register now and join our virtual drop-in sessions  to speak with our postgraduate programme leaders. 

Careers with this subject

Medical engineering graduates will be well-placed to gain employment and build successful careers in: healthcare (including hospitals, NHS), medical device industry, pharmaceutics, medical research, medicine, start-ups, teaching, consultancy and finance. Medical engineers can work as (Bio)medical Engineers, Clinical Engineers/Scientists, Medical Research Scientists, Rehabilitation Engineers, Prosthetic Design Engineers, Application Engineers in Medical Devices, Bioinstrumentation Engineers and Robotic Surgical Instruments Engineers. 

Key features

  • Our programme is carefully designed so that no prerequisite knowledge in medical engineering or nanotechnology is necessary. 
  • MSc Medical Engineering with Nanotechnology is the only programme available in the UK offering students the unique learning experience to study about nanotechnology-enabled medical devices, implants and biomaterials, which will enable you to gain expertise on cutting-edge medical technology applications and stand out from the competition. 
  • MSc Medical Engineering with Biomedical Diagnostics is a unique programme in the UK specifically designed for those students who wish to combine core medical engineering with a focus on one of our three specialist areas: cancer biology, clinical neuroscience, infection and immunity. 
  • MSc Medical Engineering with Nanotechnology and MSc Medical Engineering with Biomedical Diagnostics are also available to medical and dental school students as an intercalation course. 
  • Students in engineering, science and the arts have access to a range of specialist equipment and innovative laboratories in our new engineering and design facility
  • Students will benefit from the delivery of excellent teaching as well as studying in a research-focused environment. 
  • The programme is built on the high expertise of the Medical Engineering and Biomaterials Research Group and the Nanotechnology and Electronics Research Group that have a long proven track record of high impact research in the field of medical engineering. 

Course details

  • Year 1

  • Our MSc Medical Engineering degree provides all the technical knowledge, expertise and transferable skills you need to follow a successful career in one of the fastest growing disciplines in engineering and healthcare. The programme involves 180 credits of study at Level 7 with flexibility to meet your individual development needs.
    Students can choose one of the two research-aligned pathways: Nanotechnology and Biomedical Diagnostics. Each pathway offers two specialty modules. 
    Nanotechnology pathway
    • Medical Engineering and Biomechanics (MECH549) – 20 credits
      This module will develop specialised knowledge and understanding required for designing medical devices and implants used in medical engineering applications and biomechanical systems; evaluate the selection of appropriate materials and appraise material-tissue interactions; develop computer aided analytical techniques to evaluate behaviour and performance of medical devices and biomechanical systems.
    • Health Data and Medical Statistics (MATH515) – 20 credits
      This module provides an introduction to health data and medical statistics, and related ethical considerations. It discusses statistical techniques for the design, analysis and interpretation of medical studies. Up-to-date professional software for analysing health data is studied. Experience in preparing a professional statistical analysis plan is provided.
    • Engineering Research Methods and Professional Development (ENGR501) – 20 credits
      This modules provides a methodical approach to engineering research that helps identifying and defining projects that are practically realistic and academically worthwhile. You will plan your research project and select ethically suitable quantitative and qualitative research methods. Your progression towards professional registration will be appraised and plans made for your personal development.
    • Advanced Engineering Design Project (MECH553) – 20 credits
      This module will further advance your knowledge and understanding of contemporary strategies, tactics, and tools of engineering design practice. Working in a team, you will develop environmentally sustainable solutions to a complex design challenge. You will demonstrate innovation and creativity in the use of technology and present your proposed solutions using industrial standard CAD tools.
    • Nanotechnology and Nanoelectronics (ELEC512) – 20 credits (Specialty module)
      This module is designed to provide interdisciplinary training in all aspects of the emerging Nanotechnology field. It introduces techniques for developing nano-scale devices and sensor technology as well as the nano-fabrication techniques required to construct them.
    • Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology (MECH551) – 20 credits (Specialty module)
      This module develops an enhanced knowledge and understanding of contemporary engineering materials (metals and alloys, polymers, composites, rubbers and ceramics) with a focus on nanomaterials, including their applications in medical engineering and the advanced analytical technics required for their characterisation.
    • MSc Dissertation (PROJ517) – 60 credits
      You will demonstrate practical skills and knowledge of research methods to plan and implement high quality research. You will carry out a substantial research investigation on a topic of your choice and report upon the aims, methodology, data analysis, interpretation, synthesis, and conclusions through a high quality, scholarly and professional write-up of the project, either as a formal dissertation or journal paper.
     
    Biomedical Diagnostics pathway
    • Medical Engineering and Biomechanics (MECH549) – 20 credits
      This module will develop specialised knowledge and understanding required for designing medical devices and implants used in medical engineering applications and biomechanical systems; evaluate the selection of appropriate materials and appraise material-tissue interactions; develop computer aided analytical techniques to evaluate behaviour and performance of medical devices and biomechanical systems.
    • Engineering Research Methods and Professional Development (ENGR501) – 20 credits
      This modules provides a methodical approach to engineering research that helps identifying and defining projects that are practically realistic and academically worthwhile. You will plan your research project and select ethically suitable quantitative and qualitative research methods. Your progression towards professional registration will be appraised and plans made for your personal development.
     
    Students will select one optional module from below:
    • Health Data and Medical Statistics (MATH515) – 20 credits
      This module provides an introduction to health data and medical statistics, and related ethical considerations. It discusses statistical techniques for the design, analysis and interpretation of medical studies. Up-to-date professional software for analysing health data is studied. Experience in preparing a professional statistical analysis plan is provided.
    • Nanotechnology and Nanoelectronics (ELEC512) – 20 credits
      This module is designed to provide interdisciplinary training in all aspects of the emerging Nanotechnology field. It introduces techniques for developing nano-scale devices and sensor technology as well as the nano-fabrication techniques required to construct them.
     
    Students also select two specialty modules from one of the following three options:
    1) Cancer Biology theme
    • Cancer Biology and Therapeutics (BHCS5009) – 30 credits
      This module will provide an overview of current developments in cancer biology focusing on current research and understanding of the molecular, cellular and physiological basis of cancer, diagnostic and screening developments. Treatment and areas for future therapies will also be critically examined.
    • Contemporary Applications in Cancer Biology and Therapeutics (BHCS5010) – 30 credits
      This module provides knowledge of a wide range of techniques used in modern cell biology from basic to advanced cell culture, diagnostic histopathology, cytotoxic and genotoxic investigations, flow cytometry, bioinformatics. Contemporary applications of cell biology will be explored in an in-depth critical manner.
    2) Clinical Neuroscience theme
    • Basis & Clinical Neuroscience (BHCS5011) – 30 credits
      This module will provide an overview of current developments in Neuroscience focusing on current research and understanding of the molecular, cellular and physiological basis of neurological diseases, progression, diagnostic and screening developments. Treatment and areas for future therapies will also be critically discussed.
    • Contemporary Applications in Neurobiology (BHCS5012) – 30 credits
      This module provides knowledge of a wide range of techniques used in modern neurobiology from basic to advanced cell culture, diagnostic histopathology, expression studies, imaging, disease model development, behavioural analysis, biostatistics. Contemporary applications of neurobiology will be explored in an in-depth critical manner.
    3) Infection and Immunity theme
    • Infection and Immunity (BHCS5008) – 30 credits
      This module will provide knowledge of, and explore current areas of molecular and cellular biology of microbial diseases, and the mechanisms of pathogenesis. It will also explore the cellular and molecular processes, which will promote a critical understanding of immune defence in the context of immunology with respect to normal immune responsiveness and immunopathology.
    • Contemporary Science of Infection and Immunity (BIOM5003) – 30 credits
      This module provides knowledge of the cellular and molecular basis of the microbial pathogenesis and immunity for a range of bacterial, viral and fungal infections. Current methods and techniques for investigative microbiology and immunology will also be explored in an in-depth critical manner.
    Students will select one of the following themes for their research project:
    • MSc Dissertation (PROJ517) – Medical Engineering theme – 60 credits
      You will demonstrate practical skills and knowledge of research methods to plan and implement high quality research. You will carry out a substantial research investigation on a topic of your choice and report upon the aims, methodology, data analysis, interpretation, synthesis, and conclusions through a high quality, scholarly and professional write-up of the project, either as a formal dissertation or journal paper.
    • MSc Dissertation (BIOM5006) – Biomedical Science theme – 60 credits
      You will develop the ability to design and execute original scientific investigation within Biomedical Science. The module enables students to carry out self-directed study and evaluation of current issues and concepts within Biomedical Science, as well as the larger scientific community. Students are introduced to the ethos of the vibrant interdisciplinary and collaborative environment of modern science.

    Core modules

    ENGR501
    Engineering Research Methods and Professional Development

    You will use a methodical approach to engineering research that helps identify and define projects that are practically realistic and academically worthwhile. You will plan your research project and select ethically suitable quantitative and qualitative research methods. Your progression towards professional registration will be appraised and plans made for your personal development.

    MECH549
    Medical Engineering and Biomechanics

    This module will develop specialised knowledge and understanding required for designing medical devices and implants used in medical engineering applications and biomechanical systems; evaluate the selection of appropriate materials and appraise material-tissue interactions; develop computer aided analytical techniques to evaluate behaviour and performance of medical devices and biomechanical systems.

    Optional modules

    ELEC512
    Nanotechnology and Nanoelectronics 20 credits

    This module is designed to provide interdisciplinary training in all aspects of the emerging Nanotechnology field. It introduces techniques for developing nano-scale devices and sensor technology as well as the nano-fabrication techniques required to construct them.

    70% Examinations

    30% Coursework

    MATH515
    Health Data and Medical Statistics

    This module introduces health data and medical studies, and related ethical considerations. It discusses statistical techniques for the design, analysis and interpretation of medical studies. Up-to-date professional software for analysing medical studies is studied. Experience in preparing a professional statistical analysis plan is provided.

    PROJ517
    MSc Dissertation

    You will demonstrate practical skills and knowledge of research methods to plan and implement high quality research. You will carry out a substantial research investigation on a topic of your choice and report upon the aims, methodology, data analysis, interpretation, synthesis, and conclusions through a high quality, scholarly and professional write-up of the project, either as a formal dissertation or journal paper.

    MECH551
    Advanced Materials Engineering & Nanotechnology

    This module develops an enhanced knowledge and understanding of contemporary engineering materials (metals and alloys, polymers, composites, rubbers, ceramics and glass and nanomaterials). Students will investigate product failure; critically evaluate a broad range of alternative materials; and use the principles of eco-design for sustainable development to optimise material usage.

    MECH553
    Advanced Engineering Design Project

    This module will further advance your knowledge and understanding of contemporary strategies, tactics, and tools of engineering design practice. Working in a team, you will develop environmentally sustainable solutions to a complex design challenge. You will demonstrate innovation and creativity in the use of technology and present your proposed solutions using industrial standard CAD tools.

    BHCS5008Z
    Infection and Immunity

    This module will provide knowledge of, and explore current areas of molecular and cellular biology of microbial diseases, and the mechanisms of pathogenesis. It will also explore the cellular and molecular processes, which will promote a critical understanding of immune defence in the context of immunology with respect to normal immune responsiveness and immunopathology.

    BHCS5009Z
    Cancer Biology and Therapeutics

    This module will provide an overview of current developments in cancer biology focusing on current research and understanding of the molecular, cellular and physiological basis of cancer, diagnostic and screening developments. Treatment and areas for future therapies will also be critically examined.

    BHCS5010Z
    Contemporary Applications in Cancer Biology and Therapeutics

    This module provides knowledge of a wide range of techniques used in modern cell biology from basic to advanced cell culture, diagnostic histopathology, cytotoxic and genotoxic investigations, flow cytometry, bioinformatics. Contemporary applications of cell biology will be explored in an in-depth critical manner.

    BHCS5011Z
    Basic and Clinical Neuroscience

    This module will provide an overview of current developments in Neuroscience focusing on current research and understanding of the molecular, cellular and physiological basis of neurological diseases, progression, diagnostic and screening developments. Treatment and areas for future therapies will also be critically discussed.

    BHCS5012Z
    Contemporary Applications in Neurobiology

    This module provides knowledge of a wide range of techniques used in modern neurobiology from basic to advanced cell culture, diagnostic histopathology, expression studies, imaging, disease model development, behavioural analysis, biostatistics. Contemporary applications of neurobiology will be explored in an in-depth critical manner.

    BIOM5003Z
    Contemporary Science of Infection and Immunity

    This module provides knowledge of the cellular and molecular basis of the microbial pathogenesis and immunity for a range of bacterial, viral and fungal infections. Current methods and techniques for investigative microbiology and immunology will also be explored in an in-depth critical manner.

    BIOM5006Z
    Research Project

    This module is comprised of independent self-directed study under the guidance of a project advisor. It includes the development of a research question and associated design and execution of a research study.

The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry.

Every postgraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the programme aims, the programme structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

The following programme specification represents the latest programme structure and may be subject to change:

MSc Medical Engineering Programme Specification September 2024 7396

Nanotechnology pathway

MSc Medical Engineering with Nanotechnology is the first programme available in the UK offering students the unique learning experience to study about nano-enabled medical devices, implants and biomaterials, nanoelectronics and biosensors. The content covers cutting edge technologies and nanotechnology applications driven by the research activities of the Medical Engineering and Biomaterials and Nanotechnology and Electronics Research Groups. This research-informed stream is carefully designed so that no prerequisite knowledge in medical engineering or nanotechnology is necessary and is ideal for applicants coming from an engineering, computing, biomedical sciences, medicine, dentistry, biology or chemistry background. The course is also suitable for mathematics, health profession or psychology graduates with a sufficient science background and/or relevant industrial experience.

Biomedical diagnostics pathway

MSc Medical Engineering with Biomedical Diagnostics is a unique programme in the UK specifically designed for those students who wish to combine core medical engineering with advances in biomedical science in on one of our three specialist areas: Cancer Biology, Clinical Neuroscience, Infection & Immunity. This research-informed stream is ideal for applicants coming from a biology, biomedical science, medical, dental or clinical background who wish to study alongside expert academic researchers in medical engineering and clinical bioscience. Students in this pathway will further benefit from having the option to select from a medical engineering or biomedical science themed research project.

Entry requirements

A 2:2 honours degree or above in engineering/computing/robotics/biomedical science/biology/medicine/dentistry/chemistry. 
The programme is also suitable for mathematics, health profession and psychology graduates with sufficient science background and/or relevant industrial experience.
We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary .
If English is not your mother tongue 6.5 IELTS with a minimum of 5.5 in any element in a secure English language test.
The University of Plymouth offers pre-sessional English language courses if you do not have this.

Fees, costs and funding

Student 2024-2025 2025-2026
Home £10,700 £11,350
International £19,800 £20,400
Part time (Home) £590 £630
Full time fees shown are per annum. Part time fees shown are per 10 credits. Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them shown in the prospectus are correct at the time of going to print. Fees shown on the web are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and funding.

Tuition fee discount for University of Plymouth graduates

If you studied your undergraduate degree at Plymouth, you may be eligible for a fee discount if you complete your postgraduate studies here as well.
  • 10% or 20% discount on tuition fees for home students 
  • For 2024/2025 entry, a 20% discount on tuition fees for international students (International alumni who have applied to the University through an agent are not eligible to receive the discount)

How to apply

Apply online

When to apply

Most of our taught programmes begin in September. Applications can usually be made throughout the year, and are considered until programmes are full.

Before you apply

Familiarise yourself with the information required to complete your application form. You will usually be required to supply:
  • evidence of qualifications (degree certificates or transcripts), with translations if not in English, to show that you meet, or expect to meet the entry requirements
  • evidence of English language proficiency, if English is not your first language
  • a personal statement of approximately 250-400 words about the reasons for your interest in the course and outlining the nature of previous and current related experience. You can write this into the online application form, or include it as a separate document
  • your curriculum vitae or résumé, including details of relevant professional/voluntary experience, professional registration/s and visa status for overseas workers
  • proof of sponsorship, if applicable.
If you require further information take a look at our application guidance.  

Disability Inclusion Services

If you have an impairment, health condition or disability, learn about the additional support the University provides .

International students

Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office. Take a look at our how to apply information or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Submitting an application

Once you are happy that you have all of the information required you can apply using our online postgraduate application form (the blue 'Apply' icon on this page). 

What happens after I apply?

You will normally receive a decision on your application within four weeks of us receiving your application. You may be asked to provide additional information; two academic/professional references, confirming your suitability for the course; or to take part in an interview (which in the case of overseas students may be by telephone or video conference) and you will be sent a decision by letter or email.
We aim to make the application procedure as simple and efficient as possible. Our Admissions and Course Enquiries team is on hand to offer help and can put you in touch with the appropriate faculty if you wish to discuss any programme in detail. 
If you would like any further information please contact the Admissions and Course Enquiries team:
Telephone: +44 1752 585858
Email: admissions@plymouth.ac.uk 

Admissions policy

More information and advice for applicants can be referenced in our admissions policy which can be found on the student regulations, policies and procedures page. Prospective students are advised to read the policy before making an application to the University.

Nanotechnology and Electronics Research Group

Our mission is to explore interdisciplinary research opportunities at the interfaces of nanotechnology, electronics and other disciplines with a particular focus on nanomaterial-based biosensing techniques for disease diagnosis, artificial intelligence and machine learning in big data analysis, biomarker discovery and decision support, signal processing and coding, along with nanomaterials devices for renewable energy and clean water technologies.
Silicon Wafers and Microcircuits - A wafer is a thin slice of semiconductor material, such as a crystalline silicon, used in electronics for the fabrication of integrated circuits.

Medical engineering and biomaterials

The Medical Engineering and Biomaterials Research group in SECaM works closely with the Schools of Biology, Biomedical Sciences and Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry, as well as the University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, creating a rich academic environment that produces world-leading research on nanosafety and biomaterials.
Medical Engineering and Biomaterials Research group

Babbage Building: where engineering meets design

“The building provides a state-of-the-art setting to inspire the engineers and designers of tomorrow, making it the ultimate place to bring together students, academics and industry in an environment that not only benefits them but also society as a whole.” – Professor Deborah Greaves OBE
Situated on the western edge of our city centre campus, the landmark new facility is home to the School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics
and offers additional space for the School of Art, Design and Architecture .
 
Exterior of Babbage building

People

Meet our school technical staff  

Our technical staff are integral to the delivery of all our programmes and bring a diverse range of expertise and skills to support students in laboratories and workshops.