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Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technologies MSc

London, Stanmore

This full-time, part-time, or modular MSc focuses on the design, development, and clinical application of novel rehabilitative and assistive technologies. You will work with the Aspire Create team, a group of assistive technology specialists who are engineering the next generation of these technologies, in partnership with UCL clinicians at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital.

UK students International students
Study mode
UK tuition fees (2023/24)
£16,100
£8,050
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Overseas tuition fees (2023/24)
£32,100
£16,050
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Duration
1 calendar year
2 calendar years
5 calendar years
Programme starts
September 2023
Applications accepted
All applicants: 17 Oct 2022 – 30 Jun 2023
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Apply for this course

Entry requirements

Prospective students should have a minimum of an upper second-class UK Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Science (including Medicine), Engineering, Computer Science or Physics; an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard; or sufficient relevant professional experience.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 2

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level. International Preparation Courses

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree


Rehabilitation engineering is a rapidly developing field that has the potential to revolutionise the way people are living with the impacts of injury, illness, or ageing, and help them take back control of their lives. 

This MSc focuses on how state-of-the-art technologies, haptic devices and neuromodulation can be developed and used to restore or substitute motor function. The programme focuses on applications to complex and challenging medical conditions such as spinal cord injuries, stroke, and neuromuscular diseases, as well as issues that arise from our ageing population.

You will develop core fundamental knowledge of these interdisciplinary subjects, as well as transferable research skills. Alongside the taught modules, you will take part in a specially tailored group research project, in addition to your own project where you investigate your own research question.

Most students choose to study this programme full-time over 12 months. If you would prefer to spread it out over a longer period, you study with us part-time over two years, or flexibly over a maximum of five years.

Who this course is for

This programme is aimed primarily at engineers, physicists and computer scientists who want to make a difference to society by developing their skills and knowledge to help those in need.

Read about what it takes to study for a Master's at UCL

What this course will give you

  • In-depth understanding of how state-of-the-art technologies can be developed and translated into clinical practice.
  • The knowledge needed to tackle real problems faced by people with complex and challenging medical conditions, such as spinal cord injuries and stroke.
  • Specialist theoretical knowledge with opportunities to put this into practice through research-based learning activities.
  • A highly interdisciplinary research focus that will give you experience of the academic, clinical and third sectors.
  • A programme run by internationally renowned UCL academics, in conjunction with clinicians at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, assistive technology specialists from the Aspire charity, and our industrial research partners.
  • Networking opportunities throughout the course.
Read about what you'll get out of a graduate programme
Making an impact
3D printed biomimetic neck collar

Case study: UCL clinician designs 3D printed biomimetic neck collar

The device combines 3D scanning, procedural design and 3D printing to create personalised support braces that are light, strong and comfortable for the patient.

The foundation of your career

Graduates go onto careers in academic research, biomedical R&D engineering, clinical science, and entrepreneurial start-ups. Some of our alumni are pursuing PhDs at world-leading universities, including ETH Zurich, Switzerland, and University College London, while others have taken positions in the industrial biomedical engineering sector.

As a medical student coming from a non-engineering background, I've gained a range of skills, from basic electronics to coding on a range of platforms.

Ashish Rathore

Ashish Rathore

Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technologies, MSc

Hear from our students

Employability

This research-intensive MSc will prepare you with core fundamental knowledge and skills for the rehabilitation engineering and assistive technologies sector.

You will graduate with both technical and transferable skills, including project planning, organisation, critical analysis, and communication and teamwork skills.

Importantly, you will refine your communication skills by interacting with different audiences and learn how to pitch your arguments at the right level - a highly valued skill in any sector.

Teaching and learning

Teaching is delivered through a mix of interactive lectures, seminars, and supervisor sessions. You will also do a group research project, which allows you to develop your skills and learn from the strengths of your peers.

You will be assessed by a variety of methods across the different modules. These will include coursework, such as lab reports, portfolios, reflective journals, and essays.

You will also have several examinations, including multiple choice questions, short and long answer questions, presentations (PowerPoint, video) and oral (viva) examinations.

Around 30% of your time on the programme is dedicated to lectures, seminars and other teaching activities. This may vary slightly depending on the optional modules you select. The remaining 70% is for independent study and your research project.

Modules

In term one, you will study four compulsory taught modules: 'Applications of Rehabilitation Engineering', including notions of anatomy and physiology (this module is taught across terms one and two), 'Research Methods', 'Rehabilitation Robotics' and 'Biomechanics for Assistive Technologies'.

In parallel, you will apply your learning from these modules to your group research project. You will also be given some guidance and start thinking about selecting your individual research project.

In term two, you will complete the module on 'Applications of Rehabilitation Engineering' and continue with your group research project. You will also study two additional specialist taught modules that will address cutting-edge topics.

In term three, you will work full time on your individual project, with the support of your supervisory team, submitting your final report in August or September.

This MSc is available on a part-time basis over two years, with flexibility in the number of modules you take each year.

As the modules only run once a year, there are restrictions in the order you can take them, and it is not possible to complete this course by only working evenings or the same months every year. You will need to attend the university on specific dates and take your assessments on set days.

If you are interested in this option, please email the programme lead before applying.

This MSc is also available on a modular/flexible basis, with flexibility in the number of modules you take each year.

As the modules only run once a year, there are restrictions in the order you can take them, and it is not possible to complete this course by only working evenings or the same months each year. You will need to attend the university on specific dates and take your assessments on set days.

If you are interested in this option, please email the programme lead before applying.

Compulsory modules








Optional modules














Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MSc in Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technologies.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support & Wellbeing team.

Where you'll study

Medical lamp and equipment

As world leaders in medical and biomedical research, we design innovative courses for clinicians and scientists that meet new patient and industry needs. These are led by some of the greatest scientific minds, so you get a research-based learning experience. Our cutting-edge expertise ensures that you will be taught the latest techniques using the most advanced equipment. Our activities are split across three sites. Our Department of Targeted Intervention is based at Bloomsbury campus in central London. Our Department of Surgical Biotechnology is based at the Royal Free campus in Hampstead. Our Department of Orthopaedics and Musculoskeletal Science is based at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore, north-west London.

Learn more about Surgery & Interventional Science

Visit us

All open days and events

Online - Open day

Meet the team: Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technologies MSc

The team gives a short presentation about the programme, including details on modules, research projects, our plans for how teaching in 2020 might look, and answers any questions.

Watch on demand event

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time Part-time
Tuition fees (2023/24) £16,100 £8,050
Tuition fees (2023/24) £32,100 £16,050

Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees.

Additional costs

The core textbooks are available from the UCL Institute of Orthopaedics Library, and journal articles in your reading lists are also mostly available electronically. Some students like to purchase their own textbooks or print course documents, for which we suggest allowing £500 per year.

Most teaching takes place at RNOH Stanmore, and there may also be sessions at other locations. Students will be required to pay for travel costs which could range between £25-£60 per week.

A Disclosure and Barring Service check will be needed if you choose an individual project working with some groups of participants considered vulnerable, such as some children and patients.

For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs.

Funding your studies

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission. More information is available on the CSC website.

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.

See all the ways you can fund your studies

Next steps

Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.

There is an application processing fee for this programme of £90 for online applications and £115 for paper applications. Further information can be found at Application fees.

When we assess your application, we would like to learn:

  • Why you want to study Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technologies at graduate level.
  • Why you want to study Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technologies at UCL.
  • What particularly attracts you to the chosen programme.
  • How your academic and professional background meets the demands of this challenging programme.
  • Where you would like to go professionally with your degree.

Together with essential academic requirements, the personal statement is your opportunity to illustrate whether your reasons for applying to this programme match what the programme will deliver.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2023-2024

Apply for this course

Got questions? Get in touch

Division of Surgery and Interventional Science
Division of Surgery and Interventional Science

reat-msc@ucl.ac.uk

UCL is regulated by the Office for Students.