Biomedical Engineering BEng Biomedical Engineering (with Year in Industry) BEng
This dynamic three-year course gives you a strong foundation in applying engineering principles and design thinking to real-world healthcare technologies. Drawing on UCL’s research excellence and close partnerships with leading hospitals, it prepares you for careers across the full spectrum of medical technology; from imaging and diagnosis to monitoring and treatment.
Key information
Key information
Entry requirements
Students must meet specific academic requirements and obtain approval from the Department of Medical Physics & Biomedical Engineering for their chosen placement. Please note that it is the student’s responsibility to identify and secure a placement opportunity, and external factors may affect the availability of placements or a student’s ability to undertake them, even where the academic criteria are met.
The selection procedure is highly competitive and is subject to requirements set by the host organisation at the time that the year in industry is offered. Requirements may include both academic minimum requirements and succeeding at an interview with the company.
- Grades
- A*AA
- Subjects
- A*A in Mathematics and Physics required (in any order). Biology acceptable in lieu of Physics, if Physics grade A or 7 achieved at GCSE. Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, and Engineering preferred as a third subject (in that order), but not essential.
- Subjects
- A*A in Mathematics and Physics required (in any order). Biology acceptable in lieu of Physics, if Physics grade A or 7 achieved at GCSE. Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, and Engineering preferred as a third subject (in that order), but not essential.
- GCSEs
- English Language and Mathematics at grade C or 4
Contextual offer
- Grades
- AAB
- Subjects
- A in Mathematics, B in Physics. Biology acceptable in lieu of Physics, if Physics grade A or 7 achieved at GCSE. Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, and Engineering preferred as a third subject (in that order), but not essential.
- Subjects
- A in Mathematics, B in Physics. Biology acceptable in lieu of Physics, if Physics grade A or 7 achieved at GCSE. Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, and Engineering preferred as a third subject (in that order), but not essential.
- GCSEs
- English Language and Mathematics at grade C or 4
At least two A level subjects should be taken from UCL's list of preferred A level subjects.
- Points
- 39
- Subjects
- A total of 19 points overall in three higher level subjects, including grade 7 and 6 in Mathematics and Physics (in any order), with no higher level score below 5. Biology at Higher Level acceptable in lieu of Physics, if Physics taken at Standard Level. The course will accept either ‘Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches’ or ‘Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation’ at higher level.
- Subjects
- A total of 19 points overall in three higher level subjects, including grade 7 and 6 in Mathematics and Physics (in any order), with no higher level score below 5. Biology at Higher Level acceptable in lieu of Physics, if Physics taken at Standard Level. The course will accept either ‘Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches’ or ‘Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation’ at higher level.
Contextual offer
- Points
- 36
- Subjects
- A total of 17 points overall in three higher level subjects, including Mathematics at 6 and Physics at 5. Biology at Higher Level acceptable in lieu of Physics, if Physics taken at Standard Level. The course will accept either ‘Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches’ or ‘Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation’ at higher level.
- Subjects
- A total of 17 points overall in three higher level subjects, including Mathematics at 6 and Physics at 5. Biology at Higher Level acceptable in lieu of Physics, if Physics taken at Standard Level. The course will accept either ‘Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches’ or ‘Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation’ at higher level.
The English language level for this programme is: Level 1
Information about the evidence required, acceptable qualifications and test providers can be found on our English language requirements page.
A variety of English language programmes are offered at the UCL Centre for Languages and International Education.
The Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates (UPC) prepare international students for a UCL undergraduate degree who do not have the qualifications to enter directly. These intensive one-year foundation courses are taught on our central London campus.
Typical UPC students will be high achievers in a 12-year school system which does not meet the standard required for direct entry to UCL.
For more information see: ucl.ac.uk/upc.
About this course
Biomedical engineers work at the intersection of medicine and technology, collaborating with clinicians, therapists and researchers to design the systems, equipment and devices that diagnose, monitor and treat disease. Their innovations include prosthetics, artificial hearts, dialysis machines, laser and robotic surgical tools, pacemakers, and wearable health technologies.
This degree is part of UCL’s Integrated Engineering Programme (IEP), an interdisciplinary framework that equips students with a firm grounding in core engineering principles while developing the breadth, adaptability and problem-solving skills needed to address real-world healthcare challenges.
Year 1 provides a foundation in biomedical engineering, covering electronics, mechanics, computing, and the mathematical modelling and analysis essential for designing complex medical technologies.
Year 2 builds depth through modules in anatomy and physiology, tissue engineering and biomechanics. You will also choose an IEP minor from options across UCL Engineering and beyond, such as programming, entrepreneurship or a foreign language.
Year 3 includes three advanced biomedical engineering modules, two further modules from your chosen IEP minor and an additional optional module. A major individual project, often linked to UCL Engineering research or our extensive healthcare partnerships, allows you to specialise and gain hands-on experience.
We offer the option of studying the three-year BEng or a more in-depth four-year Biomedical Engineering MEng course. The first three years are shared, and transfer between the two pathways is possible up to the end of Year Three, subject to achieving an average weighted mark of 55% to continue on the MEng course.
Biomedical engineers work at the intersection of medicine and technology, collaborating with clinicians, therapists and researchers to design the systems, equipment and devices that diagnose, monitor and treat disease. Their innovations include prosthetics, artificial hearts, dialysis machines, laser and robotic surgical tools, pacemakers, and wearable health technologies.
This degree is part of UCL’s Integrated Engineering Programme (IEP), an interdisciplinary framework that equips students with a firm grounding in core engineering principles while developing the breadth, adaptability and problem-solving skills needed to address real-world healthcare challenges.
Year 1 provides a foundation in biomedical engineering, covering electronics, mechanics, computing, and the mathematical modelling and analysis essential for designing complex medical technologies.
Year 2 builds depth through modules in anatomy and physiology, tissue engineering and biomechanics. You will also choose an IEP minor from options across UCL Engineering and beyond, such as programming, entrepreneurship or a foreign language.
The Year in Industry takes place in year 2 or 3 of this 4-year degree. This optional extra year enables students to undertake a paid or unpaid placement with a professional organisation, gaining valuable real-world experience and applying academic knowledge in an organisational context.
Successful candidates will remain full-time students but will spend the majority of their extra year at the company site and will normally receive employee benefits.
Year 4 includes three advanced biomedical engineering modules, two further modules from your chosen IEP minor and an additional optional module. A major individual project, often linked to UCL Engineering research or our extensive healthcare partnerships, allows you to specialise and gain hands-on experience.
Biomedical Engineering students possess altruistic characteristics and demonstrate a genuine desire to improve healthcare outcomes for their community.
As a student, you will explore novel and innovative solutions while fuelling your curiosity, and navigating the dynamic intersections of biology and engineering.
Joining UCL, the home of disruptive thinkers, ensures you will become part of a university that not only values these qualities but also actively contributes to changing the world for the better.
Course structure
In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 15 or 30 credits, adding up to a total of 120 credits for the year.
Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from course to course and year to year.
A 30-credit module is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).
Course structure
Students who successfully complete the year in industry, and an associated piece of coursework, have an additional 20-credit module on their final degree transcript, relative to the parent BEng degree.
Students will return to UCL after the Year in Industry, resuming the same course as the parent BEng course.
Modules
In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 15 or 30 credits, adding up to a total of 120 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 30-credit module is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).
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 is 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.
Compulsory modules
- Engineering Challenges (ENGF0001)
- Mathematical Modelling and Analysis 1 (ENGF0003)
- Design and Professional Skills I (Biomedical Engineering) (ENGF0031)
- Materials and Mechanics (MPHY0003)
- Medical Instrumentation 1 (MPHY0004)
- Foundations of Biomedical Engineering (MPHY0055)
- Introduction to Computing in Biomedical Engineering (MPHY0056)
Compulsory modules
- Mathematical Modelling and Analysis II (ENGF0004)
- Fundamentals of Biomechanics (MECH0018)
- Anatomy and Physiology with Biomedical Applications (MPHY0008)
- Design and Professional Skills in Biomedical Engineering (MPHY0010)
- Medical Instrumentation 2 (MPHY0011)
- Programming for Biomedical Engineering (MPHY0058)
- Applied Tissue Engineering (SURG0058)
Optional modules
- Manufacturing Regenerative Medicines: from Lab Bench to Industry (BENG0011)
- Engineering Mathematics in Finance (BENG0019)
- Tech Journalism: Writing, Researching, and Reporting News in Technology, Science, and Engineering (BENG0026)
- Introduction to Environmental Engineering (CEGE0010)
- Inorganic Chemistry for Engineers (CENG0014)
- Intelligent Systems (COMP0014)
- Introduction to Programming (COMP0015)
- Connected Systems (ELEC0017)
- Introduction to Nanotechnology (ELEC0018)
- Introduction to Robotics (ELEC0129)
Compulsory modules
- Clinical Engineering (MPHY0009)
- Medical Electronics and Neural Engineering (MPHY0037)
- Research Project in Biomedical Engineering (MPHY0042)
- Medical Imaging for Biomedical Engineers (MPHY0057)
Optional modules
Compulsory modules
- Engineering Challenges (ENGF0001)
- Mathematical Modelling and Analysis 1 (ENGF0003)
- Design and Professional Skills I (Biomedical Engineering) (ENGF0031)
- Materials and Mechanics (MPHY0003)
- Medical Instrumentation 1 (MPHY0004)
- Foundations of Biomedical Engineering (MPHY0055)
- Introduction to Computing in Biomedical Engineering (MPHY0056)
Compulsory modules
- Mathematical Modelling and Analysis II (ENGF0004)
- Fundamentals of Biomechanics (MECH0018)
- Anatomy and Physiology with Biomedical Applications (MPHY0008)
- Design and Professional Skills in Biomedical Engineering (MPHY0010)
- Medical Instrumentation 2 (MPHY0011)
- Programming for Biomedical Engineering (MPHY0058)
- Applied Tissue Engineering (SURG0058)
Optional modules
- Manufacturing Regenerative Medicines: from Lab Bench to Industry (BENG0011)
- Engineering Mathematics in Finance (BENG0019)
- Tech Journalism: Writing, Researching, and Reporting News in Technology, Science, and Engineering (BENG0026)
- Introduction to Environmental Engineering (CEGE0010)
- Inorganic Chemistry for Engineers (CENG0014)
- Intelligent Systems (COMP0014)
- Introduction to Programming (COMP0015)
- Connected Systems (ELEC0017)
- Introduction to Nanotechnology (ELEC0018)
- Introduction to Robotics (ELEC0129)
Compulsory modules
Compulsory modules
- Clinical Engineering (MPHY0009)
- Medical Electronics and Neural Engineering (MPHY0037)
- Research Project in Biomedical Engineering (MPHY0042)
- Medical Imaging for Biomedical Engineers (MPHY0057)
Optional modules
Academic lectures are complemented by practical, problem-solving activities that build your skills in teamwork, design and communication. Alongside lectures, you will take part in tutorials, laboratory sessions and both individual and group projects. In Year Three, projects are usually carried out within active, well-equipped research groups, many of which collaborate closely with local hospitals. Some lectures and project work are shared with students in medical physics, medicine and other engineering disciplines, reflecting the inherently multidisciplinary nature of biomedical engineering.
This degree is part of the Integrated Engineering Programme (IEP), which combines strong discipline-specific teaching with opportunities to work across departments. You will gain rigorous technical knowledge while also developing professional skills and experience through interdisciplinary, research-led projects.
The course includes an optional additional placement year in industry, via a Post Enrolment Specialism, where eligible students spend a year working on site with an approved industry partner organisation. This is usually UK-based but occasionally may be overseas.
The course includes an optional additional placement year in industry, via a Post Enrolment Specialism, where eligible students spend a year working on site with an approved industry partner organisation. This is usually UK-based but occasionally may be overseas.
Modules are assessed by a wide range of methods, including coursework, presentations, group work and end-of-year examinations.
You can expect around 15 contact hours each week, including lectures, seminars and laboratory sessions, with additional time allocated when practical classes are scheduled. Outside formal teaching, you should plan to spend approximately 20 hours per week on independent study, reviewing material and completing coursework.
Overall, you should expect to dedicate at least 40 hours per week to your studies. Most modules include around 36–40 contact hours delivered across a ten-week term (excluding reading week).
You can expect around 15 contact hours each week, including lectures, seminars and laboratory sessions, with additional time allocated when practical classes are scheduled. Outside formal teaching, you should plan to spend approximately 20 hours per week on independent study, reviewing material and completing coursework.
Overall, you should expect to dedicate at least 40 hours per week to your studies. Most modules include around 36–40 contact hours delivered across a ten-week term (excluding reading week).
Year in Industry
The hours in your Year in Industry will be determined by your placement.
The department will endeavour to make reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities, including those with long-term health conditions, neurodivergence, learning differences and mental health conditions. This list is not exhaustive. If you are unsure of your eligibility for reasonable adjustments at UCL, please contact Student Support and Wellbeing Services.
Reasonable adjustments are implemented on a case-by-case basis. With the student's consent, reasonable adjustments are considered by UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services, and where required, in collaboration with the respective department.
Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information about support available can be obtained from UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services.
For more information about the department and accessibility arrangements for your course, please contact the department.
Fees and funding
| Study mode | UK fee (2026/27) | Overseas fee (2026/27) |
|---|---|---|
| Full time | N/A | N/A |
UK undergraduate fees for 2026/27 are subject to parliamentary approval and are for the first year only. Fees for subsequent years may be subject to increase: Student Terms and Conditions. UK fees are in line with the Government announcement on fee cap increases. Fees for 2027/28 entry will be published in August 2026.
International undergraduate students benefit from a cohort guarantee unless indicated below, meaning that their tuition fees will not increase during the course of the programme, but UCL reserves the right to increase tuition fees to reflect any sums (including levies, taxes, or similar financial charges) that UCL is required to pay any governmental authority in connection with tuition fees.
International fees shown are the fees that will be charged to 2026/27 entrants.
Full details of UCL's tuition fees, tuition fee policy and potential increases to fees can be found on the UCL Students website.
Additional costs
It is expected that students will provide their own laptop that would allow them to have access to the Virtual Learning Environment used at UCL (Moodle), where students will access the module content and submit assignments.
It is advisable to have a Windows laptop. While we’ll try our best to ensure they are compatible with both MS Windows and Mac OS, some of the more specialised software we provide is only developed/supported for Windows operating systems.
This device should also allow students to install certain pieces of software. The minimum Windows specifications are Windows 11 or Windows 10 (version 21H2 or higher), 8GB RAM, any Intel or AMDx86–64 processor with four logical cores, greater than 1.7GHz and AVX2instruction set support and with at least one USB-A port (or a USB-C to USB-A adaptor/hub).
For complex modelling and processing, you will need a 3 GHz or greater processor with 6 or more cores, 16GB RAM and a dedicated GPU with 4GB or more VRAM, DirectX 11 (Direct3D 11 or greater) graphics card.
Laptops with 8GB RAM cost approximately £300-£400 and above (as of December 2025) and laptops with 16GB RAM cost approximately £600-£700 (as of December 2025).
If students have an existing device that does not quite meet the recommendations here, we understand that they might want to wait and see how it gets on, before deciding whether to upgrade. UCL Library has a selection of devices for short term loan but only for use with pre-installed programs/apps.
You will require an approved model of calculator for use in exams. Currently this is either the Casio FX-85GT X or Casio FX-83GT X, which can be purchased for around £11–£15. For details, please see the UCL examinations guide.
This course does not have any other additional costs outside of generic stationery and occasional travel to other sites in the London area. Purchasing books is optional.
For in-person teaching, UCL's main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1–2 is £119.90. This price was published by TfL in 2026. For more information on additional costs for prospective students and the cost of living in London, please view our estimated cost of essential expenditure at UCL's cost of living guide. If you are concerned by potential additional costs for books, equipment, etc., please get in touch with the relevant departmental contact (details given on this page).
Additional costs
Students who wish to explore the opportunities to undertake a year in industry should note that these may incur additional costs. The cost of a year in industry can be difficult to predict as it will depend on the student’s own priorities and choices, as well as the location of the organisation they wish to use for the placement. Associated costs may include travel and accommodation.
For in-person teaching, UCL's main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1–2 is £119.90. This price was published by TfL in 2026. For more information on additional costs for prospective students and the cost of living in London, please view our estimated cost of essential expenditure at UCL's cost of living guide. If you are concerned by potential additional costs for books, equipment, etc., please get in touch with the relevant departmental contact (details given on this page).
Various funding options are available, including student loans, scholarships and bursaries. UK students whose household income falls below a certain level may also be eligible for a non-repayable bursary or for certain scholarships. Please see the Fees and funding pages for more details.
Why study this course at UCL?
- Integrated Engineering Programme (IEP): Our framework ensures you don’t just specialise — you graduate with a broad understanding of engineering and the context of design in healthcare. Find out more about the IEP.
- Global research excellence: UCL is ranked ninth globally (QS World University Rankings 2026) and was rated second in the UK for research power (REF 2021). You’ll be learning in an environment that’s pushing the boundaries of healthcare innovation.
- Real-world impact: Work on cutting-edge healthcare technologies — such as implantable medical devices, AI-powered diagnostics and medical imaging — through modules and major research projects that connect you with clinical settings and industry.
- Tailor your journey: Choose to study a three-year BEng or a four-year MEng degree. You’ll choose from advanced optional modules to shape your studies around your interests.
- Supportive and interactive learning: Close engagement with staff, opportunities for internships, student-ambassador schemes and research experience.
Discover Uni
To see official information about this course and others visit Discover Uni.
What this course will give you
Our graduates progress into a wide range of careers, from research and academia to clinical science, the NHS, medical physics and biomedical engineering industries. Many also apply their skills beyond the healthcare sector, reflecting the versatility of a biomedical engineering degree (Graduate Outcomes survey carried out by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), looking at the destinations of graduates in the 2017–2023 cohorts).
To explore typical career paths and see where our alumni are working now, visit the Medical Physics & Biomedical Engineering careers webpage.
Engineers are highly valued for their logical thinking, numerical skills and ability to solve complex problems as part of interdisciplinary teams. Graduates with this skill set are in demand across academia, hospitals and a wide range of industries, where their technical expertise and collaborative approach make them strong candidates for diverse career paths.
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Register nowHow to apply
Application for admission should be made through UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). Applicants currently at school or college will be provided with advice on the process; however, applicants who have left school or who are based outside the United Kingdom may obtain information directly from UCAS.
Applications should be made through UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). Applicants currently at school or college will be provided with advice on the process; however, applicants who have left school or who are based outside the United Kingdom may obtain information directly from UCAS.
Selection
For further information on UCL's selection process see: How we assess your application.
Apply for this course
You are applying for the Biomedical Engineering BEng course. Please note that the course options presented as post-enrolment specialisms will be available for you to choose once your enrolment is confirmed. For application guidance please visit Application guidelines.Course starts: September Block 0 2027
UCAS applications open for 2027 entry on 12 May 2026.
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Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering
Click to email. medphys.teaching@ucl.ac.ukUCL is regulated by the Office for Students.
