About this course
We’ll support you to develop a broad knowledge of engineering, mathematics and science skills – everything you’ll need to succeed when you move on to BEng Biomedical Engineering. Biomedical engineering is a very diverse field which is also developing rapidly. To help you to become a bioengineer of the future, we work closely with industry to ensure you are as well-prepared as possible for a career in this exciting and rewarding industry.
If you want to change your direction at the end of your foundation year, that’s OK. The flexibility means that we can support you if you want to move on to one of our other engineering courses in your second year.
We’ll give you plenty of opportunities to get hands-on while developing skills to find solutions to current and future health issues. Live briefs, challenges from industry and placements all add up to give you a rounded learning experience employers want to see.
Our Biomedical Engineering courses are highly practical and use real examples and projects from industry and medicine. On this course you’ll look at current health issues and develop materials, processes and devices that help prevent or treat disease or rehabilitate patients. Areas of bioengineering covered on this course are biomaterials, bioinstrumentation, biomechanics, medical imaging, rehabilitation, and cellular, tissue, and genetic engineering.
With the focus firmly on problem-solving and live project work, we aim to give you three to four years of industry experience before you graduate. Who wouldn’t want that on their CV?
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Top 20 in the UK for General Engineering (Complete University Guide 2025) -
4th in the UK for General Engineering (Guardian University Guide 2024)
Engineering Experience Day
Tuesday 1 July, 10am - 4 pm
Experience what it's like to study Engineering at university. On this taster day you’ll use the latest cutting-edge facilities as you have a go at sending a coded message on a Morse code Arduino transceiver and use professional design software in our high-performance computing labs.
What you’ll study
Each year you'll take a combination of core modules to give you a solid grounding in engineering, specialist modules where you'll gain the specific skills needed for your particular subject area, and practical and project modules where you'll work on a task or project set by industry.
An optional placement year is available, this will typically take place after Year Three, and you will return to campus for your final year in Year Five.
Study abroad opportunities
Get ready to embark on an adventure with our study abroad programs at partner universities or by getting a work placement overseas. Both opportunities will boost your employability, build lifelong friendships, and allow you to experience the world in a whole new way.
Introductory Mathematics
This module provides an introduction to important mathematical ideas, including Algebraic rearrangement, Trigonometry, Vectors, Descriptive Statistics, Integration and Differentiation. You’ll gain an understanding of ideas that form the basis of later, more specialised, developments and you’ll be able to solve simple but realistic mathematical problems.
Intermediate Mathematics
This module aims to provide the link between Introductory Mathematics and degree level Mathematics. You’ll cover more complex topics such as the chain rule and integration by parts, the generalisation of vectors to matrices, the approximation of numerical series, logic and probability, complex numbers and mathematical proof.
Foundation Science
In this module you’ll cover topics in Physics and Chemistry including exchange, transport and conservation of energy and inorganic, organic and physical chemistry. The aim of this module is to provide a sound scientific foundation for the study of engineering or mathematics at undergraduate degree level.
Foundation Engineering
This module includes basic electrical, electronic and mechanical engineering. Mechanics considers the consequences of applying forces to physical bodies; the electrical and electronics part of the module focuses on the scientific principles relevant to circuit theory, analogue electronics and components. Laboratory-based sessions will allow you to gain practical knowledge and experience.
Practical and Professional Skills
This module aims to provide a link between the theoretical modules on the course and their practical implementation. The professional skills aspect will help you with interpreting coursework requirements, exam and revision technique, note taking and referencing. The practical sessions will cover a variety of topics that require you to make use of the scientific principles and mathematical techniques that you’re learning in the other modules on the course.
Engineering Science Fundamentals
Study the aspects of materials from a macroscopic perspective, including their key properties, and develop the core knowledge and skills that are essential to engineers and to Engineering.
Engineering Mathematics and Technical Computing
Gain the relevant mathematical and computational skills for analysis and design that underpin many areas of engineering. These core mathematical skills will inform the discipline specific mathematics and computing skills you will use in the design, manufacture of testing of engineered products in the coming years.
Innovation and Engineering Solutions
Learn the physical and IT workshop skills required in the design and manufacture of products, including basic design methods and fabrication. In Terms One and Two the module is taught through a series of lectures and short projects, and includes industry training in Autodesk Fusion 360. In Term Three the module will culminate in a three-week Grand Challenge group project in which you will bring together the skills and techniques learned in this (and other) modules to solve an engineering challenge.
Anatomy, Physiology and Biomechanics
Study the basic methods for data collection and numerical techniques for analysing data to answer simple research questions in anatomy, physiology and biomechanics.
Chemistry of Materials
Learn how Biomedical engineers use their knowledge of science and mathematics to help solve health problems. You will be equipped with the fundamental knowledge necessary to understand ‘what’ can be used and ‘why’ certain materials are chosen for particular biomedical applications.
Digital Systems and Computer Engineering
Examine the theory of digital systems and gain hands-on experience integrating computing and electronics in order to solve practical problems.
Engineering Modelling and Simulation Techniques
Study a range of analytical and numerical techniques that are needed to solve mathematical models including the approximation of functions using series; Fourier analysis; numerical integration and differentiation methods; and solutions of ordinary and partial differential equations.
Industrial Design and Product Case Studies
Through understanding the parts and materials involved in designing a product, you’ll explore how a product should be manufactured. You’ll consider the design and manufacture processes, materials, assembly, rapid prototyping, efficiency and tolerance, analysis of quality, product maintenance and safety, costs, sustainability, business and consumer needs.
Integrated Group Design Project
This module is a practical project-based module, where you will immerse yourself in engineering projects and product analysis. You will use the practical and project related skills you’ve developed so far, alongside necessary project management skills to design and produce components and / or products.
Tissue Engineering, Biomaterials and Biocompatibility
Study both medical and veterinary applications of tissue engineering, biomaterials and biocompatibility which are becoming increasingly important in medicine for the treatment of patients with a number of different conditions.
Biomedical Imaging and Sensing
Biosensing is an important development in the recognition and recording of processes in the body. In the laboratory you will develop biosensors to measure simple compounds and learn how reliability as well as accuracy is important and investigate how these might be used in a quality management system.
Core modules:
Performance Engineering
Determine appropriate methods during the product lifecycle and measure their effectiveness to reproduce products that perform the design function repeatedly, produce products that are right first time and meet the customer requirements.
Individual Engineering Project
Bring together the knowledge, understanding and skills developed during the course of your degree to undertake an individual industrial or research project of your own choosing.
You will investigate an engineering problem, implement solutions, critically evaluate and reflect on your work, and develop your abilities to communicate, self-organise and manage.
Medical Ethics, Regulation and Clinical Trials
Medical devices are regulated by a number of bodies throughout the world. Before a device or material can be used it will have to go through clinical trials to ensure the safety and efficacy of the intervention. In this module you will design and present a clinical trial that accounts for all the relevant ethical and regulatory issues.
Current Developments in Biomedical Engineering
Study the latest developments in bioengineering and help to predict future trends. By the end of the module you will understand the need for innovation and constant development in bioengineering and how you might personally develop your career in the future.
Final year options – choose one from:
Sensors and Embedded Electronics
Learn about the theory and practice of embedded electronics through the use of a small scale development project on an embedded platform. You will be equipped with a deeper understanding of electronic devices and sensor systems; from semiconductor technology through data acquisition and control to the design of embedded systems.
Human Factors Engineering
All too often, the most brilliant technical products are not used to their full potential because users are unable to operate them. This module will give you an understanding of what limits human performance including physical capability, mental agility and organisational systems. It will consider how to design products for targeted specialist users, or for the wider population.
Sustainability in Engineering Design
What happens to a product when it reaches the end of its useful life? As technology advances rapidly, many of the things we use become obsolete very quickly. This module considers designing for sustainability, and choosing materials and components that can be reused, repurposed or recycled.
Fundamentals of industry 4.0
Understand Industry 4.0 and how Cyber-Physical System (CPS) technology is attempting to make the products and systems smart and autonomous. By using real case studies from industry, you’ll explore the challenges and solutions that Industry 4.0 poses and gain insights into how ‘smartness’ is being harnessed from data.
Machine Learning for Engineers
Gain a foundation in mathematical methods and practical implementation of Machine Learning (ML) for engineering applications. This module covers methods for supervised, unsupervised, reinforcement and deep learning and you’ll reinforce your learning in our hands-on computer labs. You’ll also study Python programming, probability and statistics, regression and classification models as well as Markov decision processes.
We regularly review and update our course content based on student and employer feedback, ensuring that all of our courses remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or module availability in future years.
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves
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How you're taught
You’ll learn through a mix of:
- lectures - covering the key theories
- seminars - smaller-group sessions perfect for learning key skills and collaborative working
- practical sessions - using our extensive range of industry-standard facilities
- workshops - this includes surgery sessions where you’ll meet with your lecturer in small groups to discuss any problems or work through challenging topics.
The rest of your time will be spent carrying out independent study such as reading textbooks and lecture notes, and working on exercises.
A placement year may be taken between year 2 and year 3 of study.
All our engineering courses are taught through problem-solving and developing the right abilities to make you the very best engineer you can be. This is achieved by developing your engineering skills and knowledge through participation in several industry-led projects each year. These projects are put forward by industry to make you think, work and behave like a professional engineer. You'll also get to use the equipment used by engineering organisations across the globe.
These projects will inspire your creativity and give you experience in taking your idea from concept through to production. Year One projects include:
RevEng – Reverse Engineering
You will deconstruct everyday objects in order to gain understanding in design principles and consider potential improvements in terms of sustainability, manufacturing processes and cost.
Autodesk – Design Challenge
A three-day CAD training course on Autodesk Fusion, a powerful industry standard software package, followed by a Design Challenge set by industry. You will work in groups, applying the CAD skills you gained, to meet the brief set by industry.
Mars Lander
Design a landing system to carry a given payload from orbit to the surface of Mars, using the engineering fundamental principles you have learned during your Year One modules.
Laser cutting, 3D printing (Bridge, Light Pier support)
An industry standard software package will be used to design and model a bridge and a light pier support structure. You will be trained in using laser cutting and 3D printing, to build prototypes. Using the skills you gained during your modules you will make structures to withstand a given load.
Grand Challenge
Mark the end of your first year with this concept design project set by industry. You’ll present your results at an end of year show.
Research informed teaching
Our research is tackling real-world issues – and the people working on this research will be teaching you. It also informs the subjects you’ll be studying with us so you can be sure your knowledge will be cutting-edge in your field. In the last Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021) - the UK's system for assessing the quality and impact of research in universities - we’re proud that 98% of NTU's Engineering submission was assessed to be world-leading or internationally excellent.
Learn a new language
Alongside your study you also have the opportunity to learn a new language. The University Language Programme (ULP) is available to all students and gives you the option of learning a totally new language or improving the skills you already have. Find out more about the ULP.
How you're assessed
People excel in different ways, and we want everybody to have the best possible chance of success. That’s why we’ve adopted a range of assessment types, including:
- coursework, including group projects, case studies, dissertation and other assignments
- practical assessments, such as individual and group presentations, laboratory assessments and lab reports
- exams and tests, including formal exams, written tests and multiple-choice.
Careers and employability
Placements
Top 10 for the number of biomedical engineering students on year-long placements (HESA 2021/22)
NTU is one of the most employment-focused universities. Increasingly, employers want to recruit graduates who have real-world work experience. That’s why all of our courses, across every subject area, offer you a work experience opportunity. Our experts help build and support your future with a range of career programmes and events.
On this course, after your third year, you will have the opportunity to take a year's work placement (sandwich placement). This will give you the chance to gain vital experience and put your knowledge into practice. You're also twice as likely to secure a graduate job within six months if you take a work placement.
Our recent Engineering students have taken placements across a wide range of companies including Pirelli, Mercedes and the Government Operational Research Service. They secured varied roles such as Operational and Research Assistant, Quality Engineer and Engineering Assistant.
You'll be supported and assessed throughout your placement year and will write a reflective report and diary at the end of your placement. When you successfully complete your placement, you will be eligible to receive an additional award of a Diploma in Professional Practice.
Find out more about work placements.
Careers
You’ve probably already got some idea of the career path you want to take. Many of our graduates go on to work in engineering-based roles, but it’s worth remembering that the skills you learn on an engineering degree are transferable to a variety of careers. Research, presentation, team working and analytical skills are highly valued by employers in various professions, both related and unrelated to engineering.
Engineering graduates are in demand as they are attractive to a wide range of employers due to their analytical thinking, problem-solving, and strong numeracy skills. You’ll be well-placed to secure a career in a range of sectors, including the armed forces, logistics, teaching, IT, and banking. Recent NTU graduates have gone onto engineering positions in a variety of organisations including Pitney Bowes, the RAF, Rolls Royce, and Siemens.
Many graduates also choose to undertake further study on Masters-level courses, or MPhil and PhD research degrees.
NTU Enterprise
You'll also have the opportunity to turn your ideas into a viable business with help from NTU Enterprise, NTU's purpose-built Centre for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, a support centre to help students create, develop and grow their own businesses.
Campus and facilities
You’ll mainly be studying in the Engineering Building with access to facilities including our aero lab, VR suite and Robotics Test Arena.
Our self-contained, community-focused Clifton Campus has been designed to keep students busy between lectures. Catch-up with your course mates in the Pavilion’s barista café and Refectory; brainstorm group presentations in chic and stylish study spaces; enjoy some proper R&R in The Point, home of our Students’ Union. The campus also hosts the multimillion-pound Clifton Sports Hub, offering great options for everyone — whatever your interests, and however competitive you’d like to get!
You’re also right next to the bright lights of Nottingham — one of Britain’s top 10 student cities, and one of Europe’s top 25. All through termtime, a dedicated on-campus bus service will get you to the heart of the action (and back) in under 25 minutes. You’ll find a city stuffed with history, culture, and well-kept secrets to discover at your leisure: enjoy lush green spaces, galleries, hidden cinemas and vintage shopping by day, and an acclaimed food, drink and social scene by night.
Take our virtual tour to get a real feel for the campus.
Entry requirements
UK students
- 72 UCAS tariff points from three A-levels or equivalent
- Other requirements: GCSE Maths grade B / 6 and English C / 4
To find out what qualifications have tariff points, please use our tariff calculator.
Additional requirements for UK students
There are no additional requirements for this course.
Contextual offers
If you don’t quite meet our entry requirements, we might be able to make you a lower offer based on a range of factors, including your background (such as where you live and the school or college you attended), your experiences and your individual circumstances (you may have been in care, for example). This is called a contextual offer, and we get data from UCAS to help make these decisions. We do this because we believe everyone with the potential to succeed at NTU should have the opportunity to do so, no matter what barriers you may face.
Meeting our entry requirements
Hundreds of qualifications in the UK have UCAS Tariff points attached to specific grades, including A-levels, BTECs, T Levels and many more. You can use your grades and points from up to three different qualifications to meet our criteria. Enter your predicted or achieved grades into our Tariff calculator to find out how many points your qualifications are worth.
Other qualifications and experience
NTU welcomes applications from students with non-standard qualifications and learning backgrounds, either for year one entry or for advanced standing beyond the start of a course into year 2 or beyond.
We consider study and/or credit achieved from a similar course at another institution (otherwise known as credit transfer), vocational and professional qualifications, and broader work or life experience.
Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route. If you wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning, please contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form.
International students
- Academic entry requirements: 72 UCAS tariff points from three A-levels or equivalent. We accept equivalent qualifications from all over the world. Please check your international entry requirements by country.
- English language requirements: See our English language requirements page for requirements for your subject and information on alternative tests and Pre-sessional English.
Additional requirements for international students
There are no additional requirements for this course.
English language requirements
View our English language requirements for all courses, including alternative English language tests and country qualifications accepted by the University.
If you need help achieving the language requirements, we offer a Pre-Sessional English for Academic Purposes course on our City campus which is an intensive preparation course for academic study at NTU.
Other qualifications and experience
If you have the right level of qualifications, you may be able to start your Bachelors degree at NTU in year 2 or year 3. This is called ‘advanced standing’ entry and is decided on a case-by case basis after our assessment of your qualifications and experience.
You can view our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy which outlines the process and options available, such as recognising experiential learning and credit transfer.
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Sign up to receive regular emails from the International Office. You'll hear about our news, scholarships and any upcoming events in your country with our expert regional teams.
Getting in touch
If you need advice about studying at NTU as an international student or how to apply, our international webpages are a great place to start. If you have any questions about your study options, your international qualifications, experience, grades or other results, please get in touch through our enquiry form. Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world.
Policies
We strive to make our admissions procedures as fair and clear as possible. To find out more about how we make offers, visit our admissions policies page.
