Biomedical Engineering MSc Newcastle University

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Gain the technical knowledge, analytical ability and transferable skills in exciting and fast-developing fields.

Our Biomedical Engineering MSc is suitable for both practising professionals and new graduates with an engineering or science-based degree.

With this degree, you'll apply engineering principles and push forward technology. You'll create novel diagnostic and therapeutic tools for various medical conditions. Research and development in science and engineering will likely transform future healthcare.

• The MSc has four streams, so you can specialise in your area of interest:
• biomechanical
• biomaterials
• bioelectrical
• regulatory sciences

You'll study specialised modules according to your choice of stream. Some taught modules are common between the four streams. These lead to the award of an MSc in Biomedical Engineering.

Biomechanical stream

This stream will enable you to:

• learn how to use CAD design and structural FEA
• understand fundamental aspects of biomaterials for medical applications
• understand the importance of regulatory requirements for medical devices
• critically assess the main advantages and limitations of medical products
• understand the biomechanics of the human body
• analyse the design and function of orthopaedic products

Biomaterials stream

This stream will enable you to:

• understand the fundamental properties of biomaterials for medical applications
• critically assess the main advantages and limitations of medical products for bone and cartilage tissue engineering
• explore different techniques for biofabrication and bioprinting
• understand the importance of regulatory requirements for medical devices
• understand the biomechanics of the human body
• analyse the design and function of orthopaedic products

Bioelectrical stream

This stream will enable you to:

• understand the fundamentals of biomedical image processing techniques
• understand the tenets of biosignal processing from bioelectronic sensors
• learn about the functionality of the human bioelectrical system
• learn about the methods for biosensing signals inside the body
• learn about the methods for stimulus of nerve cells and neuroprosthetics
• understand the integration of physical sensors and signal processing for biomedical systems

Regulatory sciences stream

This stream will enable you to:

• understand global health policy and regulation related to medicine use
• understand the global drug supply chain
• discuss the role of WHO and national governments in promoting new medicines
• analyse current health challenges
• understand the biomechanics of the human body
• analyse the design and function of orthopaedic implants

Professional accreditation and recognition

Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)

Our degree is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer.

• 1st in the UK and 8th in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2022
• 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• Global Top 125 University - QS World University Rankings 2023
• Global Top 140 University - Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023
• Top 175 for Engineering – Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2022
• Top 200 for Engineering - Electrical and Electronic - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022

What you'll learn

The taught modules that are common across streams are:

• Contemporary Case Study in Biomedical Engineering
• Orthopaedic Engineering

Our common modules develop your knowledge and analytical skills to enable you to:

• explore fundamental bioengineering developments
• understand how bioengineering relates to the human body
• analyse case studies of medical device performance
• understand the importance of regulatory requirements for medical devices
• use engineering software (MATLAB, CAD, FEA) for data analysis
• develop engineering solutions to practical medical problems

You will study modules in this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.

Biomechanical stream modules

Compulsory modules

• Contemporary Case Study in Biomedical Engineering*
• Orthopaedic Engineering
• Introduction to Tissue Engineering
• Core Skills
• Medical Devices Regulatory Requirements
• Biomaterials
• MSc Project: Mechanical and Systems Engineering

If you have studied Introduction to Biomedical Engineering (MEC3022/MEC3031) as part of a previous programme of study at Newcastle University, you will replace Contemporary Case Study in Biomedical Engineering with the following compulsory module:

• Design of Mechanical Power Transmissions

Biomaterials stream modules

Compulsory modules

• Contemporary Case Study in Biomedical Engineering*
• Orthopaedic Engineering
• Introduction to Tissue Engineering
• Medical Devices Regulatory Requirements
• Biomaterials
• MSc Project: Mechanical and Systems Engineering
• Biomedical Additive Manufacture and Biofabrication

If you have studied Introduction to Biomedical Engineering (MEC3022/MEC3031) as part of a previous programme of study at Newcastle University, you will replace Contemporary Case Study in Biomedical Engineering with the following compulsory module:

• Design of Mechanical Power Transmissions

Bioelectrical stream modules

Compulsory modules

• Contemporary Case Study in Biomedical Engineering
• Orthopaedic Engineering
• Core Skills
• Image Processing and Computer Vision
• Individual Project
• Bioelectronics
• Intelligent Signal Processing

Regulatory science

Compulsory modules

• Contemporary Case Study in Biomedical Engineering
• Orthopaedic Engineering
• Global Health Policy and Medicines Use
• Global Health
• Medical Devices Regulatory Requirements
• Biomaterials
• MSc Project: Mechanical and Systems Engineering