About this course
Join a new generation of engineers that understand the underlying principles of medical and healthcare technologies. You’ll gain the skills needed to design, develop and deliver products to patients, carers and clinicians.
With an aging society and ongoing pressures on health and social care services, the demand for healthcare technology is increasing. Our BEng Medical Engineering degree combines engineering and physical science fundamentals with medicine and healthcare, so you can graduate ready to meet this demand.
This programme has a strong focus on mechanical engineering, user interaction and needs. The technologies you develop will be for patients, carers, clinicians (doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists) and other stakeholders.
You’ll have the opportunity to:
- explore the design of assistive technologies, as well as systems for diagnosis, treatment and for monitoring.
- undertake design-build-test projects in years 1 and 2 and an individual project in year 3
- access our outstanding research facilities, including our mechanical, electronics, biomechanics and bioengineering labs as well as patient test and human factors facilities
- understand the specific clinical, safety and ethical implications of biomedical engineering work, and routes to commercialization
- interact with industry through work placements, external speakers, industrial visits, and industrial design projects
- become familiar with specialist modelling software and modern equipment
You’ll be taught by world experts in their field and undertake a wide variety of design tasks, projects and group activities to prepare you for a professional engineering career.
This BEng programme is also available with an industrial placement year.
We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.
Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202526
A-levels
A*AA including mathematics (minimum grade A) and either biology, chemistry, further mathematics or physics (minimum grade A)
A-levels additional information
A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed.
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
Applicants who have not studied mathematics and/or physics at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: AAA including mathematics and either biology, chemistry, further mathematics or physics plus grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 38 points overall with 19 points required at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in either Biology, Chemistry or Physics and 6 at Higher Level in Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches) or 7 at Higher Level in Mathematics (Applications and Interpretation)
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
Applicants who have not studied the required subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year
International Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus grades A*A from two A-levels including mathematics and either biology, chemistry, further mathematics or physics (the A* can be in either subject).
or
D* in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus grades AA from two A-levels including mathematics and either biology, chemistry, further mathematics or physics.
We will consider the BTEC National Diploma if studied alongside A-levels in the required subjects.
We will consider the BTEC National Extended Diploma in Engineering if studied alongside A-level mathematics.
RQF BTEC
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Additional information
Applicants who have not studied mathematics and/or physics at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year
QCF BTEC
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades A*A from two A-levels including mathematics and either physics, chemistry, biology or further mathematics (the A* can be in either subject).
or
D* in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades AA from two A-levels including mathematics and either biology, chemistry, further mathematics or physics.
We will consider the BTEC Diploma if studied alongside the required A-level subjects.
We will consider the BTEC Extended Diploma in Engineering if studied alongside A-level mathematics.
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Access to HE Diploma
Not accepted for this course. Applicants with an Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject should apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H1 H1 H2 H2 H2 including mathematics, applied mathematics and either biology, chemistry, physics or physics-chemistry
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
A1 A1 A1 A2 A2 A2 including mathematics, applied mathematics and either biology, chemistry, physics or physics-chemistry
Irish certificate additional information
Applicants who have not studied the required subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year
Scottish Qualification
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.
Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D2, D3, D3 in three Principal subjects including mathematics (minimum grade D3) and biology, chemistry, further mathematics or physics (minimum grade D3)
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D2 can be used in lieu of A-level grade A* or grade D3 can be used in lieu of A-level grade A. Applicants who have not studied mathematics and/or physics can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year
Welsh Baccalaureate
A*AA including mathematics (minimum grade A) and either biology, chemistry, further mathematics or physics (minimum grade A) or A*A from two A levels including mathematics and either physics or chemistry or biology or further mathematics plus A from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Applicants who have not studied mathematics and/or physics at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year
Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
T-Level
T level in Science at Distinction overall with A in Core and Distinction in the Occupational Specialism, and grade A in A-level Mathematics
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
- our Ignite your Journey scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
- skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
This is a three-year, full-time degree. It includes a carefully chosen mixture of core, compulsory, and optional modules, with the optional choices available in year 3.
You’ll learn by doing, with individual and group projects as well as practical laboratory work taking place throughout this programme.
Year 1 overview
The first year introduces medical engineering as well as engineering science and design.
The induction programme starting in the first week provides the opportunity to get to know fellow students and develop a medical engineering ethos based around hands-on experiences with medical engineering applications.
You’ll gain a firm foundation in a wide range of engineering disciplines that underpin medical engineering.
Year 2 overview
The second year covers medical engineering, engineering design and engineering science at greater depth.
You’ll explore compulsory topics in modules ranging from Electronics, Drives and Control, to Human Biology in Health and Disease.
Year 3 overview
In year 3 you’ll explore topics like Biomaterials, Orthopaedic Biomechanics, Human factors and more. You’ll also have the opportunity to specialize, with optional modules ranging from Robotic Systems to Computational Biology.
You’ll undertake an individual project as a core module.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.
For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
Electrical and Electronics Systems
It is difficult to imagine what the world would be like without electricity: homes without electric light, without television or radio, without motors to drive the washing machine, the refrigerator and the vacuum cleaner; offices without computers, word p...
Introduction to Medical Engineering
Medical Engineering (or Biomedical Engineering) is an exciting and multidisciplinary field that combines expertise in a wide range of engineering techniques, anatomy and physiology, medicine, healthcare and the personal and societal context in which pat...
Mathematics for Engineering and the Environment
This course lays the mathematical foundation for all engineering degrees. Its structure allows students with different levels of previous knowledge to work at their own pace. Pre-requisite for MATH2048 One of the pre-requisites for MATH3081 and MATH...
Mechanics, Structures and Materials
This module covers the fundamentals of mechanics, statics, dynamics and materials. Providing a firm basis for all subsequent modules in these areas in later Parts and a further career in engineering. This module consists of four parts, Statics-1, Statics...
ThermoFluids
Core Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics for all Engineering Themes. Students should be aware that this module requires pre requisites of Mathematics
Year 2 modules
You must study the following modules in year 2:
Biomedical Engineering Research, Design and Practice
Medical Engineering (or Biomedical Engineering) is informed by and contributes to research in physiology, healthcare and engineering and the physical sciences. Creativity and decision making based on research and user needs is then required in the design ...
Electronics and Control
Modern mechanical and acoustic systems contain numerous electronic and control components. For example, an electric vehicle may have speed, traction and active noise control systems. Practicing Mechanical and Acoustical Engineers therefore require a worki...
Engineering Management and Law
This module provides students with an introduction to management, accounting and law applicable to the operations of an engineering-based organisation. Emphasis is placed upon introducing managerial knowledge and skills required to apply effective managem...
Fluid Mechanics
This module covers a wide range of topics of fluid mechanics in order to offer basic knowledge and foundations applicable to various mechanical and acoustical engineering problems. This module introduces fundamental principles of conservation (mass, momen...
Human Biology in Health and Disease
Medical engineering requires an understanding of the human body, its structure and function in health, disease, dysfunction and with disability. This module will provide you with a conceptual background to aspects of human biology that are key in the use ...
Mathematics for Engineering and the Environment Part II
The module aims to teach mathematical methods relevant for engineering. The first part is about differential equations and how solve them, from ordinary differential equations to partial differential equations. The second part is about either vector calcu...
Mechanics, Machines and Vibration
This module will help the students to understand the fundamental concepts in Kinematics and Dynamics of multi-body systems. It provides an understanding of the application of simple mathematical models to vibration problems in engineering using different...
Systems Design and Computing
This module follows on from FEEG1201 Introduction to Engineering Design where students are introduced to design processes supported by computing methods. In FEEG2001 students address the design of a system consisting of a number of interacting sub-systems...
Year 3 modules
You must study the following modules in year 3:
Biomaterials
A biomaterial can be described as a material used in a biomedical device intended to interact with biological systems. The selection of an appropriate biomaterial is critical to the performance of an implant. For a hip replacement, properties such as good...
Engineering Design with Management
This module will introduce you to the practice of mechanical engineering design as applied to one of a number of contrasting applications. It will also enable you to understand key management topics that are relevant to engineering practice, specifically ...
Human Factors in Engineering
This module provides an introduction to the role human factors in Engineering. It demonstrates how the characteristics and capabilities of people can be taken into account to optimise the design of things used by people, the environments in which they li...
Individual Project
The Individual Project is a learning experience that enables you to carry out research and bring together many of the concepts that you have learnt over the first two years of the course as well as the knowledge and skills learnt during part III. You w...
Orthopaedic Biomechanics
This module will provide an insight into the engineering based problems faced in orthopaedic biomechanics, through a detailed study of intact lower limb and the lower limb pre- and post- total joint replacement. You will gain an understanding of the struc...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 3:
Biologically Inspired Robotics
This module lies at the intersection of robotics and biology. Through the abstraction of design principles from biological systems, it is possible to develop a range of core competences, including mechatronic systems, sensor and actuator technologies. By ...
Computational Biology
Modern biology poses many challenging problems for the computer scientists. Rapid growth in instrumentation, and our ability to archive and distribute vast amounts of data, has significantly changed the way we attempt to understand cellular function, and ...
Finite Element Analysis in Solid Mechanics
Many real-world engineering structures are too complex for their behaviour to be understood using an ‘exact’ analytical or theoretical method alone. Therefore, in practice we often use approximate numerical or simulation-based tools for structural analysi...
Manufacturing and Materials
This module manufacturing and materials is intended to develop a deeper understanding of the relationship between design, manufacturing processing and materials properties. This module discusses various manufacturing methods including casting, forming, we...
Robotic Systems
Robots are becoming more widely used in society, with applications ranging from agriculture through to manufacturing, with increasing interest in autonomous systems. This module will introduce students to the fundamentals of robotic systems including k...
Learning and assessment
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- individual and group projects
- independent learning (studying on your own)
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
David Simpson is the course leader.
Careers and employability
Employability skills
This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.
The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:
- Research
- Critical thinking
- Commercial awareness
- Self-management
- Leadership
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Creativity
- EDI leadership
- Adaptability
- Problem solving
- Resilience
The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.
Download skills overview
Career pathways
Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:
Information and Communication,
Education,
Scientific and Technical,
Manufacturing.
- Prosthetic device engineer
- Biomedical engineer
- Rehabilitation engineer
- Biomechanical engineer
- Biomaterials engineer
- Physiological modeller
- Research scientist
- Medical technology developer
- Biotechnologist
- Nanotechnologist
- University lecturer
- Management consultant
- Data analyst
- Financial analyst
- Science teacher
- Project manager
- Manufacturing engineer
- Medical laboratory assistant
- Biomedical support worker
- Associate Practitioner
- Account executive
- Medical writer
- Biomedical engineer
- Secondary school teacher
- Data engineer
- Software engineer
- Research coordinator
Work experience opportunities
Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton.
Careers services and support
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV and interview skills and workshops
- networking events
- careers fairs attended by top employers
- a wealth of volunteering opportunities
- study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,535.
- EU and international students pay £29,400.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and standard exams.
Find out how to:
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.
Explore:
Bursaries, scholarships and other funding
If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.
If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.
Get in touch for advice about student money matters.
Scholarships and grants
You may be able to get a scholarship or grant to help fund your studies.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented backgrounds.
Support during your course
The Student Hub offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
What happens after you apply?
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
- predicted grades
- academic achievements
- personal statement
- academic reference
We'll aim to process your application within 2 to 6 weeks, but this will depend on when it is submitted. Applications submitted in January, particularly near to the UCAS equal consideration deadline, might take substantially longer to be processed due to the high volume received at that time.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Related courses
Medical Engineering (BEng) is a course in the Biomedical and medical engineering subject area. Here are some other courses within this subject area:
