The ever-expanding field of biomedical engineering combines scientific and engineering principles to create and improve medical technology. As a BEng (Hons) Biomedical Engineering with foundation year undergraduate, you’ll have the opportunity to join the next generation of engineers and contribute to the advancement of this important industry.

Key information

Award:

BEng (Hons)

Mode of Study:

Part-time

Duration:

6 years

Location:

University of Bolton

UCAS points:

UCAS code:

S550

Start date:

To be confirmed

Course Details

If you’re skilled in science and want to make a difference in the healthcare industry, our Beng (Hons) Biomedical Engineering with foundation year degree course could give you the opportunity to fulfil your goals and reach your full potential. Incorporating elements of engineering, health, biology and sport, biomedical engineering is concerned with the design, development and technical support of medical equipment used by the healthcare industry.

The foundation year is the first year of this degree, offering an excellent grounding in the fundamentals of engineering, biology, and mathematics. It’s designed to prepare you for degree-level study.

This course aims to provide you with a good grounding in biomedical engineering principles and related subjects like biomechanics, application of engineering materials and product design. Run in collaboration with the university’s specialists in human movement science, the course also presents opportunities to learn more about how biomedical engineering supports rehabilitation for a diverse population, from general public patients to professional athletes.

We offer access to the latest technology, high-specification laboratory equipment and the chance to work with internationally recognised research teams. You’ll also benefit from varied teaching and interactive learning opportunities designed to help you develop and apply problem-solving, modelling and analytical skills, based on theory and practice.

Highlights

This course has been developed with input from key industry employers. We have strong industry links, reinforced by live briefs and case studies developed in conjunction with industry, as well as opportunities for placements.
You’ll receive hands-on access to a wide variety of specialist facilities, including our high-spec instrumentation laboratory, microscopy facility, tissue engineering suite, biomechanics facility, biomedical sensors lab, and rapid prototyping facility.
You can participate in the annual IMechE challenge, where you’ll have the opportunity to design, create and operate a device to solve real-world problems.
This course follows the guidelines developed by the Engineering Council (UK-SPEC).
At the beginning of the course, we'll ask you to take a diagnostic assessment. If this assessment suggests you would benefit from additional mathematics tuition, we'll ask you to take an additional module (Foundation Principles 0: ATT3037). Completing this module will help develop your understanding of the mathematics underpinning engineering and support you to succeed during your studies and future career.

Key Features

You’ll have the opportunity to access advanced technology, such as our 3D motion capture system (with ground reaction force platforms), isokinetic dynamometer, mass spectrometer, 3D printing, teaching robot, composite materials manufacturing cell, engineering simulation software and confocal microscope.
Working with internationally recognised research teams, you’ll explore subject areas like materials, medical devices and biological systems in depth, witnessing real-life applications of biomedical devices in sports science and rehabilitation contexts.
You’ll be introduced to topics that explore the principles and influencing factors of medical engineering and the wider multidisciplinary engineering context, such as issues of ethics and economics.
On successful completion of this course, you’ll be awarded the BEng (Hons) in Biomedical Engineering with foundation year.

Professional recognition

The University of Bolton’s BEng (Hons) Biomedical Engineering degree has been accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (IPEM) under licence from the UK regulator, the Engineering Council. Accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by the Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC).

An accredited degree will provide you with some or all of the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills for eventual registration as an Incorporated (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng). Some employers recruit preferentially from accredited degrees, and an accredited degree is likely to be recognised by other countries that are signatories to international accords.

48 UCAS points. Please see our guide to the UCAS Tariff for examples of how to achieve these points.
Your Level 3 subjects must include mathematics or a science subject; for instance, A-level Biology/Physics or BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science/Engineering. You should also have five GCSEs at grade C or above or grade 4 to 9 (or equivalent) including English, Mathematics and Science. Please note that Health and Social Care is not acceptable as a science subject.
You may be required to attend an interview and/or provide a portfolio of work.
If English isn’t your first language, you’ll also need IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band (or equivalent). We also accept a range of other English language qualifications – please visit our English Language Requirements web page for more details.

Where changes are made to material information contained in this course description or a decision is taken to suspend a course between the offer of admissions and enrolment, we will inform applicants at the earliest possible opportunity and will outline the various options available to the applicant.

Biomedical engineering is a rapidly evolving field in which engineering principles and technology are applied to medical and biological problems in healthcare, rehabilitation, and advanced materials. As a BEng (Hons) Biomedical Engineering with foundation year graduate, you should have developed a broad skill set, including excellent communication abilities, spatial and three-dimensional conceptual awareness, commercial awareness, attention to detail, the ability to work under pressure, and excellent problem-solving capabilities.

What can I do with this qualification?

Biomedical engineers have varied careers in many environments, such as hospitals, private and public research facilities, medical institutions, universities, and government agencies. After successfully completing the course, you could be employed by the NHS or a private company (in engineering or related disciplines), develop a career in medical technology or the pharmaceutical industry, enter academic or private biomedical research, or work in a range of healthcare organisations.

Alternatively, you may choose to move on to a master’s or doctoral degree specialising in medical engineering or medical physics, or progress to a medical degree.

If you’re attracted to a career in medicine, you may also be interested in becoming a physician associate (PA). Physician associates work under the direct supervision of a doctor and carry out many similar tasks, including patient examination, diagnosis, and treatment. The University of Bolton’s MSc Physician Associate Studies course is open to BEng (Hons) Biomedical Engineering graduates who achieve at least an upper second class (2.1) honours degree and takes only two years to complete.

Alternative career options

Biomedical engineering graduates can also use their qualification to enter a range of other careers. For some of these roles, both relevant experience and/or postgraduate study may be required. Career areas include:

Teaching and education
Mechanical engineering
Electrical and electronic engineering
Materials engineering
Medical physics
Medical administration
Research and development
Clinical science
Medicine
Consultancy
Technical writing

Course fees

Home students starting this course in the first year will be required to pay a Home fee of £6,000 for the academic year 2022/23.

Important note regarding tuition fees for the 2022-2023 academic year: EU nationals who meet residency requirements (have settled or pre-settled status) may be eligible for 'Home' fee status. If you do not meet these residency requirements, overseas fees will apply. Irish citizens living in the UK or Ireland will be eligible for 'Home' fee status under the Common Travel Area arrangement. Please read the student finance eligibility 2022-2023 policy on www.gov.uk for information.

The fees for a student's course of study will be set for the normal duration of that course subject only to inflationary increases – measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) recorded in March each year to take effect for subsequent start dates.

For 2022-2023 entry, the maximum government approved undergraduate tuition fee for UK students is £9,250 per year. The University is able to charge this fee subject to an approved Access and Participation Plan for 2022-2023 and its current rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework.

Bursaries

Click here for more information about the scholarships and bursaries available to University of Bolton students.

For details of how to apply for this course, please choose your status from the options below:

You may apply directly to the University using the University's online application form. Please select your chosen start date from the list below:

You should have to hand:

Details of the educational establishments you attended and dates
Your certificates for the qualifications you are using to gain entry to the course – you will need to enter the completion date and upload copies
Details of any employment history including name, address, dates and role
Personal statement – this can be either input into the relevant field or uploaded separately
Details including e-mail addresses of two referees, at least one of which should be someone who can provide an academic reference

Please make sure any documents you wish to upload in support of your application are in pdf or jpeg format. Personal statements may be word documents.

Please ensure your data is correct at each stage of the application before you proceed to the next page. If you use the back button at any time during the application, you should check the validity of the data you have already input.

If you experience difficulties during the application process, contact the Admissions Team on 01204 903394 or admissions@bolton.ac.uk

International applications are not possible for this course

As an international student you are not allowed to study this course because of the restrictions on your visa.

We offer a wide range of full-time courses in lots of different subjects, many of our courses start in September and January. If you would like to see what courses are available please visit our Course Search.

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For valued members of the University of Bolton Group and progressing students, we try to make our application process as simple and as fast as possible.

By selecting the link for your chosen course from the list shown below, you will be taken directly to our online application form. Please read the user guidance before completing this, and ensure you upload all supporting documents such as certificates and your personal statement when you apply.

When you are asked to add a contact email address, please ensure you add your college/university email account address as well as your personal address. If you do not add your college address as your contact address, we will be unable to identify you as a partner and offer you the benefits of being part of our group.

If you are ready to apply directly, please select your chosen start date from the list below.

Before applying, please read the entry requirements section of this page.

If your course runs at multiple locations or has various start dates, please be sure to select the correct application link from the list below.

Before beginning your application, you should have the following information to hand:

Details of the educational establishments you attended and dates
Your certificates for the qualifications you are using to gain entry to the course – you will need to enter the completion date and upload copies
Details of any employment history, including name, address, dates and role
Personal statement – this can be either input into the relevant field or uploaded separately
Details including email addresses of two referees, at least one of which should be someone who can provide an academic reference

Please make sure any documents you wish to upload in support of your application are in pdf or jpeg format. Personal statements may be word documents.

If you experience difficulties during the application process, contact the Undergraduate Admissions Team on 01204 903394 or UGadmissions@bolton.ac.uk

We look forward to receiving your application and you continuing your academic journey with us!

We deliver a varied course programme of theoretical and practical lessons, lectures and workshops designed to give you a comprehensive overview of the biomedical engineering profession. We’ll guide you through the principles of your subject in structured lectures and build on this knowledge with tutorials, which will test your problem-solving skills. In many cases, lessons are interactive, incorporating elements of discussion and feedback.

Working with case studies based on real events and problems, you’ll be encouraged to develop and apply skills in practical workshops and within a laboratory setting, where you’ll be expected to perform experiments and deepen your understanding of the biomedical engineering discipline.

Assessments take the form of coursework, mini-projects, and both individual and group assignments, as well as design reports, presentations and examinations. You’ll also be required to develop and maintain an electronic personal development plan, which will form the basis of your professional development plan – required when you apply for membership of associated professional bodies.

Modules

The modules listed below may be a mixture of compulsory and optional. You may not have the opportunity to study all the modules shown as part of the course.

Foundation Principles 0
Foundation Principles 1
Engineering Study Skills
Engineering Technology
Principles of Biomolecular Science
Molecular Principles of Biomedical Engineering
Introduction to Biomechanics
Medical Sensory Devices and Measurement
Clinical Anatomy and Physiology
Biomedical Engineering Projects and Systems
Biomedical Engineering Modelling & Analysis
Medical Instrumentation and Control
Intermediate Biomechanics
Technology in Advanced Musculoskeletal Diagnosis and Treatment
Group Project and Investigation
Biomechatronics and Medical Devices
Medical Equipment Technology
Simulation of Medical Engineering Systems
Advanced Biomechatronic Systems
Advanced Biomechanics
BEng Individual Project
Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine
Management and Enterprise in Engineering
Molecular and Synthetic Bioengineering

Assessment methods

Level	Assesment method
Level one	Coursework 52%, Practical exams 15%, Written exams 33%
Level two	Coursework 52%, Practical exams 13%, Written exams 35%
Level three	Coursework 63%, Practical exams 20%, Written exams 17%

Learning activities

Level	Learning activity
Level one	Guided independent study 66%, Scheduled learning and teaching activities 34%
Level two	Guided independent study 68%, Scheduled learning and teaching activities 32%
Level three	Guided independent study 72%, Scheduled learning and teaching activities 28%

Disclaimer

The university will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver your course as described in its published material and the programme specification for the academic year in which you begin your course. The university considers changes to courses very carefully and the university will minimise any changes. Please be aware that our courses are subject to review on an ongoing basis and changes may be necessary due to legitimate staffing, financial, regulatory and academic reasons. The content of course modules and mode of associated assessments may be updated on an annual basis. This is to ensure that all modules are up-to-date and responsive to employment and sector needs. The published course material and the programme specification contain indicative ‘optional modules’ that may be subject to change due to circumstances outside of our control. For this reason, we cannot guarantee to run any specific optional module.