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Biomedical Engineering with Foundation Year - BEng (Hons)

Currently viewing course to start in 2023/24 Entry. Switch to 2024/25 Entry

Are you interested in engineering that interacts with the human body? Our practice-led Biomedical Engineering degree explores mathematics, anatomy, physiology and computing to meet the rapid advancement in technology which is becoming a vital part of healthcare.  Throughout this course, you will have the option to carry out exciting, elective work placements in the UK and abroad....

  • School School of Health Sciences
  • Faculty Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences

Overview

Are you interested in engineering that interacts with the human body? Our practice-led Biomedical Engineering degree explores mathematics, anatomy, physiology and computing to meet the rapid advancement in technology which is becoming a vital part of healthcare.  Throughout this course, you will have the option to carry out exciting, elective work placements in the UK and abroad. If this sounds like the degree for you then find out more about our university entry requirements.  

This course is open to International students.

What's covered in this course?

Our unique Biomedical Engineering degree course will provide you with the skills and expertise needed to work in specialist areas such as assistive technology, rehabilitation, medical imaging, physiology monitoring, cardiopulmonary engineering, m-health and e-health, orthopaedic implants and regenerative medicine/ tissue engineering.

Biomedical Engineering (also known as bioengineering) is a discipline of engineering that interacts with the human body. You will be developing and applying innovative skills in the design, manufacturing and maintenance of medical equipment and devices covering all spectrums from the new born to assistive living for the elderly. Industrial-led practical workshops and labs will help enhance your technical skills. This will enable you to relate ‘real-life’ commercial innovations to the underpinning academic theory learnt in the lectures.

Our state-of-the-art facilities will allow you to explore a variety of biomedical applications including: sensing and measuring on micro and nano scales, personal health tracking, remote diagnosis and monitoring, biomaterials to name a few. The knowledge acquired will then enable you to engage in exciting projects such as designing prostheses or devising new medical technology for physicians and medical professionals to be used in the prognosis, diagnosis and treatment of patients.

Along with these technical skills, as an engineer you will also gain a diverse range of transferrable skills, including effective communication, the ability to critically assess gaps in target healthcare markets, and the tools required to provide solutions to bridge those gaps.

The course is currently in progression of accreditation by the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (IPEM), the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).

Why choose a foundation year course?

The BEng (Hons) Biomedical Engineering with a Foundation Year course has been specifically designed to support your transition to degree-level study in Engineering. As a student, you will undertake a foundation year situated at level 3 study, which has been designed as a prelude to your chosen degree course, providing opportunities for you to develop your knowledge, skills and understanding. Your learning journey through your foundation year will provide a secure platform on which you can build throughout your academic career in higher education.   

On successful completion of your foundation year, you are guaranteed to progress on to the first year of the BEng Biomedical Engineering degree. If you are interested in progressing on to one of our other Engineering degrees, this will be subject to space available on those courses and meeting the relevant entry requirements.  

Why Choose Us?

  • Explore the multi-disciplinary of a career in Biomedical Engineering - you will have access to the excellent facilities on both our health and engineering campuses. Giving you the benefits of both disciplines in regards to resources and technical know-how

  • Study at our £41 million City South Campus - including specialist labs and over £250,000 worth of new equipment as a part of our £41 million investment into our City South Campus in Edgbaston, where you will be predominantly based

  • Small tutorial classes to allow for in depth opportunities to develop your skills and receive constructive feedback

  • Personal tutors to support you in achieving your learning goals

  • Carry out work placements in the UK or abroad - this course will provide you with opportunities to carry out exciting work placements in the UK and abroad

  • Strong partnerships and links with medical institutions and healthcare providers, including the NHS and private sector, providing you opportunities for collaboration

  • Learn from experienced tutors who are experts in their field

  • Access to our cutting-edge virtual technologies and one of the UK's largest specialist health education libraries

    Open Days

    Join us for an on-campus Open Day where you'll be able to explore our campus and facilities in person. Booking for the next event isn’t open yet. Register your interest below and we’ll email you as soon as booking goes live.

    Next Open Day: March 2023

    Register your interest

    Entry Requirements

    These entry requirements apply for entry in 2023/24.

    All required qualifications/grades must have been achieved and evidenced at the earliest opportunity after accepting an offer to help confirm admission and allow for on-time enrolment. This can also include other requirements, like a fee status form and relevant documents. Applicants can track their application and outstanding information requests through their BCU mySRS account.

    We accept a range of qualifications, the most popular of which are detailed below.

    Essential Requirements

    88 UCAS tariff points from A/AS Level

    Level 2 qualifications
    GCSE GCSE English Language or English Literature and GCSE Maths at grade C/4 or above. If you do not have these or are not undertaking them, we accept other Level 2 equivalents, or we may ask you to pass BCU's GCSE equivalency tests.
    Irish Leaving Certificate (Ordinary Level) See level 3 entry requirements under Irish Leaving Certificate for full details.
    Scottish National 5 English Language or English Literature and Maths at grade C or above. If you do not have these or are not undertaking them, we accept other Level 2 equivalents, or we may ask you to pass BCU's GCSE equivalency tests.
    Plus one of the following Level 3 (and above) qualifications
    A level and Advanced VCE
    • CCD / 88 UCAS points
    • Including Mathematics or Physics at A-level or Level 3 equivalent
    • Mathematics or Physics must be at Grade C or above
    • Excluding General Studies, Critical Thinking and Extended Project
    • A maximum of 3 subjects are considered. These can be other A-levels or Level 3 equivalents
    Access to HE Diploma
    • Engineering
    • Pass with 60 credits overall. At least 45 credits at Level 3 with 12 credits at Merit or Distinction
    • If applying with an Access course you only need GCSE Mathematics and English Language at grade C/4 or above or accepted equivalent
    • Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma (2016 – present)
    • Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF) (2010 - 2016)
    • BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (2002 – 2010)
    • MMM
    • Must include Merit in Mathematics for Technicians or Further Mathematics for Technicians
    • Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (2016 – present)
    • Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF) (2010 – 2016)
    • BTEC Level 3 National Certificate (2002 – 2010)
    • 88 UCAS points
    • Considered with one A-level or an equivalent level 3 qualification
    • Either the BTEC level 3 National Diploma must include Merit in Mathematics for Technicians or Further Mathematics for Technicians or the accompanying A-level / level 3 equivalent must be in Mathematics
    • Pearson BTEC National Foundation Diploma (2016 to present)
    • Pearson BTEC 90-Credit Diploma (QCF) (2010 - 2016)
    • 88 UCAS points
    • Considered with one A-level or an equivalent level 3 qualification
    • Either the BTEC level 3 National Foundation Diploma must include Merit in Mathematics for Technicians or Further Mathematics for Technicians or the accompanying A-level / level 3 equivalent must be in Mathematics
    • Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (2016 – present)
    • Pearson BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF) (2010 - 2016)
    • BTEC Level 3 National Award (2002 - 2010)
    • 88 UCAS points
    • Considered with two A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)
    • Either the BTEC level 3 National Extended Certificate must include Merit in Mathematics for Technicians or Further Mathematics for Technicians or the accompanying A-level / level 3 equivalent must be in Mathematics
    • Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate
      (2016 - present)
    • BTEC Level 3 Certificate (QCF)
      (2010 - 2016)
    • 88 UCAS points
    • Considered with two A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)
    • Either the BTEC level 3 National Certificate must include Merit in Mathematics for Technicians or Further Mathematics for Technicians or the accompanying A-level / level 3 equivalent must be in Mathematics

    International Baccalaureate Diploma

    • Obtain a minimum of 24 points overall with grade 5 in Mathematics (Higher level) and pass one of the following subjects from Group 4 at Higher Level (Computer Science, Chemistry, Design Technology, Physics)
    • For students who do not already hold a GCSE in English Language at Grade C/4 or above, we will accept Standard Level English Language (not literature) English A - Grade 4 or above or English B - Grade 5 from the IB

    Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers)

    • Pass the Irish Leaving Certificate with a minimum of 88 tariff points, achieved in achieved in five Higher level subjects. This must include Maths and English Language taken at either Ordinary level (minimum grade O1-O4 (or A-C/A1-C3)) or Higher level (minimum grade H1-H7 (or A-D/A1-D3))
    • • Must include Mathematics in Higher Level

    OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma

    • MMM
    • Must be in Mathematics or Engineering related subject

    Open University courses

    • Considered on an individual basis
    • Must be in an Engineering related subject

    Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher

    • Achieve a minimum of 88 tariff points achieved in either three Advanced Highers or from a combination of two Advanced Highers plus two Highers.
    • Where three Advanced Highers have been taken achieve a minimum of grades DDD.
    • Where a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers have been taken you must achieve (grades of DD in two Advanced Highers plus grades of DD in two Highers).
    • Must include Mathematics or Engineering related subject at Higher level or above

    T-Levels

    • 88 UCAS points (Pass [with C or above in the Core] overall)
    • Must be in Engineering and Manufacturing or Science

    Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma – Core (awarded until 2016) ESW/KS Combined component

    • 88 UCAS points
    • Considered with two A-level or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)
    • One of the A-level / equivalent qualifications being taken must be in Mathematics or Engineering related subject
    Other qualifications

    If you have a qualification that is not listed in the table please refer to our full entry requirements on UCAS.

    Recent relevant study to GCE A-level standard or above must have been completed within five years of the course intake date the applicant is applying for.

    IELTS: Applicants who have not received their secondary school education in English will require an overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no subtest below 6. If English is studied at GCSE Level but as a second language, IELTS must be completed to qualify for UK L2 requirement.

    Further guidance on tariff points can be found on the UCAS website.

     

    Fees & How to Apply

    Please select your student status to view fees and apply
    • UK Student
    • International Student

    UK students

    Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.

    Award: BEng (Hons)

    Starting: Sep 2023

    • Mode
    • Duration
    • Fees
    • Full Time
    • 1 year foundation followed by 3 year degree
    • £9,250 in 2023/24
    • Apply via UCAS

    International students

    Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.

    Award: BEng (Hons)

    Starting: Sep 2023

    • Mode
    • Duration
    • Fees
    • Full Time
    • 1 year foundation followed by 3 year degree
    • £13,980 in 2023/24

    Access to computer equipment

    You will require use of a laptop, and most students do prefer to have their own. However, you can borrow a laptop from the university or use one of our shared computer rooms.

    Printing

    You will receive £5 print credit in each year of your course, available after enrolment.

    Field trips

    All essential field trips and associated travel costs will be included in your course fees.

    Access to Microsoft Office 365

    Every student at the University can download a free copy of Microsoft Office 365 to use whilst at university and for 18 months after graduation.

    Key Software

    You will be able to download SPSS and Nvivo to your home computer to support with your studies and research.

    Key subscriptions

    Subscriptions to key journals and websites are available through our library.

    Clothing and safety equipment (mandatory)

    This course requires the purchase of safety equipment, including clothing, shoes, goggles and gloves (£75 max) in order to use the workshop facilities.

    Placement expenses (optional)

    If you choose to undertake a placement, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst living or working away from home.

    Excess printing (optional)

    Once you have spent your £5 credit, additional printing on campus costs from 5p per sheet.

    Books (optional)

    All module key texts will be in the University library, but in limited numbers. You may choose to purchase a copy.

    Field trips (optional)

    This course includes the option of additional trips that may enhance your experience, at extra cost.

    Memberships (optional)

    You may wish to join a union or professional body related to this course.

    Subscriptions (optional)

    You may wish to purchase subscriptions to additional journals and websites.

    Accommodation and living costs

    The cost of accommodation and other living costs are not included within your course fees. More information on the cost of accommodation can be found in our accommodation pages.

    Guidance for UK students

    UK students applying for most undergraduate degree courses in the UK will need to apply through UCAS.

    The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is a UK organisation responsible for managing applications to university and college.

    Applying through UCAS

    1. Register with UCAS
    2. Login to UCAS and complete your details
    3. Select your course and write a personal statement
    4. Get a reference
    5. Pay your application fee and submit your application

    Course in Depth

    Foundation Year

    In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):

    Year One

    In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):

    Year Two

    In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):

    Year Three

    In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete at least 120 credits from the following list of CORE modules.

    Download course specification

    Download now

    Course structure

    This biomedical engineering course is delivered by a team of experienced scientists, and biomedical and clinical engineers. You'll be exposed to a number of different teaching and learning styles, as well as a range of assessment types.

    An interdisciplinary approach will introduce you to a range of modules that will focus on human physiology, engineering design principles, digital signal processing, biomechanics and biomaterials. Additional modules in laboratory skills and research methods will prepare you for your research topic in the final year.

    A key feature of your first year is a shared core module which will allow you to learn alongside students on other health, life sciences and engineering courses in the School of Health Sciences, the School of Computing and Engineering, and the School of Digital Media and Technology.

    Employability

    Enhancing your employability skills

    We'll develop you into a work-ready graduate. By undertaking suitable elective/optional placement opportunities, you'll gain a greater understanding of the causes and mechanisms underlying health, ageing and disease. This will allow you to collaboratively support the design and delivery of healthcare technology and or medical devices within a clinical or industrial setting.

    You may also have invaluable opportunities to test and demonstrate new electro-mechanical models and tools for health and care delivery.

    Placements

    You may have the chance to undertake valuable work placements, either in the UK or internationally. This could be done in a local hospital, a manufacturing company or in another relevant sector.

    More about our placement opportunities

    International

    Birmingham City University is a vibrant and multicultural university in the heart of a modern and diverse city. We welcome many international students every year – there are currently students from more than 80 countries among our student community.

    The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.

    Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:

    Facilities & Staff

    We have invested £340 million in our facilities, including an upgrade to our Skills and Simulation facilities at City South Campus. We boast up-to-date, innovative facilities that simulate the real situations that you may come across in the workplace. These resources are essential in offering you a hands-on introduction to health and social care practice.

    Biomechanics Laboratory 

    Our biomechanics laboratory is a long room with cameras mounted on the sides, and sensors in the floor. It’s used to record motion, evaluate people's movements and analyse gait. It’s generally used by Sports courses and Biomedical Engineering.

    Nutrition Science Kitchen

    Our kitchen has several workstations to allow you to wash, prepare and cook food. There are multi-coloured chopping boards (following food hygiene standard regulations) and a range of utensils and appliances. This space is used by a range of courses including Dietetics, Secondary Design and Technology and Sport. You may use this room to prepare certain meals for teaching basic cooking or baking skills to school children and exploring nutritional education, or protein high recipes for athletes to support their training and fitness regime.

    Microbiology Laboratory

    The lab is equipped with modern equipment for teaching the molecular biology techniques that underpin modern clinical and research labs such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) machines and a variety of cell-analysis and cell-culture tools. The department also has DNA sequencing equipment.

    Bioscience Laboratory

    These Zeiss PrimoStar microscopes have a camera head and are connected to our IT network, meaning everything that students can see in their microscope can also be accessed via an app on our iPads and large screens, giving our lecturers and students a totally new way to share and discuss microscopy images.

    Nutrition Science Research Laboratory

    This laboratory is used by staff or students doing specific projects such as analysing the chemistry of food in the later stages of their degree.

    Skills Classroom

    This room can be used to practise a variety of skills but is primarily home to our Anatomage tables. An Anatomage table allows you to investigate anatomy digitally, from organs and muscles to skeletal forms and blood flow, the software includes real-life MRI scan data to help you develop your understanding of anatomy.

    Our staff

    Dr Vivek Indramohan

    Associate Professor and Course Lead - Biomedical Engineering

    With an overseas research student award (ORSAS) and University of Strathclyde scholarship, Vivek completed his Ph.D. (in Bioengineering) in 2009. Following the completion of his research degree, he commenced his work as a Research Assistant at University College of London (UCL) for 6 months, during which he was successful in obtaining a...

    More about Vivek