MSc Biomedical Engineering
About
We are offering a limited number of places on our MSc in Biomedical Engineering, fully funded by the Department for the Economy.
The programme is aimed at students who have a primary degree or alternative 3rd level qualification in engineering or another relevant technical subject.
The course will upskill these students so they will be better equipped to work in the large medical device and biomedical sectors in N. Ireland.
This course is a suitable preparation for employment in the medical device, pharma and biotechnology sectors and as preparation for research positions.
The course draws upon the internationally recognised research within the School of Engineering in areas such as Tissue Engineering, Bioceramics & Biomaterials, Medical Electrodes and Drug Delivery.
Start Date
September 2025
Duration
September 2025 to June 2027
Campus
Belfast
Teaching, learning and assessment
Teaching and assessment will be delivered using a blended approach with a combination of delivered learning sessions, self-directed learning with practice materials and support sessions. Blended delivery will include:
- Live lectures
- Live tutorials
- Live laboratory demonstration classes
- Supporting notes for lectures, tutorials and demonstrations as appropriate
Contact
If you have any queries about the course, please email us: seng@ulster.ac.uk
Modules
Students will study the following modules;
Compulsory Modules
Biomaterials 1
This module provides the student with the core skills required to critically appraise the composition, properties and function of synthetic biomaterials in the context of the relevant materials science considerations. Issues relating to the regulation of biomaterials, as used in relevant medical devices and the implications of the relevant FDA (USA) and Medical Device Directives (EU) legislation are also covered. Students will also develop skills to enable them to provide a considered opinion regarding the choice of biomaterials for specific clinical applications by considering a number of case studies.
Bioinstrumentation
This research led module provides students with the necessary skills to understand and develop medical engineering devices, providing context and knowledge of the clinical need, details of underpinning hardware/software platforms and regulatory procedures governing implementation.
Tissue Engineering
This module provides the student with the skills required to critically appraise the composition, properties and function of tissue engineered products within the context of the relevant biological and materials science considerations. Issues relating to the ethics and regulation of tissue engineering and the implications of the relevant FDA (USA) and Medical Device Directives (EU) legislation are also covered. Students will also develop skills to enable them to provide a considered opinion regarding the choice of scaffolds, cells, stimulatory factors and bioreactor environment for specific applications by considering a number of case studies.
Research Methods & Facilities
The module proves the underpinnings in research methods required to design and conduct original postgraduate level research programmes. in addition the module aims to develop in-depth knowledge and advanced expertise in the use of specific advanced research facilities.
Optional Modules
Composite Engineering – Optional
At the end of the module the student should have acquired a high level of competence the many facets of composite materials and their processing methods leading to an active role as a member of a Production Management or Research team. The student should have the ability to select between competing 'composite' technologies for specific applications and hence be in a position to devise conversion systems and associated quality assurance procedures, having regard to maximising cost effectiveness and product reliability.
Mechanics of Sheet Metal Forming – Optional
An introduction to the theory of engineering plasticity applied to common sheet metal forming processes. The relevant theories are presented and their application to real industrial processes are emphasised.
Embedded Systems RTOS Design – Optional
This module enables the student to design and implement cost-effective reliable real-time embedded systems that can be shown to meet the current industry performance, reliability and safety standards.
Work Based Learning – Optional
The Work (Research) Based Learning module is defined as a period of project work within a research environment, normally of not less than 150 hours, supervised by a member of academic staff of the University. Its designed to inculcate a spirit of critical enquiry coupled with a rigorous academic approach to problem solving in research and enhance the personal, managerial, commercial and technical capabilities of the student.
Digital Signal Processing – Optional
This module enables the student to understand, design apply and evaluate digital signal processing algorithms.
Micro- & Nano-Scale Devices – Optional
The course provides an in depth knowledge of micro-nanodevices, as well as micro and nanofabrication techniques using elements from nanoscience and nanotechnology.
Nanoscale Analysis & Metrology – Optional
This module focuses on nano and micro-scale analysis and metrology. The principle of operation and limitation of each technique are explained, the applications to the nanotechnology arena are described.
Manufacturing systems – Optional
This module provides a concise review of modern manufacturing, time compression methodologies and current manufacturing systems - their specification, implementation and development. The flow of data within a product lifecycle is analysed from design through to manufacture and the effective utilisation of advanced manufacturing technology addressed.
Finite Element Analysis and Computational Fluid Dynamics – Optional
An introduction to continuum modelling approaches will enable students to understand the concepts and applications of finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modles. Specific skills will be developed using commercially available software in both FEA and CFD.An introduction to continuum modelling approaches will enable students to understand the concepts and applications of finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modles. Specific skills will be developed using commercially available software in both FEA and CFD.
Quality Improvement – Optional
This module considers modern approaches to Quality Improvement. The context of product or service is set for the interpretation of Quality from different perspectives. The Quality topics are considered under the themes of definition, measurement, actions, improvement and control. Modern and traditional management approaches are evaluated and techniques appropriate to product or service characteristics and organisation performance are considered.
Entrepreneurship (Engineering) – Optional
In this module students are engaged in applying their knowledge of entrepreneurship and the entrepreneurial process in resolving some of the practical problems inherent in enterprise development and new venture creation.
Computer Aided Engineering for Managers – Optional
This module provides a concise and application based overview of current computer aided engineering systems by providing a detailed summary of current rapid-prototyping and manufacturing processes, multi-axis advanced manufacturing technologies, digital inspection and simulation. The application of CAE to enhance the product lifecycle will be the fundamental objective of this module. The integration of these systems from new product introduction (NPI) through to digital inspection will be addressed.
Polymer Technology – Optional
At the end of the module the student should be able to critically appraise alternative thermoplastic conversion and fabrication processing routes. Through analysis of processing behaviour, they should be capable of developing appropriate strategy for selection of conversion routes for a range of representative material systems and applications in terms of total economics and quality enhancement.
Process Product Optimisation – Optional
At the end of the module the student should be capable of critically assessing the complete polymer or composite system. Using modelling and analysis techniques, they should be capable of designing the complete system to meet a specific performance requirement, thus removing much of the trial and error from the practice.
Masters Dissertation
This module is designed to enable students to develop and demonstrate the appropriate research and project management skills needed to complete a Masters level dissertation.
Entry requirements
Academic qualifications
- An Honours or non-Honours degree or postgraduate diploma/certificate in a relevant engineering, technology or science discipline.
- GCSE Mathematics- minimum Grade C
Eligibility
Places are limited and open to applicants who:
- are over 18 years of age;
- are eligible to work in Northern Ireland;
- are ‘settled’ in Northern Ireland, and has been ordinarily resident in the UK for at least three years; or
- are a person who has indefinite leave to enter or remain in the UK.
- meet the course specific entry requirements. See course pages for requirements.
- meet the Ulster University general entry requirements
Applications will open on 2 June and will close on 22 June
There are a limited number of places on the course. Offers will be extended to those applicants who meet the entry requirements following successful completion of the application process. Applications will no longer be accepted or processed once all offers are extended.
When creating your application you will need to have the following documents saved electronically as they need to be uploaded as part of the application process:
- Passport
- Evidence on meeting three year residency in NI/ROI
- Degree Certificate
- Maths GCSE
- English Competency (If you have a degree from UK/ROI, you don't need to provide anything else)
- Statement of Purpose*
- BRP - If applicable
* Statement of Purpose - this should be no more than an A4 page and should provide details of what you hope to gain from studying this course. This may be to used to assist the course team in the allocation of places, in the event that the number of applicants who meet all other requirements exceed the number of available funded places.
