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LOCATION
Docklands Campus
Location Fees and Funding
Here's the fees and funding information for each year of this course
Overview
Biomedical engineering is an inter-disciplinary and exciting subject that covers the science and engineering responsible for many of the latest advances in medicine.
Our course encompasses the design and development of artificial medical implants such as hip joints, heart valves and prosthetic limbs, as well as the development of medical technologies including surgical robots, diagnostic tools and rehabilitation equipment.
Becoming a biomedical engineer promises an exciting career, and our course are designed to provide excellent training in all these areas.
What makes this course different

The discipline of bioengineering has grown rapidly around the world over the last 20 years. This growth has been driven by the medical challenges brought by the need for new treatments for chronic conditions, and the need to respond rapidly to new disease challenges as they arise. Studying biomedical engineering at UEL will give you the skills and abilities as a professional engineer to be at the forefront of professionals delivering great solutions for some of the world's biggest medical problems."
Dr Samir Morad
Programme Leader for BEng (Hons) Biomedical Engineering
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
Throughout the course you'll be encouraged to apply your skills to a range of practical problems through a mental wealth module which is designed to provide guidance to become an independent learner, effectively reflect and take necessary actions for professional success.
In your first year, you will gain a thorough and 'hands-on' grounding in the principles and practises of engineering with a healthcare focus, including Fundamentals of Human Anatomy and Physiology, Engineering Principles, Applied Mathematics & Computing, Engineering Materials, and Thermofluids.
In the second year, students begin to specialise in Biomedical Engineering, by studying Functional Anatomy and Biomechanics of Human Movement, while also studying Engineering Design and Analysis, and Applied Electronics. You'll be encouraged and supported to find work experience to enhance your practical skills, and we'll help you to find a work placement if you choose to work for a year in the industry during your course. In the final year you will expand your understanding of biomedical engineering even further by developing a solution for a real-world medical need and acquire new skills and readiness for the workplace through a biomedical engineering project. In addition, you will be taught advanced subject that enhances the variety of biomedical engineering applications, namely, Biofluid Mechanics & CFD, Applied Physiology, and Design of Mechatronics Systems.
The programme will also offer you an optional placement year, enabling you to experience the real world and effectively connect your university experience with it.
We consistently review our courses to ensure we are up to date with industry changes and requirements from our graduates. As a result, our modules are subject to change.
DOWNLOAD COURSE SPECIFICATIONS
BEng (Hons) Biomedical Engineering - Course Specification
pdf, 149.64 KB
Course Specification - Engineering Foundation Year
pdf, 55.31 KB
MODULES
- Core Modules
Professional Life (Mental Wealth) CloseProfessional Life (Mental Wealth)
Analytical Mathematics CloseAnalytical Mathematics
The main aims of this module are to prepare you for L4 study by developing the mathematical abilities required for understanding engineering and be able to apply mathematical techniques to solve engineering problems.
Engineering Sciences CloseEngineering Sciences
The aim of this module is to provide you with an elementary knowledge and understanding of the physical concepts relating to materials, electricity and simple structures used in engineering.
Mathematical Applications CloseMathematical Applications
The main aims of this module are to prepare you for L4 study by developing the mathematical abilities required for understanding engineering and be able to apply mathematical techniques to solve engineering problems.
Physical Sciences ClosePhysical Sciences
The aim of this module is to provide you with an elementary knowledge and understanding of the physical concepts relating to second moment of area, sound, light, thermodynamics and work and energy systems used in engineering.
Introduction to Computing CloseIntroduction to Computing
The module equips you with an understanding of computing principles and an understanding of the fundamentals of hardware and software, which can provide an opportunity for you to gain appreciation of the practical skills involved in computer systems. It helps you develop a better understanding of computations to solve problems, analysing problems and procedures, and a better understanding of algorithms, languages and programming. It provides an opportunity to you to understand the connections between the different areas of computing.
Human Biology CloseHuman Biology
Within this module you will develop an understanding of the basic anatomical structures in the human body and physiological principles and processes underpinning their function. You will explore key areas such as the cardiovascular, respiratory, urinary, and musculoskeletal system and the coordination of these systems in the maintenance of bodily homeostasis and human health.
- Core Modules
Mental Wealth: Professional Life CloseMental Wealth: Professional Life
This module aims to develop students' core competencies to form the basis of future competencies development throughout the programme of study. In this module, the students would consolidate their Construction / Engineering knowledge and skills for practical applications, and develop their awareness of impacts on the environment, commerce, society and individual brought about by various construction and engineering activities.
Fundamentals in Human Anatomy and Physiology CloseFundamentals in Human Anatomy and Physiology
This module will enable you to consolidate your competence in specified areas of human anatomy and physiology including the structure, function, neurological and hormonal control of the human body, its component parts and major systems (musculoskeletal, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, renal, urogenital, nervous, endocrine) and their relationship to each other. You will also be introduced to basic laboratory techniques and methods of functional assessment for physiological processes in humans.
Engineering Principles CloseEngineering Principles
- To provide you with the fundamental principles and concepts involved with dynamics, machine elements and electrical and electronic engineering.
- To enable you to select appropriate electromechanical systems to solve real-life engineering problems.
Applied Mathematics & Computing CloseApplied Mathematics & Computing
The main aims of this module are to prepare you for level 5 study by developing the mathematical abilities required for understanding engineering and be able to apply mathematical techniques to solve engineering problems; to develop both the knowledge and understanding of mathematical principles and methodology necessary to underpin their education in their engineering discipline.
Thermofluids CloseThermofluids
The main aim of this module is to introduce the basic theories of thermo fluid mechanics. You will learn about the fundamentals of fluid behaviour, the interaction of fluids with solid bodies and fluid flow in pipes.
Engineering Materials CloseEngineering Materials
The main aim of this module is to provide you with a basic understanding of the properties and behaviour of wide range of engineering materials and to enable you to appreciate essential facts and principles required to make good choices in selection of materials.
- Core Modules
Mental Wealth: Professional Life CloseMental Wealth: Professional Life
This module builds on the L4 Mental Wealth: Professional Life module to further develop students' competencies to form the basis of their future careers. In this module, the students will undertake feasibility studies with reference to human, financial, logistical resources to realise a product/service. The module will further develop the students' self-awareness, interpersonal and negotiation skills through team work and mentoring.
Functional Anatomy CloseFunctional Anatomy
Within this module you will build and further enhance your knowledge of human anatomy covering normal anatomical structure and related function of the musculo-skeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, gastro-intestinal, reproductive, integumentary and endocrine systems. You will also learn basic practical techniques used for the analysis of human movement.
Engineering Design and Analysis CloseEngineering Design and Analysis
This module provides the students with the knowledge of the main modes of failure that occur under various loading conditions, to enable the students to develop their understanding of the fundamental principles of the mechanics of materials and their application. The students’ skill in solving analytical and practical design problems relating to complex stress system will be extended through project work using various commercial and/or non-proprietary engineering analysis software tools.
Advanced Mathematics and Modelling CloseAdvanced Mathematics and Modelling
The main aims of this module are to prepare students for level 6 study by developing the mathematical abilities required for understanding engineering and be able to apply mathematical techniques to solve engineering problems; to develop both the knowledge and understanding of mathematical principles and methodology necessary to underpin their education in their engineering discipline.
Applied Electronics CloseApplied Electronics
The module aims to provide an understanding of fundamental principles of electrical circuits in terms of theory, analysis, design and application.
Biomechanics of Human Movement CloseBiomechanics of Human Movement
This module will provide you with the skills and knowledge to analyse human performance from a biomechanical standpoint. Additionally, you will you will be able to apply biomechanical principles to improve technique. This will allow you to make appropriate assessments and recommend interventions to technique and performance during sporting actions. The module will use technology such as video analysis and force plates to understand the fundamental biomechanics of an action and to develop performance based on the analysis.
- Optional Modules
Optional placement CloseOptional placement
This course offers the opportunity of year-long placement between years two and three. If you choose to take this option, you’ll spend your third year on a placement with a relevant company or organisation, adding valuable practical experience to your growing academic knowledge.
The extra placement year means it will take four years to complete your studies, instead of three. - Core Modules
Capstone Project CloseCapstone Project
The main aim of this module is to equip you with the necessary skills to carry out and report research in order to consolidate the knowledge gained in other modules in a chosen field of study, combine it with the published knowledge of others, investigate it practically and report your findings.
Mental Wealth: Professional Life CloseMental Wealth: Professional Life
The aim of this module is to develop students' awareness of the importance of linking Project management with professional life practice. It will prepare students to be ready for the challenges and opportunities of the 4th industrial revolution by further developing the skills and knowledge. The key areas are as digital environment, ethics, and sustainability; preparing them to become world-class professional managers who are able to support their practice with theoretical understanding, so that they can be innovative and push the barriers of technical excellence safely and sustainably.
The module is designed around the construction and surveying knowledge and skills and professional practice modules at L4 and L5 by integrating theory with practice through industry-relevant live projects.
This will be accomplished by placing students in a multi-disciplinary project group (to reflect the range of disciplines.
It will explore the feasibility and design development of practical scheme(s) in terms of technical, ethical, legal, financial and quality matters. The module will build upon the core mental wealth/professional practice-based modules offered at L4 and L5 that introduce students to among others, digital proficiency, industry connections and intelligent development (emotional, social & physical) and in doing so helps equip them with the fundamental techniques necessary to work in inter-disciplinary teams.
Biofluid Mechanics & CFD CloseBiofluid Mechanics & CFD
The aim of this module is to apply the basic principles of fluid mechanics to the scientific understanding and modelling of fluid flow in physiological systems.
This module will cover:
- The fundamentals of fluid mechanics and transport phenomena of relevance to the analysis of flow in the cardiovascular system and the design of biomedical devices.
- The fundamentals of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) so that they can practically apply it to solve biofluid problems in the field of Biomedical Engineering
Design of Mechatronics Systems CloseDesign of Mechatronics Systems
The module aims to provide understanding of working and design principles of mechatronics systems. You will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of how mechatronics systems can be designed by integrating mechanical systems with electronics for control and optimising performance.
Applied Physiology CloseApplied Physiology
This module will help you develop a critical understanding of a number of key topics in the application of physiological techniques in understanding human health and disease. These include physiological measurement and signal processing, understanding the how medical and research instrumentation works and is used to investigate body systems and first aid/life support/cardiopulmonary resuscitation skills. You will also learn about life threatening disorders affecting multiple systems of the body and further develop their entrepreneurial skills through writing a business proposal on a relevant bioscience topic.
HOW YOU'LL LEARN
You'll be guided by teaching staff with many years' experience of working in or being closely connected to directly relevant industry. These links are vital in organising student visits and guest speakers at the University of East London. They're also hugely helpful when it comes to organising industry placement years - an option you can take up between your second and third years.
Placement students, who will be aided by an employment liaison officer, gain a greater understanding of the industry and this may count towards the experience requirement for a professional engineering qualification. But some prefer to complete the three-year course and move on.
Regular contact with our industrial liaison advisory board maintains the currency of our course and thereby the employment and career paths of our graduates.
You'll have access to excellent laboratory facilities and computer suites which will allow you, among many other things, to use simulation and modelling application software for virtual design and manufacturing.
Your studies are based on a three-year full-time (or five-year part-time) course. If you go for the placement option, your degree will take four years. We teach you primarily through formal lectures from staff and industry experts, knowledge-based activities, tutorials, guided reading and practical laboratory sessions.
Guided independent study
We are investing in key areas beyond your studies including our career services, library and well-being, to be available both face-to-face on campus and online with many of these available 24/7. We have new, modern library facilities on both campuses offering inspirational environments for study and research. Libraries contain resources in print and digital formats, a range of study spaces and dedicated librarian who can assist with your learning.
Academic support
Students are supported with any academic or subject related queries by an Academic Advisor, module leaders, former and current UEL students.
If you need a bit of extra help with certain skills such as academic writing, English, maths or statistics, our Academic Tutors offer workshops, drop-in sessions and one-to-one appointments to help our students achieve their potential. You can receive advice and guidance on all aspects of the IT systems provided by the university from our IT Service Desks located on all three campuses.
Our Student Support hubs in Docklands and Stratford feature centralised helpdesks to cater for your every need. UEL provides also support and advice for disabled students and those with specific learning difficulties (SPDs).
Workload
Each year you will spend around 300 hours of timetabled learning and teaching activities. These may be lectures, workshops, seminars and individual and group tutorials. Contact hours may vary depending on each module.
The approximate percentages for this course are:
- Foundation Year: 163 Hours - Taught Sessions, 37 Hours - Practical/IT Workshops, 800 Hours Independent Learning
- Year 1: scheduled teaching - 300 hours; guided independent study - 900 hours
- Year 2: scheduled teaching - 300 hours; guided independent study - 900 hours
- Year 3: scheduled teaching - 300 hours; guided independent study - 900 hours
The size of classes can vary depending on the nature of the course, module and activity. This can range from large groups in a lecture theatre setting, to smaller groups taking part in seminars and collaborative work. You will receive your personalised timetable at the beginning of the academic year dependent on your course.
The teaching team includes qualified academics, practitioners and industry experts as guest speakers. Full details of the academics will be provided in the student handbook and module guides.
HOW YOU'LL BE ASSESSED
You will be continuously assessed throughout the course. A wide range of assessments linked to learning outcomes are used, including: Examinations (unseen essay, short answer or multiple-choice questions), essays, practical reports, presentations, project work, and computer based assessment.
You will also take part in a mix of individual and group work to allow innovation, entrepreneurship and leadership skills to be developed.
Feedback is provided within 15 working days in line with UEL's assessment and feedback policy.
CAMPUS and FACILITIES

Docklands Campus, Docklands Campus, London, E16 2RD
WHO TEACHES THIS COURSE
The teaching team includes qualified academics, practitioners and industry experts as guest speakers. Full details of the academics will be provided in the student handbook and module guides.
What we're researching
At the University of East London we are working on the some of the big issues that will define our future; from sustainable architecture and ethical AI, to health inequality and breaking down barriers in the creative industries.
Our students and academics are more critically engaged and socially conscious than ever before. Discover some of the positive changes our students, alumni and academics are making in the world.
YOUR FUTURE CAREER
The interface between engineering and healthcare is a growing area of industrial need with a wide range of career options with global opportunities for graduates. Combining science, medicine and technology, biomedical engineers are the natural figures in designing and manufacturing practices, commercial development as well as in technology management for the healthcare sector.
You will therefore become a sought-after graduate: biomedical engineering is a highly valued discipline with some of the world's leading companies.
Biomedical engineers can have varied careers in many environments, which include: hospitals, private and public research facilities, medical institutions, universities and government agencies.
You could become involved in the design of medical devices, modelling and simulation of human physiology and anatomy, support hospitals in clinical and financial governance of existing medical equipment, or in the assessment of new technologies. Artificial organs, computer-simulated or image-guided surgery and robot assisted surgery, orthopaedic implants, medical imaging, assistive technologies, mobile and e-health, are only some of the services that biomedical engineers can deliver, ensuring rich career prospects.
Explore the different career options you can pursue with this degree and see the median salaries of the sector on our Career Coach portal.