Biomedical Engineering

Biomedical engineering applies the principles and methods of engineering to medical and biological problems, creating the devices, systems, and technologies that underpin modern healthcare. The field spans an enormous range: from the design of artificial joints and heart valves to surgical robots, diagnostic imaging systems, prosthetic limbs, and rehabilitation technology. Biomedical engineers must combine deep engineering knowledge with an understanding of human biology and the clinical contexts in which their designs will be used, working within regulatory environments that place patient safety at the centre of every decision.

At University College London, this full-time, three-year programme covers the design and development of artificial medical implants alongside medical technologies including surgical robots, diagnostic tools, and rehabilitation equipment. You will be taught by staff with extensive professional and research experience, and throughout the programme you will be encouraged to apply engineering principles to real clinical and biological problems. You will have access to excellent laboratory facilities and simulation and modelling software for virtual design and manufacturing, developing both practical and computational skills.

The programme builds your ability to integrate knowledge from engineering and the life sciences, understanding how biological systems work and how engineered solutions can interact with them safely and effectively. The typical entry tariff is 168 UCAS points.

Graduates from biomedical engineering programmes work in medical device companies, NHS clinical engineering departments, research institutions, and the broader medtech sector. Roles include medical device design engineer, clinical engineer, research and development engineer, regulatory affairs specialist, and quality assurance engineer. The field is growing rapidly as digital health, wearable sensors, and robotic surgery create new demands for engineering expertise applied to medicine.

Many graduates pursue postgraduate study in biomedical engineering, clinical science, or related fields, and the UCL context provides particularly strong connections to both academic research and industry.