Mechanical Engineering / Biomedical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering with Biomedical Engineering brings together the analytical rigour of engineering with the biological and clinical knowledge needed to apply it in healthcare. Mechanical engineering provides the foundation: the ability to understand forces, materials, fluid dynamics and design principles at a fundamental level. Biomedical engineering then applies those tools to the challenges of medicine, including the design of implants and prosthetics, the development of diagnostic devices, the biomechanics of the human body and the engineering of biomaterials that interact safely with living tissue.

At the University of Southampton, the four-year full-time degree develops your mechanical engineering competence to a high standard before specialising in biomedical applications. You will study implants, biomaterials and orthopaedics among other specialist areas, developing the ability to design, develop and test medical devices to professional standards. The programme includes a sandwich year and a work placement, giving you the opportunity to spend time in a relevant professional environment before graduation.

Southampton's strong research base in both engineering and biomedical science enriches the undergraduate experience, and the university's connections with the NHS and the medical devices industry in the south-east of England support the placement opportunities available.

Biomedical engineering is a genuinely growing field, as medical technology becomes more sophisticated and the demand for devices that can treat, monitor and rehabilitate patients increases. Graduates work in medical device companies, hospital clinical engineering departments, research institutions and the pharmaceutical industry. Many pursue chartered engineer status.

Postgraduate study in biomedical engineering, biomaterials, medical devices or tissue engineering is a natural progression for those who want to develop research expertise.