Medical Engineering (BEng)
- Subject area:
- Engineering
- UCAS code: H1B8
- Next intake: September 2021
- Duration: 3 years
- Mode: Full time
Why study this course
This BEng Medical Engineering is perfectly suited to anyone wishing to combine classical engineering training with a medical application.The aim of the course is to produce a highly competent engineer who can pursue a career in clinical engineering, bioengineering or engineering fields outside medicine.
You’ll be taught by a dedicated team of research-active academic staff, and the course includes a number of lectures by colleagues from our School of Biosciences, School of Medicine and Cardiff & Vale NHS Trust.
If Chartered status is important to you, a four-year MEng course may offer a quicker, more direct route than this BEng course.
Other Medical Engineering courses available include:
- The opportunity to follow a sandwich year in industry if you choose the relevant four-year BEng or five-year MEng degree option
- The opportunity to study abroad at a partner institution for one semester if you choose the relevant MEng (International) degree option
Industrial links
Our course content is informed by industrial collaboration with companies like Biomet, Simpleware and Arthritis Research UK.
Access industry-standard facilities
You will have access to designated teaching spaces set up for design and project work, specialist laboratories and computer suites.
Interdisciplinary content
We have links with other University departments such as Biosciences, Psychology, the Business School and Dentistry, as well as clinicians in Orthopaedics and Radiography to ensure learning material is as up to date as possible.
Guest lectures
You will have the opportunity to engage with professionals from healthcare providers such as the Cardiff and Vale Orthopaedic Centre, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, and the Medical Physics Department.
Professional accreditation
Accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer and partly meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.
Subject area: Engineering
Entry requirements
AAB-ABB. Must include Maths. You will need to pass the science practical element of the A-level if this is part of your programme of study.
Extended/International Project Qualification: Applicants with grade A in the EPQ/IPQ will typically receive an offer one grade lower than the standard A level offer. Please note that any subject specific requirements must still be met.
The Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate will be accepted in lieu of one A-Level (at the grades listed above), excluding any specified subjects.
DD-DM in a BTEC Diploma in any subject and grade B in A-Level Maths.
34-32 overall or 666-665 in 3 HL subjects. Must include grade 5 in HL Maths.
Other UK qualifications may also be accepted, often in lieu of A-levels, but subject requirements must be met. If you are offering non-UK qualifications, our qualification equivalences guide should allow you to calculate what kind of offer you are likely to receive.
Please be aware that this is a general guide, and that some programmes may have more detailed or specific entry requirements which will be reflected in your offer.
GCSE
Grade C or grade 4 in GCSE English Language.
IELTS (academic)
At least 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each subskill.
TOEFL iBT
At least 90 overall with minimum scores of 17 for writing, 17 for listening, 18 for reading and 20 for speaking.
PTE Academic
At least 62 overall with a minimum of 51 in all communicative skills.
Trinity ISE II/III
II: at least two Distinctions and two Merits.
III: at least a Pass in all components.
Other accepted qualifications
Please visit our English Language requirements page for more information on our other accepted language qualifications.
You must have or be working towards:
- English language or Welsh language at GCSE grade C/4 or an equivalent (such as A-levels). If you require a Student visa, you must ensure your language qualification complies with UKVI requirements.
We do not accept Critical Thinking, General Studies, Citizenship Studies, or other similar equivalent subjects.
We will accept a combination of BTEC subjects, A-levels, and other qualifications, subject to the course specific grade and subject requirements.
You are not required to complete a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check or provide a Certificate of Good Conduct to study this course. If you are currently subject to any licence condition or monitoring restriction that could affect your ability to successfully complete your studies, you will be required to disclose your criminal record. Conditions include, but are not limited to:
- access to computers or devices that can store images
- use of internet and communication tools/devices
- curfews
- freedom of movement, including the ability to travel to outside of the UK or to undertake a placement/studies outside of Cardiff University
- contact with people related to Cardiff University.
Please see our admissions policies for more information about the application process.
Tuition fees
Students from the UK
| Tuition fee (2021/22) | Deposit |
|---|---|
| £9,000 | None |
Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland
If you are an EU/EEA/Swiss national, unless you qualify for UK fee status, tuition fees for 2021/22 will be in line with the fees charged for international students. UKCISA have provided information about Brexit and tuition fees.
Students from the rest of the world (international)
| Tuition fee (2021/22) | Deposit |
|---|---|
| £21,950 | None |
Financial support
Financial support may be available to individuals who meet certain criteria. For more information visit our funding section. Please note that these sources of financial support are limited and therefore not everyone who meets the criteria are guaranteed to receive the support.
Additional costs
Course specific equipment
No specific equipment is needed. The University will provide resources such as computers and associated software, laboratory equipment (including any safety equipment) and any required learning resources.
Accommodation
We have a range of residences to suit your needs and budget. Find out more on our accommodation pages.
Living costs
We’re based in one of the UK’s most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff.
Course structure
We are currently working with our students to update and improve the content of this course. The information shown below reflects the current curriculum and is likely to change. The review of the course is expected to be completed by August 2021 and this page will be updated by end of October 2021 to reflect the changes.
This is a three-year full-time degree. The course includes a carefully chosen balance of core modules and optional modules. Most modules are worth 10 credits, some are worth 20 and the final-year project is worth 30. You need to earn 120 credits a year.
There are two semesters each year, each semester consisting of 11 teaching weeks, one revision week and an examination period.
The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2021/22 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2021.
Year one
Year one aims to ensure that you develop a fundamental knowledge of all relevant subjects. Theory is delivered in lectures and supported by a dedicated double-module of laboratory experiments that makes up one-sixth of the year.
There is a dedicated Anatomy & Physiology module to ensure you have enough breadth and depth of knowledge.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering Applications | EN1048 | 20 credits |
| Network Analysis | EN1064 | 10 credits |
| Professional Engineering | EN1086 | 10 credits |
| Engineering Analysis | EN1090 | 20 credits |
| Materials and Manufacture | EN1101 | 20 credits |
| Mechanics | EN1102 | 20 credits |
| Anatomy and Physiology | EN1108 | 20 credits |
Year two
Year two begins applying engineering knowledge to medical applications, while developing fundamental theories introduced in year one.
There is a second Anatomy & Physiology module, and a Biomechanics module.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering 1 | EN2078 | 10 credits |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering 2 | EN2079 | 10 credits |
| Thermofluids | EN2103 | 20 credits |
| Computing 1 | EN2106 | 10 credits |
| Engineering Analysis and Computing 2 | EN2107 | 20 credits |
| Biomechanics 1 | EN2451 | 10 credits |
| Design | EN2604 | 20 credits |
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Control and Instrumentation | EN2037 | 10 credits |
| Solid Mechanics and Dynamics | EN2105 | 20 credits |
| Manufacturing Systems Design | EN2904 | 10 credits |
Year three
Year three is structured around giving you the opportunity to integrate your medical and engineering knowledge as you tackle a number of realistic clinical challenges through a variety of applied modules.
A quarter of this academic year is also devoted to the individual project, where you choose an area of research interest and conduct a period of guided study. Recent projects have included: Linking Brain Imaging with Motion Analysis, Computational Modelling of Blood Flow in Cerebral Aneurysm, Football Injuries from Collision with the Ground, and Biomechanical Analysis of Shaken Baby Syndrome.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial Project Management | EN3026 | 10 credits |
| Project | EN3100 | 30 credits |
| Biomechanics 2 | EN3450 | 10 credits |
| Engineering Applications | EN3453 | 10 credits |
| Clinical Engineering | EN3459 | 10 credits |
| Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering | EN3460 | 10 credits |
| Medical Electronics 1 | EN3461 | 10 credits |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering 3 | EN3517 | 10 credits |
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Solid Mechanics | EN3037 | 10 credits |
| Fluid Mechanics | EN3045 | 10 credits |
| Medical Device Evaluation | EN3108 | 10 credits |
| Fluid Power and Control | EN3513 | 10 credits |
The University is committed to providing a wide range of module options where possible, but please be aware that whilst every effort is made to offer choice this may be limited in certain circumstances. This is due to the fact that some modules have limited numbers of places available, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, while others have minimum student numbers required before they will run, to ensure that an appropriate quality of education can be delivered; some modules require students to have already taken particular subjects, and others are core or required on the programme you are taking. Modules may also be limited due to timetable clashes, and although the University works to minimise disruption to choice, we advise you to seek advice from the relevant School on the module choices available.
Learning and assessment
You will be taught the fundamental aspects of engineering through a combination of lectures and tutorials, supplemented by practical lab sessions and project-based work.
The taught modules in the first two years are largely compulsory, but options are available in year three. All students must complete a 30-credit individual project in year three, for which they are allocated a supervisor from among the teaching staff.
There are opportunities for interaction with potential employers through careers fairs and guest lectures. Speakers from industry give regular lectures on their areas of expertise. These offer you the opportunity to hear experts speak on topics that are relevant to your degree and give you an insight into working in industry.
Year 1
Scheduled learning and teaching activities
42%
Guided independent study
58%
Placements
0%
Year 2
Scheduled learning and teaching activities
40%
Guided independent study
60%
Placements
0%
Year 3
Scheduled learning and teaching activities
26%
Guided independent study
74%
Placements
0%
How will I be supported?
You will be assigned a personal tutor who is a member of the academic staff associated with your degree course. Your tutor will be there to advise you on academic, non-academic and personal matters in a confidential and informal manner when you need some guidance. We aim to help you overcome any problem, however big or small, as smoothly and quickly as possible.
For the 30-credit project in year three, you will be allocated a supervisor in the broad area of research specialism and meet regularly.
You will have access through the Learning Central website to relevant multimedia material, presentations, lecture handouts, bibliographies, further links, electronic exercises and discussion circles. Opportunities for you to reflect on your abilities and performance are available through the Learning Central ‘Personal Development Planning’ module.
The University offers a range of services including the Careers Service, the Counselling Service, the Disability and Dyslexia Service, the Student Support Service, and excellent libraries and resource centres.
Feedback
We’ll provide you with frequent feedback on your work. This comes in a variety of formats including oral feedback in classes like design and project work and via return of marked coursework.
The opportunity to test your knowledge and understanding will be provided throughout the semester via class tests in Years 1 and 2, plus feedback on written assessments. Occasionally, peer assessment of an individual’s contribution to a group may be used, and you may also receive oral feedback on presentations and contributions to group activities.
Year 1
Written exams
70%
Practical exams
5%
Coursework
25%
Year 2
Written exams
75%
Practical exams
5%
Coursework
20%
Year 3
Written exams
56%
Practical exams
8%
Coursework
36%
What skills will I practise and develop?
This course is accredited via the Engineering Council, meaning the core competencies of UK-SPEC (UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence) are integrated throughout the taught years of the course.
Through lab work you will develop practical skills focused on the application of a range of engineering principles to real-life technological, regulatory and ethical problems.
You will also:
- Develop an appreciation of how to bridge the disciplines of engineering and medicine/clinical sciences
- Enhance your communication skills, both orally and in writing through a series of reports and assignments
- Develop your knowledge, skills and confidence to solve multidisciplinary problems in a engineering context
- Enhance your team-working skills, ability to exercise original thought and good professional judgement
Careers
Career prospects
In 2015/16, 95% of the School’s graduates who were available for work reported they were in employment and/or further study within six months of graduation.
Graduate medical engineers benefit from employment opportunities in both the medical engineering and broader mechanical engineering sector.
Recent Cardiff graduates are now employed in medical engineering companies including Finsbury Orthopaedics, DePuy Synthes and Huntleigh Medical.
Medical engineers can also carve out a career in the healthcare sector. Cardiff graduates regularly earn positions in the highly competitive clinical engineer/scientist training scheme of the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (www.ipem.ac.uk for further details), while others have used their degree as a stepping stone to other vocations.
