Medical Engineering (International) (MEng)
- Subject area: Engineering
- UCAS code: H2BV
- Next intake: September 2023
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode: Full time
Why study this course
Graduate privileges
Graduates take a quicker, more direct route to Chartered Engineer status than the BEng students.
Industrial links
Our course content is informed by industrial collaboration with companies like Biomet, Simpleware and Arthritis Research UK.
Semester abroad
You will spend a semester studying abroad at one of our English-speaking partner institutions in locations around the world.
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.
Professionally accredited course
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 a Chartered Engineer.
This degree programme 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.
This four-year programme offers allows you to use the last two years to expand and strengthen your knowledge in medical engineering. You will benefit from advanced learning in design and management and an appreciation of the techniques needed to manage and organise a multidisciplinary engineering design project.
Teaching is by a dedicated team of research-active academic staff, and there are also some lectures by colleagues from Cardiff School of Biosciences, School of Medicine and Cardiff & Vale NHS Trust.
An added advantage of this MEng Medical Engineering (International) course is that one semester is spent studying engineering through the medium of English at one of our partner universities overseas. In the past, our students have visited universities in Australia and the USA.
Other medical engineering courses include:
- A thorough grounding in the fundamentals of medical engineering if you choose a BEng course
- The opportunity to follow a year in industry if you choose the relevant four-year BEng or five-year MEng degree option.
Accreditations
Subject area: Engineering
Entry requirements
We accept a combination of A-levels and other qualifications, as well as equivalent international qualifications subject to entry requirements. If you are applying to study this course via Clearing, entry grade requirements may be higher than those advertised. Typical offers are as follows:
A level
AAA-AAB. Must include grade A in 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 offer. Please note that any subject specific requirements must still be met.
Our grade range covers our standard offer and contextual offer. We carefully consider the circumstances in which you've been studying (your contextual data) upon application.
- Eligible students will be given an offer at the lower end of the advertised grade range.
- Where there is no grade range advertised and/or where there are selection processes in place (like an interview) you may receive additional points in the selection process or be guaranteed interview/consideration.
Learn about eligible courses and how contextual data is applied.
International Baccalaureate
36-34 overall or 666 in 3 HL subjects. Must include grade 6 in HL Maths.
Baccalaureate Wales
From September 2023, there will be a new qualification called the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales (level 3). This qualification will replace the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (Welsh Baccalaureate). The qualification will continue to be accepted in lieu of one A-Level (at the grades listed above), excluding any specified subjects.
Other essential requirements
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.
English language requirements
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 a minimum of 17 for writing, 17 for listening, 18 for reading, and 20 for speaking.
PTE Academic
At least 69 overall with a minimum of 59 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.
Criminal convictions
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.
Other qualifications from inside the UK
BTEC
DD in a BTEC Diploma in any subject and grade A in A-Level Maths.
T level
We do not accept T Levels for this programme.
Please see our admissions policies for more information about the application process.
Tuition fees for 2023 entry
Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on your fee status. Your fee status could be home, island or overseas.
Learn how we decide your fee status
Fees for home status
| Year | Tuition fee | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Year one | £9,000 | None |
| Year two | £9,000 | None |
| Year three | £9,000 | None |
| Year four | £9,000 | None |
Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland
If you are an EU, EEA or Swiss national, your tuition fees for 2023/24 be in line with the overseas fees for international students, unless you qualify for home fee status. UKCISA have provided information about Brexit and tuition fees.
Fees for island status
Learn more about the undergraduate fees for students from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.
Fees for overseas status
| Year | Tuition fee | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Year one | £25,450 | None |
| Year two | £25,450 | None |
| Year three | £25,450 | None |
| Year four | £25,450 | None |
Learn more about our tuition fees
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 a variety of other 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 2023 and this page will be updated by end of October 2023 to reflect the changes.
This is a four-year full-time degree, one semester of which is spent studying abroad. The course includes a carefully chosen balance of core modules and optional modules. Most modules are worth 10 credits, some are worth 20, the year three and year four projects are each worth 30 and the international module is worth 50. You need to attain 120 credits a year in order to continue your studies.
The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2023/2024 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2023.
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.
The autumn semester is spent studying at a partner institution overseas for the equivalent of 50 credits.
The year also includes a major project, with a value of a quarter of the overall year. For this you will study individually, alongside a supervising staff member. Some preparation takes place in the autumn semester but the module is completed in the spring semester.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| International Experience | EN3092 | 50 credits |
| Project | EN3100 | 30 credits |
| Engineering Applications | EN3453 | 10 credits |
| Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering | EN3460 | 10 credits |
| Medical Electronics 1 | EN3461 | 10 credits |
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Solid Mechanics | EN3037 | 10 credits |
| Fluid Power and Control | EN3513 | 10 credits |
Year four
Year four includes two group projects, which are linked to topical research. In total, these make up half of the overall assessment.
Core modules include one on Management in Industry and there is a choice of optional modules.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering | EN4107 | 30 credits |
| Ergonomics | EN4119 | 20 credits |
| Medical Image Processing | EN4505 | 10 credits |
| Clinical Engineering 2 | EN4506 | 10 credits |
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Applied Numerical Methods in Engineering | EN4018 | 10 credits |
| Integrated Building Design | EN4102 | 30 credits |
| Mechatronics Design | EN4110 | 30 credits |
| Forensic Bioengineering | EN4453 | 10 credits |
| Control | EN4610 | 10 credits |
| Fundamentals of Nanomechanics | EN4630 | 10 credits |
| Quality and Reliability | EN4640 | 10 credits |
| Theory and Applications of the Finite Element Method | EN4641 | 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
Teaching is through lectures, examples classes and extensive laboratory, IT and practical work. The taught modules in the first two years are largely compulsory, but options are usually available in years three and four. 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 interactions with potential employers.
The international module will be delivered through the medium of English, using the delivery methods of the overseas institutions, including lectures, seminars, workshops, group work and laboratories.
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.
How will I be assessed?
Your progress in each module is usually assessed at various stages through each semester (through a short test) to give you feedback on your progress, then finally at the end of the appropriate semester. Assessment is undertaken using methods including formal written examinations, case studies, assignments and project work.
Examinations count for 60% to 70% of all assessment throughout the course, depending on the options chosen. The remainder is mainly project work and larger pieces of coursework, plus performance in laboratories.
The opportunity to test knowledge and understanding is given through class tests throughout years one and two, plus feedback on written assessments. Occasionally, peer assessment of an individual’s contribution to a group may be used, and students may also receive oral feedback on presentations and contributions to group activities.
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
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 (see www.ipem.ac.uk for further details), while others have used their degree as a stepping stone to other vocations.
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HESA Data: Copyright Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited 2021. The Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data. Data is from the latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20, published by HESA in June 2022.
