University of Strathclyde

What you'll study

The programme covers core engineering concepts applied to biological and clinical problems, together with practical laboratory and design experience. Teaching mixes lectures, tutorials, hands-on lab work and an independent research or design project. Typical modules include:

• Medical Devices and Prosthetics – design principles for implants, sensors and actuator systems; materials selection and biocompatibility.
• Biomechanics and Tissue Mechanics – mechanics of biological tissues, musculoskeletal modelling and experimental measurement techniques.
• Biomedical Signal Processing and Imaging – acquisition and analysis of physiological signals, fundamentals of medical imaging modalities and image processing methods.
• Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering – materials for regenerative medicine, cell–material interactions and scaffold design.
• Clinical Engineering and Healthcare Technologies – healthcare systems, device regulation, safety, and usability; interaction with clinical environments.
• Research Methods and Statistics – experimental design, data analysis, and critical appraisal of literature.

The degree culminates in a substantial individual research project or industrially aligned design project that typically involves laboratory work, computational modelling or collaboration with industry or clinical partners. Optional modules or short courses may be available to broaden skills in areas such as regulatory affairs, entrepreneurship, or advanced computational methods.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a UK upper second-class (2:1) honours degree, or an international equivalent, in biomedical engineering, mechanical/electrical/electronic engineering, physics, or a related science or engineering discipline. Candidates with a lower second-class (2:2) degree and relevant industrial experience or a strong academic record in key modules may also be considered.

Applicants whose first degree is in a non-engineering discipline but who have a strong quantitative background may be required to demonstrate competence in engineering maths and core engineering principles or complete pre‑sessional/bridging preparation. International applicants must meet the University's English language requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates from this MSc typically move into roles across the medical technology and healthcare sectors. Common career paths include:

• Research and development engineer positions in medical device and diagnostics companies.
• Clinical engineering roles within hospitals and health services, supporting medical equipment, procurement and safety.
• Regulatory affairs, quality assurance and product safety roles ensuring compliance with medical device regulations and standards.
• Technical consultancy, project management and product design services for healthcare organisations and SMEs.
• Further academic research leading to PhD study in biomedical engineering, bioengineering or related interdisciplinary areas.

The programme’s industry links, project opportunities and strong laboratory focus help graduates gain practical experience valued by employers in both commercial and clinical environments.

Why study at University of Strathclyde

Strathclyde has an established engineering faculty with active research groups in biomedical engineering and close collaboration with local hospitals, research institutes and a growing medical technology sector. Students benefit from modern laboratories, specialist equipment for biomaterials, biomechanics and bioinstrumentation, and opportunities to work on industry- or clinically-relevant projects.

The department emphasises applied research and knowledge exchange, helping to connect students with placement and collaboration opportunities. Situated in Glasgow, the university offers access to a vibrant healthcare and medtech community as well as support services for postgraduate students, including careers guidance focused on the engineering and life‑science sectors.