Swansea University

What you'll study

The programme provides a grounding in human anatomy and physiology, electronics and instrumentation, signal processing and medical imaging, together with modules on healthcare systems, safety and regulation. Early-level modules cover fundamentals such as introductory biomedical engineering, anatomy and physiology for engineers, and medical instrumentation. Intermediate study typically adds clinical measurement techniques, digital signal processing, sensors and data acquisition, and infection control and clinical governance.

Advanced modules focus on medical device design and validation, quality management and regulatory affairs, patient safety, and applied research methods. The degree culminates in a substantial individual or group project that applies engineering skills to a clinical problem, often in collaboration with an NHS department or industry partner. Teaching blends lectures, laboratory practicals, workshops and clinically supervised placements; assessment mixes coursework, practical assessments, exams and the final project.

Entry requirements

Entry is aimed at applicants with a background in science, technology or healthcare. Typical academic backgrounds include A-levels (including a science or maths subject), BTEC National diplomas in relevant engineering or science subjects, or an Access to Higher Education diploma in a health or science pathway. Applicants without traditional qualifications are considered if they have relevant work experience in a clinical or technical role.

Applicants should normally hold GCSEs (or equivalents) in English and mathematics at standard pass level. For applicants whose first language is not English, an approved level of English language competence is required. As a part-time programme it is particularly geared to mature students and those already employed in healthcare or biomedical industries; employers’ references and evidence of relevant experience strengthen applications.

Career prospects

Graduates move into roles across the NHS, private healthcare providers, medical device manufacturers and regulatory bodies. Typical job titles include medical engineering technician/clinical technologist, biomedical equipment specialist, service engineer for medical devices, test and validation engineer, and roles supporting clinical measurement services.

The qualification also provides a route into postgraduate study in biomedical engineering, clinical science training programmes or professional registration pathways for clinical technologists and healthcare scientists. Many students progress within their employers into senior technical, management or regulatory roles, or into research and development positions in industry.

Why study at Swansea University

Swansea University offers access to strong interdisciplinary expertise across engineering, life sciences and health, with links to NHS Wales and local medical technology companies. Students benefit from well‑equipped engineering and clinical laboratories, project opportunities with clinical departments, and academic staff active in applied healthcare research.

The part-time structure is designed to support those balancing work and study, combining evening or blended learning with intensive campus blocks and supported clinical placements. Students also have access to university careers and academic support services, helping to translate technical learning into employability and professional development.