Combining engineering with medical sciences to design and create equipment, devices, computer systems and software.
Biomedical Engineering combines biology and engineering, applying engineering principles and materials to medicine and healthcare. It spans a wide variety of disciplines – you could be working with artificial organs, surgical robots, advanced prosthetics or the development of new drugs.
Biomedical Engineers (sometimes referred to as Bioengineers) are responsible for driving major innovations and advances in medicine they design and develop all of the equipment used by doctors and biomedical scientists.
The demand for Biomedical Engineers is increasing as machinery and technology become ever more essential to developments in medicine and healthcare. The combination of engineering principles with biological knowledge to address medical needs has contributed to the development of many revolutionary and life-saving concepts.
Biomedical Engineering is constantly evolving and expanding into new areas such as tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, a core research theme within the School of Engineering at Ulster University.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
In this section
There is an increasing demand for more advanced and effective medical devices and therapies due to an ageing population and our increasingly demanding lifestyles. In order to meet these challenges the need for professional biomedical engineers with the right skills and competencies has never been greater.
The biomedical engineering course aims to provide students with a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the core technical, professional and ethical principles that underpin this area. It is a challenging course, multidisciplinary in nature and equips graduates with the skills needed for a career in this ever-expanding sector. Likewise, it provides a solid platform to undertake further MSc or PhD study programs in this area.
As well as providing the student with all necessary competencies to gain successful employment (or further study opportunities) after graduating, the staff delivering the course put a lot of emphasis on looking after the students when they are at University. This includes both good academic support and pastoral care which is equally important to ensure each student reaches their full potential.
This course is currently in the process of renewing its Professional Body Accreditation. It is possible that there will be some changes to the course as described.
Diploma in Professional Practice DPP
Diploma in International Academic Studies DIAS
Diploma in Professional Practice International DPPI
Duration
The course is four years in during (which includes a compulsory placement in year 3). The course is only offered as a full-time option.
Attendance
Classes are normally scheduled from Monday – Friday (contact the course director for further details). There are no timetabled activities on Wednesday afternoons.
The first year of the course is introductory in nature and provides the student with the fundamental principles of the subject material concerned. Particular emphasis is placed on the provision of appropriate underpinning in key subject areas such as mathematics, physics, design, manufacturing, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering and professional engineering practice. Specialist knowledge related to biomedical engineering is provided through the provision of specialist modules in biomedical engineering in both semesters, providing an introduction to the field of biomedical engineering, medical technology, and human anatomy and physiology. A significant number of modules in Year 1 incorporate laboratory tuition to ensure that the students receive appropriate hands-on experience to enhance their learning experience and to reinforce theoretical concepts.
In the second year of the course, students are expected to refine their skills and attributes developed in Year 1 and to extend their knowledge of topics specific to Biomedical Engineering. Subjects covered include biomedical physics and their applications, medical technologies, biomaterials science, biomechanics, anatomy and physiology, medical device directives and standards, ethics, medical electronics, engineering programming and professional engineering practice. All of these subjects build upon the underpinning and introduction to the subject provided in Year 1, with a strong emphasis on laboratory work to enhance the students’ capabilities in preparation for compulsory placement in Year 3.
In Year 3, the student will undertake a period of paid placement in a clinical, industrial or academic setting. Placement is compulsory and seen as an integral part of the course providing the student the opportunity to develop into a junior engineer.
In year 4 the students are expected to undertake more advanced studies in modules designed to build upon their knowledge and capabilities resulting from the previous taught years and placement experience. A considerable amount of personal initiative is expected and the modules are constructed in such a way as to reflect this. In particular, the ability to make logical and analytical appraisal of a problem and to provide a structured and optimised solution is developed in the Honours Research Project. The individual project helps integrate module material from across the course. The key themes covered in final year include medical sensor technologies for monitoring and sensing applications, analog and digital signal processing methods with respect to medical applications, biomaterials and tissue engineering, nanotechnology, management, entrepreneurship and programming.
The Ulster Learning and Teaching Strategy's overall aim is "to provide students with a high quality, challenging and rewarding learning experience that equips them with ...knowledge, skills and confidence". Engineering, according to the QAA subject benchmark statement is built on three core elements, "scientific principles, mathematics and 'realisation'." The technical underpinning required in science and mathematics are taught in ways that combine traditional features such as lectures and tutorials with a range of practically based activities that embed this underpinning knowledge in the context of real-world systems and examples. Laboratory sessions include both demonstrations and experimentation, Lectures and tutorials typically contain examples, videos and physical demonstrations of the application of the scientific principles to engineering practice.
There has also been an increasing use of technology in developing learning resources. This generally includes the integration of applications software packages (CAD, FEA, CFD for example) and the use of live intranet and Web resources, both within scheduled sessions and in independent study, as the School continues to build student-partnerships and a community of learners.
Apart from conventional usage of ‘seen’ and ‘unseen’ assessment problems in class tests and formal examinations, significant use is made of on-line assessment strategies within the course to facilitate timely feedback. Oral examinations are utilised (e.g. in relation to project presentations and presentations relating to industrial placement). Diagnostic assessment features are becoming more prominent in Year 1 modules with formative assessment generally linked to summative assessment, for initial coursework submissions in the first half of semester.
Staff delivering the course are focused on the need for good quality, timely formative feedback, to encourage students and promote deeper learning as modules progress.
The content for each course is summarised on the relevant course page, along with an overview of the modules that make up the course.
Each course is approved by the University and meets the expectations of:
As part of your course induction, you will be provided with details of the organisation and management of the course, including attendance and assessment requirements - usually in the form of a timetable. For full-time courses, the precise timetable for each semester is not confirmed until close to the start date and may be subject to some change in the early weeks as all courses settle into their planned patterns. For part-time courses which require attendance on particular days and times, an expectation of the days and periods of attendance will be included in the letter of offer. A course handbook is also made available.
Courses comprise modules for which the notional effort involved is indicated by its credit rating. Each credit point represents 10 hours of student effort. Undergraduate courses typically contain 10, 20, or 40 credit modules (more usually 20) and postgraduate courses typically 15 or 30 credit modules.
The normal study load expectation for an undergraduate full-time course of study in the standard academic year is 120 credit points. This amounts to around 36-42 hours of expected teaching and learning per week, inclusive of attendance requirements for lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical work, fieldwork or other scheduled classes, private study, and assessment. Teaching and learning activities will be in-person and/or online depending on the nature of the course. Part-time study load is the same as full-time pro-rata, with each credit point representing 10 hours of student effort.
Postgraduate Master’s courses typically comprise 180 credits, taken in three semesters when studied full-time. A Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) comprises 60 credits and can usually be completed on a part-time basis in one year. A 120-credit Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) can usually be completed on a part-time basis in two years.
Class contact times vary by course and type of module. Typically, for a module predominantly delivered through lectures you can expect at least 3 contact hours per week (lectures/seminars/tutorials). Laboratory classes often require a greater intensity of attendance in blocks. Some modules may combine lecture and laboratory. The precise model will depend on the course you apply for and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. Prospective students will be consulted about any significant changes.
Assessment methods vary and are defined explicitly in each module. Assessment can be a combination of examination and coursework but may also be only one of these methods. Assessment is designed to assess your achievement of the module’s stated learning outcomes. You can expect to receive timely feedback on all coursework assessments. This feedback may be issued individually and/or issued to the group and you will be encouraged to act on this feedback for your own development.
Coursework can take many forms, for example: essay, report, seminar paper, test, presentation, dissertation, design, artefacts, portfolio, journal, group work. The precise form and combination of assessment will depend on the course you apply for and the module. Details will be made available in advance through induction, the course handbook, the module specification, the assessment timetable and the assessment brief. The details are subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.
Normally, a module will have 4 learning outcomes, and no more than 2 items of assessment. An item of assessment can comprise more than one task. The notional workload and the equivalence across types of assessment is standardised. The module pass mark for undergraduate courses is 40%. The module pass mark for postgraduate courses is 50%.
The class of Honours awarded in Bachelor’s degrees is usually determined by calculation of an aggregate mark based on performance across the modules at Levels 5 and 6, (which correspond to the second and third year of full-time attendance).
Level 6 modules contribute 70% of the aggregate mark and Level 5 contributes 30% to the calculation of the class of the award. Classification of integrated Master’s degrees with Honours include a Level 7 component. The calculation in this case is: 50% Level 7, 30% Level 6, 20% Level 5. At least half the Level 5 modules must be studied at the University for Level 5 to be included in the calculation of the class.
All other qualifications have an overall grade determined by results in modules from the final level of study.
In Masters degrees of more than 200 credit points the final 120 points usually determine the overall grading.
Figures from the academic year 2022-2023.
The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 60% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.
Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (19%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (22%) or Lecturers (57%).
We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic and learning support staff (85%) are recognised as fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) by Advance HE - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.
The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise. The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff. This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.
Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.
Figures from the academic year 2022-2023.
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Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.
Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.
In this section
Year: 1
Status: C
This module provides students with an understanding of anatomy and physiology that are directly applicable to the area of biomedical engineering.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module provides an understanding of the language and terminology of mathematics, together with the mathematical techniques from algebra, calculus and statistics that are necessary for the description and analysis of engineering systems.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module will provide an introduction to semiconductor devices and their application in electronic circuits such as power supplies, voltage regulators and simple amplifier circuits. It will also introduce the field of digital electronics, with simple combinational logic circuit analysis and simplification
Year: 1
Status: C
This module provides an introduction to the fundamentals in the use of a modern 3D CAD system to create robust 3D part modules using an introductory range of feature types. This module provides an introduction to product design specification, design, build and analysis/testing of a product as part of a design project, working as part of a team.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module will introduce students to working in multidisciplinary teams to solve a real-world problem and present their solution to an audience of their tutors and peers.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module will introduce students to studying an Engineering programme at Ulster University
and will develop some of the foundational knowledge and skills that will enable them to succeed on their degree programme.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module provides students with a detailed understanding of the important issues relating to the regulatory systems and processes for the delivery of safe and effective medical devices primarily in the US and EU. It includes information on the design and development of medical devices and equipment, the role of harmonised international standards, quality management systems, project and risk management, clinical evaluation, and data management and cybersecurity. Students will also consider the role of ethics and equality, diversity and inclusion in the industry and will undertake an integrated group project that considers a real world scenario within the medical device industry. This module will address the UN Sustainability Development Goals of: 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing), 5 (Gender Equality), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
Year: 2
Status: C
This module provides an introduction to the fundamentals of static mechanics and fluid mechanics, with a particular emphasis being placed on the application of this theory to biomedical engineering devices and examples.
Year: 2
Status: C
The module is designed to extend the students understanding of biomedical engineering in terms of medical physiological measurements, medical imaging and clinical diagnosis. The electrical properties of tissue are studied and their importance for a number of clinical situations examined. The development of electrodes for particular purposes is evaluated. Medical devices for a range of physiological and diagnostic applications are studied.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module will equip students with necessary knowledge and hardware-software design skills needed to design/implement microcontroller based embedded systems.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module is designed to introduce engineering students to the basic principles of algorithmic programming, and the solution of engineering problems using MATLAB and Simulink.
Year: 2
Status: C
The module considers creativity in design; product innovation; technical and non-technical aspects of design; sustainability; design analysis techniques for economic product manufacture and assembly; functional analysis; visual design; value engineering; safety and reliability through design projects; manufacturing processes; assembly techniques; market intelligence; component and product inspection and testing. This module builds on the fundamentals of 3D solid part modelling with the introduction of more advanced solid modelling tools, assembly modelling, creation of 2D drawings and incorporation of all these tools and features within a design project, working as part of a team.
Status: O
Year: 3
This module is optional
This module provides undergraduate students with an opportunity to gain structured and professional work experience, in a work-based learning environment, as part of their planned programme of study. This experience allows students to develop, refine and reflect on their key personal and professional skills. The placement should significantly support the development of the student's employability skills, preparation for final year and enhance their employability journey.
Status: O
Year: 3
This module is optional
This module provides an opportunity to undertake an extended period of study outside the UK and Republic of Ireland. Students will develop an enhanced understanding of the academic discipline whilst generating educational and cultural networks.
Status: O
Year: 3
This module is optional
This module provides an opportunity to undertake an extended period of study in the USA; to acquire business and management skills, and to develop educational and social links. Places on the module are limited and subject to a competitive selection procedure.
Year: 4
Status: C
This module prepares the student for the multidisciplinary (physics, chemistry and engineering) nature of biomedical devices. An applied view of sensor principles and associated device fabrication techniques is presented with modern and future medical applications constantly being illustrated.
Year: 4
Status: C
This module provides students with a detailed understanding of the composition, function and application of synthetic and natural biomaterials in the context of the medical implant devices they are used to fabricate. The approach taken highlights the important materials science issues involved in the provision of these systems. The increasing importance of functional biomaterials to the provision of enhanced medical implant devices that can more effectively replace damaged and/or diseased tissues and organs is also addressed.
Year: 4
Status: C
The module provides a knowledge of analogue and digital signal processing of simple level systems;
with particular application to basic signals generated by biological systems.
Year: 4
Status: C
This Research Methods and Management module provides the student with a scaffolded learning experience on a series of pertinent engineering management topics including cyber-security and its mitigation, EDI issues and building inclusive teams, and project management tools and techniques. The reflective learning log will provide students with an opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of the impact of contemporary issues in the management of engineering projects and workplace practices. The written report will will be based on a comprehensive literature review/design study of the student's final year capstone project.
Students will be expected to manage and design the project in collaboration with their supervisor. They will be responsible for carrying out the project and writing up and presenting their work in the form of written submissions.
Year: 4
Status: C
Each student taking this module will carry out an individual project on a topic relevant to their degree of study. Students will be expected to design the project in collaboration with a nominated supervisor. They will be responsible for carrying out the project and writing up results in the form of a final written report.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module gives the student an overview of nanotechnology and its applications in engineering.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module extends the students understanding of the design and creation of software structures using an object-oriented paradigm. The programming language is C++ which is of particular relevance to engineering students.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module introduces environmental issues, key aspects and provides coverage of science, technology, design, regulations and management systems pertaining to environmental protection, resource conservation and alternative energy sources.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module provides a practical, hands-on experience of Computer Aided Engineering in the context of industrial design and manufacturing. It focuses on advanced part modelling techniques, assembly modelling, creating associative links, good modelling practice, collaboration and interoperability, design documentation, 3D printing, surface modelling, photorealistic rendering, dynamic simulation and Finite Element Analysis. It involves the utilisation of an integrated, state-of-the-art MCAD suite, along with the teaching of the general principles of the aforementioned technologies.
We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.
In this section
BBB to include Grade B in one from Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Technology & Design, Design & Technology, Engineering, Life & Health Sciences (single or double) or Double Award Science/Applied Science
or
BCC to include one from Mathematics, Further Mathematics or Physics.
Please also refer to the GCSE subject and grade requirements below, including specific Mathematics grade required depending on the GCE A Level subject presented.
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma
Award profile of DDM
Essential Subjects:
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Engineering (RQF) (601/7588/6)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Applied Science (RQF) (601/7437/7)
We will also accept smaller BTEC/OCR qualifications (i.e. Diploma or Extended Certificate / Introductory Diploma / Subsidiary Diploma) in combination with A Levels or other acceptable Level 3 qualifications.
Essential Subjects:
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Engineering (RQF) (601/7580/1)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Applied Science (RQF) (601/7435/3)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Engineering (RQF) (601/7584/9)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Applied Science (RQF) (601/7436/5)
The BTEC qualification must be in an Engineering or Applied Science subject area and/or the A Level must be in one of the specified subjects (see A Level section).
OCR/Cambridge Technical Combinations
OCR Nationals and OCR Cambridge Technicals do not satisfy the subject requirement for this course and will only be accepted when presented with an A Level in one of the specified subjects (please refer to A Level section).
To find out if the qualification you are applying with is a qualification we accept for entry, please check our Qualification Checker - our Equivalence Entry Checker.
We will also continue to accept QCF versions of these qualifications although grades asked for may differ. Check what grades you will be asked for by comparing the requirements above with the information under QCF in the Applied General and Tech Level Qualifications section of our Entry Requirements - View our Undergraduate Entry Requirements
120 UCAS Tariff points to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at Higher Level) to include English at H6 and Mathematics at H5 if studied at Higher Level, or English at O4 and Mathematics at O3 if studied at Ordinary Level.
Course Specific Subject Requirements
Higher Level subjects must include Grade H6 minimum in two from: Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics/Chemistry, Technology, Computing, Biology, Engineering or Design & Communication Graphics.
Grades BBBCC (to include BB in Mathematics and a Science subject).
Grades CCC (to include Mathematics and a Science subject).
Overall profile is a minimum of 26 points to include 13 at Higher Level, and minimum Grade 5 in Higher Level Mathematics and minimum Grade 5 in a Higher Level Science subject. Grade 4 in English Language is also required in overall profile.
Overall profile of 65% and 65% in Level 2 NICATS Mathematics module in Science/Technology/Biological and Biomedical Science (120 credit Access Course) (NI Access Course).
NOTE: Biomedical Science does not have a Mathematics module so applicants must have GCSE Maths C/4.
Overall profile of 24 credits at Distinction and 21 credits at Merit in Science/Technology (60 credit Access Course) (GB Access Course). GCSE Grade C/4 or above in Mathematics is also required.
Alternative Mathematics qualifications acceptable to the University will be considered for the Mathematics requirement.
For further information on the entry requirements for this course please contact the administrator as listed in the Contact details section below.
Entry equivalences can also be viewed in the online prospectus at our Equivalence Entry Checker..
For full-time study, you must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements for admission to a first degree course and hold:
GCSE Grade C/4 or above in English Language
and
GCSE Grade C*/5 or above in Mathematics (or equivalent) if presenting with only Design and Technology as the specified subject for this course OR GCSE Grade C/4 or above in Mathematics (or equivalent) if presenting with another of the specified subjects for the course with, or instead of, Design and Technology
and
GCSE Grades CC/44 or above in Double Award Science OR in both GCSE Science and Additional Science OR in two of the following GCSE subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Science, Technology and Design, Statistics (or equivalent).
Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Communication will be accepted as equivalent to GCSE English.
Please note that for purposes of entry to this course the Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Application of Number is NOT regarded as an acceptable alternative to GCSE Maths
English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.
Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.
HNC
Pass HNC with overall Distinction in an Engineering, Science or Applied Science subject for Year 1 entry only. GCSE Maths Grade C/4 or an alternative Mathematics qualification acceptable to the University is also required.
HND - Year 1 Entry
Pass HND in an Engineering, Science or Applied Science subject. GCSE Maths Grade C/4 or an alternative Mathematics qualification acceptable to the University is also required.
HND - Year 2 Entry
Pass HND in an Engineering, Science or Applied Science subject with overall Merit to include a Merit in either Level 4 or Level 5 Analytical Methods, or Level 4 Engineering Maths or Level 5 Further Maths module. GCSE Maths Grade C/4 or an alternative Mathematics qualification acceptable to the University is also required.
Ulster Foundation Degree
Pass Foundation Degree in a relevant subject area with an overall mark of 55% and minimum 55% in all taught Level 5 modules and 55% in the Level 4 Mathematics module within the Foundation Degree. GCSE Maths Grade C/4 or an alternative Mathematics qualification acceptable to the University is also required. Applicants will normally be considered for Year 2 entry to the linked Honours degree.
For further information on the requirements for this course please contact
the administrator as listed in the Contact details section below.
Entry equivalences can also be viewed in the online prospectus at our Equivalence Entry Checker..
The General Entry Requirements must also be met including English Language minimum GCSE Grade C or 4 (or equivalent). Please check the following link General Entry Requirements.
Exemption from parts of the course may be considered based on appropriate performance in a related, designated course or other approved experiential learning (APEL). The course has been designed to enable students who graduate with a good honours degree to apply for postgraduate study towards a PhD, MSc, MRes or other higher qualification.
In this section
Graduates from this course are now working for:
With this degree you could become:
Biomedical engineers can take up employment in a range of different areas due to its interdisciplinary nature. Potential employers include:
1. The medical device and pharmaceutical industry (e.g. Boston Scientific, Medtronic, Stryker, Abbott, Heartsine, Intelesens, Randox, Almac, Norbrook, Trucorp, Siemens, Philips)
2. Hospital trusts (e.g. Northern Ireland, Ireland, UK and Australia)
3. Government and regulatory agencies (UK), and
4. Universities (e.g. Ulster University, QUB, KCL, Imperial College, Leeds, Southampton, TCD, UCD).
The biomedical engineer can play a vital role in any one of these sectors, working as research and development engineer in the medical device industry producing the next generation of heart valves, defibrillators, ECG systems, stents or hip replacements, right through to the specialist working in the hospital to operate and maintain sophisticated equipment for the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.
The biomedical engineering degree course at Ulster University provides graduates with a wide range of technical, professional and ethical competencies that will enable them to gain employment in this continually developing sector. Our graduates have built careers in the medical device industry and research laboratories and hospitals all over the world.
A significant number of students have also gone on to complete further studies (MSc/PhD) in the field of biomedical engineering and related subject areas at institutions all over the UK and Ireland.
The BEng (Hons) Biomedical Engineering degree programme is a four year course - three years at University and one year on a compulsory industrial placement.
Students fulfilling the requirements of the course will be awarded an Honours degree with an accompanying award of a Diploma in Professional Practice (DPP) for successful completion of a university approved placement in a clinical, industrial or academic establishment.
The compulsory placement year in year 3 of the course provides students with a valuable insight into the working environment and gives them a unique edge when they go to seek full-time employment after they graduate. Indeed, many placement providers end up offering employment to those students who completed a successful placement with them after they graduate.
Accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer and partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.
Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.
A range of prizes and awards are available to students throughout their studies.
It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.
Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.
There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.
See the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
David Bishop BSc Hons Biomedical Engineering with DIS 2011
Having graduated with First Class Honours in the summer, David commenced doctoral study with the Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering Research group in the Nanotechnology and Integrated Bioengineering Centre. His research will investigate various methods to try and increase the bioactivity of different biomaterial surfaces in order to manipulate and control the differentiation pathways of adult mesenchymal stem cells. David’s undergraduate years are a catalogue of high achievement. On placement with Boston Scientific Corporation (BSC), Galway, he won a Silver Value Improvement Project (VIP) Award due to savings of $800,000 per year on a coat weight variation project. He also designed a stent handling tool and his placement experience and nomination led to BSC winning the 2011 University Placement employer of the year award. David was also a Nuffield Research Scholar and, during his final year, tutored mathematics to students on Ulster’s Step-Up programme. David’s results and experience at undergraduate level, particularly in the final year project, have provided the stepping stone to his current research in the field of biomaterials.
Dr Rebecca Di Maio BSc Hons Biomedical Engineering with DIS 2004
Double graduate Rebecca has gone a long way from her Ballymena home and undergraduate studies at Jordanstown – literally. She is now Clinical Research Manager at HeartSine Technologies Ltd, overseeing the conduct of multicentre clinical trials on defibrillator and CPR technology. Rebecca has travelled to Moscow, Belfast, London, San Diego, Copenhagen, Chicago, New Orleans to present the results of the company’s studies and overview the technology. “I studied BSc Hons Biomedical Engineering with DIS, gaining First Class Honours and then undertook my PhD in defibrillation and resuscitation. It was a follow on from a very successful final year project supervised by Professor John Anderson, who has an international reputation in the field of defibrillation and resuscitation research. He is also now my manager as CTO of HeartSine Technologies Ltd. I have also lectured at Ulster in maths and electronics.” Rebecca has trained and supervised a number of students at HeartSine Technologies, some of whom have gone on to complete summer programmes at Harvard.
Tracey Leonard BSc Hons Biomedical Engineering with DIS 2011
Tracey is currently a Renal Technologist with the NHS . Her job involves the maintenance, calibration, repairs and modifications of medical equipment used to perform kidney dialysis. Dialysis machines are extremely important for the survival of patients who suffer from kidney disease. Renal Technologists ensure that this vital equipment works efficiently and safely at all times. Tracey undertook her work placement at Ulster’s Centre for Rehabilitation Research where she had the opportunity to work alongside a team comprising both local and international collaborators to complete a research study on Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS). She was the investigator of the laboratory trial and the information collected was used to compile a journal submission. The paper, of which Tracey is a co-author is titled ‘Does the Stimulation Intensity of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation Influence Hypoalgesia?’ and was published in the European Journal of Pain in August 2011. Tracey hopes to gain invaluable experience within this role through hands on experience and training courses. Tracey is keen to incorporate her background in medical research into her current role which could possibly lead to new techniques or equipment being developed which could improve the treatment of dialysis patients.
Dr Lindsay McManus BSc Hons Biomedical Engineering with DIS 2008
Lindsay graduated with a degree in Biomedical Engineering with a commendation in a Diploma of Industrial Studies in 2008. In the same year she began a three-year PhD based in the Nanotechnology and Integrated BioEngineering Centre, funded by the Department of Education and Learning, Northern Ireland. Lindsay has worked on collaborative projects with Tyndall National Institute in Cork and also with Dublin Institute of Technology, Ireland. Throughout her time as a PhD student she has been successful in various funding applications for attending international conferences, including the I J Shelley travelling fund, the Andrew Carnegie research travel fund and the Royal Society of Engineering travel grant. Recently Lindsay was also successful in securing a National Access Programme research grant (NAP 303) which is funded by Science Foundation Ireland. Lindsay became the Irish regional winner for the Young Persons’ Lecture competition, which is sponsored by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3). This competition is a test of the competitors’ ability to convey technical information in an enthusiastic and understandable way, in the form of a short presentation. She then went on to participate in the 7th world final that was sponsored by the Companhia Brasileira de Metalurgia e Mineração in São Paulo, Brazil. She has also published a number of papers in peer reviewed journals on her pioneering work on monitoring Human Stem Cells using Raman Spectroscopy. Lindsay has recently taken up a post within Heartsine Technologies in Belfast (NI) after completing her PhD in NIBEC, Ulster University.
Jenna Smith BSc Hons Biomedical Engineering with DIS 2010
Having graduated with First Class Honours in July 2010 Jenna took up a post at Randox Laboratories, a privately owned diagnostic and equipment manufacturer based in Crumlin. She is now Project Manager on 'Evidence Evolution' which is the world’s first fully automated, random access Biochip analyser. It utilises the revolutionary Biochip Array Technology (BAT) which is capable of simultaneously detecting up to 23 analytes in a single patient sample. Jenna also works closely with the Quality teams assisting with internal and external audits and general regulatory compliance work within the Engineering department.
Ulster continues to develop and support sustainability initiatives with our staff, students, and external partners across various aspects of teaching, research, professional services operations, and governance.
At Ulster every person, course, research project, and professional service area on every campus either does or can contribute in some way towards the global sustainability and climate change agenda.
We are guided by both our University Strategy People, Place and Partnerships: Delivering Sustainable Futures for All and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Our work in this area is already being recognised globally. Most recently by the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact rating where we were recognised as Joint 5th Globally for Outreach Activities and Joint Top 20 Globally for Sustainable Development Goal 17: Partnership for the Goals.
Visit our Sustainability at Ulster destination to learn more about how the University strategy and the activities of Ulster University support each of the Sustainable Development Goals.
