Biomedical Engineering

Entry requirements

For MSc entry, a good relevant Honours degree (first or upper second class) or equivalent overseas qualifications will be considered. Areas such as Engineering, Physics and Biotechnology (or similar) will be core disciplines. Given the clear practical element of the programmes, we will also consider non-graduate candidates holding less than a good Honours degree, or its equivalent, but with compensating qualifications or experience may be admitted.

We welcome applications from international students and accept qualifications from around the world. Please refer to the entry requirements for your country for more details.

Months of entry

January, September

Course content

The MSc Biomedical Engineering will build on your engineering and physical science knowledge to build a unique competence in the fields of applied biomedical engineering. The masters programme is taught through a collaboration between Heriot-Watt University and the University of Edinburgh, offering you a bespoke learning experience at the forefront of the discipline, and the opportunity to expand both your knowledge and your networks.

You will explore multiple disciplines and take advantage of the academic expertise in biological and clinical sciences, and engineering to emerge a true multidisciplinary graduate. The programme will introduce you to engineering technologies and applications within the biomedical industry and provide you with knowledge of medical technologies and their application, with a focus on integrated medical devices, design and manufacture skills, and an understanding and practice of key concepts in biosensing and biofabrication. You’ll have the opportunity to follow one of two themes and specialise in either bioelectronics, or biomedical manufacturing.

You will complete various individual and group research and design projects to develop your subject specific and transferable skills. Upon completion of the Master of Science degree, you will have the necessary knowledge and expertise to enter a wide range of careers in the medical technologies and biomedical industries. Careers available to you will include mechanical engineer, technical lead, technical salesforce, government, charity or policy advisor, medical physicist, and roles in research and design.

Information for international students

If your first language is not English, we'll need to see evidence of your English language ability.

The minimum English language requirement for entry to this programme is IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 5.5.

If you do not have IELTS 6.0, we offer a range of English language courses to help you meet the English language requirement for this programme prior to commencing your studies.

Please see our detailed English language requirements.

Fees and funding

For the September 2025/January 2026 intake, the tuition fees are £15,200 for UK students and £37,300 for international students.

• Status: Your residency status is usually defined as the country where you have been ordinarily resident for the three years before the start of your course.
• International: 'International' includes applicants from European Union countries who do not hold Pre-Settled or Settled status in UK. (This does not include students from the Republic of Ireland - see above).

Please note the MSc Imaging, Vision and High Performance Computing is exempt from our usual alumni discount. Instead, all Heriot-Watt and University of Edinburgh Alumni applying for this MSc will receive a 10% discount as part of your offer.