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.

Months of entry

January, September

Course content

The MSc Biomedical Engineering programme is a joint programme with the University of Edinburgh which offers you the opportunity to develop key Biomedical Engineering knowledge and skills required for your professional development. You’ll gain a deep understanding of the core engineering and science underpinning the Biomedical Engineering and Manufacturing sector.

During the master’s programme, you’ll gain a broad knowledge of the core components in Biomedical Engineering Sciences and practices, whilst developing an extensive, detailed, and critical knowledge and understanding of at least one specialist area within the subject. The flexible degree structure allows you to focus in on your specific interests within Biomedical Engineering. You’ll have the opportunity to choose courses from an extensive list, including Engineering-Biology Interface, Manufacturing, Biomaterials, Introduction to Bioelectronics, Sensors and Instrumentation, Lab-on-Chip Technologies, Technologies for Biosystems, Regulation of the Safe and Sustainable Development of Substances, and Technology Entrepreneurship.

The career-focused master’s programme will develop your technical, scientific, and managerial abilities, and provide you with a specialist education to set you up to become a professional Biomedical Engineer. Upon completion, you’ll have the skills and knowledge to prepare you for a wide range of technical and managerial careers across the sector, including roles in specialist consultancy, and advanced research and development.

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.