Medical Engineering (Industrial) BEng

Course overview

From high-tech operating theatres and biomaterials to medical wearables and implant technologies, medical engineers play a crucial part in the evolution of modern healthcare. Bridging the gap between engineering and medicine through a multidisciplinary approach – medical engineering solutions combine knowledge of the body with engineering principles, technology, mechanics and innovation to develop tools for the medical community to improve the health and wellbeing of the population.

The next generation of medical engineers will help to advance healthcare performance and outcomes, not only through innovative new treatment approaches but also in monitoring, diagnosis, therapy and rehabilitation of patients.

Studying medical engineering at Leeds will develop your abilities, knowledge and skills across the full range of medical engineering disciplines, from the fundamentals of design and manufacture to fluid dynamics. You’ll also have scope to specialise in fields that interest you, such as joint replacement technology, biomaterials and tissue engineering.

Our degree programmes are recognised internationally and we are known for developing world-leading medical engineers who help meet the challenges facing the healthcare sector. We are closely linked with the Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering which provides a platform for clinical research at the University, and our active Industrial Advisory Board helps inform the development of this course to ensure that it is up to date with industry developments and requirements. That’s one of the reasons why our graduates are so in demand from industry, and why our courses are accredited by the leading professional bodies.

This is a practical course, so you’ll benefit from specialist facilities including extensive lab space and equipment, our high-spec computer cluster for Computer-Aided Design (CAD) work and computational modelling, in structural analysis for example, and workshop facilities for various rapid prototyping systems. You’ll also develop your programming skills in industry standard languages like Matlab and for microprocessor systems, giving you everything you need to get started on your career in engineering.

Industrial placement year

This programme gives you the opportunity to undertake a paid industrial placement year as part of the course. Our close industry links give you the platform to apply to a number of major organisations.

Why study at Leeds:

• This course is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).
• Work on your own mechanical projects, putting into practice what you have learned by designing, manufacturing and assembling devices and testing their performance.
• Our globally renowned research here at Leeds helps to solve real-world mechanical engineering problems and feeds directly into your course, shaping what you learn with the latest thinking.
• Enhance your career prospects and give your CV that competitive edge before you graduate with a paid industrial placement year.
• Access specialist facilities, including a high-spec computer cluster and extensive laboratory space.
• We have strong university links with the Leeds Institute for Fluid Dynamics, Robotics Leeds, the School of Medicine and the Faculty of Biological Sciences.
• Hear from alumni, academics and industry professionals at the annual Medical Engineering Event where you can listen to talks about themes you’re interested in and hang out with staff and students in medical engineering.
• At the end of your second year, there’s the possibility of transferring to the four-year integrated Masters (MEng, BEng).
• Make the most of your time at Leeds by joining our student society MechEngSoc. It’s a great opportunity for you to meet people from different cultures and backgrounds who share your passion for mechanical engineering.

Join our online taster courses

Our five-part series of short courses offers a great introduction to medical device design and the exciting future of medical technology. Join today on FutureLearn.

Accreditation

Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)

Accreditation is the assurance that a university course meets the quality standards established by the profession for which it prepares its students.

This course is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) on behalf of the Engineering Council.

This BEng degree is accredited as partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).

Course details

The first two years of our degree courses share the same set of compulsory modules, giving you the flexibility to switch between our different degrees. In your final year, you’ll take specialist modules in medical engineering.

You’ll also study engineering ethics throughout your course, with lectures and/or seminars in each year of study. This training will advance your critical thinking, communication and creative problem-solving skills which are crucial to employers, but it will also help you identify and respond effectively to ethical dilemmas that you may encounter in your professional life in the engineering industry.

This course also gives you the opportunity to apply for an industrial placement year. It’s ideal way to start building invaluable work experience and industry links for when you graduate.

Each academic year, you'll take a total of 120 credits.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Medical Engineering (Industrial) BEng in the course catalogue

Years 1 and 2

You’ll study compulsory modules to establish the core mechanical engineering principles required by all branches of mechanical engineering. You’ll also undertake design and manufacture projects. In your first year you’ll work in a team to design, build and test a bio-arm capable of throwing a ball, and your second-year project will be to design, build and test an autonomous, electric-powered buggy to travel over an uneven course and stop on a bull’s-eye

Since many mechanical engineers go on to positions where they have management responsibilities, you’ll also develop your knowledge of business practices by studying economics and management, taught by the Leeds University Business School.

Year 1 compulsory modules

Computers in Engineering Analysis – 20 credits

This is an introductory module that aims to equip you with a practical set of computing skills using MATLAB and Arduino-based microcontroller systems, enabling you to solve engineering problems. Computing skills are increasingly important to engineers seeking to measure, analyse and control physical systems and are hugely valuable when you’re working in industry.

Design and Manufacture 1 – 20 credits

Explore the engineering design of simple assemblies using an engineering methodology, including preparation of simple specifications, sketches and a solid model using a CAD system. You'll also get hands-on experience, manufacturing a simple mechanical prototype using workshop hand tools.

Thermofluids 1 – 20 credits

Discover the fundamental theories of fluid mechanics and thermodynamics, along with their practical application. The module covers fundamental concepts of fluid statics and dynamics, as well as the conservation of mass, energy and momentum, applying these to engineering problems. In thermodynamics, you’ll be introduced to real/perfect gases and thermodynamic cycles. This module also includes four laboratory practicals.

Solid Mechanics – 20 credits

Learn the basic engineering principles required for analysing motion and the forces that produce it. You’ll also develop an understanding of the fundamental principles of structural analysis and its application to the general field of engineering. You’ll be able to apply structural analysis techniques to tackle typical dynamics and structural problems and produce solutions for applications in mechanical engineering.

Engineering Materials – 20 credits

Develop a good understanding of engineering principles relating to structure-property relationships and how these can be controlled by various manufacturing methods including heat treatment. You'll learn how to distinguish between microstructure, crystal structure and other material aspects determined by intrinsic bonding.

Engineering Mathematics – 20 credits

This module covers the core mathematical concepts, notation and techniques – including skills in mathematical modelling and problem solving – all of which you’ll need throughout your degree – and beyond.

Year 2 compulsory modules

Engineering Mechanics – 20 credits

Learn how to estimate the safety of mechanical designs from the point of view of mechanics. Therefore, a wide range of mechanics topics (i.e., direct stress in asymmetric bending, shear stress, deflection, buckling, collapse, elasticity theory and reliability analyses) will be addressed. Moreover, the mathematical techniques (e.g. solving second order differential equations using analytical methods, solving differential equations numerically and vector calculus, etc.) necessary for the mechanics topics will also be covered.

Vibration and Control – 20 credits

Vibration control is the management of vibration energy to improve the performance and stability of mechanical devices and structures. This module will introduce you to the nature and significance of free and forced vibrations in machines and their frequency response. The module will also cover examples of open loop and feedback control and briefly introduce digital control systems. There’ll also be extensive use of practical and computer simulation of control systems.

Design and Manufacture 2 – 20 credits

The module includes two team-based design and build activities involving the design and construction of, typically, a buggy. This can include solid mechanics and fluid mechanics principles, use of simulation, and use of controllers with sensors and actuators.

A strip and rebuild of a simple mechanism such as a lock will introduce multi-objective design, and more specifically, design for assembly. Throughout the module, you’ll also build transferrable skills, including the writing of reports, team working and ethics.

Economics and Management – 20 credits

Explore the principles of business management, organisation and economics relevant to an engineering business enterprise.

Mechatronics and Measurement Systems – 20 credits

Learn the principles of mechatronics, including basic analysis and design of circuits (digital and analogue), sensor systems, actuator systems and computer interfacing, as well as simple mechatronic and measurement systems.

Thermofluids 2 – 20 credits

This module expands your knowledge in the area of thermofluids. You’ll also be introduced to new concepts in both fluid mechanics and thermodynamics. These give you a better understanding of the function of relevant engineering applications.

Year 3

You’ll have the opportunity to apply to spend a year in industry. A work placement is an invaluable opportunity to transfer your learning into a practical setting, applying the knowledge and skills you’ve been taught throughout your degree to real-world challenges – in a working environment. It’s important to note, work placements are not guaranteed but our Employability Team will work with you to help you find a suitable industrial placement.

Year 4

You’ll build your knowledge in year 4 when you’ll take specialist medical engineering modules. These will allow you to explore Structure, Function and Repair of the Body and Biomedical Engineering Design and consider a medical device from conception through regulatory approval to delivery to the market (and ultimately the patient).

Compulsory modules

Individual Engineering Project – 40 credits

This project gives you the chance to choose a project area from a variety of predefined areas and carry out your own research, bringing in the concepts you’ve learned from the core engineering science and design modules.

This is your opportunity to really utilise and develop those professional skills, including project planning, risks and management. You'll also apply critical analysis and detailed research, alongside building your communication skills.

Recent level four projects have included:

• Finite element analysis of musculoskeletal joints
• Assistive Robotic Exoskeletons
• Fem-Tech: transforming the future of women
• Surgical-Tech Lab: Developing Soft Sensing Technologies

Biomedical Engineering Design – 20 credits

Throughout this module, you’ll design a medical device that is directly informed by local hospitals and addresses a real clinical need. You’ll come up with your own solution, developing user needs, an Engineering Design Specification and a subsequent Conceptual design. This will be complemented by lectures in medical engineering science and medical regulations from internal staff and external consultants. You’ll then develop the device from concept to prototype. The clinical problems change annually but previous projects have included Ultrasound-Guided Cannulation, Surgical Guides for Knee Replacement Surgery and Paediatric Elbow Pinning.

Structure, Function and Repair of the Body – 20 credits

Explore the basic concepts in human biology (including cells, tissues and organs) and discuss the key properties of these in terms of function in the whole organism. You’ll also cover medical engineering approaches to repair the body following disease or injury.

Additive Manufacturing – 20 credits

This module will introduce you to key concepts of Additive Manufacturing and demonstrate the different techniques commercially available. You’ll also cover the latest developments in this rapidly evolving field, including elements of research-led teaching. The course will also cover Additive Manufacturing for use in production development, rapid tooling and Reverse Engineering (RE) with case examples from a range of industrial sectors including automotive, medical and electronics. You’ll learn through various interactive lectures, hands-on tutorials using 3D printing equipment and demonstrations using the various Additive Manufacturing equipment in the School.

Finite Element Methods of Analysis – 20 credits

Learn how to use the software for finite element model development, solution and post-processing. You’ll cover the basic principles of structural analysis using finite element methods, including shape functions and stiffness matrices (in 1D and 2D). You’ll also explore everything from the phenomenon of vibration to the concepts of composite material, whilst developing models of single and multiple-directional laminates.

Engineering summer internships

As a student in our Faculty, you’ll have the unique opportunity to do a paid summer internship. It’s your chance to get involved in the real-world research projects happening in and around the University – and advance your own professional skills in research and experimentation.

Want to find out more? Check out what our recent students got up to on their summer internships.

Learning and teaching

You’ll benefit from our integrated style of learning and teaching. Laboratory classes, project work, and industry sponsored fieldwork allow you to gain hands-on experience investigating and applying material from your lectures and tutorials to real life work situations. We also organise industrial visits and offer additional seminars delivered by practising engineers and other professionals. Our close links with industry also mean that you’ll have direct contact with industry and potential employers from an early stage in your course.

You’ll have a designated personal tutor throughout your studies at Leeds, who will be an academic member of staff. You’ll have fortnightly academic tutorials with your tutor throughout your first two years, in your tutor group (of typically 5 students), as well as one-to-one meetings each semester. In addition, our excellent student support team is based close to where you’ll work and study to help with anything from academic advice to timetabling and project submission enquiries. You’ll also receive support from fellow students through our peer mentoring scheme.

Being a Medical Engineering student at Leeds means being part of a community – that’s why we run our Medical Engineering Event every year to bring everyone together. It gives you the chance to get to know students across all levels of study and enjoy talks from industry professionals, academics and alumni. You’ll also have a say in the themes of the talks so you can make the most of the experience.

Hear more about the event and the course in general from recent student, Farida Hany AlWakeel.

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

You’ll be assessed through a variety of assessment approaches to test different knowledge and skills. Assessments will enable you to demonstrate your competency in a particular skill, as well as measuring the extent of your knowledge and understanding. They are designed to be fair and inclusive.

We’ll use different forms of assessment including written examinations (held at the end of each year) and coursework that also develops key transferable skills that will be relevant to your future professional practice, such as laboratory and project reports, teamworking and presentations.

Assessments will develop your ability to bring together evidence from a variety of sources, and to critically understand and evaluate. You’ll also have frequent opportunities to develop your understanding of assessment and to improve your performance, for example through formative assessments with feedback, guided marking, peer review and opportunities to practise key assessment methods.

Entry requirements

A-level: A*AA including Mathematics and one of the sciences, Physics, Chemistry or Biology.

Where an A-level Science subject is taken, we require a pass in the practical science element, alongside the achievement of the A-level at the stated grade.

Extended Project Qualification, International Project Qualification and Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate: We do not currently include them as part of our offer-making. We do, however, encourage you to provide further information on your project in your personal statement.

GCSE: English Language grade 4 (C) or higher, or an equivalent English language qualification. We will accept Level 2 Functional Skills English instead of GCSE English.

Alternative qualification

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds A Level offer: AAB including Mathematics and one of the sciences, Physics, Chemistry or Biology, with an A in Mathematics or Physics if presented. Plus, a pass in the Access to Leeds Scheme.

Alternative Entry Scheme for Mature Applicants

If you are a mature applicant and you don’t have the required A Levels or GCSE English and Math qualifications, you can complete our Alternative Entry Scheme (subject to meeting the eligibility criteria for the scheme). As part of this, you may be asked to take tests in English and maths and to write an essay.

Further information on the support available for mature students can be found at https://www.leeds.ac.uk/mature-students.

For alternative qualification offers please contact the admissions team.

Foundation years

If you do not have the formal qualifications for immediate entry to one of our degrees, you may be able to progress through a foundation year.

We offer a Studies in Science with Foundation Year BSc for students without science and mathematics qualifications.

You could also study our Interdisciplinary Science with Foundation Year BSc which is for applicants whose background is less represented at university.

On successful completion of your foundation year, you will be able to progress onto your chosen course.

International

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information, please contact the Admissions Team.

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in each section. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

Fees

UK: To be confirmed

International: To be confirmed

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
The fee for UK undergraduate students is decided by the Government and may vary if policy changes. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law.

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 will be £9,535.

The tuition fee for the following programmes with an integrated foundation year is £5,760 for the foundation year, and £9,535 for subsequent years of study:
•    Business Studies with Foundation Year BSC
•    Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year BA
•    Interdisciplinary Studies with Preparation for Higher Education BA
•    Social Science (foundation year) BA
 

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2025/26 are available on individual course pages.
 

Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

Applying

Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

We typically receive a high number of applications for this course. To ensure we treat all applications fairly, we may put your application on hold until after the UCAS deadline before making a final decision. All applications received before the UCAS deadline are guaranteed equal consideration.

This course is not accepting applications for deferred entry.

Read our admissions guidance and see ‘application decisions’ for details.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025

Contact us

School of Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate Admissions

Email: ugmech@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Career opportunities

The employment opportunities in the field of medical engineering are far-reaching, with the potential to take you all over the world.

Plus, University of Leeds students are among the top 5 most targeted by top employers according to The Graduate Market 2024, High Fliers Research, meaning our graduates are highly sought after by some of the most reputable companies in the field.

Qualifying with a degree in medical engineering from Leeds will set you up with the core foundations you need to pursue an exciting career. The breadth of knowledge and experience, along with the teamwork, problem solving, engineering ethics, numeracy and analysis skills taught on the course are widely transferable and desirable to a whole host of employers.

Here’s an insight into the job roles some of our most recent graduates have obtained:

• Medical Device Specialist, Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA)
• Regulatory Affairs Consultant, MedPass International
• Medical Scientist, NHS
• Graduate Manufacturing Engineer, Saint-Gobain
• Procurement Engineer, Siemens Healthineers
• New Product Development, Biomet UK ltd
• Research Fellow, Bradford Teaching Hospitals
• Senior Engineer, Chromalox
• Test Engineer, Depuy International Ltd
• Bioengineer, DePuy Orthopaedics
• Research and Test Engineer, DePuy Synthes
• Bioengineer, DePuy Synthes Institute
• Senior Clinical Researcher, Fisher & Paykel Healthcare
• Development Quality Engineer, Lombard Medical Technologies
• Tech Sales, Rigel Medical

Read our alumni profiles to find out more about where our students are working.

Careers support

At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one. We have a wide range of careers resources — including our award-winning Employability Team who are in contact with many employers around the country and advertise placements and jobs. They are also on hand to provide guidance and support, ensuring you are prepared to take your next steps after graduation and get you where you want to be.

• Employability events — we run a full range of events including careers fairs in specialist areas and across broader industries — all with employers who are actively recruiting for roles.
• MyCareer system — on your course and after you graduate, you’ll have access to a dedicated careers portal where you can book appointments with our team, get information on careers and see job vacancies and upcoming events.
• Qualified careers consultants — gain guidance, support and information to help you choose a career path. You’ll have access to 1-2-1 meetings and events to learn how to find employers to target, write your CV and cover letter, research before interviews and brush up on your interview skills.
• Opportunities at Leeds — there are plenty of exciting opportunities offered by our Leeds University Union, including volunteering and over 300 clubs and societies to get involved in.

Explore more about your employability opportunities at the University of Leeds.

You’ll also have full access to the University’s Careers Centre, which is one of the largest in the country.

Study abroad and work placements

Study abroad

This degree does not offer the option to study abroad. However, the Medical Engineering BEng degree does have this option.

Work placements

This programme gives you the opportunity to undertake a paid industrial placement year as part of the course.

It’s important to note, work placements are not guaranteed. The job market is competitive – and there may be competition for the placement you want. You’ll have to apply the same way you would for any job post, with your CV and, if successful, attend an interview with the organisation.

Our Employability Team will help you every step of the way. They run a number of placement sessions to discuss opportunities and support you with CV writing and interview preparations. Plus, they’ll be there to answer any questions you may have and offer guidance throughout the process, too.

Benefits of a work placement year:

• 100+ organisations to choose from, both in the UK and overseas
• Build industry contacts within your chosen field
• Our close industry links mean you’ll be in direct contact with potential employers
• Advance your experience and skills by putting the course teachings into practice
• Gain invaluable insight into working as a professional in this industry
• Improve your employability