Programme Specification for the 2025/6 academic year
MSc Biomedical Engineering
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | MSc Biomedical Engineering | Programme code | PTS1ENSENS01 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Academic year | 2025/6 | |
| Campus(es) | Streatham (Exeter) |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 7 (Masters) |
2. Description of the Programme
Biomedical Engineering is a growing field in terms of academic research, the medicine, medical device, and healthcare industries, and 3rd sector organisations such as healthcare providers like the NHS. This growth is driven by the ageing population across the globe, and the medical challenges this presents through increased prevalence of non-communicable diseases such as osteoarthritis, along with the need to manage and treat new diseases. Biomedical Engineering graduates are, therefore, ideally placed use the knowledge of healthcare related science and technology, and skills in engineering processes, problem solving, and design to work in any of these sectors. However, the knowledge and skills gained during the MSc programme are also highly transferable to other industries, including other engineering disciplines, finance, professional services, management consultancy, and teaching.
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
Biomedical Engineering is a highly multi-disciplinary field, and the Biomedical Engineering MSc will provide the broad knowledge necessary to succeed in the Biomedical Engineering and related fields, or to undertake further education, for example in the form of a PhD programme.
The MSc is a research-led programme, led by the Department of Engineering, but taught across multiple departments including Physics & Astronomy, Mathematics, Computer Science, Natural Sciences, and Sport and Health Sciences. The modules will provide the core knowledge and skills of each subject area, whilst also integrating the latest research from experts at Exeter, and across the Biomedical Engineering field. Additionally, the programme will align with other engineering programmes at Exeter, through the integration of problem-based learning, which will provide students with the essential critical thinking and problem-solving skills required of a professional engineer.
4. Programme Structure
The MSc in Biomedical Engineering is a one-year full-time programme of study at Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) level 7 (as confirmed against the FHEQ).
Interim / Exit Awards
If you do not complete your studies, you may be eligible for one of the following awards:
Postgraduate Diploma:??
(a) A Postgraduate Diploma is awarded when a student gains at least 120 credits including at least 90 at Level M on a designated programme. ?
Postgraduate Certificate:?
(b) A Postgraduate Certificate is awarded when a student gains at least 60 credits including at least 45 at Level M on a designated programme.?
Note: Guidance on Interim and Exit awards (and the difference between than can be viewed here: http://as.exeter.ac.uk/academic-policy-standards/tqa-manual/pma/introduction/#exit-interim
5. Programme Modules
The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.
Details of the modules currently offered may be obtained from the Faculty website.
You may take optional modules as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module.
Stage 1
150 credits of compulsory modules, 30 credits of optional modules.
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECMM164 | MSc Dissertation | 60 | Yes |
| ENGM040 | Research Ethics and Methodology | 15 | No |
| ENSM008 | Orthopaedics, Degeneration and Ageing | 15 | No |
| ENSM009 | Biosensors and Wearables | 15 | No |
| ENSM010 | Musculoskeletal Biomechanics | 15 | No |
| ENGM003 | Advanced Finite Element Analysis | 15 | No |
| PHY3061 | The Biophysics of Cells and Tissues | 15 | No |
Optional Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENGM001 | Additive Manufacturing | 15 | No |
| ENGM010 | Data-Centric Engineering | 15 | No |
| ENGM026 | Design, Innovation and Entrepreneurship | 15 | No |
| MTHM015 | AI and Data Science Methods for Life and Health Sciences | 15 | No |
| NSCM005 | Mathematical Modelling in Biology and Medicine | 15 | No |
| ENGM044 | Smart Monitoring with Industrial IoT | 15 | No |
6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
1. Understand the fundamentals of the multi-disciplinary filed of biomedical engineering, and be able to apply that into leading modern practice. | The modules will be delivered by a mixture of formal lectures, tutorial classes, practical classes, computer practical sessions, and group and individual projects. Example sheets and other assignments will be set and marked by the module leader. Students will be expected to read the assigned texts and to find appropriate information from wider source such as academic and commercial web pages and from research journals. Assistance will be given during tutorials and practicals for this and office hours will be available for individual students to bring along specific technical or other difficulties. The Investigative Report module will be directed by a named Academic and will involve an initial kick-off meeting plus subsequent weekly individual progress meetings with an assigned supervisor. | Modules will be assessed through an appropriate blend of coursework and examination as specified in the individual module descriptors. The Investigative Project module will be assessed by both the supervisor and a second independent marker. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
6. Identify, formulate, analyse and solve problems. | The ability to formulate problems, apply suitable theoretical and or experimental approaches, manage this process, summarise and analyse data will be developed in all compulsory and the optional modules, via the mixture of approaches described in (A). Techniques required to solve problems, develop models and produce publication/presentation quality output will be developed throughout the degree programme through the use of research and design projects, which will be assessed through a range of in-person and video presentations, slide decks, and reports. | These skills will be assessed in examinations and coursework associated with the modules. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
15. Improve necessary skills for independent learning. | 15 and 16 will be required for design project modules and the Investigative Report module | Assessed through the coursework of the modules. |
7. Programme Regulations
Classification
Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.
8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning
Academic and personal tutors:
In accordance with University policy, a system of Academic Tutors and a Pastoral Mentor is in place for all students on this programme. A University-wide statement on such provision is included in the University's TQA Manual. As a student enrolled on this programme, you will receive the personal and academic support of the Programme Coordinator and will have regular scheduled meetings with your Academic Tutor. You may request additional meetings as and when required. The role of personal tutors is to provide you with advice and support for the duration of the programme and extends to providing you with details of how to obtain support and guidance on personal difficulties such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness. The departmental Pastoral Mentor is also there to help you and refer you to specialist support. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff.
ELE and other resources provided:
Online Module study resources provide materials for modules that you are registered for on the Exeter Learning Environment (ELE). Coursework is also submitted through ELE, with marks and feedback available through the system as well. Each module page is linked to the Library, with easy access to reading lists. Our Library is a digital-first library, with most items accessible online, and an Engineering-specific subject guide and liaison librarian.
Computers and printers:
Information Technology (IT) Services provide a wide range of services throughout the Exeter campuses including open access computer rooms, some of which are available 24 hours, 7 days a week. Help may be obtained through the Helpdesk, and most study rooms in halls and flats are linked to the University's campus network. Additionally, the University has its own dedicated IT support staff, helpdesk and computer facilities which are linked to the wider network, but which also provide access to some specialised software packages. Email is an important channel of communication between staff and students in the Faculty and an extensive range of web-based information is available.
9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning
Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.
10. Admissions Criteria
Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.
11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards
Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.
The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.
14. Awarding Institution
University of Exeter
15. Lead College / Teaching Institution
Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy (ESE)
16. Partner College / Institution
Partner College(s)
Not applicable to this programme
Partner Institution
Not applicable to this programme.
17. Programme Accredited / Validated by
Not applicable to this programme.
18. Final Award
MSc Biomedical Engineering
19. UCAS Code
Not applicable to this programme.
20. NQF Level of Final Award
7 (Masters)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | 180 |
ECTS credits | 90 |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
Level 1
23. Dates
| Origin Date | 23/10/2024 |
Date of last revision | 01/07/2025 |
|---|
