| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Cardiff University's Medical Engineering program equips students with the knowledge, skills, and experience to excel in the field. Through a blend of engineering principles and medical applications, graduates are prepared for diverse careers in medical device design, clinical engineering, biomedical research, and more. The program emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and professional skills, ensuring graduates are ready to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare sector.
Program Outline
Degree Overview
Objectives:
The Medical Engineering program at Cardiff University prepares students to become professional medical engineers, equipped with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience necessary to excel in this challenging field. The program aims to:
- Develop a comprehensive understanding of medical engineering principles and their application to real-world challenges.
- Foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills to address complex medical issues through innovative engineering solutions.
- Nurture professional skills like teamwork, communication, and ethical conduct, essential for successful careers in medical engineering.
- Equip students with in-demand technical skills, including design, project management, and advanced manufacturing techniques.
Program Description:
This four-year full-time program offers a rigorous curriculum that integrates core engineering principles with specialized medical applications. Students gain a deep understanding of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and medical devices, while simultaneously developing strong engineering skills in areas like design, analysis, and manufacturing. Through a blend of theoretical knowledge, practical coursework, and hands-on projects, the program prepares graduates for diverse career paths in the medical engineering sector.
Outline
Program Content:
The Medical Engineering program at Cardiff University covers a wide range of topics across four years, encompassing theoretical foundations, practical applications, and cutting-edge research.
Year One:
- Fundamentals of engineering principles, including mathematics, physics, and mechanics.
- Design and development of simple medical devices.
- Anatomy and physiology basics.
Year Two:
- Advanced engineering topics, such as biomechanics, fluid mechanics, and electronics.
- Design and analysis of complex medical systems.
- Introduction to biomaterials and tissue engineering.
- Clinical engineering principles and practice.
Year Three:
- In-depth study of specialized medical engineering areas like bioinstrumentation, biomaterials, and medical imaging.
- Development of independent research skills through an individual project.
- Advanced design and manufacturing techniques for medical devices.
- Ethical considerations in medical engineering.
Year Four:
- Group projects focused on tackling real-world medical engineering challenges.
- Industry-linked projects and opportunities for collaboration with research partners.
- Management and business aspects of medical technology development.
- Final year project, showcasing independent research and design capabilities.
Course Schedule:
The program typically follows a semester system, with two semesters per academic year. Each semester consists of a combination of lectures, tutorials, laboratory sessions, and project work. Students are expected to attend all scheduled sessions and actively participate in class discussions.
Individual Modules:
Each year comprises a set of core modules that provide essential knowledge and skills, and optional modules that allow students to specialize in areas of interest.
Year One:
- Engineering Mathematics and Computation
- Fundamentals of Medical Engineering
- Applied Design and Practice
Year Two:
- Microcontroller Applications and Embedded Design
- Thermofluids
- Engineering Analysis and Computing 2
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Biomechanics 1
- Design
- Network Analysis
Year Three:
- Industrial Project Management
- Project
- Biomechanics 2
- Engineering Applications
- Clinical Engineering
- Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering
- Medical Electronics 1
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering 3
Year Four:
- Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering
- Ergonomics
- Medical Image Processing
- Clinical Engineering 2 These include:
- Examinations: Written exams assess theoretical knowledge and understanding across various topics.
- Coursework: Assignments, lab reports, and design projects test students' ability to apply knowledge and solve problems.
- Presentations: Oral presentations demonstrate communication skills and the ability to convey complex ideas effectively.
- Individual Project: This significant project in Year Three assesses research skills, design capabilities, and independent learning.
- Group Projects: Collaborative projects in Year Four evaluate teamwork, project management skills, and the ability to tackle real-world challenges.
Assessment Criteria:
Assessment criteria vary depending on the specific assessment method. Generally, they focus on:
- Knowledge and understanding: Demonstrating a comprehensive grasp of relevant concepts, principles, and theories.
- Application: Applying knowledge effectively to solve problems, design solutions, and analyze data.
- Analysis and critical thinking: Critically evaluating information, identifying key issues, and formulating sound arguments.
- Communication: Conveying ideas clearly, concisely, and accurately through written and oral communication.
- Technical skills: Demonstrating proficiency in relevant techniques, tools, and software used in medical engineering.
- Professionalism: Exhibiting ethical conduct, teamwork, and time management skills.
Teaching
Teaching Methods:
The Medical Engineering program at Cardiff University employs a variety of teaching methods to engage students and promote active learning. These include:
- Lectures: Delivered by experienced academics, lectures provide foundational knowledge and introduce key concepts.
- Tutorials: Smaller group sessions provide opportunities for interactive learning, problem-solving, and discussion under the guidance of a tutor.
- Laboratory sessions: Hands-on practical work in well-equipped laboratories allows students to apply theoretical knowledge, develop technical skills, and gain experience with real-world equipment.
- Project work: Individual and group projects encourage students to apply their knowledge, develop problem-solving skills, and work collaboratively on complex tasks.
- Guest lectures: Industry professionals and researchers share their expertise and provide valuable insights into real-world applications.
- Online learning resources: A comprehensive online platform offers access to lecture notes, videos, practice questions, and other resources to support independent learning.
Faculty:
The program is delivered by a team of experienced and qualified academics, all experts in their respective fields. Staff members actively engage in research, ensuring students benefit from cutting-edge knowledge and insights.
- Industry-linked projects: Opportunities to collaborate with industry partners on real-world challenges.
- Open access makerspace: Provides a dedicated space for students to design, prototype, and collaborate on innovative projects.
- Strong links with healthcare providers: Partnerships with hospitals and clinics allow students to gain insights into clinical practice.
- Accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers: Meets the academic requirements for registration as a Chartered Engineer.
Careers
Potential Career Paths:
Graduates of the Medical Engineering program at Cardiff University are well-prepared for a wide range of rewarding careers in various sectors. Potential career paths include:
- Medical Device Design and Development: Designing, developing, and manufacturing innovative medical devices and technologies.
- Clinical Engineering: Maintaining and managing medical equipment in hospitals and clinics, ensuring optimal performance and safety.
- Biomedical Research: Conducting research in areas like biomaterials, tissue engineering, and medical imaging to advance医疗技术.
- Project Management: Leading and managing medical engineering projects, ensuring successful implementation within budget and timeline constraints.
- Sales and Marketing: Representing medical technology companies, promoting products and services to healthcare providers.
- Career guidance and advice: Assisting students in exploring career options, identifying their strengths, and developing effective job search strategies.
- CV and cover letter workshops: Providing guidance on crafting effective application documents that showcase skills and qualifications.
- Interview preparation: Offering mock interviews and feedback to help students develop strong interview skills and confidence.
- Employer events: Organizing networking opportunities and career fairs where students can connect with potential employers.
- Job vacancy listings: Sharing relevant job opportunities and internship placements with students.
Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on your fee status. Your fee status could be home, island or overseas. Learn how we decide your fee status Fees for home status We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year. The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees in the second and subsequent years of a course as permitted by law or Welsh Government policy. Where applicable we will notify you of any change in tuition fee by the end of June in the academic year before the one in which the fee will increase. Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year. Learn more about the undergraduate fees for students from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year. Additional costs Course specific equipment The University will provide resources such as computers and associated software, laboratory equipment (including any safety equipment) and a variety of other learning resources. Accommodation We have a range of residences to suit your needs and budget. Living costs We're based in one of the UK's most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff.
