Biomedical Engineering with a Foundation Year MEng
Biomedical Engineering is a dynamic, multidisciplinary field linking engineering and medicine to improve health and quality of life. The foundation year prepares you with essential skills and knowledge, and once successfully completed, you’ll progress onto the MEng degree.
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A Levels
BBB; BBC -
UCAS code
H160 -
Duration
5 years -
Start date
September
- Accredited
- Course fee
- Funding available
- FY Foundation year
Explore this course:
Course description
Why study this course?
1st in the UK for teaching on my course and learning opportunities
We are ranked number one for 'Teaching on my course' and 'Learning opportunities' in the subject of bioengineering, medical and biomedical engineering (National Student Survey 2025).
2nd in the UK for biomedical engineering
Ranked second in the UK for biomedical engineering (general engineering category), according to the Guardian University Guide 2026. We are also proud to be one of the longest-running biomedical engineering programmes in the country, with a strong legacy of excellence in the field.
Unique, state-of-the-art facilities
Access cutting-edge, state-of-the-art facilities designed to enhance your learning and research. You’ll work in specialised biomedical spaces, including the Bio Mammalian and Bio Bacteria labs, as well as advanced areas like the Microfabrication room, Electronics Cleanroom, and the Pilot Plant in The Diamond building.
Specialise in the area that interests you
In your second year, you choose a pathway that aligns with your interests, which then leads to one of four final-year specialisms: Biomedical Engineering, Medical Devices and Systems, Biomanufacturing, or Biomaterials & Tissue Engineering. This approach lets you explore the field before specialising in the area that best matches your interests.
A supported pathway into your engineering degree
Boost your maths, science and essential study skills, including practical lab work and report writing, to prepare you for degree-level engineering study. On successful completion of the foundation year, you automatically progress to Year 1 of your chosen degree.
If you don't have the usual scientific or mathematical background for an engineering degree, a foundation year is for you. After successfully completing the foundation year, you automatically progress onto year 1 of your chosen degree.
The foundation year is designed to prepare you for your degree. You’ll study core topics such as mathematics and an introduction to engineering, gaining hands-on experience through laboratory work and lab reports. You’ll also complete a project relevant to your chosen degree programme, ensuring you are fully prepared to succeed in your first year of your MEng degree and build confidence in both learning and practical application.
The Biomedical Engineering MEng course prepares you to be at the forefront of the rapidly growing medical technology sector, developing your skills and knowledge to create innovative solutions that can save and improve lives.
Our expert academic team, composed of industry experts, clinicians and academics, has been teaching biomedical engineering at Sheffield for over a decade. They will show you how both traditional and contemporary engineering principles can be applied to transform healthcare, integrating diverse engineering disciplines to develop innovative solutions that improve health and quality of life.
In your first year of your degree, you’ll gain a solid foundation in both engineering and the underpinning sciences. You’ll study the structure and function of the human body alongside fundamental engineering principles, learning how engineering concepts are applied to medicine and biology.
In year two of your degree, you choose one of two pathways that align with your interests. Pathway A leads to either the Biomedical Engineering or Medical Devices and Systems final-year routes, while Pathway B leads to Biomanufacturing or Biomaterials & Tissue Engineering.
Alongside pathway-specific modules, you’ll continue to build core skills in biomechanics, mechatronics, data-driven design, and machine learning, while gaining experience in laboratories, computational tools and collaborative design projects.
In year three of your degree, you’ll specialise further by selecting your final-year route. Core modules develop your research and professional skills and teach the design process for bringing biomedical solutions from concept to market. You’ll also complete a Group Design Project, applying knowledge to a real-world biomedical challenge and building advanced technical, analytical, and collaborative skills
Your final year features an Individual Research Project, allowing independent or team-based work to investigate a specialised topic. Professional development and research modules prepare you for career or further study. Optional modules let you focus on areas such as medical device regulation, bioimaging, nanomaterials, biopharmaceutical engineering, computational biomechanics, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal modelling, human movement biomechanics and women’s health.
Accredited by the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (IPEM) and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer and partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.
Modules
After successfully completing the foundation year modules, you can start your main degree.
UCAS code: H160
Years: 2024, 2025
Core Modules:
- Advanced Level Chemistry
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The unit covers a selection of the major concepts from areas of inorganic, organic and physical chemistry in order to develop a sound basic knowledge of chemistry corresponding to the common core A level curriculum as preparation for successful studies in the Material Sciences and Chemical Engineering.
20 credits - Introduction to Engineering
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This module will introduce the application of engineering principles to foundation year students and give the student an appreciation of the breadth of engineering activities across the faculty and identify to students what knowledge areas and skills are needed in order to contribute to their development and be successful. It will also help create links with departments and draw on the other modules that students will take in the foundation year especially maths and physics.
40 credits
Optional Modules. You must choose one of the following:
- Elements of Physics with Computing
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Students will study forces, motion and energy in 1 and 2 dimensions. This will be applied in a programming context to develop logic and arithmetic operations, understanding of the stages of software development, memory allocation, data structures and testing. Students will then study electricity and magnetism, voltage, current and simple devices applied to the programming of a microcontroller, developing understanding of power supplies, digital and analogue I/O, and simple devices such as switches and LEDs.
20 credits - Elements of Physics
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This module provides students with the elements of Physics required to enter the first year of an engineering course where some knowledge of Physics is needed. Understanding will be developed by taking a sub- set of the lectures of the more comprehensive module Foundations of Physics, namely those covering Dynamics/Mechanics; Electricity and Magnetism (autumn semester); and Oscillations, Waves, and Optics; Properties of Matter (spring semester). These will be delivered in the first 2/3rds of either semester. Problem solving and example classes are integrated into lectures. As this module teaches no practical Physics, it is complemented by laboratory components of the 40 credit foundation year module Introduction to Engineering.
20 credits
Optional Modules. You must choose one of the following:
- Core Foundation Mathematics
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The syllabus for MPS002 covers the common core A Level curriculum. The unit is tailored for students who have been away from mathematics for a period of time, but who will have gained some A-Level or similar qualifications. The unit covers the basic principles of algebra, geometry and calculus. Following the introduction of new material in the lectures, students have the opportunity of extensive problem solving, both in the tutorial sessions with the lecturers and in their own time.
40 credits - Foundation Core and Enhanced Mathematics
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This module builds on the common core curriculum from A level maths (which is a prerequisite). This unit covers enhanced comprehension of topics in pure maths, statistics, probability, and numerical methods. These topics are chosen to further prepare students for their undergraduate studies in the science and engineering faculties.
40 credits
The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we will inform students and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.
Learning and assessment
Learning
You’ll learn through a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, tutorials, practical activities, coursework assignments (such as oral, video, and poster presentations), individual investigative projects, design projects, and online resources. We invest in creating the right environment for you, with outstanding facilities, dedicated study spaces, and support — including 24/7 access to our online library. This approach ensures you gain the knowledge and practical skills needed to succeed in healthcare, medical technology, research, and other related sectors.
Assessment
You’ll be assessed through a variety of methods designed to develop both your knowledge and practical skills. This includes examinations, coursework assignments, lab work, tests, written reports, group projects, and presentations. The mix of assessments ensures you gain hands-on experience, work effectively with others, and communicate your ideas clearly, all skills that will prepare you for a successful career across healthcare, medical technology, research, and other related sectors.
Entry requirements
The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
BBB; BBC
BBB (any A Level); BBC including Maths and at least one of Physics, Chemistry or Biology
- International Baccalaureate
- 32; 31, with Maths and at least one of Physics, Chemistry or Biology at Higher Level 5 or Standard Level 7
- BTEC Extended Diploma
- DDD in Engineering or Applied Science (including Biomedical Science, Analytical & Forensic Science and Physical Science streams) + GCSE Science grade 6/B and Maths grade 7/A
- BTEC Diploma
- DD in Engineering or Applied Science + A at A Level (no STEM at A Level) + GCSE Science grade 6/B and Maths grade 7/A; DD in Engineering or Applied Science + B in an A Level science subject (Physics, Chemistry, or Biology) + GCSE Maths grade 7/A; DD in Engineering or Applied Science + C in A Level Maths + GCSE Science grade 6/B
- T Level
- Distinction in the relevant T Level, including grade B in the core component + GCSE Science grade 6/B and Maths grade 7/A
- Scottish Highers
- AABBB (any subjects); ABBBB, including Maths and at least one of Physics, Chemistry or Biology
- Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels
- B + BB (any A Level subjects); B + BC in Maths and either Physics, Chemistry or Biology
- Access to HE Diploma
- Award of the Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 24 at Distinction (to include 12 Maths units) and 21 at Merit + GCSE Maths grade 7/A
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If you are studying both Maths and at least one of Physics, Chemistry or Biology at A Level (or equivalent), there are no additional GCSE requirements. If studying any other subject combination, we require GCSE Science grade 6/B (or 65 in GCSE Double Award Science) and Maths grade 7/A
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Relevant T Level subjects include: Maintenance, Installation & Repair for Engineering & Manufacturing; Manufacturing, Processing & Control; or Design & Development for Engineering & Manufacturing
You must demonstrate that your English is good enough for you to successfully complete your course. For this course we require: GCSE English Language at grade 4/C; IELTS grade of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component; or an alternative acceptable English language qualification
Equivalent English language qualifications
Visa and immigration requirements
Other qualifications | UK and EU/international
If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the school.
Graduate careers
School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering
Our graduates are highly sought after in medical device companies, research institutions, and healthcare organisations. They design medical instruments, repair tissue, and tackle clinical challenges through innovative research, improving patient care and advancing healthcare.
By collaborating with materials scientists, physicians, dentists, therapists, and technologists, they play a key role in enhancing human health.
A degree in biomedical engineering equips you with essential skills such as problem-solving, research, communication, and teamwork. Through hands-on experience and real-world project opportunities, you will gain expertise in cutting-edge technologies while developing the ability to design medical innovations, drive technological advancements, and excel in interdisciplinary careers.
Our graduates work with leading organisations like AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, JRI Orthopaedics, DePuy Synthes, Johnson & Johnson, the NHS and Abbot Diabetes Care, advancing research in areas such as medical devices, orthopaedic implants and pharmaceuticals.
School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering
Department statistics
1st in the UK for 'Teaching on my course' and 'Learning opportunities' in the subject category of bioengineering, medical and biomedical engineering
The National Student Survey (NSS) 2025
2nd in the UK for biomedical engineering (general engineering category)
Guardian University Guide 2026
3rd in the UK for bioengineering and biomedical engineering
The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026
Like the industry, biomedical engineering at Sheffield is interdisciplinary. You'll be taught by experts in materials, mechanical, control, electrical, chemical and biological engineering, computer science, medicine and biology.
From 3D printing and biophotonics, to tissue and bone engineering, we're helping to develop products that improve medical care and quality of life. Our research-led teaching produces multi-skilled graduates who can carry on that work.
You will develop the knowledge and skills employers are looking for by working closely with partners in the healthcare profession and in industry such as Philips, Johnson and Johnson and the NHS.
Learning and teaching takes place in one of the best biomedical engineering teaching spaces in the UK. The Diamond has industry-standard equipment for culturing and analysing cells, measuring the activity of the human body, mechanical and electrical testing of materials, 3D printing and customised software packages for developing biomedical engineering models.
University rankings
A world top-100 university
QS World University Rankings 2026 (92nd)
Number one in the Russell Group (based on aggregate responses)
National Student Survey 2025
92 per cent of our research is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent
Research Excellence Framework 2021
University of the Year for Student Experience
The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026
Number one Students' Union in the UK
Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024, 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017
Number one for Students' Union
StudentCrowd 2024 University Awards
A top 20 university targeted by employers
The Graduate Market in 2024, High Fliers report
Fees and funding
Fees
Additional costs
The annual fee for your course includes a number of items in addition to your tuition. If an item or activity is classed as a compulsory element for your course, it will normally be included in your tuition fee. There are also other costs which you may need to consider.
Funding your study
Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for a bursary, scholarship or loan to help fund your study and enhance your learning experience.
Use our Student Funding Calculator to work out what you’re eligible for.
Visit
University open days
We host five open days each year, usually in June, July, September, October and November. You can talk to staff and students, tour the campus and see inside the accommodation.
Online events
Join our weekly Sheffield Live online sessions to find out more about different aspects of University life.
Subject tasters
If you’re considering your post-16 options, our interactive subject tasters are for you. There are a wide range of subjects to choose from and you can attend sessions online or on campus.
Offer holder days
If you've received an offer to study with us, we'll invite you to one of our offer holder days, which take place between February and April. These open days have a strong department focus and give you the chance to really explore student life here, even if you've visited us before.
Campus tours
Our weekly guided tours show you what Sheffield has to offer - both on campus and beyond. You can extend your visit with tours of our city, accommodation or sport facilities.
Apply
The awarding body for this course is the University of Sheffield.
Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read information from the UK government and the EU Regulated Professions Database.
Any supervisors and research areas listed are indicative and may change before the start of the course.