About the degree programme

This programme is taught through a collaboration between Heriot-Watt University and the University of Edinburgh, offering you a bespoke learning experience at the forefront of the discipline, and the opportunity to expand both your knowledge and your networks.  

The Biomedical Engineering MSc programme will build on your engineering and physical science knowledge to build a unique competence in the field of applied biomedical engineering. 

You will explore multiple disciplines and take advantage of the academic expertise in biological and clinical sciences and engineering to emerge a true multidisciplinary graduate. 

The programme will introduce you to engineering technologies and applications within the biomedical industry, and will provide you with knowledge of medical technologies and their application. The programme focuses on integrated medical devices, design and manufacture skills, and an understanding and practice of key concepts in biosensing and biofabrication. 

You will have the opportunity to follow and specialise in one of two themes: bioelectronics or biomedical manufacturing.

Tuition fees

Please see Heriot-Watt University's website for tuition fee information for this programme:

Biomedical Engineering (Heriot-Watt University)

Graduate discount

This programme is exempt from the University of Edinburgh's usual alumni discount. Instead, all Heriot-Watt and University of Edinburgh alumni applying for this programme will receive a 10% discount as part of your offer.

Deposit

Please see Heriot-Watt University's website for information about deposit requirements for international students:

Postgraduate fees (Heriot-Watt University)

Costs

Accommodation and living costs

You will need to pay for your accommodation and living costs (such as rent, food and utility bills) for the duration of your programme.

For 2026-2027, we estimate that it will cost an average of £18,504 each year (£1,542 each month) to live in Edinburgh as a postgraduate.

The exact amount you spend will depend on different factors, especially the accommodation you choose.

Funding opportunities

These entry requirements are for the 2027-28 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2028-29 academic year will be published in early Oct 2027.

Qualifications

Entry requirements information for this programme can be found on the Heriot-Watt University website. 
 

English language requirements

English language requirements for this degree can be found on the Heriot-Watt application page. 

Entry requirements for Biomedical Engineering

What you will study

The Biomedical Engineering MSc programme is a 12-month programme designed in consultation with industry partners and advisory boards to ensure that learning outcomes are aligned with current and future industry needs.

Specialism streams

You can customise your degree to match your specific interests or desired career pathway by specialising in either bioelectronics or biomedical manufacturing.

Bioelectronics stream

If you choose the bioelectronics stream, you will explore Lab-on-Chip technologies, sensors and instrumentation, bioelectronics and biosensors, and design and use of bioelectrodes. The bioelectronics stream courses are taught at the University of Edinburgh. 

Biomedical manufacturing stream

By studying biomedical manufacturing, you will investigate technologies for biosystems, deep-dive into biofabrication, and explore the regulatory frameworks for medical devices. The biomedical manufacturing stream courses are taught at Heriot-Watt University.

Course information

Please see the Heriot-Watt University’s website for complete and up-to-date course details.

Biomedical Engineering: Course information (Heriot-Watt University) 

Please see our Degree Programme Tables for course details. Please note this is the latest information available and may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

Biomedical Engineering (MSc) (2025-2026)

Dissertation

In your dissertation, you will deepen your expertise in either bioelectronics or biomedical manufacturing through a detailed and focused investigation. You will need to showcase your proficiency in the field by utilising design, manufacturing, and characterisation techniques to generate new insights and solutions to open challenges in biomedical engineering.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

The Biomedical Engineering MSc programme is taught through a combination of:

  • lectures
  • tutorials
  • practicals
  • lab visits
  • guest lectures
  • group projects
  • self-paced learning

Assessment

You will be assessed through coursework, exams, and your dissertation.

Support for your studies

You will have access to a range of support services if you need them throughout your degree.

We will assign you to a student adviser, and this should be the first person to contact if you need help. They can guide you to other University service teams depending on what support you need.  

How we support you

Career opportunities

The Biomedical Engineering MSc programme will equip you with the specialised technical skills and broad professional competencies necessary for a successful career.

The interdisciplinary approach of the programme, which encompasses bio-manufacturing, bio-materials and bio-sensing, means that your career options will be significantly diversified.

Industries that are particularly relevant to this degree include:

  • biomedical engineering
  • pharmaceuticals
  • biotechnology, including biomanufacturing and bioelectronics
  • medical devices manufacturing
  • health informatics

Further study

After completing this programme, you may wish to consider applying for a PhD or other research programme.

Applying for research degrees

Moving on to a PhD (advice from the University's Careers Service)

Careers Service

The University’s award-winning Careers Service is here to support all current students and graduates for up to two years. Our careers team provide support to students throughout university and beyond.

Careers support includes:

  • CV and application support
  • Preparing for interviews
  • Building and reflecting on skills development
  • Finding part-time work
  • Graduate job search
  • All current students and recent graduates have exclusive access to MyCareerHub, our vacancy database, where we advertise 1000s of vacancies every year.
  • Access to a range of subscription-based services, such as CareerSet for online CV checking.
  • Host large University-wide careers events

Visit the Careers Service website  

The International Student Hub on the Careers Service has advice on working during studies and working after graduation both in the UK and elsewhere.  

Visit the International student hub

Entrepreneurship

We foster an entrepreneurial culture, offering students extensive support through Edinburgh Innovations, which includes business advice, workshops, and networking to encourage startups and enterprise development.

How to apply

Applications for this programme are handled by Heriot-Watt University.

Application details on the Heriot-Watt University website

When to apply

Visit the Heriot-Watt University website for information on application deadlines and dates.

Application fee

There is no fee to apply to this programme.

Accommodation

Visit our website for accommodation information. 

University of Edinburgh accommodation website

We offer accommodation options for couples and families.

Accommodation for couples and families

If you prefer to live elsewhere, we can offer you advice on finding accommodation in Edinburgh.

Accommodation information from the Edinburgh University Students' Association Advice Place

Societies and clubs

Our societies and sports clubs will help you develop your interests, meet like-minded people, find a new hobby or simply socialise.

Societies

Sport Clubs

The city of Edinburgh

Scotland's inspiring capital will form the background to your studies — a city with an irresistible blend of history, natural beauty and modern city life. 

Find out more about living in Edinburgh

Health and wellbeing support

You will have access to free health and wellbeing services throughout your time at university if you need them.

The support services we offer include: 

  • a student counselling service
  • a health centre (doctor's surgery)
  • support if you're living in University accommodation
  • dedicated help and support if you have a disability or need adjustments

Health and wellbeing support services 

Disability and Learning Support