Medical Sciences and Engineering

"Medical Sciences and Engineering at University College London offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary program dedicated to advancing understanding at the intersection of medicine, biomedical engineering, and technology. This innovative course is designed for students interested in exploring the complex relationship between biological systems and engineering principles, preparing them for a range of careers in healthcare innovation, research, and development. Throughout the program, students engage with foundational subjects such as human anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry, alongside core engineering disciplines including electronics, mechanics, and computer science. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on laboratory work, project-based learning, and collaborative research opportunities, enabling students to develop practical skills in medical device design, data analysis, and biomedical instrumentation. In addition to technical training, the program fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and ethical considerations essential for responsible innovation in medicine. Students benefit from access to cutting-edge laboratories and partnerships with hospitals and industry leaders, providing real-world experience and networking opportunities. The program culminates in a research project or dissertation, allowing students to apply their knowledge to solve contemporary challenges in healthcare technology. Graduates of the Medical Sciences and Engineering program are well-equipped for postgraduate study or careers in medical research, biomedical engineering, healthcare consulting, or technological development within the medical sector. The program aims to produce graduates who are not only technically proficient but also capable of contributing to the development of new medical devices, diagnostic tools, and therapeutic strategies, ultimately improving patient outcomes and the efficiency of healthcare systems worldwide."

In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 0.5 or 1.0 credits, adding up to a total of 4.0 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 1.0 credit is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

This degree is comprised of eight compulsory modules in both years one and two, which are split equally between engineering and medical science. In year three, students will be asked to personalise their education with four student-selected modules and four compulsory modules. 

Students are able to choose optional modules from a number offered throughout UCL. They will be encouraged to design their degree programme along an engineering, medical sciences or business/innovation theme.

Students will have the opportunity to experience UCL's cutting-edge research laboratories, as well as state-of-the-art hospital facilities.

Students will develop skills in information evaluation, integration, and its application to healthcare. They will be able to carry out a bioengineering system-related research project in their final year.

A levels

Grades

AAA-AAB

Subjects

Physics or Mathematics, and Chemistry or Biology, plus one other subject, are required.

GCSEs

English Language and Mathematics at grade B. For UK-based students, a grade C or equivalent in a foreign language (other than Ancient Greek, Biblical Hebrew or Latin) is required. UCL provides opportunities to meet the foreign language requirement following enrolment, further details at: www.ucl.ac.uk/ug-reqs

IB Diploma

Points

36

Subjects

A total of 17 points in three higher level subjects, with no score below 5, to include Physics or Mathematics, and Chemistry or Biology, plus one further subject.

Funding for the Medical Sciences and Engineering programs at University College London is available through a variety of sources designed to support both domestic and international students. Prospective students are encouraged to explore scholarships, bursaries, and other financial aid options offered directly by UCL as well as external funding bodies. UCL provides several prestigious scholarships, including the UCL Global Masters Scholarships, which are specifically targeted at international students and can significantly reduce tuition fees. Additionally, students may be eligible for research funding opportunities if they are enrolled in research-oriented tracks or programs.

UK students can benefit from government-funded loan schemes, such as the Student Loans Company, which offers loans to cover tuition fees and living expenses. For those studying full-time, UCL offers flexible payment plans that enable students to spread tuition costs over several installments. International students are advised to seek external scholarships or funding from their home governments or private organizations, many of which have partnerships with UCL.

Students enrolled in MSc or PhD tracks may access research council grants, such as those from the Medical Research Council (MRC) or Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), which provide substantial financial support for doctoral research and advanced projects. Some departmental scholarships are also available, awarded based on academic excellence or financial need. Financial aid applications usually require submission of supporting documents, including academic transcripts, personal statements, and sometimes evidence of financial hardship.

UCL’s careers services provide guidance on external funding options and advise students on how to prepare compelling applications. It is recommended that students proactively explore all potential sources of funding early in their program to ensure they can meet their financial commitments. Overall, the financing options for the Medical Sciences and Engineering programs are wide-ranging, designed to support a diverse student body and enable access to world-class education regardless of financial background.

The Medical Sciences and Engineering programme at University College London (UCL) is a multidisciplinary course designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles and practical applications of medical sciences and engineering. This innovative programme integrates knowledge from biomedicine, engineering, and technology to prepare students for careers in healthcare, medical research, and technological development aimed at improving human health. Throughout the course, students are exposed to a blend of theoretical coursework, laboratory practicals, and project-based learning that enhances their problem-solving skills and technical expertise. The curriculum covers topics such as human biology, physiology, bioinformatics, medical imaging, biomedical instrumentation, and regenerative medicine, among others, ensuring a broad and robust scientific foundation.

The programme often features collaborations with hospitals, research institutes, and industry partners, offering students opportunities for internships, research projects, and clinical exposure. This real-world engagement is essential for understanding current medical challenges and the technological solutions being developed to address them. Students are encouraged to develop innovative approaches to medical problems, with many projects focusing on the design of medical devices, development of diagnostic tools, or new therapeutic techniques. The programme also emphasizes ethical considerations, regulatory environments, and the importance of interdisciplinary communication, preparing students for the collaborative nature of modern healthcare and biomedical research environments.

Graduates from the Medical Sciences and Engineering programme are well-positioned for careers in medical device development, biomedical research, healthcare technology startups, or further academic study such as postgraduate research or professional health sciences programs. The course’s rigorous academic structure, combined with practical experience and industry engagement, aims to produce versatile professionals capable of contributing to advancements in medicine and engineering fields. UCL’s location in London provides access to numerous hospitals, research centers, and innovation hubs, further enriching the educational experience and enhancing career opportunities for students.