The Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering MSc programme is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in the rapid evolving field of biomaterials and biomedical engineering, with a significant focus on research methods and design. Students will gain knowledge and experience in biomaterials, tissue engineering, biomechanics along with materials science and manufacturing. Translation of biomaterials from lab to bedside will also be covered including regulation, ethics and intellectual property (IP).
Introduction
The Department has world-leading research in biomaterials and biomedical engineering with expertise in ocular, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal biomaterials and biomechanics, and antimicrobial biomaterials. This course will provide students with the opportunity to gain knowledge and experience in this rapidly evolving field benefitting from the experts and the state-of-the art facilities at the university. The course aims to supplement technical knowledge with practical lab skills and exposure along with developing skills and understanding required for successful research projects including planning, understanding and mitigating risks, and sustainability. There will be an opportunity to learn from industry leaders on routes to commercialisation and understanding intellectual property.
Who is this course for?
This course is designed for students who have a degree in an engineering or science discipline, who wish to embark on a career in biomaterials or biomedical engineering.
What you'll learn
Knowledge and understanding of biomaterials and tissue engineering
Experimental techniques for biomaterials characterisation
Biomaterials fabrication methods
Biomechanics
Research Skills and Project Planning
Data analysis and statistics
IP, commercialisation and regulatory issues
Course content
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
January start
Compulsory modules
Structural Biomaterials (MATS413)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This modules covers topics related to the structure and properties of materials that are used in medical devices, including metals and alloys, polymers and ceramics. Corrosion and polymer degradation is also covered.
TISSUE ENGINEERING (ENGG412)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
The module will explore the understanding for the need for enhanced control of material induced biological interactions and how we can utilise novel material development and engineering techniques to control biological responses from the “bottom-up” (controlled biological interactions), developing the next generation of smart-implantable medical devices. As well as presenting fundamental concepts that are relevant to real clinical situations the module will also explore the need for cost effective solutions and viable routes for scale up and translation.
MUSCULOSKELETAL BIOMECHANICS (ENGG410)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This module will give students an understanding of the biomechanics of the musculoskeletal system and will cover techniques used to measure and analyse body movements as mechanical systems.
Experimental Methods in Biomaterials: Practical Skills and Laboratory Techniques (MATS423)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: summer
The aims of this course are to develop an understanding of the theoretical background and practical aspects of key experimental techniques involved in biomaterials research. For example, the module will provide knowledge and understanding of theory and practice related to biomaterials fabrication and characterisation methods, the role of surface chemistry in influencing biological interactions, and also on what practical techniques and assays are important during the development of biomaterials. The module also aims to provide exposure to laboratory work and experimental facilities to support theoretical content.
Experimental Methods for Biomaterials: Design and Data Analysis (ENGG461)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: summer
The aim of this module is to prepare students for conducting research projects and introduce them to the methods used to design, plan, manage, and implement research projects. This will include methods for designing experiments and analysing the collected data.
Research Skills and Project Planning (ENGG462)
Credits: 30 /
Semester: summer
This module In this will provide a comprehensive understanding of research projects including literature surveys, health and safety, risks, IP and commercialisation, and careers/employability.
Project Dissertation (ENGG661)
Credits: 60 /
Semester: semester 1
The student will carry out an individual project under the supervision of a member of staff. The purpose of the project is to provide students with the opportunity to plan, carry out and control a research project at the forefront of their academic discipline, field of study or area of professional practice.
Optional modules
ADVANCED MANUFACTURING WITH LASERS (MECH607)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This module provides an understanding of the principles of advanced manufacturing techniques using lasers and how these are being explored through current/recent research and adopted by industry.
Advanced Engineering Materials (MATS631)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This module aims to understand advanced engineering materials, focusing on non-ferrous alloys and composite materials. It covers the processing, heat treatment, microstructure and properties of Al, Ti and Ni alloys. It introduces constituent materials, manufacturing methods, test methods and mechanical response of composite materials.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
How you'll learn
All teaching is on campus. Teaching is through lectures and tutorials with some group work.
How you're assessed
The course is assessed through 2 taught modules which have a mix of coursework and exams, and a project dissertation (60 credits)
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
Your experience
You will commence the programme with a range of specialist taught modules including in Structural Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering. During the summer, you will develop skills in project planning, experimental design and literature surveys.
You will also learn about ethics, intellectual property (IP) and commercialisation in biomaterials research. At the end of the course you will do a substantial dissertation project.
An introduction to studying biomedical engineering at Liverpool
What students say...
Studying engineering at the University of Liverpool offers a wealth of expertise and support from the departments academic staff. Additionally, the university harbours huge resources in machinery and tooling that can be used in postgraduate projects. My project was made more enjoyable with friendly and helpful support, as well as access to resources that I needed to achieve my goals.
This MSc in Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering will provide you with a competitive advantage in the job market with the ability to address key challenges in industry and academia, with state-of-the-art training in biomaterials and bioengineering and enabling students to develop a range of transferable skills.
Career support from day one to graduation and beyond
Our biomedical engineering graduates have gone on to a range of careers in industry and academia. Graduates have gone on to work for a range of companies in the biomedical engineering sector including Insight Surgery, Medacta International, Lombard Medical and Abbott Laboratories. We also have alumni that have pursued PhDs and successful academic careers in biomaterials/biomedical engineering.
4 in 5
of our engineering students find their main activity after graduation meaningful.
Graduate Outcomes, 2018-19.
Fees and funding
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year
£12,400
International fees
Full-time place, per year
£28,000
Fees stated are for the 2024-25 academic year.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about fees and funding.
Additional costs
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution. This degree should be in Engineering or Science.
Exceptionally, students graduating from a UK university with a non-engineering/science degree will be considered on a case by case basis.
2 academic references will be required and IELTS 6.5 with no band score less than 6.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
English language qualification
Requirements
IELTS
6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0
PRE-SESSIONAL ENGLISH
Do you need to complete a Pre-Sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-Sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
Contact us
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
