BEng Biomedical Engineering with Foundation Year

Study BEng Biomedical Engineering with Foundation and explore how engineering, biology and medicine can be combined to diagnose, prevent and treat disease through this practical, interdisciplinary course.

The BEng Biomedical Engineering with Foundation is a four-year programme that includes a foundation year and leads into the three-year BEng Biomedical Engineering degree. Please note that this course is yet to be approved for 2027 entry and that course content may change during the approval stage.

Foundation Year

Our Foundation Year programmes are designed to set you up for success. They offer a broad, immersive learning experience and ease the transition to university life.

They also aim to:

prepare you to study your chosen subject at undergraduate level
embed core academic skills and build your confidence in authentic, subject-relevant contexts
spark engagement and curiosity through meaningful learning experiences and enquiry-led approaches
foster a sense of identity, connection and belonging in your chosen discipline and across the wider University community.

Upon successful completion of the Foundation Year, students progress to the main three-year programme, with the option to add an additional placement year on top.

Why study Biomedical Engineering at Reading?

Rooted in the life sciences, our programme applies engineering principles to solve biological and medical challenges, combining an understanding of living systems with engineering innovation. This interdisciplinary approach is ideal if you're interested in healthcare, biotechnology and biomedical innovation, and in using scientific knowledge to develop solutions that improve human health and wellbeing.

The BEng Biomedical Engineering course is accredited by the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (IPEM), and 100% of our students said teaching staff are good at explaining things (National Student Survey 2026, respondents from BEng Biomedical Engineering).

What you'll study

On our professionally accredited BEng Biomedical Engineering course, you'll study with expert academics, develop your transferable skills and learn how to diagnose, prevent and treat disease in this fast-developing field.

Do you have an innate curiosity about human physiology and a keen understanding of mathematics? Learn how the brain works, and discover the techniques used to monitor tissues in the human body, treat disease and restore bodily functions.

You'll take part in lab-based classes that build your practical skills. You'll also gain experience of techniques such as immunofluorescent labelling, microscopy, DNA and protein analysis, EEG recordings, cell culture, aseptic technique and analytical methods.

100% of our students said teaching staff are good at explaining things (National Student Survey 2026, respondents from BEng Biomedical Engineering).

We conduct world-renowned research in neural engineering, rehabilitation and medical technology. In your final-year project, you'll have the opportunity to carry out original research in one of these areas.

Our £60m Health and Life Sciences building opened in 2020. As the home of the School of Biological Sciences, it offers state-of-the-art research and teaching laboratories, seminar rooms, and plenty of study and social space, including a café. The building also houses the Cole Museum of Zoology. Its collection of more than 3,500 natural history specimens is a fantastic resource for biological scientists and the wider community.

Placements

Upon successful completion of the Foundation Year, students progress to the main three-year programme, with the option to transfer to the version of this course with a placement, BEng Biomedical Engineering with Professional Experience, which includes a one-year placement before your final year of study.

You can also start the BEng programme without a year in industry and still choose to do a placement. You don't need to decide until the start of your second year.

The School of Biological Sciences has excellent relationships with several organisations in biomedical engineering, including GSK and Microchip Ltd.

Accreditation

The BEng Biomedical Engineering course is accredited by the IPEM.

Overview

Foundation Year

Our Foundation Year programmes are designed to set you up for success. They offer a broad, immersive learning experience and ease the transition to university life.

They also aim to:

prepare you to study your chosen subject at undergraduate level
embed core academic skills and build your confidence in authentic, subject-relevant contexts
spark engagement and curiosity through meaningful learning experiences and enquiry-led approaches
foster a sense of identity, connection and belonging in your chosen discipline and across the wider University community.

Upon successful completion of the Foundation Year, students progress to the main three-year programme, with the option to add an additional placement year on top.

Why study Biomedical Engineering at Reading?

Learning

What you'll study

100% of our students said teaching staff are good at explaining things (National Student Survey 2026, respondents from BEng Biomedical Engineering).

Placements

You can also start the BEng programme without a year in industry and still choose to do a placement. You don't need to decide until the start of your second year.

The School of Biological Sciences has excellent relationships with several organisations in biomedical engineering, including GSK and Microchip Ltd.

Accreditation

The BEng Biomedical Engineering course is accredited by the IPEM.

Entry requirements A Level See entry requirements

Writing your personal statement

We recognise that you may be applying to multiple courses using the same UCAS form. UCAS provides guidance on writing a personal statement that works for multiple courses.

If you'd prefer to focus your personal statement on your other course choices, please send us a short additional supporting statement outlining your motivation for studying biomedical engineering. Email it to ugadmissions@reading.ac.uk with your Personal ID number, and we'll add it to your record for consideration when we review your application.

Typical offers

Our typical offers are expressed in terms of A level, BTEC and International Baccalaureate requirements. However, we also accept many other qualifications.

A levels

BBB – for applicants without Biology and a second science
CCC – for applicants with Biology and a second science

Acceptable science subjects: Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths, Statistics, Psychology, Geography, Environmental Science/Studies, Applied Science, Geology and Computer Science.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

30 – for applicants without Higher Level Biology and a second science
24 – for applicants with Biology and a second science, both at Higher Level

If you'd like personalised advice on your eligibility for our foundation courses, please ask us a question.

BTEC Extended Diploma

DMM

GCSE

Grade 4 (C) in Science if you're not studying a science at A level

Extended Project Qualification

The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) prepares you well for university study, so we can include your achievement in the EPQ as part of a formal offer.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5

For information on other English language qualifications, please visit our international student pages.

Further requirements

If you're an international student and don't have qualifications equivalent to British A levels, or you need to improve your English, you may need to take a foundation course or pre-sessional course before starting your degree.

Expected compulsory modules

Foundation Biology 1

Gain an understanding of the molecular building blocks of living organisms, the cellular machinery that sustains life, and the major physiological systems that enable the survival of multicellular organisms. You'll also develop core laboratory and data interpretation skills.

Foundation Biology 2

Build on the skills developed in Foundation Biology 1 and explore the regulation and evolution of living systems. You'll focus on Darwin's theory of evolution, the mechanisms of homeostasis, the microbial world, and the application of biotechnology in understanding genetic continuity. You'll also develop core practical laboratory and analysis skills.

Academic and Scientific Skills: Foundations for Tackling Global Challenges 1

Gain the academic, scientific, and transferable skills required to transition into university-level study. Using the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for real-world context, you'll develop the numeracy, data-handling, communication, teamwork, and reflective skills needed to tackle global challenges. You'll also explore digital tools and scientific resources, including responsible use of AI.

Academic and Scientific Skills: Foundations for Tackling Global Challenges 2

Build on the skills gained in Semester 1 and develop your ability to collaborate with people from different disciplines to investigate complex global challenges. You'll strengthen your numeracy, research, experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication skills in line with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.

Foundation Chemistry 1

Discover the chemical principles that provide the foundations for many scientific disciplines. Learn how to predict the properties of molecules from their structures and gain an understanding of how and why reactions happen.

Fundamentals of Mathematics and Physics for Biomedical Engineering

Learn the core mathematics and physics needed for later study in biomedical engineering. You'll develop confidence in algebra, graphs, trigonometry, vectors, differentiation and mathematical modelling, and then apply some of these tools to mechanics, elasticity and electricity.

Expected optional modules

Foundation Chemistry 2

Build on your knowledge of chemical principles as you explore factors affecting rates of reactions, exothermic and endothermic reactions, spectroscopic data, and reaction mechanisms and pathways in organic molecules.

Health, Disease and Society

Understand how social, cultural, biological, and evolutionary factors interact with health and disease. You'll explore how medical anthropology and evolutionary medicine contribute to health policy, planning, and promotion at a societal level.

Please note: These are expected modules for 2027 entry and may change during the course approval process.

The University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

Compulsory modules

Anatomy and Physiology

Learn about the basics of the anatomy of some of the major systems of the human body and the physiological processes taking part within and between them.

Mathematics

Analyse engineering problems using the techniques of series, complex numbers, differentiation, integration, differential equations, statistics, vectors, and matrix algebra.

Programming

Gain practical programming skills in developing and writing your own programs. By the end of the module, you will be able to predict the outputs a segment of code will produce.

Physical Essentials for Medicine

Acquire fundamental knowledge about diagnosing and treating human health issues, which will serve as a foundation for more specialised clinical modules in the future.

Robotics in Medicine and Prosthetics

Discover the world of functional prosthetics, robotics, exoskeletons and medical equipment used for medical and rehabilitation applications. You'll learn about the mechanical and engineering design principles needed to create new devices, robots and orthotics, and gain a basic understanding of the principles of forces, torques and joints applied to humans, animals and mechanisms.

Cellular and Molecular Principles of Life

Learn about the structure and organisation of cells, with a focus on the common features found in all life. You’ll also discover how the differences between cells are essential for creating the diversity of life on the planet.

These are the modules that we currently offer for 2026/27 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

Compulsory modules

Biomedical Sensors and Wearable Technology

Discover the different types of sensors used for biomedical application areas, their characteristics and principles of operation. You’ll learn how to choose appropriate sensors and transducers for a given application and be able to calculate how the output signals they produce are related to the quantities they are sensing.

Principles of Physical Interventions in Medicine

Understand the anatomy and physiology of the eye, the ear, the brain and the wide range of instrumentation functions to diagnose common conditions.

Biomedical Signal Processing and Feedback Systems

Discover the fundamentals of processing biomedical signals, including analysing signals in both the time and the frequency domain.

Biomedical Problem Solving

Acquire an understanding of the concepts, practice and management associated with developing a technological solution from initial problem statement to delivery for a given biomedical problem.

Research and Professional Skills

Enhance your ability to critically evaluate scientific literature, effectively communicate ideas, handle data and apply appropriate quantitative approaches and use a combination of lectures, workshops, academic tutor led sessions and group activities to help you to develop and refine these skills.

Optional modules

Medical Genetics

Understand how genetic defects at the molecular level impact on pathophysiology and influence disease risk, progression and severity. You’ll study aetiology of major medical diseases, with a focus on both mendelian and complex polygenic disorders.

Bioinformatics and Computational Biology

Learn the key concepts of bioinformatics and computational biology, including the basics of algorithms, machine learning, and agent-based systems. You'll gain the necessary programming and computational skills required for a successful career in modern biology.

Languages for All/UWM

Robotics in Medicine and Prosthetics

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

Compulsory modules

Research Project

Gain hands-on experience in independent research, applying, and expanding, what you’ve learned while working with an academic supervisor on experiments, data analysis, and science communication.

Biomechanics and Soft Technologies

Gain fundamental knowledge in biomechanics, soft robotics, and material science applications. You’ll explore topics like flexible electrodes, advanced soft robotics, and assistive robotics.

Gain a comprehensive understanding of assistive technology (AT). You'll learn the design principles, gain hands-on experience, demonstrate the equipment, and code the signal of an assistive technology, brain-computer interface (BCI).

Optional modules

Neuroscience

Gain an introduction to neuroscience, focusing on the structure and function of the central nervous system. You’ll learn healthy brain function and how it changes in disease and neurodivergent conditions, covering different topics such as learning, memory, and neuroanatomy.

Diagnostic Imaging and Radiotherapy for Cancer

Study various imaging techniques like X-rays, ultrasound, CT, PET, and SPECT. You'll also discover radiotherapy planning, equipment operation, and radiopharmaceutical production.

Medical Imaging

Learn how to create medical images for clinical analysis and treatment. Through lectures and practical sessions, you’ll explore the fundamentals, operation, design and application of MRI, CT, and ultrasound imaging systems.

Synthetic Biology and Tissue Engineering

Explore the intriguing fields of materials science, synthetic biology, and tissue engineering. You'll gain an understanding of synthetic biology and its initial focus on the cellular level, as well as the more recent focus on tissue engineering, which involves the development of implantable devices and tissue replacement to restore lost organs and their function. You'll learn how the principles underpinning synthetic biology and the synthetic biology design cycle.

Innovation and Product Development

Explore how scientific ideas become real-world products, with a focus on medicines, medical devices, and cosmetics. You’ll work in teams to develop a business plan for novel scientific and technical products, gaining skills in innovation, product development, and business strategy.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

Fees

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £10,050 for 2027/28 Foundation year, then rising to the standard course fees for the duration of your bachelor's level study. The home tuition fee is subject to annual increases in subsequent years of study. Please check the fees and funding webpage for the latest information.

New international students: £23,850 for 2027/28 Foundation year, then rising to the standard course fees for the duration of your bachelor's level study. The international tuition fee is subject to annual increases in subsequent years of study as set out in your student contract. For 2027/28, the standard fee is £31,800. For more details, please visit our Fees for International Students page.

Tuition fees

To find out more about how the University of Reading sets its tuition fees, see our fees and funding pages.

Additional costs

Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.

Financial support for your studies

You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.

Become a Global Sustainability Leaders Scholar

Our innovative Global Sustainability Leaders Scholarship is focused on creating a community of future leaders. We’re awarding up to 400 scholarships per year to high-achieving students from the UK and overseas who are passionate about environmental sustainability.

Each scholar receives £6,000 a year (towards living costs), for up to four years, plus a tailored development scheme. The scheme provides opportunities to develop knowledge and leadership skills relevant to addressing climate and nature issues, and to engage in cross-disciplinary learning and action. Terms and conditions apply.

Find out more about the Global Sustainability Leaders Scholarship scheme.

Careers

This degree is geared towards a career in the biomedical sector. You will learn how to design and execute experiments, work in teams, use statistics and computing to interpret data and write essays and reports. You will also develop transferable skills that are highly valued by employers, giving you the advantage in a competitive job market. Overall, 90% of graduates from the School of Biological Sciences are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation (based on our analysis of HESA data (c) HESA 2026, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2023/24, includes all School of Biological Sciences responders).

The course is also accredited by the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (IPEM). This independent accreditation means that our course fully meets the high standards of quality and learning outcomes required for careers in medical physics and clinical engineering. It also reflects our focus on ensuring students graduate with the knowledge and practical skills to thrive in a career in Biomedical Engineering, whether that is in industry, healthcare or academia.

Students studying biomedical engineering have pursued careers in a range of fields, including research, pharmaceutical development, clinical engineering, and software development.

Build the skills to succeed in your career – and contribute to a sustainable future

At the University of Reading, we help you turn your environmental and sustainability values into opportunities that make a difference to your career and the wider world.

Employers are already reshaping their businesses to respond to climate change, and they increasingly value graduates with expertise in environmental stewardship – one of the fastest-growing skill areas (World Economic Forum, Future of Jobs Report 2025).

During your time at Reading, you’ll have access to a wide range of opportunities and support. This will help you graduate with the knowledge and confidence to tackle environmental and sustainability challenges in your career.

In 2025, the University of Reading won the AGCAS Green Careers Award. Judges highlighted the impact of our Careers service and the positive outcomes our students achieve.

Explore climate and sustainability initiatives you can get involved with as a student at Reading.

BEng Biomedical Engineering with Foundation (awaiting approval)

Foundation Year

Why study Biomedical Engineering at Reading?

What you'll study

Placements

Accreditation

Tuition fees

Additional costs

Financial support for your studies

Become a Global Sustainability Leaders Scholar

Build the skills to succeed in your career – and contribute to a sustainable future

Ready for more?