Engineering - Biomedical Engineering

Course Outline

The programme is delivered over one academic year and consists of 40 ECTS (approx. 8 modules) of taught modules, involving the ongoing and world-class biomedical research at University of Galway, and a 20 ECTS thesis project. This medical device based project is conducted in partnership with the highly successful BioInnovate programme and focuses on developing advanced technical knowledge and skills and real-world implementation of these in terms of innovation, commercialization and business development.



The taught component consists of modules (5 or 10 ECTS) in our core areas: biomechanics, biomaterials, and medical devices. Students take 25 ECTS in biomedical engineering specific modules and 15 ECTS in transferrable skills modules. Students make their choices for each semester after attending introductory lectures in each module.

WHEN TO APPLY: University of Galway does not set a deadline for receipt of applications (with some exceptions). Offers will be issued on a continuous basis.

ME (60 ECTS), MSc (90 ECTS)

9 months, full-time.

Next start date September 2024

Career Opportunities

Top reasons to choose an ME in Biomedical Engineering at University of Galway



1. Our graduates have excellent career opportunities



The Master of Engineering in Biomedical Engineering is an internationally recognised accredited degree. We train our graduates with the advanced skills in Biomechanics, Design, Materials, and Innovation that they required to succeed in the medical device industry hub in Galway, across Ireland, and internationally. Galway is home to major multinational biomedical companies and has a large number of start-up in the Medtech sector; our graduates find employment in these leading companies in various roles from research and development to manufacturing and product development.



2. Research-led teaching by world leading engineers, scientists, and clinicians.



Our advanced modules are delivered by research-active staff who are passionate about what they teach. Our teaching facilities are world-class; the Alice Perry Engineering Building was opened in 2011 and brings all engineering disciplines together in one state of the art location. ME students use a wide range of laboratories, including biomechanics, cell culture, structural, electronic, and ergonomic facilities and all students have access to dedicated study space for engineering postgraduates.



3. University of Galway is the ideal location to study biomedical engineering in Europe.



Our campus is situated in Galway city; the centre of the biomedical industry in Ireland. The medical technology sector in Ireland is recognised as one of five global emerging hubs. Eight of the world’s top ten med-tech companies are based here, and devices designed and made in Galway are saving lives all over the world.



The Irish Medtech sector is responsible for €12.6 billion worth of exports.

There are 300+ Medtech companies in Ireland which account for over 29,000 jobs.

15 of the top 20 global medical device companies operate in Ireland.

80% of the world’s stents are produced in Galway.

Ireland is the second largest exporter of medical devices in Europe.

University of Galway is a world leading university, ranked in the top 2% worldwide. We have over 3000 international students from 115 countries.



Galway is as distinctive as it is beautiful, set on the Wild Atlantic Way on the broad sweep of Galway Bay. From this position on the Atlantic edge of Europe, University of Galway has a proud history of reaching out and connecting with the world. Galway casually combines the energy of a young and diverse population, with the authenticity of a place steeped in history and tradition. We are renowned as a place where arts and culture are celebrated, reinterpreted and shared with the world. Find out more about Galway, recently crowned Europe’s Micro City of the Year by the Financial Times.



4. The Master of Engineering is the new standard in Engineering qualifications.



The majority of engineering graduates across Europe now hold a Master’s level qualification. The ME is designed to allow engineering graduates who hold an internationally recognised degree (under the Washington Accord) to meet the criteria for Chartered Engineer professional accreditation (by Engineers Ireland) under the European Framework Standards for engineering accreditation.