Engineering and Physical Sciences Foundation Programme: Biomedical Engineering

Our foundation programme paves the way to a degree programme in BEng or MEng Biomedical Engineering at the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences.

Location: Aston University, Birmingham

Apply now
Download our prospectus
Register your interest
Course type
Full-time
Entry requirements

CCD

Duration

1 year

UCAS code(s)

H54F

Start date

Course overview

In our biomedical engineering foundation programme, you will be equipped with the essential groundwork for your future undergraduate studies, offering a clear path towards BEng or MEng Biomedical Engineering. 

On this programme you will learn, collaborate and flourish through project based learning with students in other engineering areas. This approach of learning mimics the real-life working world, where your career will be enriched by working alongside people with different skill sets, view points and approaches.

Image of Miraj Rahman

"My course introduced me to software development and made me realise it's something that I enjoy and wanted to pursue as a career."

Miraj Rahman
Biomedical Engineering
Software Development

Why Engineering and Physical Sciences Foundation Programme: Biomedical Engineering at Aston University?

8th in the UK
Thriving student life
Aston's Students' Union was rated 8th in the UK in the 2022 What Uni League Table
Tef_gold
TEF Gold
Aston University was awarded Gold- the highest possible rating for Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF, 2023)
Teaching
Hands on collaborative teaching
Our dedicated academics ensure smooth transitions for students from diverse backgrounds
Biomedical Engineering at Aston University
Discover what Biomedical Engineering graduate, Fatma Alimahomed, loved about the course and what she has gone on to do since graduating.
Careers and Placements
Whatever your Aston University journey, we're here to help. Discover what's possible with Careers and Placements.

Course description

Engineering and Physical Sciences Foundation Programme: Biomedical Engineering

Aston University's foundation programme in Biomedical Engineering will empower you with the essential skills and knowledge to transition onto BEng or MEng Biomedical Engineering. 

arrow icon

What we will provide
First-class teaching in the UK’s second largest city, delivered by experienced and passionate faculty members who are not only experts in their fields but dedicated to helping you succeed. You will make use of state-of-the-art facilities, including modern computer labs. 

We are an Adobe Creative Campus meaning you will have access to top-notch software licenses, including Adobe and Solidworks, commonly used in industry. To find out more, visit here.

It is not mandatory to bring your own device for this course, however if you choose to do so please note will need laptop specifications of i5 or above (or AMD equivalent).

user icon

What you will provide 
It is essential you demonstrate an interest in engineering, biology, and medicine, whilst having resilience and perseverance to overcome challenges to find solutions. You will need to have an understanding of subjects like calculus, physics, chemistry, and biology to grasp the necessary principles that underpin the field.

graduate cap icon

What skills we teach
You will be introduced to the fundamentals of biomedical engineering, focusing on topics such as biomechanics and biofluid mechanics to help understand the human body and its interactions with technology. We will support you in developing your transferable skills in leadership, problem-solving, teamwork and resilience through a focus on industrial-led practical workshops and labs.

signpost icon

Progression opportunities
On successful completion of our foundation programme, you will then have the opportunity to transition onto our BEng or MEng Biomedical Engineering degree. Our BEng/MEng biomedical engineering graduates have the skills and flexibility to be involved in a wide range of areas, working alongside doctors, therapists, and researchers as well as supporting clinical staff, personnel, and financial governance. After graduating, you could become involved in a huge range of exciting career paths including medical device design, modeling and simulation of human physiology and anatomy, and supporting hospitals in clinical and financial governance of existing medical equipment, or in the assessment of new technologies.

How you will learn

Our teaching methods range from engaging lectures to interactive workshops, allowing you to absorb knowledge through multiple approaches. You will dive into real-world projects that challenge and inspire you through hands on work, where you will put theory into practice.  

Here at Aston University, we are passionate about supporting our students. You will have a personal tutor throughout your studies to provide support and guidance. The Learning Development Centre is there to provide maths support, academic writing development, advice, and strategies for managing your studies.  You will also have the opportunity to get involved in PAL sessions, learning from your peers who have been through the course content before you.

Extracurricular activities:

  • You will have access to range of course specific student societies including Biomedical Engineering society, CAD and Formula Student.

What you will learn

On this programme, you'll receive an introduction to the principles and disciplines of construction project management. You will develop the essential skills to transition onto BEng/MEng Biomedical Engineering, and gain invaluable hands-on experience that sets you apart in industry. 

 

Image of Ekgari

My Academic Journey

MEng Biomedical Engineering student, Ekgari Kasawala, shares her experience at Aston University

Find out more

Facilities

Following a multi-million pound investment, we are now home to an extensive biomedical engineering facility equipped with the latest technology. From an entire engineering workshop and exclusive Maker Lab, to a motion tracking suite and specialist industry standard software like Solidworks, Matlab, Labview, and more. You will have access to advanced equipment, such as imaging systems, simulation software, and biomedical instrumentation, allowing them to gain hands-on experience and conduct cutting-edge research.

Biomedical Engineering Facilities Tour

Course objectives

  1. Provides you with the necessary fundamental skills and knowledge for progression into Stage 1 of study.

  2. You will develop transferrable and communication skills required to be successful in further study.

  3. You will develop ethical and inclusive, problem solveing and critical thinking skills. 

  4.  You will begin to develop the global awareness, sustainability and inclusive practice required in modern professional practice.

Modules

Modules and learning outcomes

Foundation Year modules

In your foundation year you will study the following core modules:

Module TitleCredits
Undergraduate Professional Skills15
Mathematics 115
Introduction to Scientific Principles15
Industries of the Future15
Global Engineering Project15
Engineering Science Foundations15
Electronic Foundations15
Mathematics 215
Total120

Foundation year outcomes 

On successful completion of the first year, you will be able to:

  • Use mathematical principles to solve well-defined problems.
  • Solve well-defined problems using technical and scientific concepts relevant to the framework of study.
  • Collaborate in multidisciplinary teams, demonstrating inclusive, effective communication and teamwork skills.
  •  Communicate discipline relevant technical ideas and solutions effectively, in a variety of ways, to diverse audiences, using appropriate terminology.
  • Conduct practical activities using appropriate equipment/tools, review data and draw conclusions to support technical decision-making relevant to the framework of study.
  •  Discuss ethical and professional responsibilities, including stakeholder involvement, sustainability, safety, technical, EDI, and social factors.
  • Collect, interpret, and present data from a variety of sources.
  • Reflect on their own learning needs and successes.
  • Demonstrate awareness of project management principles and methods

 

We may update our courses to reflect best practices and academic developments. If we do, we’ll let you know of any changes at the earliest opportunity by updating our course webpages. If you have already received an offer, we’ll write to you directly to let you know of the changes.

Entry requirements

  • A Levels

    Standard offer: CCD
    EPQ Offer: CDD and Level 3 Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) grade B
    Core Maths Offer: CDD and Level 3 Core Maths Qualification grade B
    Aston ready (Widening participation) offer: DDD
     

  • Contextual offers

    Aston Ready is our contextual offer scheme that could reduce your undergraduate offer by one or two grades. Assessed at the point of application, there are no additional forms to fill in.
     

Contextual offer criteria

  • Extended Diploma and National Extended Diploma: Merit Merit Merit 
  • Extended Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering with an overall grade of Merit
  • National Diploma and Diploma: Merit Merit plus 1 A-level at minimum Grade D 
  • Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering with an overall grade Merit plus an A-Level in any subject at grade D OR achieve an overall grade Merit plus a BTEC Sub Dip/ Extended National Cert in any subject grade Merit
  • Foundation or 90 credits Diploma: Merit Merit plus 2 A-level minimum Grade CD 
  • National Extended Certificate or Subsidiary Diploma: Merit plus 2 A-level minimum Grade CD
  • Foundation or 90 credits Diploma (any subject): DM and 2 A-levels at a minimum grade B of which one must include either: Math/ Physics/ Further Maths/ Biology/ Design Technology/ Engineering Science or Electronics.
  • National Extended Certificate or Subsidiary Diploma: M plus 2 A-levels at a minimum Grade B of which one must include either: Math/ Physics/ Further Maths/ Biology/ Design Technology/ Engineering Science or Electronics.
  • Certificate/ National Certificate Level 3: Not accepted
  • 26 including 3, 3, 3 in Higher Level subjects

Successful completion of the QAA-recognised Access Diploma with 60 credits including 45 credits at Level 3. You must obtain a minimum of 9 Distinctions, 12 Merits and 24 Pass.

All subjects are accepted at T Level: Merit 

Additionally to our Level 3 requirement each applicant must meet a GCSE (level 2) requirements: 

  • GCSE English Language or Literature minimum grade C/4
  • GCSE Mathematics minimum grade C/4

Fees and scholarships

Course fees

UK students
(2025/26)

Annual tuition fees:£9,250

International students
(2025/26)

ONCAMPUS

More information on fees

For Home students: Tuition fees for UK/Home students may change in line with government policy.

 

Scholarships

At Aston University we are committed to supporting the most talented and hardworking students to achieve their potential by providing a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs.

Explore our scholarships 

Assessment

We offer an supportive and inclusive learning environment. Or academics are dedicated to providing quality teaching for you to have a positive and engaging academic experience. Assessments are linked to learning outcomes and we use a wide range of methods including exams, essay, reports, presentations, project work and computer based assessment.

You will also take part in a mix of individual and group work to allow innovation, entrepreneurship and leadership skills to be developed.

Career prospects

You will graduate with the expertise and skills which will lead to a wide range of rewarding career opportunities  in the field of healthcare, medical technology and research working alongside doctors, therapist and researchers as well as supporting clinical staff.

Previous BEng/MEng graduates have gone on to successful roles such as clinical engineers, medical device design engineers, project managers and regulatory associates for leading companies including Microsoft, NHS, Oxford Biomedica and JEB Technology. Some of our students have developed an interest in research by obtaining their PhD’s in areas of Biomaterials, Biomedical Images and Biomedical Robotics alongside others.

Graduation

Be part of our community

Once you have joined us at Aston University, you’ll always be part of our community, even beyond graduation.
 

Alumni Services

Frequently Asked Questions

Is accreditation important?

Yes. Accredited engineering degrees offer students, their parents and advisors, and employers a mark of assurance that the degree programme meets the standards expected by the engineering profession. Accredited degrees also give confidence that the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills for registration with a professional engineering institution have been met.

Both our BEng and MEng programmes are accredited by the IMechE (Institution of Mechanical Engineers). The MEng course also meets the academic requirement in full for Chartered Engineer registration.

Will I gain real world biomedical engineering experience?

Yes! We believe that it’s really important to give you access to a wide range of opportunities to enhance your learning. While on the Biomedical Engineering course at Aston, you’ll get the opportunity to visit clinical settings and manufacturers, designed to inspire your sense of innovation and entrepreneurship.

If you opt to undertake the MEng Year, you’ll spend it on an internship, work placement or in employment. During that time, you’ll take modules via distance learning, and learn via narrated lectures and reflective coursework, applying what you learn to your real-life work. You’ll be responsible for finding your own internship, but you’ll be fully supported by the University’s Careers and Placements team; who have close links with a wide range of industry partners.

Is Birmingham a good place to study?

Our campus is based in the centre of Birmingham, the youngest major city in Europe and a great place to live, work and study.

  • Great music and entertainment with a vibrant nightlife. Bars, clubs, pubs, live music, festivals, concerts. Whatever your tastes, there's something here for everyone.
  • Fantastic food. Birmingham's diverse community means you can try anything from the famous Balti triangle, the Chinese Quarter, high street chains, halal and vegan food, and Michelin-star dining.
  • World-class shopping. The Bullring and Grand Central is a shopper's paradise. From the world's biggest Primark to luxury brands at the Mailbox.
  • Arts and culture. Museums, galleries, theatres, concerts and Birmingham's art collection is as wide as it is impressive - not to be missed.
  • Green, open spaces. One of the greenest cities in Europe, Birmingham has hundreds of publicly accessible parks and green spaces across the city.
  • Sporting action. Birmingham has some of the most exciting venues for watching or participating in sport in the UK.

Discover Birmingham

Chat with current students

 

Register your interest

Latest news

RMS Mauretania with dazzle camouflage
News -

A dazzling misdirection? Researchers suggest that WWI dazzle camouflage was not as well-understood as it might have been

Derek Connelly and Aleks Subic
News -

Leading cardiologist appointed as Aston University Vice-Chancellor’s Professorial Fellow (Health Research)

Robbie Love and Sam Cook
News -

CorpusCast with Dr Robbie Love bids farewell with reflective and candid final episode

Read more news

Discover Uni

 

Related courses