Are you passionate about biomedical engineering? Are you fascinated by medicine and the impact that engineering could have upon health? If so, then perhaps you ought to consider a course in bio-medical studies.

However, if you’re wishing to pursue a course of study in this particular field, then you should have a strong grasp of biology, chemistry and physics as these subjects will formulate the majority of the course content. Similarly, much of the course will be assessed through the submission of written and practical assignments; so candidates capable of hard work and independent study will be most likely to graduate with strong grades.

It is also vital that students studying this particular subject matter are capable of coping with the practical nature of the course. Although lectures will be a compulsory part of the course, the programme of study is predominantly vocational and taught in a more practical learning environment.

Many graduates who pursue this particular course of study do so with the intention of finding work in a biomedical engineering capacity; this means being actively involved in the research, design and development of medical products or equipment, and by assisting in the rehabilitation of patients with physical and mental difficulties. The average starting salary for an entry level biomedical engineer is approx £21,176 per year in the UK, although this may differ depending upon location.

Those with previous experience in this particular field of study are also highly sought after for roles as medical research assistants.

However, for those who don’t wish to enter this particular area, there is also the opportunity to pursue careers as a medical journalist or as a bid writer for not-for-profit medical charities.

Similarly, if you’re interested in pursuing further training, then you can take the GDL law course and pursue a career in law, or study for a PGCE and teach engineering to secondary school students.

Biomedical engineering courses at a reputable establishment often request high grades, with the majority of universities expecting their applicants to have A-levels or equivalent qualifications in maths, biology, physics and chemistry as your previous knowledge will be crucial to the completion of the course.

Biomedical Engineering students are also expected to attend regular lectures and sit occasional examinations, and as such it is important that all students are fluent in English. If English is not your native language, then you will be required to score a minimum of 6.5 on an IELTS test.

Most biomedical engineering courses assess their students through the setting of personal projects as well as expecting their students to become involved in work placement schemes through the university. Most universities will have links with Civil Engineering companies and will be able to assist in the finding of placements.

There are also a number of postgraduate courses available which last from 1-3 years, depending upon the level of study and whether you decide to study full-time or part-time. Applicants wishing to study at a postgraduate level should have a 2:1 degree in a related subject.

One of the important things to consider when you’re deciding where to study are the module options available at each university, alongside the expertise of your potential lecturers. Although many of the core degree modules are similar between courses, different universities will offer a number of different optional modules. If you already have an idea regarding which area of study you want to specialise in, it is worth investigating whether your university of choice offers modules that will benefit your post-graduate career.

You should always look at the entry requirements and your own finances before submitting an application to your university of choice. Do you have the right grades for entry? Are the fees manageable along with the cost of living? If you’re still struggling to secure funding, there are a number of options available to you including scholarships and bursaries.

Irrespective of which course you decide to study, the location of the university itself should also be taken into consideration when deciding where to study. Discovering new cultures and meeting new people is a huge part of student life and it is vital that you make the most of your university experience. Some potential students prefer to study in big cities at universities with large campuses, whereas others prefer smaller establishments with more of a community focus. You will be studying for at least a year, so it is important that your university of choice is located in an environment where you will thrive both socially and academically.