Course summary
The University of Birmingham is a world leading research centre for Healthcare Technology. We are advancing new technologies and treatments that enable people to live longer, healthier and happier lives. This requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving engineers, life scientists and physical scientists. The MSc in Healthcare Technology will provide multidisciplinary masters-level training to equip you with the skills needed to pursue exciting careers in this area, both in industrial and academic settings. Graduates from the programme will form the next generation of researchers developing novel technologies enabling healthier ageing. Key themes within healthcare technology research at the University of Birmingham are scar-free healing, early detection and diagnosis of diseases, tissue regeneration, developing better prosthetics, and tackling antibiotic resistance. You will have the chance to develop understanding in these areas from a set of core modules. You will also be able to choose from a series of optional modules to develop additional expertise in complementary areas, such as bioprocessing, business, and pharmaceuticals. Finally, MSc students will have the opportunity to apply their understanding by undertaking an original research project with research groups working within the Healthcare Technologies Institute or School of Chemical Engineering. We expect graduates from the MSc in Healthcare Technology to work in the growing industry surrounding this area, for example diagnostics, medical devices, and other medical technology. We also expect some graduates will pursue further study, via PhD or other doctoral programmes.
Modules
Depending upon your background, the programme starts with introductory modules to introduce material that will be encountered in the programme. This will give you the knowledge needed to engage with the rest of the programme. There are 60 credits of core modules focused on the major aspects of healthcare technology, delivered by world-leading researchers and informed by their latest research. These modules cover topics such as tissue engineering, advanced biomaterials, medical devices, sensing and additive manufacture in healthcare settings. The core modules are complemented by optional modules in the areas of pharmaceuticals and biopharmaceuticals, bioprocessing, business skills and synthetic biology. These enable you to develop your expertise in areas surrounding healthcare technology and will prepare you for your future career in industry or academia. Some modules advertised currently may be subject to change, either in terms of the module content as stated below, or in terms of if the module will be available for this programme (due to staff changes, timetable changes, etc). Finally, in the summer, Masters students undertake an original research project, working closely with a research group within the Healthcare Technologies Institute or School of Chemical Engineering. The research project will focus on development of a novel healthcare technology product, and include a business plan and a pitch to potential investors. This will allow you to consolidate your knowledge in a practical setting and put your learning into the context of the development of new healthcare technologies. This brings the total credits for the MSc to 180. Introductory modules – between 0-20 credits If you have not studied biology or life science before at degree level, you will take the Bioscience for Graduates of other disciplines module, which will introduce you to the relevant topics. Likewise, students without a biomedical science or biomedical engineering background will take the Introduction to Healthcare Technology module. Bioscience for Graduates of other disciplines - 10 credits Introduction to Healthcare Technology - 10 credits Core modules - 60 credits: Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing for Healthcare Applications - 10 credits Advanced Biomaterials for Healthcare Technologies – 10 credits Advanced Therapeutic Medicine Products - 10 credits Frontiers in Tissue Engineering - 10 credits Medical Devices – 10 credits Sensor Systems in Medicine – 10 credits Project Research Project (MSc only) - 60 credits Optional modules – your choice up to 120 credits All modules are offered subject to sufficient enrolled students. All module descriptions are provisional and subject to minor change. Example optional modules are listed below: Pharmaceutical Technology Theme Design and development of drug delivery systems - 10 credits From bench to market: the development of pharmaceutical drug products - 10 credits Plant design and manufacturing principles for (bio)pharmaceutical production - 10 credits Bioprocessing Theme Applied Synthetic Biology - 10 credits Bioseparations - 20 credits Cell Factories - 20 credits Business Studies Theme Business and Strategy Development - 10 credits Project Management (Business Strategy Delivery) - 10 credits Please note: The modules listed on the website for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Assessment method
The modules are taught in a variety of ways, and encourage enquiry based learning and problem solving, enabling graduates to think laterally and make complex decisions when entering the world of work or further study. Modules are assessed by a mixture of written exam and coursework, including written essays and reports and presentations. Some modules include group work to develop and discuss ideas. The MSc research project is assessed in part by the submission of a dissertation and an oral concept pitch based on the development of a new healthcare technology or device.
How to apply
International applicants
English language requirements may apply for international students
This course has a subject classification which requires students whose nationality is outside the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland to have an ATAS certificate, irrespective of country of residence at the point of application.
Further information can be found on the UK Government's website: www.gov.uk/academic-technology-approval-scheme
Entry requirements
You should have, or expect to obtain, a 2:1 Honours degree in a relevant science or engineering subject (eg Biology, Biochemistry, Biomaterials, Biomedical Science, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Materials science). International students applying for this programme will need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office before the University can issue you with a Certificate of Acceptance of Studies (CAS). We recommend that you apply for your ATAS certificate as soon as you receive an offer from us. Further information can be found here: www.fco.gov.uk/en/about-us/what-we-do/services-we-deliver/atas
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Additional fee information
For more detailed information on available funding and fees for postgraduate courses please visit: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/taught/fees-funding
Provider information
University of Birmingham
Edgbaston
Birmingham
B15 2TT