Ranking
1st
choice for graduate employers
Ask us a question or join our mailing list
Ask our subject team a question or sign up to our mailing list to stay up to date with our latest events, scholarships and subject news.
Course overview
Become part of a new era of healthcare innovation and join an unrivalled ecosystem combining academic, clinical and commercial excellence. Benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration to focus on innovating new technologies that advance human health.
In response to pressing healthcare challenges, there's growing demand for innovative professionals who can harness diverse technologies to provide patient-centred care. MSc Biomedical Innovation cultivates the innovators and entrepreneurs of tomorrow who will drive meaningful change in healthcare.
The Bio design course methodology has been instrumental in teaching how to identify genuine market needs and devise appropriate solutions. This practical knowledge is crucial for my entrepreneurial ambitions in the future. The university offers a conducive learning environment with a variety of student activities, societies, and extensive language support for non-native speakers. Whether aiming for employment, entrepreneurship, or further studies, the resources and guidance available at UoB ensure a rewarding educational journey.
Course Structure
This course will run over 12 months in a full-time-mode. There is also scope to undertake the programme on a part-time basis. While the exact content may change, here’s what you can expect to study each semester. This is based on a full time Masters course.
Term One – Problem Identification
Semester One begins with a three day Bootcamp during the first week of the academic year in September. Throughout the Bootcamp, you'll engage in team-building activities, focused workshops, and seminars featuring guest lectures from expert clinicians and industry professionals. You’ll learn about the methodology of needs-led innovation, which includes stakeholder mapping, conducting stakeholder interviews, crafting need statements, and prioritizing needs. The fundamentals of MedTech entrepreneurship will also be covered in the Bootcamp and taught in detail in the lectures following the Bootcamp.
Clinical immersion is a crucial component of discovering clinical needs. You, along with your team members, will conduct field surveys and stakeholder interviews to identify and validate healthcare needs.
Course highlights
What makes this course different?
Building on our key strengths in engineering, healthcare technologies, data science, mathematical modelling and medicine, training will be provided in identifying unmet medical needs, inventing new solutions and implementing them in healthcare environments. Understand the needs of the healthcare sector and play an active role in the innovation of new health technologies to address these needs. You’ll develop the necessary skillset and benefit from training and mentorship to enable the innovation and adoption of new intelligent solutions.
- Join a unique, innovation rich environment, bringing together academic, hospitals and industry
- Learn from experienced educators, coaches, entrepreneurs and mentors
- Benefit from a variety of career opportunities in the medical technology and biotechnology industry, research and development, or even establish your own start-up
The University of Birmingham is also ranked as the first choice for leading graduate employers in the UK.
- 59th
in the world for Life Sciences and Medicine
QS World Rankings, 2025
Learn from world-leading academics and researchers.
We are creating a new generation of innovative professionals ready to be part of advancing modern cutting-edge healthcare.
The University of Birmingham proudly offers the UK's first taught MSc in Biomedical Innovation, uniquely blending engineering, medicine, business, and sciences. Nestled in the culturally vibrant heart of the Midlands, our programme is designed for those who aspire to lead in MedTech innovation. Benefit from a dynamic ecosystem of collaboration between our renowned university, NHS Trusts, and industry partners. Learn from highly experienced faculty and leverage unparalleled opportunities in MedTech entrepreneurship, research, and industry. Join us to transform healthcare solutions and drive the future of medical technology innovation.
Talk to our students
Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly postgraduate students to get their thoughts on our courses, stunning campus and life in a vibrant and cultural city.
Course delivery
You’ll learn from world-leading academics and researchers, as well as from our network of external partners. From the outset you will be encouraged to become an independent and self-motivated learner. Our Biomedical Innovation degree includes a wide variety of learning and teaching:
- Face-to-face classroom teaching - delivery of principles of innovation, enterprise and entrepreneurship, and teaches key characteristics of successful ventures, good team dynamics and project management.
- Practical learning opportunities - Opportunity to perform online and field research within hospital and research environments, and present to peers and external advisors.
- Mentorship and coaching – expert mentors and coaches from industry, academia and health sector to advise and support the student teams throughout their learning journey.
You’ll learn from world-leading academics and researchers, as well as from our network of external partners. From the outset you'll be encouraged to become an independent and self-motivated learner. We want you to be challenged and will encourage you to think for yourself.
Lecture
Seminar
Workshop
Projects
Module information
Learning units in the course are divided into modules, each carrying credits ranging from 10 to 60, depending on the number of study hours. To earn an MSc degree, students must achieve 180 credits: 150 credits from compulsory modules and 30 credits from optional modules. For detailed information on the modules, please refer to the module information section.
The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.
As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.
2025/26 Session
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| BioInnovation I: Research Methodologies and Practices of Needs-led BioInnovation | 30 | Semester 1 |
| BioInnovation II: Design Methods for Health Technology Innovation | 30 | Semester 2 |
| BioInnovation III: Project | 60 | Semester |
| Quality Assurance for Healthcare Technologies | 30 | Semester 2 |
Choose 3 modules from the list of optional modules.
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Health Economics | 10 | Semester 1 |
| Introduction to Healthcare Technologies (PGT version) | 10 | Semester 1 |
| Additive manufacturing and 3D printing for healthcare applications | 10 | Semester 1 |
| Advanced Biomaterials for Healthcare Technologies | 10 | Semester 1 |
| Business and Strategy Development | 10 | Semester 2 |
| Evaluation and Governance of AI in Healthcare | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Medical Devices | 10 | Semester 1 |
| Sensor systems in medicine | 10 | Semester 2 |
Teaching staff
Atif Shahzad
Assistant Professor of Medical Technologies
Staff profile of Dr Atif Shahzad, Research Fellow & Lead for MSc Biomedical Innovation at the Department of Metabolism and Systems Science, University of Birmingham
John Terry
Interdisciplinary Professorial Fellow
Staff profile of Professor John Terry, Interdisciplinary Professorial Fellow and Director, Centre for Systems Modelling & Quantitative Biomedicine at the University of Birmingham
Matthew Campbell-Hill
Professor of Novel Technology Design and Adoption
Staff profile for Professor Matthew Campbell-Hill, Professor of Novel Technology Design and Adoption , College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham.
Entry requirements
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
- 2:1 Honours degree
You should have or expect to obtain a 2:1 Honours degree in health sciences, engineering, life sciences, biotechnology, information technology, computer and data sciences, mathematics, medicine, business or other relevant subject.
Applicants who do not meet this requirement but who have relevant experience may be considered. Please get in touch with us to discuss your suitability prior to applying.
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill
English Presessional Programmes
If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September including additional online courses in the summer term. Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.
Fees and scholarships
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, supervision, assessment and includes membership to the Guild of Students.
- £10,900
Full-time
- £5,450
Part-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Paying your tuition fees
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
Postgraduate Masters Loan
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
Scholarships
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
Birmingham Masters Scholarships
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
- 29 August 2025
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
How to apply to our taught courses
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
Career opportunities
We are creating a new generation of innovative professionals ready to be part of advancing modern cutting-edge healthcare. This programme is ideally suited for prospective health technology professionals with undergraduate experience in one or more of engineering and physical sciences, biomedical and clinical sciences or business and management. This programme opens the door to numerous career paths: launch your own startup as an entrepreneur, delve into the realms of medical and biotech research and development, or pursue advanced degrees and research projects. Each avenue presents distinctive opportunities for growth and impact.
Careers Network
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
Built in Birmingham. Forged for the future.
Find out why we are the most targeted UK university by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2024) by meeting some of our successful alumni.
Upcoming events
There are currently no upcoming events
Student experience
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation will allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Living in Birmingham
As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham is a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Campus life
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Take a virtual tour
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.