Healthcare Science (Rehabilitation Engineering)

Swansea University’s BSc in Rehabilitation Engineering will give you the expert training you need to begin a rewarding and highly skilled career in the healthcare profession as a rehabilitation engineer.

You will learn about the application of engineering principles to develop technological solutions and devices to assist individuals with disabilities and long-term conditions. You will combine in-depth academic work with practical clinical and technological skills in a range of specialised healthcare settings.

Over the three years you will learn about the design, construction and testing of a range of assistive technologies, including wheelchairs, artificial limbs, robotic aids and specialist seating. Using pressure mapping systems, goniometers, inclinometer, joystick controllers and programmers you will learn to build standard and custom-made devices, as well as learning about their importance towards revolutionising patient care and independence.

Rehabilitation engineering is an exciting, challenging and continually evolving field requiring a high level of responsibility and technical skill. As a rehabilitation engineer, you will work as part of a rehabilitation team including prosthetics and orthotists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, as well as patients and clinics in acute and community services. As your career progresses, you will have excellent opportunities for advanced practice and further study to Masters and doctoral level.

Our state-of-the-art facilities allow you to learn and practice your clinical and technical skills in our simulated clinical practice rooms. Equipped with the latest technology and equipment, each room offers a unique environment that replicates a wide range of realistic clinical settings. The rooms provide an excellent opportunity for you to put theory into practice and gain confidence and experience in clinical environments.

You will spend around half of your course on clinical placements giving you greater insight into the skills you have learnt with our expert clinical teaching team. Clinical Placements will teach you how to present to patients and will embed your learning into your practise.

The course is accredited by all the major regulatory bodies including the National School of Healthcare and Science. You will also benefit from our strong links with the NHS and local health boards, with our nearest hospital being next to our Singleton Park campus. Many of our academic staff in Health Sciences are also practising clinicians, providing invaluable professional insight and expertise.

You will also be joining a Top 25 UK University (Guardian University Guide 2024)

Course Modules

In Year 1, you will typically study areas including:
· Scientific Basis of Engineering
· Professional Practice 1
· Anatomy and Physiology Healthcare Science
· Pathophysiology for Healthcare Science
· Basics of Mathematics and Physics for Healthcare Science
· Informatics and Statistics
In Year 2, you will typically study areas including:
· Professional Practice 2
· Research Methods and Statistics
· Instrumentation Signal Processing and Imaging
· Healthcare Science Work Based Placement 1 (Rehabilitation Engineering)
· Medical Equipment Lifecycle
· Fluid Mechanics, Biomechanics and Materials
· Innovation and Medical Devices
In Year 3, you will typically study areas including:
· Rehabilitation Engineering in the Clinical Environment
· Science and Principles Supporting Rehabilitation Engineering
· Professional Practice 3
· Healthcare Science Research Project
· Healthcare Science Work Based Placement 2 (Rehabilitation Engineering)

You will be assessed via a variety of methods throughout the three years of study. You will complete written examinations, written assignments, presentations, case-based discussions and assessments of clinical competency. In year three, you will have the chance to complete a research project in your chosen healthcare science programme. The results of this will be presented as part of your dissertation and you will be involved in a peer-assessment scientific poster presentation.