Biomedical Engineering with foundation year

1st in the UK for continuing students in the subject area of General Engineering
Complete University Guide Subject League Table 2026

Get ready for degree-level study with our degree with a foundation year. In Year 0, you’ll be part of a supportive Engineering Foundation Year community, gaining essential skills in mathematics, programming, applied science, and engineering, as well as the confidence to complete a full honours degree as part of this four-year course. You’ll be able to begin this course without needing to meet the standard Level 3 entry requirements, as Year 0 is designed to prepare you for the challenges of engineering study and help you grasp the fundamental concepts needed to progress with confidence. Successful completion of the Foundation Year means you can progress directly into Year 1 of your degree.

From there, you’ll build your future career through an innovative and dynamic Biomedical Engineering degree at Canterbury Christ Church University. Developed with guidance from the Engineering Council and local industry partners and centred on one of the fastest-growing engineering sectors, you’ll gain hands-on experience in solving real-world biomedical challenges.

What you'll learn across your four-year course

• Master the MIT-developed CDIO (Conceive, Develop, Implement, Operate) approach to deliver practical, hands-on biomedical engineering solutions.

• Design and develop a wide range of healthcare technology, from traditional equipment to cutting-edge smart medical devices.

• Build a comprehensive foundation in biomechanics, human anatomy, electromechanical systems, and robotics.

• Navigate complex medical regulations while prioritising sustainability and environmental impact in your designs.

• Collaborate on industry-sourced projects to gain professional experience and solve real-world clinical challenges.

• Opt for a placement year between Years 2 and 3 to gain first-hand industry experience. You can choose this option once you’ve joined us, and we’ll support you throughout, helping you develop valuable real-world experience and enhancing your employability.

You’ll train to design, develop, and maintain biomedical equipment alongside engineering and computing professionals. Covering traditional and cutting-edge smart medical devices, you'll master healthcare technology, and medical regulations whilst considering the aspects of sustainability and environmental issues.

What's more, you'll learn and get hands-on in CCCU's STEM building, Verena Holmes, where you'll have access to industry standard equipment and collaborative learning spaces.

Through project-based learning and industry-sourced projects, you’ll have the opportunity to network with professionals whilst gaining the technical expertise that will propel you into a variety of sectors - from allied healthcare to medical equipment manufacture - after you graduate.

This course also offers the opportunity to study abroad between year 2 and 3, giving selected students the chance to study at one of our prestigious partner institutions in North America, and helping you to stand out to employers in an increasingly global world.

Accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers
Our Biomedical Engineering course is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), licensed by the Engineering Council, as fully meeting the academic requirements for registration as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng). This ensures the highest standard of teaching, meeting industry standards and providing you with a clear path to professional registration.

Specialist facilities
Our multimillion-pound Verena Holmes building is home to our engineering workshop, mechatronics lab, makerspace and mechanical physics lab, all equipped with industry-standard technology such as wind turbines, plasma cutters, laser systems, industry-leading 3D printers, a water treatment plant, a bioreactor, a distillation column, and more.

For a list of core and likely optional modules, please visit our website.