Biomedical Engineering PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships for Self-funded Students

PhD candidates in Biomedical Engineering research how Engineering principles and technology can be applied to the improvement of healthcare. They develop innovative methods of preventing, diagnosing, and treating medical conditions.

What’s it like to study a PhD in Biomedical Engineering?

Working under the guidance of an expert supervisor, you’ll work towards an extended thesis that will make an original contribution to the field of Biomedical Engineering. You may work as part of an interdisciplinary team with academics in various fields such as Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine. Many PhD projects in Biomedical Engineering also involve collaboration with local hospitals and other healthcare facilities.

Possible research areas include:

• Biomedical data science
• Medical imaging
• Biomaterials and regenerative engineering
• Molecular and cellular engineering
• Medical devices
• Neural engineering

You may also be required to complete departmental training to consolidate your core research skills. There will likely be opportunities to connect with the wider academic community through attending conferences, publishing and undergraduate teaching.

Entry requirements for a PhD in Biomedical Engineering

The minimum entry requirement for a PhD in Biomedical Engineering is usually a 2:1 in Biomedical Engineering or related subject, though a Masters may sometimes be required (and is often an advantage, even when it is not a requirement!).

PhD in Biomedical Engineering funding options

Most UK PhDs in Biomedical Engineering have funding attached, meaning you’ll automatically be awarded tuition fee coverage, a living cost stipend, and a research grant if you’re accepted onto a project. Depending on the particular research topic, PhDs may be funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) or the Medical Research Council (MRC).

Some students will need to self-fund their PhD in Biomedical Engineering, though this is less common. Self-funding may be possible through combining the UK government loan with other sources such as charity or trust funding or support from your university.

PhD in Biomedical Engineering funding options

Biomedical Engineering is a fast-growing sector with plenty of career opportunities. You may wish to continue your research career or apply your skills in a clinical or industrial setting. Your analytical and problem-solving skills will also be invaluable in other sectors such as finance and management consultancy.