Frequently asked questions

The application process is done electronically through the College Postgraduate Admissions webpage. Here you will find all the necessary information and instructions to apply.

For MSc Biomedical Engineering we consider applicants predicted to achieve at least a UK 2:1 (or equivalent) in an engineering, physical sciences or mathematical subject.

This course requires a strong maths competency and successful applicants will typically be expected to have scored the equivalent of a 2:1 or above in maths topics during their undergraduate degree.

For MSc Human and Biological Robotics we consider applicants predicted to achieve a first class Honours (or equivalent) in an engineering, physical sciences or mathematical subject. This is a mathematically demanding programme and students are expected to have robust quantitative skills and have achieved high-level grades in maths modules during their undergraduate degree.

For MSc Engineering for Biomedicine we consider applicants predicted to achieve at least a UK 2:1 (or equivalent) in a clinical science, life science, or physical science subject where there is significant human biology content.

Students from a Physical science background may wish to consider one of our streams in MSc Biomedical Engineering.

Applicants awarded an unclassified clinical degree (e.g MBBS, MBChB and MChD/BChD) are expected to show good academic standing (typically within the top 50% of their medical school cohort). Where a graded intercalated degree has been undertaken at least a 2.1 should have been achieved.

 An ‘A’ grade in A-level maths (or equivalent) is desirable.

If you would like to know the grade requirements for your country, please check here or contact us at bg-mscadmissions@imperial.ac.uk.

Applicants from a life sciences background are not normally admitted to our MSc programmes but should instead consider our MRes Bioengineering courses. We are in the process of developing an MSc course suitable for medics and life scientists - more details will be posted as they become available.

All MSc Biomedical Engineering students study a common core, worth just under 30% of the degree overall. Taught modules specific to each stream comprise a similar amount. The individual project makes up the remainder of the degree and is normally completed in a research topic linked to your specialist stream. As such, it is important you carefully consider which stream interests you the most and best links with your plans post-graduation. 

You are asked to specify your chosen stream when applying. If you do not specify a stream we will ask which stream you would like to study before considering your application. 

We expect students to follow the stream that they apply and are admitted to. Students who change their mind may ask to change stream but this is subject to competitive consideration against other applications and to space being available and is therefore not guaranteed. 

For the latest information about the options please select the preferred Biomedical Engineering stream below:

• Biomaterials
• Biomechanics and Mechanobiology
• Computational Bioengineering
• Medical Physics
• Neurotechnology

If you would like further information about making your stream choice, please contact bg-mscadmissions@imperial.ac.uk. 

Yes. Do not delay sending in your application as we can assess your application without your English Language certificate. 

If you are successful in being offered a place on the course and you do not already hold an acceptable English Language qualification then you will be asked to obtain one before your place is confirmed (and before your CAS is issued, if relevant). Instructions for how to submit your English Language qualification will be sent when your offer is made. 

You can find a list of acceptable English Language Qualifications here. We require students to achieve the higher College requirement in the appropriate English language qualification.

Yes, when you apply to Imperial College London you may include up to two programmes on your application form. These will be processed according to your stated preference. But this is not necessarily needed; internal transfers are possible, provided places are available and entry criteria met.

Please note that if you apply for an MRes as your first choice and wish to apply for the MSc course as your second choice, you will need to submit a new application.  An application fee applies to MSc courses and not MRes. 

For our MSc programmes, we do not conduct interviews.

There is no entry test for our MSc courses. 

An MSc programme consists mostly of taught courses and will provide technical knowledge, expertise and transferrable skills, whereas an MRes programme focuses more on the development of research skills. However, the MSc programme has a project component, and MRes programmes do include taught elements. 

No. The Admissions Office will contact your two nominated referees electronically. They will send their letters on to the College independently. 

One referee must be an academic reference, the second referee may be another academic referee, or where appropriate/relevant, a professional referee. If your referee is unable to complete your reference online, please contact the Central Admissions team engineering.admissions@imperial.ac.uk. 

Our MSc courses are only offered on a full-time basis for 12 months. 

The Department of Bioengineering offers a number of MSc scholarships worth £4,999, open to all students regardless of country of origin. You do not need to apply separately for these scholarships, we will automatically consider all applications received by Friday 15 March 2024.  Selection is primarily based on academic merit.

You can find information about other funding opportunities from the Imperial College Scholarships page. UK students may be eligible for a government Master's Loan.

The Bioengineering  department is unable to accommodate ad hoc visits. However, the College student recruitment team offer weekly in-person appointments for prospective students in the Visitor Centre in the main entrance of our South Kensington Campus on Exhibition Road – located in square B2 on this campus map. Further details including an online booking form can be found on the College Visit pages.

A guided tour will be included in our Bioengineering Masters Courses Open afternoon on Wednesday, 6 March 2024. For further information, please click here.

Depending on personal plans, graduates who are actively searching for employment are likely to succeed. We have a dedicated Industry Liaison Officer, Mr Robert Ferguson, robert.ferguson@imperial.ac.uk who can help students prepare for a number of career developing steps such as preparing CVs, practicing interview techniques and putting students in touch with other contacts.

Please see the careers service page on our website which you may find helpful.

Yes, this may be possible. There is an approval process to go through; some of our students do complete their research project externally. This is something that can be discussed once the project selection process begins.