Biomedical and Healthcare Engineering - Foundation Year (City St Georges)

This course is accredited by City St George's, University of London.

If you want to study Electrical and Electronic Engineering or Biomedical Engineering, but lack the entry requirements, this course is for you. You’ll study modules to increase your knowledge and build your confidence in core engineering subjects, and successful completion leads directly to the first year of one of the BEng or MEng degrees at City University of London.

The programme begins with a one-year foundation which is designed to help you develop the study skills and academic knowledge needed for an engineering degree at Bachelors or Integrated Masters level. This interdisciplinary program starts with a broad engineering foundation and integrates health sciences. Advanced biomedical and healthcare engineering topics include:

• Biomedical instrumentation
• Biomaterials
• Biomechanics and rehabilitation engineering
• Biosignal analysis techniques

Your learning blends theory, experimentation, and computation, fostering critical thinking and curiosity through teamwork and independent study. Design projects and presentations emphasise group learning and communication, showcasing your expertise to future employers. 

Benefit from industry and NHS involvement, with projects set by external professionals and guest lectures from practising biomedical engineers. Study in top-notch test facilities, including our flagship Biomedical Engineering Research Centre.

Design and create healthcare technologies, conduct physiological measurements and analyse biosignals. Opt for an optional placement year to enhance employability, with recent placements at esteemed institutions like Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children and St Bartholomew's Hospital.

Fast-track to Chartered Engineer status with a degree meeting all academic requirements for professional registration. This includes a foundation year to solidify fundamental knowledge.

This course with foundation included is designed specifically to help people with the passion and potential to study with us and City University. For example, mature students who need to update their technical knowledge and get used to studying again after being in work. 

By the end of the first foundation year and on successful completion, you’ll have the confidence and knowledge to progress to a BEng or MEng degree.

For information on our Higher Education policies including admissions, fees, and student contracts, please see the links below:

• Admissions Policy
• Complaints Policy
• Fees Policy
• HE Student Contract
• HE Student Protection Plan

For our full list of policies, governance and fees please visit our policy page.

The foundation year is delivered at our Angel centre and comprises one compulsory module worth 120 credits consisting of the following components:

• Mathematics
• Electrical Principles and Electronics
• Electrical and Electronics Labs
• Programming
• Engineering Science
• Biomedical
• Personal Development and Study Skills

Approximately half your time is spent on scheduled learning, and half on independent learning. As a Foundation course student, you will take most of your classes at our Angel centre and some laboratory classes at City, University of London. Both institutions emphasise tutorial support and study skills.

• UCAS Tariff: 80 points
• A Level: CDD (Please note: CDD to include A Level Mathematics at grade C or AS level Mathematics at grade A. A Levels in General Studies, Critical Thinking and Citizenship are not accepted)
• Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDM
• International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 27 points
• GCSE/National 4/National 5: A minimum of grade 4 (C) in both English Language and Mathematics.

For more information on entry requirements please visit the UCAS website.

Assessment is based on written examinations, formal laboratory reports, technical reports and essays, class tests and oral presentations of project or software development work.

Single-taught modules normally comprise a minimum of 20 hours of lectures, 10 hours of problem-solving, example and revision classes, a minimum of 15 hours of laboratory classes, and on average at least 60 hours of independent study.

Most contact hours will take the form of lectures, tutorials, practical work and design projects. The number will decrease as you progress, and you become more able to direct your learning.

Adults - Level 3

If you will be aged 19 to 23 prior to the start date of your course, and do not already have a full Level 3 qualification, you may be eligible for a Level 3 entitlement, in which case your study with us will be free. If you are older, or already have a Level 3, we have many other Level 3 courses that are also free to study. Otherwise, you will have to pay the fees yourself or apply for an Advanced Learner Loan.

Please see here for the documents you will need to show us.

Some courses will have other associated costs, such as for specialist materials and trips. Many of our students are eligible for financial support, see here for details.

Adults - Higher Education

You must pay fees to study a Higher Education (HE) course. If you have not studied one previously, you may be eligible to apply for an HE loan. Other financial support such as maintenance loans and disability support are also available.

Please see here for the documents you will need to show us.

Some courses will have other associated costs, such as for specialist materials and trips. Many of our students are eligible for financial support, see here for details.

Tuition fees: £9,535 Year 1

City St George's, University of London undergraduate fee for UK students joining them in 2025/26 is £9,535 for the first year of study, in line with the Government’s announcement on the fee cap increase (subject to the passing of secondary legislation). The fee for each subsequent year of study may also increase in line with government policy and we will confirm any such increase with you directly as and when the fee is confirmed.

Successful completion of the Biomedical and Healthcare Engineering Foundation Year allows direct admission to the first year of the B.Eng. and M.Eng. engineering degrees offered by City St George's, University of London.

It can also give access to undergraduate courses at other institutions or higher degree apprenticeships; in these cases, students will need to make specific enquiries with the institutions involved.