At the School of Engineering we are focused on ensuring that you will be educated to the highest standards, and will have the necessary qualifications to avail of all the professional opportunities presented to you, both in Ireland and across the world. You will be enrolled on an integrated five year programme; a Bachelor of Engineering (BE) (four years, Level 8) + a Master of Engineering (ME) (one year, Level 9).  

Students on the BE+ME pathway will gain: 

• A globally recognised qualification (BE Level 8 + ME Level 9)
• Hands-on experience through a major research and development project
• A valuable industry work placement
• Advanced engineering knowledge that prepares you for real-world challenges

Upon successful completion, you’ll meet the academic requirements for progression to Chartered Engineer status — opening doors in Ireland and internationally. 

Year 1 

• Fundamentals of Engineering
• Engineering Graphics
• Engineering Design
• Engineering Computing I
• Engineering Computing II
• Engineering Chemistry
• Engineering Physics
• Engineering Mechanics
• Engineering Calculus
• Engineering Mathematical Methods 

Year 2 

• Theory of Machines & CADD
• Manufacturing Technology & CAIRDE
• Strength of Materials
• Human Body Structure 
• Thermodynamics & Fluid Dynamics
• Electronic Instrumentation & Sensors
• Engineering Statistics 
• Mathematics & Applied Mathematics I
• Mathematics & Applied Mathematics II
• Introduction to Biomaterials
• Materials I 

Year 3 

• Principles of Biomaterials
• Finite Element Methods in Engineering I
• Biomedical Engineering Design I
• Biomedical Engineering Design II
• Thermodynamics & Heat Transfer
• Fluid Dynamics
• Mechanical Analysis & Design
• Quality Systems
• Biomedical Engineering Physiology
• Biotransport
• Automated Systems
• Elements of Pathology 

Year 4 

• Computational Fluid Dynamics
• Finite Element Methods in Engineering II
• Materials II
• Biomechanics
• Medical Image Analysis & Modelling
• Mechanobiology
• Project Management for Engineers
• Introduction to Regulatory Affairs in Manufacturing
• Biomedical Engineering Professional Experience Programme (BE+ME) 

Year 5 
See here. 

Curriculum Information

• Integrated Master’s Programme: All students are enrolled in an integrated five-year Bachelor of Engineering (BE) and Master of Engineering (ME) program, providing the educational qualifications for progression to Chartered Engineer status.
• Industry-Relevant Curriculum: The program was developed in collaboration with leading biomedical companies in Galway, ensuring its high relevance to industry needs and providing full training in engineering design principles applied to human biology. 
• Cutting-Edge Applications: Learn to apply engineering skills to problems in human biology, contributing to developments in diagnosing and treating disease, and repairing or replacing damaged living tissue. 
• Specialised Modules: The degree covers relevant subjects such as biomedical instrumentation, tissue engineering, and biomechanics
• Work Placements: Our students avail of a paid work placement with industry leaders, gaining invaluable experience while earning a competitive salary. Some students have availed of work placement overseas, in the UK, USA, Europe and beyond. 

Biomedical Engineering offers a diverse and impactful range of career opportunities, reflecting the growing global demand for highly skilled professionals in this field. Graduates are well-prepared for roles in: 

• Medical Technology Industry: work with multi-national corporations and innovative start-up companies, many of which are located in Galway, a significant cluster for the biomedical industry.
• Hospital & Research facilities: apply engineering principles to medicine and biology, assisting clinicians in analyzing and solving problems to help sustain or improve life.
• Academic research & education: pursue advanced studies to PhD level, developing highly innovative solutions to current problems in biomedical engineering, potentially leading to new medical devices or treatment strategies.
• Government Regulatory Agencies: ensure that medical devices and therapies meet safety and efficacy standards.  

The skills, knowledge, and expertise earned during your BE + ME in Biomedical Engineering are highly sought after by employers. With eight of the world’s top ten biomedical companies based in Ireland, and many in Galway, employment prospects nationally are outstanding. 

As part of our commitment to global learning, selected students will have the chance to spend a year studying at a partner institution in the United States. This unique opportunity offers academic enrichment, cultural exchange, and the experience of a lifetime

All engineering students at University of Galway are automatically enrolled in the integrated “BE + ME” programme – a five-year pathway that leads to both a Bachelor of Engineering (BE, Level 8) after four years and a Master of Engineering (ME, Level 9) after five years. This structure ensures graduates meet the educational standards required to progress toward becoming a Chartered Engineer. 

A key feature of the programme is valuable work placement experience: 

• BE + ME students: Complete an eight-month work placement in Year 4, alongside advanced modules and a major research and development project. 
• BE-only students: If students opt to exit after Year 4 with just the BE degree, they will undertake a work placement lasting between four and eight months in Year 3. 

Students choose between continuing to the ME or exiting with the BE at the start of Year 3, allowing flexibility based on career goals. 

For new students, no decision is required now – the choice happens in your third year, giving you time to explore your options. 

• All Engineering Degrees at University of Galway are professionally accredited by the statutory professional body, Engineers Ireland. This means that the degree has been assessed and approved to meet the educational requirements for professional Engineers. Under an international agreement (Washington Accord), any Degree accredited by the National professional body (Engineers Ireland) is recognized internationally. So having an “Accredited” degree means that employers outside of Ireland can (1) understand the quality/education achieved by a graduate and (2) know that it is equivalent to their own
• Education system/standards, and (3) can offer appropriate employment on this basis.
• Engineers Ireland require a Masters (Level 9) qualification as the education standard required for Registered Professional Titles of Chartered Engineer* The standard European engineering qualification (degree or diploma) is at level 9, and European industry maintains a strict differentiation between those engineers qualified at level 9 and those qualified at level 8. Any graduate interested in working in Europe/Worldwide is now strongly advised to get an accredited level 9 award. 

Engineers’ Ireland accreditation can be obtained at the following levels:  

• Level 8:  4-year honours degree – associate engineer 
• Level 9:  5-year masters degree – chartered engineer 

A Chartered Engineer holds the highest professional qualification in engineering. They are trusted to take full responsibility for the development and application of engineering across areas like research, design, construction, manufacturing, management, and education. Their work is intellectually challenging and varied, requiring original thinking, sound judgment, and leadership of both technical and administrative teams.  

Further information on Engineering Accreditation

The Biomedical Engineering programme at the University of Galway offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary learning experience. The curriculum involves the application of engineering principles to medicine and biology, covering both traditional and modern engineering principles, alongside new technology. Throughout this degree, you will engage with relevant subjects such as Biomedical Instrumentation, Tissue Engineering, and Biomechanics. 

The programme is structured as an integrated five-year Bachelor of Engineering (BE) and a one-year Master of Engineering (ME), reflecting the international standard for professional engineers. The 5-year pathway includes advanced engineering modules and a substantial research and development project. A key component of the learning experience is the integrated work placement. This hands-on experience allows you to apply your knowledge in real-world settings and gain valuable industry insights. The programme aims to provide you with a full training in engineering design principles and their application to human biology in an interdisciplinary environment.

Course queries: 
biomedeng@universityofgalway.ie   

Programme Director(s): 
Dr Jamie Concannon  
Programme Director, Biomedical Engineering 
School of Engineering
College of Science & Engineering 
E: jamie.concannon@universityofgalway.ie 

Minimum Grade H5 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at O6/H7 Level in the Leaving Certificate, including Irish, English, Mathematics, a laboratory science subject (i.e., Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Physics with Chemistry (joint), Agricultural Science or Computer Science) or Technology, and any two other subjects recognised for entry purposes.  

Additional Requirements 
Students must obtain a minimum of Grade H4 in the Higher Level Leaving Certificate paper in Mathematics or, alternatively places available (which may vary in number year to year) may be allocated to those candidates who have achieved the points requirement for the programme that year, who satisfy the general requirements for Matriculation in the College of Engineering and Informatics and who attain a Pass in the Engineering Maths Qualifying Examination. The places available will be allocated in strict order of merit based points attained in the Leaving Certificate. Due to capacity constraints, not all candidates who achieve a pass in the examination may receive an offer. 
 
For A-Levels - A minimum of Grade C in A-Level Mathematics is required. 

Alternative Pathways
The Access Centre at University of Galway provides a number of alternative entry routes to undergraduate programmes. See below some useful links: 

• QQI/FET/FETAC Places
• Mature Students
•  Access and Foundation programmes
•  HEAR Scheme
•  DARE Scheme 

Other Qualifications
If you are a school leaver presenting results other than Leaving Cert results, please review the entry requirements relevant to you:  

• A Level students
•  International Baccalaureate students
•   EU students 

For applicants whose first language is not English, it is important to check our English Language Requirements.  

Admissions Office  
Our Admissions Office provides additional detail relevant to CAO applicants including key dates, FAQs and instructions for non-school leavers.  

Irish and European (EU/EFTA/UK) Applicants
Apply via the CAO. See the CAO Handbook for useful information on applying through the CAO.  

Mature Applicants 
Apply via the CAO by 1 February. To apply for a place as a mature student, you must be 23 years of age on or before 1 January of the year of entry. Further information available here.  

QQI/FET/FETAC Applicants 
Apply via the CAO. See our QQI/FET/FETAC Applicants page for information on places available and entry requirements.   

Fees for Academic Year 2025/2026

• Most EU students applying through the CAO will be eligible for the ‘Free Fees Initiative’. You can find out more here.
• If you are eligible for a means tested SUSI grant this may cover 100% of this Student Contribution Charge. If you are 100% eligible SUSI will pay the Student Contribution Charge of €3,000 on your behalf. 
• The Student Levy It is payable by all students and it is not covered by SUSI
• Where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 3.4% per annum for continuing year fees. This applies to non-EU fees.
• You can find additional detail on the Fees Office webpage including FAQs and how fee status is assessed.

Equipment 
Some modules incorporate practical laboratories and for these, you may be required to purchase basic safety items such as a laboratory coat and safety goggles (approx. cost of €50).   

Application Process 
Students applying for full undergraduate degree programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), and who are liable for full non-EU tuition fees, should apply online via Apply to University of Galway. Our application portal opens on the 1st October each year for each the following September.   

Further Information
Please visit the international application webpage for further information on closing dates, documentation requirements, application fees and the application process.